Empire - Scene 32

Melissa

(Melissa) The vast gardens and farmlands surrounding the Aetos estate in Malthini have been turned into a grand festival to welcome the spring season, honoring the Gods in hopes they continue to bless Malthini throughout the growing season while also celebrating the people of Malthini and Taras to thank them for all the hard work that comes with the time of year. Local wine from the Aetos vineyards and cidars from their personal orchards flow freely, while long tables are covered in all manner of locally grown Dyria delicacies to select from. Soft music can be heard throughout the gardens, adding to the atmosphere created by the sweet and colorful flowers growing everywhere and the chatter from those who've come to celebrate. The head of House Aetos can be seen greating everyone who arrives, making sure her face is seen and recognized as she smiles and nods to each in acknowledgement of their participation. The flowy emerald green green she wears was clearly selected carefully, the vibrant color causing Melissa to stand out within the crowd and floral decorations, and presenting a more approachable air around the usually serious Duchess.

Kimon

(Kimon) Kimon Aetos is in his usual festive gold and blue that he is wont to wearing when representing the House at a fete. Today it's a deep rich blue to stand out among the flowers with gold accents and embroidery. He mixes and mingles with everyone who comes to the party, circulating among those who have made it further in after they've greeted Melissa to make sure that drinks are in hand, food is sampled, and that there are no wallflowers in this garden. Everyone is to be engaged somehow, in conversation, drinking, eating, or any combination of the three.

Ada

(Ada) Among the attendees of the festival is one Baroness Agnes Galanis. Hers is a minor house in the Great Green, a vassal of House Mardas, and Agnes is the liege of the merchant whose ship was damaged by the collapsing crane. Why is Agnes /here/? The smile that she sees when her path towards the festival grounds involves passing Melissa resembles a strained grimace as much as a smile. Agnes is in her mid-30s, and well turned-out for the occasion, with a vibrant blue gown -- it is hardly as if she meant to hide, but bumping into Aetoses right away was maybe not high on her wishlist.

Arrival

Manos arrives.

Ada

(Ada) Among the attendees of the festival is one Baroness Agnes Galanis. Hers is a minor house in the Great Green, a vassal of House Mardas, and Agnes is the liege of the merchant whose ship was damaged by the collapsing crane. Why is Agnes /here/? The smile that she sees when her path towards the festival grounds involves passing Melissa resembles a strained grimace as much as a smile. Agnes is in her mid-30s, and well turned-out for the occasion, with a vibrant blue gown -- it is hardly as if she meant to hide, but bumping into Aetoses right away was maybe not high on her wishlist.

Manos

Manos is here, observing the crowd milling about from the nearest refreshment table and keeping out of the way when he's not making small talk with passersby. He's dressed and spruced appropriately, wearing a blue houppelande trimmed in muted gold with a pale-gold-lined cloak. He casts a cautious but curious glance toward Agnes, though he's content to let Melissa engage first.

Kimon

Kimon clocks Agnes on arrival and his smile does not falter in the least. Does she have a glass of wine in hand? If not, then he scoops two up, a fine red, a crisp white, and he begins to drift in that direction, holding off just a little bit to allow Melissa to engage with the Baroness first and then, should the woman still not have wine, to present her with her choice with a charming smile.

Melissa

(Melissa) Of course Melissa knows Agnes on sight, she wouldnt be as successful in the political sphere and Courtly life that she is if she did not do her research before hand. The smile is instant, warm and inviting, one practiced to perfection to disarm even the most hostile opponent, and as she approaches the woman to greet her there is a small dip of her head in respect to the title Agnes holds, "Baroness Galanis, it is a pleasure to finally meet you, we are honored to have you here personally to enjoy the hospitalities of our land and to celebrate the season with us." As Kimon approaches, there is another incline of her head towards her cousin as she explains, "this wine is from our personal offerings, and I do hope you shall enjoy the flavor. I am not sure if you know my cousin, Lord Kimon Aetos? And that," a graceful show of direction towards Manos, "is Lord Manos Aetos. A brilliant Architect." She knows Kimon is close enough to tell Agnes exactly what he is brilliant at in person.

Kimon

Kimon rolls: 2(Social: d8), 5(Influence: d10(U)), 4(Distinction: d8) Total: 9 (vs 7) - Asset created | Potential Asset Die: d8 Asset 'Endowed with Wine' (d8) created and added!

Arrival

Irreth arrives.

Melissa

=== TEST: Melissa vs Agnes === Agnes rolls: 8(d8), 8(d8), 1(d6) Difficulty to beat: 16 Agnes Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d6) Melissa rolls: 8(Social: d8), 6(Influence: d6), 8(Distinction: d8) Total: 16 (vs 16) - Success | Effect Die: d6

Manos

Manos lifts his chin and offers the baroness a less-practiced smile-his face genuinely brightening a shade-and gives a small, informal bow from where he stands. He's just a touch too far away to join the conversation yet, and he knows better than to intrude on the experts. He is, however, unmistakably eavesdropping as he busies himself with a cup.

Ada

(Ada) Is it possible to smile in a sour way? Yes, yes it is. Agnes is doing it /right now/, but it's hard to remain quite so sour as she is offered wine. Better yet, it is not wine that Efthymia has made. She graces Kimon with a slightly warmer expression, then she turns to properly listen to Melissa. She doesn't get to the point of curtseying, but she does remain carefully, fastidiously polite. She bows her head to the duchess. "Duchess Aetos," she responds, mild, her voice naturally somewhat husky. "I thank you for your invitation." She turns to the others, too. "My lords." A beat. "I expect there is much work for an architect, indeed."

Irreth

(Irreth) One could -- at a glance, perhaps -- mistake Irreth for Aetos, purely by the color of her outfit. While also blue and yellow-gold, there's too much else about the foreign noble to mark her as Malthi-born. The silken gold gown she wears is touched with embroidery of deep blue, and over the top she wears a glimmering gold shawl. Pausing at the outskirts, she breathes deeply, before casting her eyes across the field. The hostess, of course, is immediately visible in her vibrant outfit, but seeing that Melissa is occupied, the Exalted Sufet simply moves closer. Something the Duchess says gets her attention in particular -- not to look at Agnes, but at Manos, with a visibly curious tilt of her head, and a smile meant to catch his attention, however briefly, as she steps close to his side.

Kimon

Kimon offers a genuine smile as he presents the wine selection to Agnes to choose from. Whichever glass she takes, he claims the other for himself and lifts it to her in a toast, "A pleasure to see you, Baroness." As for what he is brilliant at, he gestures about and says, "I took great pleasure in helping arrange the selection of entertainments and refreshments. But do let me know if you find anything missing, and we'll see to your comfort. Do try the tarts, any of them. They're fantastic."

Manos

Manos frowns ever so slightly at the baroness's remark; she's not wrong, per se, but he knows a subtle jab when he hears one. Irreth's approach draws his attention, and he straightens as the full length of his smile returns. "My lady," he says quietly so as not to intrude on the larger conversation, "I must compliment your choice of colors." He shifts just enough to make space for her, then adds in the same mild tone, "If you'd like a drink, the citrus wine is the safest wager today."

Kimon

=== TEST: Kimon vs Agnes === Agnes rolls: 1(d8), 7(d8), 1(d6) Difficulty to beat: 7 Agnes Hitches: 2 (rolled 1 on: d8, d6) Kimon rolls: 4(Social: d8), 8(Influence: d10(U)), 4(Endowed With Wine: d8), 1(Distinction: d8) Total: 8 (vs 7) - Success | Effect Die: d10 Hitches: 1 (rolled 1 on: d8)

Melissa

(Melissa) Of course Melissa catches that dig, and of course you would never be able to tell, for her expression remains relaxed and features soft. She is so very unbothered. She lifts her glass, as if to toast Agnes' own words, "there is always room for improvement in all aspects of life, whether that be to one's surroundings, relationships, or personal deliberations. That is what we are here to honor today after all, change and how it is the only consistent in life." Improvements in personality are also accepted here Agnes! While the Baroness and Kimon speak for the moment, Irreth's arrival has Melissa offering a small finger wave in the woman's direction as she notes that Manos has helpfully captured the new arrival's attention to entertain.

Irreth

(Irreth) \Irreth's clearly watching the interplay between Baroness, Duchess, and the Lords, trying to get a feel for what she stepped into. Mirroring Manos's quiet observation, she smiles with an effortless, natutral warmth as she turns her regard to the architect. "It brings me joy that our houses share colors," Irreth tells Manos, with a smile. "And it's fortuitous indeed I should come to be here, at the invitation of your Duchess." There's an easy warmth in her regard, seeking to briefly catch Melissa's gaze at that wave -- a question in her own. But she does not intervene. Instead, she answers Manos, "I shall be delighted to take your recommendation. I do so love to taste the wines of other Houses."

Ada

(Ada) Agnes is taken -- almost inordinately taken -- with Kimon. Just a smile, a glass of wine and the offer of treats, have her going from sour to lighting up, for a moment at least. "Thank you, my lord. Thank you kindly." She is too taken out of it to immediately start with further barbs directed at anyone else there and then, either! Instead, she nods to Melissa, "Just so, Duchess Aetos. Just so." What /does/ Agnes talk about when she isn't joking at someone else's expense? In this case, she deflects entirely, when she spots Irreth speaking to Manos and says to the Aetoses closer to hand. "Your guests are finely turned out."

Kimon

(Kimon) "Everyone needs a little break from business to thank the Gods for their generosity and celebrate it in all their finery," Kimon opines. "I love your blue. It's very close to my own. Perhaps you'll favor me with a dance later, Baroness?" he inquires. And then he's withdrawing a little. "Let me go find some of those tarts.." and off he goes, the butterfly flitting away again for a moment to go fetch snacks.

Manos

Manos is certainly not the most socially adept Aetos in the vicinity, but he's at least mildly competent at conversation. "Shared colors make for easy kinship, and wardrobe choices," he offers. His attention flickers to Melissa at the gesture she sends Irreth's way, and he notices the baroness's gaze shifting toward them as well, but he keeps the bulk of his focus on Irreth. "Yes. So far, it promises to be quite the eventful festival, wine and all." He lifts his own cup to demonstrate before taking a sip.

Melissa

(Melissa) "We have many friends from all over the Empire," Melissa states to Agnes when they are left alone as Kimon goes off towards the food for the moment. She takes a moments pause to sip her own wine to let that statement hang in the air. "I would be thrilled to introduce you to some of them, that is if you have the time. I would not wish to offer should you have already made arrangements to return home sooner than later. There are many people here who would be a great boon to know, and I am lucky to consider them all friends and allies. But that must wait until after I am able to address those gathered to thank them for attending of course." Melissa is certain Agnes intended to be on the first ship home and away from Malthini as soon as possible.

Melissa

=== TEST: Melissa vs Agnes === Agnes rolls: 2(d8), 8(d8), 3(d6) Difficulty to beat: 11 Melissa rolls: 7(Social: d8), 4(Influence: d6), 5(Disarmed: d6), 3(Distinction: d8) Total: 12 (vs 11) - Success | Effect Die: d8 Invoked opposition complication(s): Disarmed

Irreth

(Irreth) Irreth, too, is not oblivious to the look from the Baroness. The attention. The implication. But, like Manos, she keeps her attention close to hand: aware she's playing a part of whatever's happening, and content to be a visible representative of Aetos's power and reach. She'll wait until some wine is offered her way, chooses the citrus drink, and sips with a visible kind of appreciation. "And I thought the flowers were the draw?" she says to Manos, with a soft laugh. "I- I apologize. I didn't even introduce myself. I am Exalted Sufet Irreth Anadun, of Hadashi. And, unless I miss my guess, you are someone whose name I had whispered in my ear that might be able to assist me, if you have interest?" her head tilts, with a little smile.

Ada

(Ada) Alone! Agnes is all alone! Actually, no, she is still surrounded by people, but the delightful gentleman with the wine has gone to find a tart, and that means that the baroness has little choice for the moment but to engage with Melissa -- it's not as if she can just stroll over and intrude on Irreth and Manos' conversation, or wonder further at the presence of the sufet. Or rather, she can, but there's no great avenue to extricate herself from the duchess. "That would be most kind of you, duchess," Agnes says. Does she sound like she means it? Maybe. The look she sends towards Irreth suggests it, never mind that Kimon is still here somewhere. "Most kind. Thank you. A fine gathering."

Kimon

(Kimon) It's all a dance, carefully orchestrated. Sweep in, soften up the target, then step away so that Melissa can engage and keep her attention. He'll dip back in before she has a chance to truly attempt an escape, plying with tarts, of course. That's what he's doing at the moment, acquiring a small selection of three of the best tarts. He makes idle conversation with those nearby on the way and casts a wink at Manos and Irreth as well as he passes.

Manos

Manos he nods to Irreth. "The blooms do capture the beauty of the season more than the vineyards, perhaps." His smile shifts into something gently sympathetic at the awkwardness of realizing one has forgotten an introduction; he's been there often enough. "I am Lord Manos Aetos of House Aetos, as I'm sure you've deduced. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Anadun." He blinks when she mentions she's heard of him already. "Oh? I didn't expect my reputation to precede me." Or that he even had one. "How may I assist?"

Arrival

Kamzu arrives.

Melissa

(Melissa) "I can be," Melissa says, and while the words are said friendly and casually, so casually in fact that Agnes might be second guessing the intention meant behind the words, and just how far Melissa's kindness can be abused before there are consequences to those actions. "We all are simply doing the best we can," Melissa's smile never faulters as she repeats the exact words that were rumored heard from the Baroness, even as she extends her hand out in the direction of Manos and Irreth, completely expecting Agnes to follow her towards the pair for those promised introductions that she does not even turn back to make sure that Agnes does in fact follow. This is her home, her people, and there can certainly be no dimming the Duchess' determination or power that got her in this position in the first place.

Melissa

=== TEST: Melissa vs Agnes === Agnes rolls: 1(d8), 1(d8), 2(d6) Difficulty to beat: 2 Agnes Hitches: 2 (rolled 1 on: d8, d8) Melissa rolls: 5(Social: d8), 5(Influence: d6), 3(Disarmed: d6), 4(Taken With Kimon: d10), 6(Distinction: d8) Total: 11 (vs 2) - Success | Effect Die: d10 Invoked opposition complication(s): Disarmed, Taken With Kimon

Irreth

(Irreth) "They really do," Irreth agrees with Manos' words about the blooming flowers. "In Summer's Abode, things bloom with ease. Anything close to the Emerald River, in fact. But as soon as you move away... greenery becomes scarce. There are plants that have adapted -- cactii in full bloom are a sight to see -- but we revere the delight of flowers for the rarity, in Hadash." She catches Kimon's wink in passing, and smiles for him, but doesn't seek to interrupt him in his quest. Instead, she says to Manos, "I was told you're an excellent architect. And I have use for one. Min Nome is far to the east of the Emerald River, surrounding an oasis. It is a trade stop for many, passing west into the Plains Kingdoms. Given the recent... hostilities... with said Kingdom, I'm looking to improve its defenses, but also with an eye to re-building some of the infrastructure was damaged in the raid on it two years ago. Would that be a project you would be interested in, my lord?" A beat, as she notices the approach of Melissa. "Perhaps we can talk further, later?"

Ada

(Ada) The flitting in and out of Kimon has Agnes looking his way each time. They've only exchanged a handful of words, and yet. The conversation has drawn, if not onlookers, then eavesdroppers. Subtle eavesdroppers. The sorts whose groups just happen to coalesce within earshot of Melissa and Agnes -- it's not as if others aren't also chatting nearby, too. Some Aetoses might recognise the gathering as including some of the worst, or best, gossips in Malthini. Melissa's words catch Agnes very off-guard. What does she say to that? "We are, my lady," she ultimately decides to concur. Then, sort of lamely, "The festival is most impressive." She follows on after the duchess towards Manos and Irreth.

Kimon

Kimon returns with tarts! These, he presents to Agnes for her to sample. "The berries are my favorites, but they're all quite good." He offers a smile to Melissa and also a similarly gathered plate of tarts to her as well before simply slipping in at the Baroness' side to accompany her once more. No longer alone! Kimon is there to smile and comment here and there and be pretty. As they approach Manos and Irreth, he dips his head to the pair and says, "Cousin. Lady." Each is greeted in turn. "Are you enjoying everything?" He then says to Agnes, "Lord Manos is making great strides in addressing all our issues of structural integrity. An assurance of commitment to a stronger infrastructure to come." Such earnest faith he seems to place in the architect's skill to overcome these challenges.

Manos

Manos listens to her speak about the cacti with mild interest, trying to picture it, but he immediately perks up when she mentions she's seeking an architect. Few things excite him more than designing and building, though the sight of his cousin and the baroness finally approaching tempers his enthusiasm; this is not the moment to indulge it. "That is no small undertaking, my lady. Fortifications and reconstruction both?" The scale of it doesn't deter him in the slightest. "Yes, I may be interested." He inclines his head, accepting that the discussion will have to wait. "We can speak about the particulars later." His attention shifts fully to Melissa and Agnes. "Your Grace. Baroness," he greets them with a respectful incline of his head, careful but warm. "Welcome. I trust the festival is treating you both kindly so far." He steps just enough to bring Irreth into the circle without crowding anyone. Then the conversation veers into engineering yet again-well, he tried. Manos's ears tint a shade darker at Kimon's praise. "You're too kind, Kimon," he says, managing a small, reluctant smile.

Melissa

(Melissa) "May I introduce Baroness Agnes Galanis," Melissa tells Irreth and Manos as she stops before the two, considering while she pointed out her cousin to Agnes they have not had an actual proper introduction face to face. "This is Exalted Sufet Irreth Anadun, and of course I mentioned our," she includes the returning Kimon into the fold with ease, "our cousin Lord Manos Aetos. Sufet Anadun is interested in trade," she mentions to Agnes, turning to face the woman a bit more as she explains, "she wishes to form trading arrangements with those of other Kingdoms which is quite beneficial for all. Perhaps you might find an agreeable deal between your Houses since I know how important trading is to your people." Its how Melissa met Agnes after all. Clearly Melissa is a very good person to be on the good side of Agnes! "Sufet Anadun, perhaps my cousin would also be able to assist with that Temple we were speaking of? While it might not be something he is familiar with being of another culture perhaps his knowledge will be effective in seeing that the history and importance of the Temple is not forgotten or lost for good" she gives a look towards Manos, all the jobs for him! She takes the plate of offered tarts from Kimon with a look of appreciation, selecting one immediately now that she no longer has to talk as she tries to convince the others to talk to one another.

Ada

(Ada) Agnes brightens when Kimon returns again. It might take her mind off having been caught out like that by Melissa! "I am, my lord. Thank you." She smiles, quite a bright smile, really, and looks towards Manos. "Rather in demand, I see," she says to Kimon, of the architect. It sounds for all the world like a compliment. The baroness bows her head to Manos and Irreth both. "A pleasure," she says. These are people far above her own station, and she knows it, but she chances her arm at getting a later conversation anyway. "I would be glad to discuss such arrangements at an appropriate juncture."

Irreth

(Irreth) "Eventually, yes. Fortification /first/," Irreth answers Manos, with a knowing smile. Knowing how big a job it is -- but also well aware of the transformation of Manos when she admits her intentions. "That is all I need hear-" well, /see/, really, because the answer is evident in his face, just as Irreth's delight is in hers, "We shall speak later," she promises, as she turns her attention to the hostess. The warmth when she greets Melissa is genuine, bright, as is the way she steps towards the Duchess, like they're old friends, extending her hands in greeting: "Thank you for the welcome, Your Grace. Just breathing here is a delight, I'm so very glad you convinced me to come." The Sufet turns her gaze toward the Baroness, her smile undimmed. "Baroness. I am indeed, courting your Duchess for trade, and I'm very open to others that have her word and regard behind them," said as if she weights Melissa's recommendation very highly, indeed. Melissa's mention of the temple is the only thing that seems to startle the Hadashi noblewoman: she hesitates for half a beat. "I'd very much be interested in discussing that, too," she agrees. "If you'll allow me to borrow his time, of course," with a soft laugh.

Kimon

(Kimon) Kimon remains there by Agnes' side, content to serve as emotional support Aetos for the Baroness for the time being. He takes a moment to sip his own wine, now that he's delivered snacks and merely stands around looking pretty while matters of fortification and construction are on the floor. He gives Manos a little grin, "Only giving acknowledgement where it is due, cousin."

Arrival

Kimon arrives.

Manos

Manos lets his gaze flick between Melissa and Irreth. A temple? He hasn't designed one of those yet? and if his cousin is willing to leverage his talents to gain social standing, he has no complaints. He lets their conversation run its course until the question of his time finally lands on him. "True. There are only so many hours in a day?" And he does have responsibilities at home. "But I doubt I'll be the only one on the project, yes?" He thinks a moment, then adds, "If I can send a deputy to take measurements and sketch the grounds, I can work from those. Or, if timing allows, I can travel myself after the season's duties are settled. There are ways to make the work fit."

Melissa

(Melissa) A more relaxing conversation is certainly needed and Melissa gives Irreth her full attention for the moment, "I am so glad you could make it and experience spring here. While I try to bring a small bit of home to Santuary, there is nothing like seeing Malthini in person and enjoying everything the city has to offer." Speaking of, the Duchess glances around the festival proper now that one issue has been taken care of to the other and the actual reason for the festival itself. The people! Then back to her family and friends for another moment, "Manos is great at what he does and I trust him enough to have excellent time management skills," she teases her cousin slightly before turning to Kimon, and there is no words spoken to him but simply a grateful light touch of his hand with hers for all he has done during the festival before and after. "I should return to seeing to people and leave you for the moment to enjoy eachother's company," she tells the gathered before her. "I probably should speak." Probably.

Ada

(Ada) Agnes, complete with emotional support Kimon, derives some perceptible measure of relief from not being the focus of anybody's attention. In fact, she's so relieved that, though not without a smile for Kimon, she starts to excuse herself. "I think I shall avail of this opportunity to tour the grounds." It's neutral enough that it might be genuine. And, again, to Kimon, "If the opportunity to dance arises later, I would be delighted to." Definitely genuine.

Irreth

(Irreth) "I can hardly fault you for trying to bring a piece of your homeland to Sanctuary, Duchess, since I'm guilty of the same," Irreth admits openly, with a quiet laugh. The praise given for Manos has the Sufet gazing at him with a smile. "An assistant is a wise idea. And I'll assign someone to be your local liason. I'd be delighted to host you in Min Nome for a time, and I'd suggest it's worth you traveling there before any designs are done. The desert and oasis has unique challenges, and it would allow you to get a feel for what would work with what stone is native to us." And then she dips her head to both Baroness and Duchess, though it's to the latter she addresses the words, "Don't let us hold you up from your duties. You've been more than generous with your time." No, that's not an intentional dig at Agnes; she's just used to the pull of time when hosting such an event, herself. "We'll catch up later," she half-promises, half-suggests.

Kimon

Kimon dips his head to the Baroness as she takes her leave. "Do enjoy the grounds," he tells her with a warm smile. Melissa is given a little sidelong grin as the Baroness departs, and then he's free to partake of some tarts, himself. This also allows him to listen to the conversation between Irreth and Manos which seems to interest him at least peripherally in that he's always interested in everyone else's projects.

Arrival

Bogdan arrives.

Manos

Manos nods eagerly to Irreth. "A wise suggestion I wholeheartedly agree with." He knows deserts aren't things to trifle with. "I'm also looking forward to seeing the cactus flowers up close." He looks to Melissa and nods. "You are generous in your confidence, cousin. I will endeavor to deserve it." He inclines his head as she prepares to leave. "Of course-the crowd awaits your attention. We will manage ourselves perfectly well." A beat, then: "It was nice to meet you, Baroness."

Depart

Ada departs.

Arrival

Dietrich arrives.

Melissa

(Melissa) Now that the Festival is in full swing, Melissa departs the familiar company of those she knows and moves with purpose towards a small raised dias placed in a central location of the garden and waits for a moment until all eyes turn in her direction. Her voice is strong and carries with little effort. "Thank you all for joining us for the Festival of Regrowth, a time to honor the changing of the seasons and to ask the Gods to once more bless the lands that produce a great many things. We provide offering to the Gods and hope that they accept them and show favor to the people who live here, the crops that grow here, and our friends and allies who are an extention of House Aetos. Enjoy yourselves, for tomorrow the hard work begins and we prepare for the future." Apparently she doesnt want to make a huge speech, people would much rather drink and dance at this point and now they shall!

Irreth

(Irreth) Irreth's smile is bright and warm, clearly delighted for Manos' interest in her homeland, and the unique flowers there. "I shall ensure you see them in person," she promises. With Duchess and Baroness departing, she gazes at Kimon, and then the tarts. "I suspect the Baroness was more interested in you, my lord, than the tarts. Are you an adept dancer?" Undoubtedly she's asking for Agnes' promise to seek Kimon out later. And then she falls silent as Melissa speaks, waiting until she's done before she lifts her glass in toast and drinks.

Dietrich

(Dietrich) \How very dare there be a party, nay a FESTIVAL without Dietrich? The Lordship has truly stepped towards the grand affair of affairs. Perhaps he was always here. Perhaps he was watching and waiting through all the concealed insults. He strides forwards with all the confidence of a man who knows he is exactly where he is supposed to be. That is the exact place that he is right in any given moment. A smile curves his lips very easily as he nods his head to those he passes. Is there wine? Surely, for he has found a goblet in hand. Is there a faux pas? Oh surely that is about to happen next. The best thing about deep voices is how they can just boom when one desires. The desire is true for now. Lord Dietrich Otrese moves with a dancer's (or playboy's) ease through the area. His hand coming to push that darned curl that always threatens to conceal his green eyes. Not today! Is that a dimple? That might be a dimple when he smiles. His eyes slide over the people and land on, how wonderful she's on a dias, the Duchess of the hour. He is wearing the purples of his house splendidly. Perhaps too splendidly and he's about to open his mouth (a thing his family may warn against if pressed), "NEVER FEAR! I, LORD DIETRICH OTRESE, HAVE ARRIVED TO BE THE MOST HONORED OF SPECIAL GUESTS!" Once he yells his arrival, he nods his head and rotates his wrist in a bid of 'please continue'.

Bogdan

(Bogdan) Castellan Bogdan, who has surely been here the entire time and certainly did not just arrive but has just been over there talking to his other friend who goes to a different school, you wouldn't know him, raises his glass to Melissa's toast. "Hear, he ..." he says, his brow furrowing and ehes narrowing when Deitrich announces his arrival. Bogdan is Not Pleased.

Manos

Manos attentively listens to Melissa's speech without shifting. At its close, he gives a single nod of approval, then lifts his cup in a small toast and finishes the remainder of his wine. The simplicity of it sits well with him; no need for anything grandiose. "He is quite graceful on his feet," he remarks of Kimon, having noticed how effortlessly his cousin moves through gatherings like this. Dietrich's loud announcement pulls his attention next, and he blinks slowly, unsure how he ought to process it-let alone react. "I... I think I'm going to go tour the grounds, too." He dips his head to Irreth. "I'll keep in touch, Lady Irreth."

Melissa

Melissa slowly steps down from the dias and offers the sweetest of smiles to Dietrich as his voice directs her attention to where he is. He will recognize the smile as the same one she graced him with upon their last meeting. "Lord Otrese" she begins when she is close enough to have a normal conversation, offering the man a slight curtsy before her fingers lace before her and she just stares at him with that same smile a little bit longer. "Wine?" she asks, "you were invited as a very important person who got lost on the way here? Are my lands so difficult to find My Lord, or do you get turned around easily?"

Dietrich

Dietrich is not a complete ogre (no offense to ogres) and will step forward to offer his hand if Melissa needs assistance down. "Lost? Never, Your Grace. I simply found an alternate route that delivered me right in time." To avoid the speeches. He grins fully with a full show of white teeth. If he recognizes the trouble he may be in, he's not showing it. He lifts one hand to show the wine he already has. "I have managed to snag a glass from somewhere." There is a slight 'over there' motion of his hand in a general direction. If Melissa does not deny him (and she may do just that), he will reach out to attempt to unlace her fingers and attempt to pat her hand on his forearm. "Distractions, my most graceful of Graces and honorous of Honors, I merely was not certain I could find a moment to bask in the beauty that your smile holds. The shimmering welcome so completely devoid of wrath. Now. As your most important person, surely you would like to introduce me around." He lowers a bit so he can feign whisper to Melissa. "They all know me, do not let them fool you, but please for politics, shall we pretend?"

Irreth

(Irreth) "A wise idea, my lord. We'll talk later," Irreth promises Manos, with a dip of her head by way of farewell. Having finished her wine, she sets it on a nearby tray, sweeping away from the crowd, letting the flowers pull her deeper into the field.

Depart

Irreth departs.

Depart

Kamzu departs.

Depart

Manos departs.

Melissa

Melissa allows her hand to be taken and placed upon Dietrich's arm as she turns towards those gathered, "oh good then, you have wine and that is often the first step to everything else." She doesnt speak on the attempt to flatter, there isnt even an eye roll this time, though it is clear it isnt working at all and yet he continues to do it even if he gets the exact same reaction every time. Insanity, the man is insane. "I would love to introduce you, but as youve said who wouldn't already know who you are. You have one of those voices none can get out of their head." She is so nice! Still though, she moves forward to do just that.