(1865-08-31) Many Perky Reunions
Log Title
Summary: People gathered in Four Corners for the Tournament meet & greet in the Perky Porpoise Inn. Some? Are not so perky…
Date: 1865-08-31
Related: Anything to do with the Senate Tournament or the d'Myrin House.
NPCs: {$npc}
Players:
Letholdus  Raelyn  Kaicee  Kylier  Bryad  Lianna  Michel  Nia  Gabriel  Sorcha  

Four Corners - The Perky Porpoise Inn
Sailors from all around the known world cram into the chairs and tables of Four Corners' most famous dock-side establishment, fighting for elbow-room with adventurous locals and merchant's men. Its possible to hear gossip from the most unlikely of places while enjoying the cheap, entirely palatable seaside fare… though picking one voice out from the many is sometimes difficult in the incredible din created by all the laughter, shouting, cheering, talking, even fighting. It is a sprawling place, with several rooms to let and a huge public room that spills through double doors and into the street with wooden tables and chairs tended by attractive servers with platters of cups and plates. It is open at all hours, lit during the day by open-slatted windows and by night by tin-and-glass lamps cut with silhouettes of mermaids. The walls are whitewashed and a small stage is stuck in one corner for musical performances. Every form of entertainment can be had here, and the city guard is rarely seen.
1865-08-31

Evening, and with the banquet not for another couple of days, people are milling around town. Letholdus has recovered enough from his beating in the melee, and some … personal things that have taken place, that he's come out and about. To drink, apparently. The Viscount sits at a table by himself and is drinking something strong. There's a nearly dead bottle on the table as evidence that he's been at it for a while and thinking.

A Royal Lancer and an Alicante knight have tagged along to keep an eye on their lord, but have chosen to take their seats at another table. They are idly dicing and speaking low, but glance in Dus's direction from time to time.

Dus nurses his drink along, his face vaguely stern or tired. His mouth is decidedly a slash, not pleased about one thing or another in the world.

Unknowing of any peronal demons or events in Letholdus' life, Raelyn, having entered the tavern quietly quickly aspies someone she would count among friends. And, it is there she heads. Though, she sees the down-troddenness of the man. She, too, has come here to drink as much (though perhaps not as much) has gone on in her life.

Proving further that Raelyn's a woman who - well, does what she wishes, she sits down at Letholdus' table near him, "A Viscount as handsome as you has no right to drink alone, Letholdus," she says, with a quirk of a smile. "Therefore, I shall drink with you." And her hand is raised, to order some wine for herself, and another of whatever Letholdus is presently nursing.

Raelyn's arrival is not objected to. Letholdus pauses to shift his gaze to her and then picks up the bottle to slide it over to her, to help herself. Only, there's barely anything left in there. It isn't wine, it's whiskey. A decent kind but not his usual drink. Dus doesn't say anything at all. He fingers his glass and shifts his jaw and is not sober. He's not roaring drunk either but it's hard to tell while he's quiet.

Both of the watchers, the Lancer and the Alicante knight exchange looks after noting the Lady Raelyn's arrival. They politely incline their heads to her as they are seated. One of them tosses the dice onto the table. They have been here a while too, judging by their empty beer pitcher and remains of a meal. Dus doesn't look to have eaten anything. He finishes off the drink in his cup and leans well back, making his chair creak and perhaps his back to pop.

Raelyn shakes her head at the whiskey, silently, but when her own goblet and bottle of wine arrives, she pours. Takes a sip. "Too strong for me. I've never had a taste for mead, or ale, or the harder stuff. Wine is about all I can handle," she admits. Sure, she sees something is bothering Letholdus, but his silence is also an indicator to her.

So, instead, she asks a question something totally unrelated, something that she's been curious about. "Tell me, Letholdus." No sir. No Viscount. A name, only. Her voice lowers, so it's at table, only. "Why did you ask me to dance, that night, at the ball here only a few months ago?" There's no animosity in her words. Indeed, she's smiling, just a little, as she takes another sip of wine. Curiousity, only in her eyes.

She picked a /very/ good time to ask that question. Dus rolls his head around a little as he sits leaned back and stretches his legs under the table. He makes no move to pour himself another glass from the new bottle yet. He exhaules a breath slowly, "Because you are a lovely woman, and I like you." Thinking about it, Dus adds low, "Especially that evening, out in the woods. Quiet." He shifts a boot on the floor with a scrape, "My house does not need to bind yours to us through a marriage. Already close." Too much honesty, perhaps.

Letholdus's baritone is only barely slurred. Got a good buzz going on. "What do you know about … some … house call D'…" What the fuck was that name? "d'Myrin?"

Stepping into the Inn, moving in a company of one, devoid of escort or entourage, the healer of house Sokar pauses near the door to the great room and eyes this most famous of dock-side establishment. Lianna politely edges to the side so that a group of sailors - easy to discern from their rolling gait, saltwater stained clothing and mode of speech - calmly avoiding that collision as she starts to thread her way through the room. As long as she's here, she might as well get something to drink and certainly there's food that won't totally murder her taste buds.

Raelyn pauses, understanding reaching her at the last sentence. It's all made clear. Still, she takes it with a smile, one sincere, nodding, having long ago come to terms with the news she'd heard. She says, only, her voice quieted still at the table, "I thought very much the same of you. Except," she says, with just a touch of humor, "The woman part." She winks at him, but nods. Ventures, "Claire is a very lucky woman. I only hope she knows how well."

At his other query, the question takes her aback. "Only what rumor has touched the crowd. That it was a minor house, having committed some atrocity or treason against either the Church, or it's lieges, and was burned to the ground. I'd not heard of them before this. But then, I'd not had reason to pay much attention to the minor Houses of Aequor either. Why?" She takes another sip of her wine glass, heartily. Refills her goblet, catching sight of Lianna's entrance and tossing the healer a brief smile of recognition, before looking back to Letholdus, curious.

Bryad might have been scruffy-cheeked this afternoon, but an evening at the baths soon cared for that. Now, baby-cheeked once more, and redolent of those fine oils they'll scrub a fellow down with in those baths until he smells of it for a week at a time, he steps up with a feather tread into the tavern nearby, almost seeming to float in the aftermath of the massage. A glass of mediocre wine will serve to ground him once more, once ordered, and he turns, spying the Viscount and the Lady Emilia's sister (her name will come to him in a moment, but she's more or less connected with the more pertinent figure in his mind) and he sends them a waggle of fingers by way of a wave before glancing aside to the person buying booze alongside of him, lifting his drink toward her by way of silent greeting.

Sharing a smile of recognition with Lady and former co-commander Raelyn Cassomir, even aiming a nod of greeting at the viscount, Lianna reaches the bar at roughly the same time at the good brother and smiles at Bryad as she signals for a drink as well. "Brother Bryad, a pleasure seeing you again," she offers in greeting.

The door to the Inn is opened and in comes Kaicee and Kylier. She is wearing a dress of white and green and over her shoulders she has a man's surcoat with the insignia of House Romante, more notably that of a Lancer. He is wearing a tunic of off white that is of commoner thread and spun. Leather pants and boots, his sword at his side. "Now, that, that was just strange," Kylier is saying to Kaicee as they enter. He gives a glance back over his shoulder before fully entering the Inn.

Letholdus reaches over and pours the last of the opened whiskey bottle into his cup, then reaches for the unopened bottle to see about taking it's virginity. He glances to Raelyn, and his gaze slips away from her without comment about Claire. He shifts his jaw and gets the bottle opened, then finishes pouring some into his glass until the cup is about half full. It's a regular sized cup.

"I never heard of … d'Myrin before today." Dus makes a dismissive flick of his fingers as it it were nothing to him either. Yet he almost scowls as he stares off at that wall over there, his eyes to narrow a little in anger and his jaw set. Yes, he's rather pissed about something or another. So he makes himself take a drink.

The Lancer and the Alicante knight seated next to Letholdus's table are keeping an eye on their lord, and those coming and going near to him. The Lancer at least gives a friendly nod to Kylier as he walks in, and both of them incline their head to the others arriving. The Alicante knight reaches over and gestures that they should go to the bar and give the second table up to the others arriving, as they all know their lord.

Stepping inside, it may be clear that Kaicee is not wearing any shoes beneath her dress. The skirt is wet at the hem and a little higher and her hair looks like it had been wet and dried without brushing it, the waves lazily looping down her back and over the surcoat. Padding inside, her feet make a soft slapping sound on the floor and she also looks back when Kylier does. "Do you think she meant to sound so threatening? It creeped me out she knew my name."

Taking a moment to look around, Kaicee notices her cousin in the back and she is already waving and greeting, "Viscount Letholdus!" The end sort of fading into a whisper as she notices his expression and the strong drink. "OH.." Her mouth forms an O and she makes a face as she ahd possibly interrupted. "Let us find a seat, Ky. Maybe my cousin needs some happy company." Or not.

Raelyn's attention is fully on Letholdus, whom she's sitting next to. A bottle of whiskey is near the Viscount; a goblet of wine and bottle of such is in front of Raelyn. Her hand thus reaches out, to take Letholdus' own, her eyes shifting into a concerned manner she does not attempt to hide.

"If you wish to speak of what troubles you, Letholdus, you've my ear. Beyond anything else that may have been - I would count you as a friend, beyond how close our Houses are. And that is not something I give lightly." She squeezes his hand, then, gently. The invitation is there, but she doesn't press any further than that.

Raelyn's eyes glance towards Kaicee, ad Kylier who is with her, greeting Letholdus and approaching them. "But I do not like seeing my friend so troubled."

Bryad notices that the Viscount is disturbed, as well, and so his hand falls back to his side— that not carrying his drink, at least. His pinky finger's well-manicured nail tap, tap-a-taps on the glass in consideration before he looks aside again at the sound of his name. He hadn't recognized Lianna in his cursory first glance to her, and, even on his second, it takes him a moment to place her. Again, names and faces, and the attribution of one to the other, these things aren't the top of the list of things that the Brother is good at. "Ah—" recognition strikes. And then, again, harder, "Lady Sokar!" he finally gets out. "Yes, hello. How are you?"

Kylier greets the fellow Lancer in kind, a nod of his head right before his eyes go to the table that was being watched. The Priest, Lianna, a lady he doesn't know. But then he spots Letholdus at the same time that Kaicee calls out to him. "Great," he mutters to Kaicee. For the time on the road the Viscount had to correct him, then the Melee and now he looks none to happy. "Yes, lets go see if we can." Though there is not a lot of conviction in his tone. As they come near he dips his head to each, his gaze lingering on the Lady he doesn't know for a bit longer than the others. Each title is called as he does. "Do you mind two more?"

Having patiently waited through the priest's momentary mental hunt of matching names to faces, Lianna shares a smile with the priest while replying: "I am well, thank you. Yourself?" she asks in turn, angling a nod at the bar keep as a small cup of wine is slid in her direction and a brief - if somewhat distracted - summary of the food available is given. Lianna orders the item that would be the most difficult to destroy in the kitchen and hopes for the best.

Kaicee's cheerful calling of his name does succeed in drawing his attention. Dus isn't so drunk that he's shitfaced. At least, not yet. Someone has taken his hand and he blinks at Raelyn, dragging his thoughts back into focus. His mouth thins, "I …. do not wish to talk about it, no." There is brother Bryad as well. Faintly he gives the Arkanin a nod for greeting and becomes more aware of others in the Inn gathering around. And the fact that his men have given up their table to people who know him.

Letholdus tries a thin smile for Kaicee, "Squire." His words are only slightly slurred, "Sir Kylier… pull up a chair and find you a cup. I owe you a drink, I think." He better not mind it being hard whiskey as that seems to be what the Viscount intends to pour him.

Raelyn watches Letholdus with a frown, squeezes his hand, and slowly lets it be. Her own hand, thus returning to her goblet, claims that cup. "Not at all," she implores Kaicee, "Sit. I am the Lady Raelyn Cassomir, and thought that it were a shame that the Viscount were drinking alone." Giving nothing away of what they were speaking of, or any hints - at least, of her own person, that Letholdus might have something more on his mind.

Well losing the tunnel vision helped. There was a few more familiar faces than she had seen at first and Kaicee smiles to Lianna and gives a brief wave, the same for Brother Bryad. The latter being only vaguely familiar. Feeling the gaze on her, that of the Lady beside her cousin, she offers a smile to her as well. Pausing, she orders wine for herself, very deliberately and very enunciated as she orders, making no mistake she had ordered anything else other than that wine, just so the server understands her. A shudder is given as she sees a shot of whiskey looking drink pass by her for a customer.

When invited, Kaicee slips into a chair and another curious look is given Raelyn as she holds his hand, though there is no comment on that. "Good evening, Lady Cassomir." A friendly smile given. "Oh, Viscount.. whiskey?" Kaicee shudders again, very visibly. "You will be so sick and you will feel so bad in the morning." Sage advice from one who recently had her first whiskey hangover, and it was a rough one! "It is not worth it.."

Kylier waits till Kaicee sits then pulls out his own chair. An ale is ordered for himself and a wine for Kaicee. "Lady Cassomir, it is well met. I am Sir Kylier Starn" He looks over to Letholdus and shakes his head "If any drinks are owed if is I that owes you, Your Excellency." He notes the bottle before the Viscount before turning to Lianna "It is good to see you again, Lady Lianna, I hope that you have been well? Brother Bryad, good to see you as well." He can't help but grin when Kaicee mentions the drink.

Another sip of his whiskey and then Letholdus is focusing on Kaicee before he points a calloused finger at her, "I've drunk plenty, before you were even born, Squire. I think." Probably? Maybe. Don't make him do math right now. Dus frowns, "You aren't my lady .. mother." There's that anger again, welling up a bit. He is about to add something more but decides against it and shuts his mouth. The Viscount will look at Raelyn, instead. Fine looking woman.
I can't find who you're trying to page with: mm

"Ah— well, thank you," Bryad's just going to lie through his teeth for the sake of civil conversation— and he does so with a pleasant, carefree cadence to his voice which lends credence to the statement even if it's probably just the afterglow from his evening at the baths. "I trust you enjoyed the FitzRoy soiree?" he grins broadly at her, "I have to say I was a mite jealous you attained an invitation," he chuckles, turning about to order up a small pitcher of wine to bring with him as he goes to find a seat somewhere nearby where the gathering's grouping up about the poor intoxicated Viscount, with another near at hand for Lianna to join them.

Letholdus' words - don't make sense, to Raelyn. But she doesn't call attention to them. Instead, she nods to the introductions, "Well met," she greets, her voice warm, and attempting to - perhaps salvage something out of Letholdus' state and not have quite as much attention called to it, on his behalf. "Sir Kylier. Squire." Greeting Kaicee based off of how Letholdus addresses her.

"Were either of you at Rook Keep, with the Viscount and I?" She doesn't remember seeing them. But there were so many people. And, mayhaps talk of battle, and the success that it was, will help distract Letholdus from the source of his mood? She's hoping. Trying.

A look is given to Kylier when he assists her in seating, the gratitude there unmistakable. "Thank you, Ky." Tucking her barefeet beneath her seat so they do not get stepped on by all the boots tucked beneath the table, Kaicee studies her cousin even as he scolds her. Despite him being all angry looking, she smiles, amusement dancing in her eyes. "'Course I am not your lady mother, then you surely could not have been drinking whiskey before I was even born." Peering at him curiously, she tries not to laugh. "I just wanted to warn you. I did it myself and it does not feel so good the next day."

Turning her gaze to Raelyn, Kaicee nods. "I am your brother's squire. Lady Kaicee Romante." Hitching a thumb at Letholdus. "His cousin." Or second cousin if you are counting. "I was with Henric, went in to search with him. I only found the banners of the houses. He found the other stuff." Whatever all there was found.

Lianna steps away from the bar as Bryad does, moving along with him through the room and taking a table near that of the Viscount and company. "My lord," she greets the Viscount with a cordial nod, "Lady Raelyn, Lady Kaicee, Sir Kylier," in order. As she seats herself she is nodding to Bryad, "I did, yes. Mr. FitzRoy is a rare man," she remarks, a hint of amusement in her eyes as she says this. "Dry wit always appeals to my sense of humor, and his ability to procure everything on the list of medical supplies that I needed before departing to join the Viscount's army marks him as a hero in my book." She smooths one hand through her chin length hair, tucking the curling strands away from her face, "I do hope he hosts another one sometime soon. I think he mentioned another masque of sort."

With a shake of his head "No Lady Cassomir, I was not there. I have just recently come to the Lancers. Prior to that I was a Knight with House Langer." Kylier gives the Lancer that is assigned to Letholdus a questioning look. His gaze will stay there a moment. His ale has arrived and he takes a sip of it, a small sip at that. He listens to Kaicee speak of her experience with whiskey and can only smile.

"Of course not. She's a lot older than you." Letholdus says to Kaicee, far too serious. "She's … older than I am." Well, duh. Yes, he's definitely /not/ sober here. He frowns though, "Clara … she's awfully young. Only just turned … sixteen. I don't even remem'r her. Only a baby, then." Dus is remembering something. He lifts a hand to rub it over his face and he takes another drink before he mutters, "God damned d'Myrins."

The door opens and Michel slips inside carrying a fine made harp of rosewood. Glancing around at the crowd he will smile faintly and make for an empty table signaling to a waitress on the way for a glass of wine. While the wine is being fetched he will glance around again his expression thoughtful the harp in his hands shifting as his green gaze looks over those here. Bryad gets a warm smile and then the harp is lifted into position to play and Michel's fingers begin to a attempt to play out a song on the strings.

<FS3> Michel rolls Harp: Good Success.

Kylier's fellow Lancer assigned to watch over the Viscount tonight grimaces at Kylier and then leaves the bar. He steps over to Ky and leans over to whisper soemthing into his ear.

Raelyn nods to Kaicee, "My brother is a fine Knight. One of the best in Her Majesty's service. As is the Viscount. You'll do well to study under him." She appears to be as sincere as she can be, she has seen her brother fight on more than one occassion, and it's not merely idle boast or family honor speaking. A glance, to Kylier. A warm smile, "Congratulations, then, Sir." She raises her goblet of wine to him, and sips it. A brief glance up, "And, the Lady Lianna, who kept our troops whole. With no trouble-making brother about." A smile, for the woman.

She pauses, then, and her voice lowers again for those only at table, mostly for Letholdus, "Letholdus." Her voice is gently firm, and she reaches, to cup his cheek, guide his eyes to hers. Then, slowly, she shakes her head, "You've friends, here. Family." The hand slides off his cheek, a brief stroke of her thumb in passing. Trying to get him to - well, at least think a little more clearly, without calling attention directly to what she's doing. Some, certainly may pick up on it. But she's trying to be as subtle as she can, to save the man's honor, less rumors spread.

"Mm, I'll say," Bryad replies, in regards Mr. FitzRoy, "If he does, maybe you could pull a string or two with him and see if I might get put on his list— you seem to have some pull with the fellow," he grins impishly, only half-serious. "Though I've still to put together an outfit for the Senatorial Ball, so I really should focus on that, for the time being." He tops off his glass from the pitcher he'd bought, and leans back, crossing one leg over the other and slinging one arm over the seat back in an easy drape, looking over to the table nearby with a quick glance of concern.

"Lady Lianna, Brother Bryad." The offer of a smile is given the two, especially to Lianna who she had spent more time with during the Rook Keep incident. "It is good to see you both." As the music begins to play, she looks around and smiles as she notices the harp and the person playing it. Beautiful music.

Familiar people Letholdus is mentioning and Kaicee frowns, a rare sight coming from her. "Course she is," this said absently to Letholdus about his mother being older as she allows the other parts to process. Finally, carefully, she questions. "Clara?" Sixteen. A year younger than Kaicee and she would not remember her either, but the stories have been mentioned within the households time and again, even as far down the line as second cousins.

"He is a really good Knight, strict though. I guess that is good. He just won the melee event with Sir Kylier here. He is a Royal Lancer also." She sounds proud of the both of them. Seeing the soft touches between the Cassomir and her cousin, she blushes, but she does not make any other outward acknowledgement, for she was not one to judge.

Kylier just nods to the Lancer, though perhaps there is more said with that simple nod than understanding. His attention is turned to Raelyn and he dips his head "My thanks, My Lady." He raises his mug but once again takes but a small sip of it in answer to her toast "Lady Kaicee is very fortunate to have Sir Henric as her Knight. I am sure she will be ready for Knighthood her self in record time under his training." When Raelyn turns the conversation to Lianna he looks to the Healer waiting for her reply. But when Kaicee brings up the melee he lowers his head "I was just lucky, that's all." But a cut of his eyes to Letholdus, who knows if in his state he will remember much of the Melee.

Brennart steps in from the street dressed in his training kit leathers and whatnot with a waster sword tucked under his arm as he heads towards the rooms to get changed and possibly even cleaned up he might be a bit smelly… He does give a nod towards those that he recognizes as he heads through and stopping if he gets stopped.

What the hell? Letholdus was resting his eyes for a moment and then Raelyn's grabbed hold of his chin or something? Instinctively he pulls back away from her hand and eyes her, looking surely. A deep breath and he looks angry, about to say something … and closes his mouth on it. She gets him to set his glass down and not take another drink from it for the moment. What are they talking about?

Kaicee mentions his sister's name. Dus looks at her. His youngest sister's name, though his siblings are all dead. Aren't they? In the Succession War. Letholdus thinks and then faintly nods his head, "Yes." Kylier's still here, isn't he? Is he drinking? Good. "You did fine in the melee. You … dropped me. After … Sir Seb-rina and I went at it a while."

"It was an honor to be of service and assistance, Lady Raelyn," Lianna replies, angling a nod and lifting the small cup she's holding in a subtle toast as well to the memory of those who did not return from Rook's Keep. "How are you this evening, Lady Kaicee?" she wonders of the Romante squire, sharing another quick glimpse of a smile with the young noblewoman. She leans back slightly as the food she'd ordered is delivered, turning slightly to nod at Sir Kylier, "Quite well, thank you. And yourself, Sir Kylier?" she wonders, her eyes sliding sidelong toward the Viscount but, to be fair, she has three older brothers and a handful of male cousins all of a similar age. She just doesn't appear to be rattled by the sight of the Viscount similarly entertaining himself. "I'll be sure to mention it to him, Brother Bryad, should he happen to discuss the guest list with me," laughing a little at this idea. Her eyebrows wing upward at Bryad's remark then winces, "Ahh, yes. Good point. I'll probably just avoid attending, save myself the trouble of finding something fashionable to wear," she admits as she reaches for the cup of wine again and smiles at the musician who begins to play a song on the harp that he's holding. She lifts one hand and waves to Brenn from where she's seated and gestures to the empty seat at the table.

Nia steps in from the double doors. She does not appear intrusive heading towards a free table. Deciding to remove her purple overcoat with a shrug the woman at her side helps take off the coat. Nia thanks the woman gingerly. Her captivating eyes swims from table to table, noting a few faces she has just met today. Nia motions for the attention of a serving woman. Strange items can be seen hanging from her sac, while lowering to her sit. It may give some an eerie feeling, should their eyes happen to meet the metallic and sharp objects reflecting the light.

"I'm certain," suggests Raelyn, to Letholdus, "That in the next event, you will do far better, Viscount." Any sense of intimacy is gone, the action only intended to bring focus, to the buzzed - or drunk man seated with her. "But, Galenthia was served well, by one who serves under you. My Brother. I, myself, was not of a mind to attend. We'd only reached home and I would nearly have had to leave again, to make it to the archery contest on time. And I was little mood to travel. Rest did me well. To recover my mind. And the ache of body." She smiles, briefly to the group. "Still, it was good to fight with you for something so honorable."

Raelyn's gaze turns to Kylier, "Luck has a part to do with any contest, certainly. But it was your training that got you there, and kept you in the game. Never doubt yourself. Only strive to acknowledge where you are not yet happy with your ability and work to improve. Such is what I tell my Huntresses."

The smiles from Kaicee and Lianna are both returned by Michel's own warm smile. The bard will dip his head to both ladies and continue to play the soft, upbeat music on his harp. Slowly he will begin to circle the room drawing a bit closer to the corwd but doing his best to stay out of the way of those moving about.

Seeing the reaction from her cousin, Kaicee lifts her eyebrows, curiosity residing there in the green depths. What was not being said here? "Sir?" Falling back on his knight status to shorten the title. "What has happened?' The question asked with trepidation, uncertain did she want the answer or not. Still she looks at him a moment longer before turning her gaze to Lianna, her red hair flipping over her shoulder as she looks over. She smiles. "I am doing wonderful, thank you, the music is lovely." Though.. when she looks towards the harpist to smile as she sees his, she notices a familiar face and she elbows Kylier.

"She followed us!" she hisses to him, rounded eyes looking back towards the woman who had followed them from the beach. "She is here!"

Brennart nods towards his sister, "I just need to get cleaned up and I'll be back down shortly." And on that note he heads upstairs where he gets cleaned up and changed into proper clothes before he returns down the stairs and plops down in the chair that his sister had indicated he should sit at, "So how goes it sister?"

"That I did, Your Excellency," is Kylier's reply to Letholdus recalling the melee. It is said with out pride, nor boast. Just a simple fact. "You fought her hard before you and I squared off. I can say that you hit like an anvil. My ribs still have not healed fully," he chuckles at that. Turning to Lianna "I am fine, My Lady. Though the bruising I took in the melee have now gone from a deep blue- black to an ugly shade of yellow." He says smiling. When Raelyn turns to him he meets her gaze but quickly lowers his eyes. "You are correct, My Lady. I thank you for reminding me." His brows go up "I have a lot to learn, that is one of the reasons I was looking for," he looks to Letholdus then back to Raelyn "His Excellency. But I think what I have to say should wait till tomorrow." He did spot Sir Brennart make a dash through the place. Great, another one that he had faced off with. But as the man kept going there is a bit of a sigh of relief. But then Nia. The woman from the beach. Kylier stiffens in his chair, a hand falls down to his side as he watches where she goes to sit. A simple nod of his head is his response to Kaicee about the woman.

Bryad lifts his glass toward the Squire as he's greeted, following it up with a sip that lingers with the lip of his glass against his bottom lip, honing in more directly onto the conversation near at hand, of knights and tourneys and training and striving and warfare, things that, sitting nicely over in a semi-romanticised corner of his mind, he's heard more of than ever taken part in. His attention finally settles on Raelyn as she speaks of recovery, and he lowers his glass to about chest level, bobbing his head, once. "I was surprised by how many were in attendance at the tourney, honestly. Between Rook Keep and Harnon Keep in the south, and the barbarians and assassination attempts in the north…." he sort of trails off, glancing back to Kaicee as she frets over her cousin. He's curious, too, after all, but wasn't going to ask in such a public venue.

If that was Raelyn's intent, it has worked in part. Letholdus is paying a little more attention to what's going on around him. "No, no melee. Not again. More .. chaotic .. than even a real battle. Not much point. The joust is more elegant and … useful." Someone is playing a harp. Is there singing? No… Kaicee is asking him something? Letholdus frowns at her but doesn't answer the question. Dus reaches out a hand to slap it to Kylier's near shoulder, "You did fine. Held your own." Where did the Viscount leave his cup of whiskey? Is Raelyn hiding it?
The door opens and Sorcha strides in with as much pride as she can manage. The pale haired al'Mordran is dressed in a gown of light grey silk and looks quite regal. Her expression is tightly controlled not a hint of emotion shows as she glides for a table in the corner. A wave is given to a server followed by a quiet request for wine. Settling gracefully into her seat keeping her back to the wall she watches those around her her expression softening just a bit as she starts to relax a little.

The door to the Perky Porpoise gets slammed open, and in walks Gabriel al'Callenta, seemingly in a foul mood and ready to drown himself in some drink. He is wearing a set of casual clothing bearing the colors of his house. He attempts to make his way to the bar without shoving anyone out of his path, but it is hard to contain some of the emotions that he is feeling right now. Stepping up to the counter, he brings his hand down with a loud thud, "Ale, and keep it coming."

Raelyn may have, not quite stealthfully, moved the whiskey bottle and it's cup out of Letholdus' reach and past her own bottle of wine, to make it extremely difficult for the Viscount to reach in subtle manner. At least, not without Raelyn blocking him. A smile is given towards Kylier, "We all can learn from each other, Sir. We've all something to teach."

Her voice lowers a measure, and she looks pointedly to Kaicee, "Now, Squire, is - not the time to inquire of it, whatever it is." She glances around, meaningfully, to indicate the public forum they're in. She looks then towards Letholdus, "Perhaps some fresh air ought to do you good, Viscount?" A suggestion, only.

Letholdus is getting crankier because his whiskey seems to have migrated. He frowns and looks for his cup and that bottle, then focuses on Raelyn, "I want a drink. Where is it?" Whyever would he want fresh air if he came in here to drink? Dus eyes Raelyn and looks vaguely confused, then notices someone else who's come in. Letholdus lifts up his baritone to carry, "al'CALLENTA! I owe you a drink." That, for Gabriel - and not at all subtle. Dus wants Gabriel to come over and join them, half turning in his chair but he doesn't move to stand as his spurs have snagged on chair or table legs and distracts him, damnit.

Nia keeps to herself, fidgeting with a few strange trinkets at her right side. Her eyes turn to the serving woman that brings her a section of a few pastries and tea. All her attention on the plates sit in front of her, something delightfully pleasant just arrived. An array of emotion burst in a single expression on her face. It was rare, she showed much beyond neutrality and politeness. But with the sweet appetizing foods place before her, she forgets herself, ignores all else, and has what seems to an exclusive affair with the prize before set before her eyes.

The slammed door has Sorcha tensing right back up, any relaxing she might have done being undone in an instant. Her wine arrives and she takes a generous drink from it along with a another request to keep the wine flowing. Apparently the al'Mordran is also here for some good old fashioned sorrow drowning. Gabriel gets a look and there a is a brief flicker of something almost completely unreadable in thsoe grey eyes. When Letholdus calls out to the al'Callenta the Lady takes another drink turning away and proceeding to sulk in silence.

Its getting a bit crowded in here as Michel's first song draws to a close. Green eyes look around breifly and then the crimson haired bard reaches for his wine which had arrived while he been playing his harp. He takes a drink and takes a brief rest glancing around at those currently packed into the rather crowded inn.

Lianna nods her agreement with Kaicee, "It's nice to hear something other than drinking songs bawled so far off key that it's actually painful to listen to," she remarks with a quick shot of a grin aimed at Kaicee before following the squire's look toward the door. Curiosity evident in her expression. By the time Brenn returns, looking markedly better, "The usual. What have you been up to?" she wonders of her brother in turn, equally curious before she turns slightly and smiles back at Sir Kylier. "That the bruises are changing colors is a good thing, Sir Kylier, it's only dangerous when the bruises remain a deep color or worse, fully black," she advises.

Taking his tankard in hand, Gabriel glances up as he hears his name called, and offers Dus a nod. Stepping back from the counter, he begins to make his way towards the Viscount. Along the way he comes beside Sorcha al'Mordran, and he offers her a nod in greeting, the nod showing the respect he has for the woman after watching her performance on the tournament field. Seeing her turn away, he steps forward and places a hand on her shoulder. "Come, tonight is not a night to drink alone. Come join me, I am off to speak with the Viscount Letholdus Romante, at the very least perhaps he will even purchase your own drink?" Lifting his hand off of her shoulder, he gestures for him to follow him as he continues over to Dus.

Finally reaching Dus, Gabriel offers the man a nod. "I think it's the other way around. I think I told you I owe you a drink, My Lord."

A nod? Only a nod? Kaicee nudges Kylier again, the worry not leaving her expression immediately. "She had a dagger, Ky.. And she greeted me by name." Two coincidences the Romante was not willing to cede as only that. Exhaling, she turns and catches the look from Bryad and gives him a slightly wide-eyed look though she offers no words to explain that look. Where had she gone?… finally she sees the woman again, calmly with her food. "Huh." Curious that. Confused, she turns back to look at Raelyn and Letholdus, the look but no reply from her cousin and the quietly worded advice from the Cassomir. An almost imperceptible nod is given, she will drop the subject. Seeing people coming and going, she tries to look at them all, from the al'Callenta hailed by her cousin to the musician again, who gets an appreciative smile cause music, yea! Back to the healer, "It is nice, my Lady Lianna," and then Brennart, whom she had sparred before. The others… so many! Her wine, it she had forgotten it, and so she drinks it alllll down. "Be right back." She is going to get more to escape all of the people!

Brennart shrugs, "Met a knight from Aequor good swordswoman sparred with her she's recovering in the baths I may have reinjured an injury she'd taken during the melee. But amazing form, so much nicer fighting against another good swordsperson. Getting tired of sparring with our sullen axe man."

Lianna chuckles at Brenn. "Now now, that's not fair. He's not sullen. He's… deeply introspective and highly . . sensitive," she suggests as alternatives to the use of the word sullen. "Speaking of . ." she says quieter, eyeing Brenn thoughtfully.

When his shoulder is slapped, Kylier is sent forward. Only his free hand stops him from actually hitting the table with his face. A face that has a grimace on it for that is the shoulder that took a beating. "Thank you Your Excellency, I do appreciate those words." He rolls his shoulder a bit, though the smile would indicate that it really didn't hurt, more caught him off guard. Perhaps. He turns to Raelyn and nods "Indeed you are correct, My Lady. We all can learn something from each other" When she mentions fresh air for the Viscount he nods his approval, even if she doesn't see it. He leans to Kaicee and says something softly to her before sitting back upright. The music, all the people, the words flying here and there. He catches Lianna's words almost to late "That is what the healer that saw me said. But it's good to know that I had not hired someone that is a butcher as I hear is from you, one I have heard nothing but praise." To Brennart Kylier's attention is turned "Sir Brennart, it is good to see you once again."

Grey eyes widen a bit as Gabriel comes to a stop by her table. Sorcha returns that nod with a clear respect in her gaze before looking away. The hand on her shoulder has her looking back and the offer has a faint smile appearing on her lips. She inclines her head and begins to rise from her seat. "Thank you for the offer. I would be glad to join if you wish." She will follow the al'Callenta over the the Viscount's table.

<FS3> Michel rolls Harp: Good Success.
<FS3> Michel rolls Dancing: Failure.

"I think," Raelyn says, with firm gentility to Letholdus, "You've had enough to drink, for one night," her words again spoken with a measured cadence and volume to not be cast for the public to hear overall, especially with the bard playing as he is, and the other conversations going on. She makes no move to either allow Letholdus another drink, or provide such to him.

Raelyn gives a small nod of gratitude towards Kaicee, and a brief glance to Kylier. Another nod of gratitude, silent in the young man's reasoning to speak of the conversation later. As Gabriel and Sorcha approach, she can tell what little she's attempting to mitigate the siutation is not working all that well. "Sirs," she greets them, "I think you have much drinking to do, to catch up with the Viscount, ere he joins you."

Lianna is setting aside the empty cup of wine, shaking her head at one of the servers who offers a refill, when Sir Kylier responds to her own words. She looks startled but smiles, "Thank you, Sir Kylier, for your kind words. I do what I can, where I can. It's certainly not as grand as some other worthy skills of noblewomen, but I like to think it's useful."
Letholdus didn't think he had slapped Kylier hard, nor intended to. He's looking towards Gabriel so he's not paying Raelyn much attention. "That'd be fine." Dus's baritone is a little slurred but not as much as one might expect from an entire whiskey bottle standing empty on the table, and a second one broached. "I have whiskey … share it with you." Somebody or another is going to have to pull up a chair for Gabriel and Sorcha, and whoever else.

What Raelyn says is true! The Viscount is way ahead of them in getting trashed. Dus sits there half twisted about in his chair, "Buy me a drink, 'n I'll buy you one. You did .. very fine in th' Joust."

Eyes of a rare mixture, exotic and free, looks from the pastries to the commotion in the room. Their attention is caught by some ungraceful movements, hideous in fact, with no measure of style or good sense. The elegant woman blinks at the clumsy motion of the poor man, wondering if his rear end would soon find the floor.

Brennart chuckles, "No it's perfectly fair to call him sullen… You should have seen him the other day… And speaking of what sister?" He pauses to listen to Kylier and Lianna speaking of healing and bruises and what not, "Speaking of bruises I may need to get my ribs re-wrapped had a damn good knight fling me off the back of my horse at the joust making me look like I was still a squire."

Nodding to Dus, "Whiskey sounds better than ale." Glancing around and seeing no open chairs, he stomps over to a nearby table and grabs two empty chairs, ignoring the protests of the others at that table that the seats were being saved for friends who were only moments from arriving. Plopping both chairs down, he gestures for Sorcha to sit in one as he takes a seat in the other. "I hope you don't mind, but I invited a fellow knight over here. Lady Sorcha isn't it?" Gabriel asks the woman, his mind thinking back to the joust and the melee. "You performed well, I hope to see you in action again in the next tournament."

Having escaped the crowd at the table, Kaicee looks at Letholdus, Raelyn and Kylier and smiles, holding up her goblet before making her way barefoot across the inn towards the bar area. She was looking over at the Nia, trying to make sure the people with her had nothing shady going on.

"Oh? Who did you ride against?" Lianna wonders, having missed the main elements of the tournament. "I'll re-wrap your ribs tonight," she promises with a nod at Brenn. She wiggles one foot briefly, taps the tip of one shoe against the floor. "I need better armor," she says in a low voice. "One of the foot soldiers at Rooks Keep sliced through the armor I had on, like it was nothing, and I'd rather not have to go through another entire battle while bleeding from the side like a fool."

Sorcha will offer those at the table a faint smile and an incline of her head as she settles into the offered seat. Gabriel gets a warm little smile and a nod. "Yes, I am Lady Sorcha of House al'Mordran. Its a pleasure to meet all of you." Gabriel's words draw a little bit of a blush from her, her pale skin turning a light pink. "Thank you Lord Gabriel. I think you did much better than I but it was a delight to go up agaist you anyway. It was a good challenge for me." She pauses looking thoughtful and sipping her drink. "I may very well be present at the next Tournament as well…we shall see."

Kylier quickly turns to Brennart then smiles "I am sure that it was an off chance, Sir. I would expect the next time things will be different and it will be my ribs that will be needing to be tended to." His head turns to Lianna and shrugs "It was I that Sir Brennart faced off with." He is about to say more but it is then that Kaicee has decided to get up and go to the bar. He grumbles a bit to himself about being so reckless and protecting her. So for now he keeps an eye on the Romante and Nia, and of course the Viscount. Talk about feeling like needing a few more eyes.

Two plates empty and pushed out of the way. The woman places some sort of elongated tube on the table, hollowed in the middle, it looks like some crazy thing used to possibly cause pain to another. A young boy places a dirtied round object in front of the tube, wet and grimy. The woman seems content to dabble with her…toys. If someone were to happen to look at this situation, they may find it odd, even suspicious.

Raelyn clears her throat. She takes Letholdus' arm, gently. One might read it as something intimate. As they might read the measure of her body language as she leans close to him - perhaps to steal a kiss on his cheek? Or from his lips? But the severity of her features cast away the tenderness of the gestures, to those that can see her. These are not words for even those about table to hear. They're for Letholdus' ears, alone. And her lips move. Slowly. Punctuating each word, with purpose.

Raelyn whispers, "-Sir- Letholdus. I. Do not know what vexes you. Tonight. You are troubled. And. I am your friend. And I say these words -as- your friend. I will -not- let you make a fool of yourself. But. If you persist in this madness. To lose yourself to whiskey. And make an ass of yourself. I will. Order a bucket of water. Brought to table. And dunk your head in it. And if you do not think I can. You. Are. Mistaken. Ask Henric. We either sit here. And talk with your friends. Or we leave. Or. Your head in a bucket. You decide." to Letholdus.

Brennart chuckles and points over at Kylier, "What he said. I couldn't even get my lance seated properly… Not sure if it's cracked or just bruised but my ribs are still killing me couldn't even make it into the melee." He gives Kylier a nod, "It was a well struck lance though sir I'm never bitter at getting bested by a skilled opponent it's the only way to learn to become better."

Lianna glances between her brother and Kylier and back, "Oh," she murmurs, frowning a little. "I should say then, Sir Kylier, well done and a good match to both of you. That said," she aims a soft kick at Brenn's shin, "stop getting all bruised up. It makes me look bad," she demands with a grin. "And. . better armor," she reminds with a not so subtle nudge again.

Raelyn's got his whiskey. He motions Gabrial towards her, "I can't reach it. Pass it over." Letholdus looks to Sorcha too, "To share with Ssir Gabriel, 'n Sir Sorcha." He's probably had about enough for the night himself. Buzzed as he is and as angry has he has been about something today, Dus is still aware enough not to want to get totally plastered. He stops whatever he might have said when Raelyn leans over and snags his arm to whisper something to him.

Whatever the hell that woman says to him, Letholdus gives Raelyn a funny look. "What? Why a bucket of … water?" He does /not/ want to drink a bucket of water. Is she out of her mind? He tries to pat her very lovely cheek, "Don't fuss so. One drink. Then I should .. get going." It's been a very shitty day and he's pretty tired.

Kylier watches Raelyn with Letholdus. Of course he can't hear the words but he would be guessing they are not that pleasant, judging by the look she has. Brennart and then Lianna speak to him and he bows his head. Even seeming to be embarrassed by the attention. And for once he is at a total loss for words so all he can do is bow his head once again. A quick glance to where Kaicee is at the bar and then to Nia and her toys. Toys that draw his attention. His hand remains down by his side as it had been since she arrived. His ale, totally ignored.

Not long at the bar, Kaicee comes back to the more crowded area having taken a breather and going the long way around Nia. She moves in to sit back beside Kylier again and gives the others an apologetic look for vacating like that. It was almost overwhelming, so much conversation to keep up on, but now she is back and she leans her shoulder against Ky's in a quick nudge and smiles. "Needed more wine," she says simply, tucking her bare feet back underneath the table.

Sorcha's words leave Gabriel slightly at a loss for words for a moment as his mind considers that there may be events that conspire to keep him from attending the next tournament, it all depends on how things look up in the North, he offers her a nod that indicates that he understands. Glancing back at Dus, he watches the exchange between him and the woman, his expression slightly disappointed now that the whiskey is gone. Oh well, he still has his tankard, and as such he will take a drink of it. "If you are going, I wish you a good evening, cousin. Perhaps we will get a chance to speak before we must depart the city."

A low vibration in her throat beings to softly resonate a calming sound in the area surrounding her table. This did not seem to quite fit the rest of the woman's actions. Flipping the wet ugly thing about, a strange oder escapes it. Not pleasant in the least to anyone near enough to have their sense assaulted by the whiff of it. The nicely styled woman only uttered to the woman next to her, "How interring." The tube seems to slowly be filled with the grim and liquid from the ball. A serving man passes with a frown of displeasure on his face.

"One." Raelyn's eyes meet Letholdus, "Then, you are going." Her tone implies that she, herself, will throw him out if she has to. And that tone, and those words - along with what Letholdus repeated, might give some clue to listeners-in on exactly what was whispered to him. Sort of. She takes the bottle of whiskey, and mug she'd previously confinscated, and pours about a half full portion of what Letholdus previously had been drinking. And slides it over to Letholdus. She looks back to Gabriel and Sorcha, "I think he's up to one drink." As if she were his caretaker? Or bodyguard. She gives a smile to them both, "He's just had a rough day." No explination offered.

Kylier orders another wine and it is rather quickly brought over. He motions to where Kaicee sits "There you go," and he leans to her "I wish you would not leave like that." Kylier can't stop giving Nia glances as she does what ever it is that she is doing over there. To many strange things about the Lady, the woman and the boy. He does look up and finally spots Sorcha "Sir, good to see you once again." Finally he reaches out and takes another small sip of his ale. Hardly even worth mentioning really. Other than the effort it took to pick it up and put it back down.

"You, Sir." Kaicee says, though with a quick look back at the woman, "Are overprotective." There is a smile to accompany her words though. "I am a squire and um.. most times I am dressed to defend myself. 'Cept right now." She is still wearing his surcoat over her wet dress. As he greets Sorcha, she does the same, "You did great in the tournament." The same insinuated as she looks at Brennart. "You too. We should spar again sometime." A rematch as it were.

Sorcha will offer Gabriel another little smile before her attention drifts to Raelyn and Letholdus. The latter gets a look of concern and she nods to Raelyn her expression soft and understanding. "We all have rough days on occasion. I hope it gets better though." She will look to Letholdus and offer him a soft encouraging smile as she takes a sip of her wine. Kylier's greeting is returned with a faint smile and a nod. "Good to see you as well." Her eyes widen a bit as she remembers his face. "You were one of the three who I faced in the melee…you fought with Sir Henric I believe? Sir…Kylier yes?" She studies him curiously. "I did not do very well in the melee…still I suppose I did a credible job for having three men trying to bring me down at one time." She takes a long drink of her wine.

All right then. THe bottle of whiskey gets handed over to Gabriel for him to share with Sorcha. It's a pretty decent kind for all this isn't a high end sort of place, else Letholdus might have had better. He accepts the cup from Raelyn and drinks of it, glad to have it. Hmmm. Dus doesn't remember what they had been talking about now, alas. But there is Sorcha speaking and the Viscount speaks up, "She did fine in the Joust … also." Well, he has finally drunk enough that he's not easily remembering what the hell he was angry about earlier.

Mindful enough to finish off his cup /and/ take painful care to disentangle his spurs from his chair legs, Letholdus moves to stand, "I .. need to go. Enjoy. Yourselves." All you people. So damned many people in here.

Both Dus's Royal Lancer and the Alicante knight finish off their own drinks and move to rise, now their lord finally looks to be departing.

Brennart nods towards Kaicee, "Of course we'll need a rematch." Then glances at Ky, "Sir she's a very capable warrior with a blade. We ended up our spar with a draw in my opinion." He glances at his sister and hrmphs, "Me getting hurt has nothing to do with your skill… Me healing afterwards is all based on your skills… Unless you made my armor if thats the case that explains a lot about why I get hurt all the time."

Gabriel glances over towards Raelyn, offering a slight nod. "He's not alone in that. I came here to try and forget a few things myself." He watches the bottle get put down, and he reaches out to take it, and pour a bit of its contents into his tankard, not giving a damn if it's being mixed in with what is left of his ale. He's not here to enjoy the taste of things. Once he's finished, he hands the bottle over to Sorcha with a nod, and then offers Dus a wave. "Have a good night." Hrm, now what? Not really familiar with many of the faces here he shrugs and starts to put down some of his drink.

Lianna makes a sound that is suspiciously like a snort of laughter. "Hah. If I could make armor I wouldn't be pestering you to take me to get better armor in the first place," she retorts with a grin. This said, she is mollified by his remark, "You'd heal faster, too, if you weren't so bloody stubborn about following instructions," clearly not the first time they've been around this particular topic.

"Right," is Kylier's reply to Kaicee "except for right now. And thus I am to be your guard. So," he smiles pleasantly to her. "Indeed Sir," he says to Sorcha as his attention has shifted once again and he answers her question. "You did very well, Sir. I think some of the bruises that I sport were directly due to your actions." As Letholdus stands to leave, Kylier quickly gets up and goes to the Lancer that is watching over Letholdus "Please let the Viscount know that tomorrow I shall be making a call to him? I doubt he would remember if I told him tonight." He waits for a response "Take care, there are some strange things afoot this night." He of course doesn't have to point out the woman and the toys she has.

The Lady Cassomir rises, with Letholdus. She nods, briefly to the man's escort, "I'll see you home, Viscount," she tells the man. Not that she doesn't trust the escort - but, they're more beholden to obey drunken orders than Raelyn is. She tells those at the table, "It was well, meeting all of you. A true pleasure." A smile given, sincere in that remark. Then she's moving to latch her arm into Letholdus as if she were merely escorting him, or he her somewhere in perfect public etiquette. Nope. Nothing to see here. Move along. Move along.

A terrible stench reaches Garbriel's nose. The woman with the strange items is the likely offender. She keeps her eyes down at her task. Does her nose not work? Is she trying to poison the unexpected person with the harsh aroma?

Letholdus doesn't mind Raelyn taking his arm. He's kind of sleepy, and needs to find somewhere to pass water. Plenty of it. So without farewells, nor being too unsteady on his feet, the Vicount of Alicante goes on out into the night to try and find his way to where ever it is he probably should sleep. Thankfully, his Royal Lancer and Alicante knight know where and will help Raelyn. My, Claire's liable not to be so pleased and Dus's head is so going to hurt, come the morning. Kaicee's right, about that.

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