Welcome to the Edge

Night's Edge Monastary: Courtyard


 * Entering beneath the large sun-clay archway brings one into the courtyard of the former monastery. Never truly quiet, this space is wide and open to the sky, the central area through which the rest of the working manor is accessed. During the day, conversation and the passing of craftsmen and students keeps the area from being quiet, while night brings some peace - though often disturbed by the furtive form of someone thieving a midnight snack from the nearby dining hall or passing through on their way to a belated bed.


 * The open air garden is cut into two halves by pathways of coloured stone. To the east, the white pathway is of all white sun clay, fired and glazed, winding through mixed flowerbeds of Mikin orchids and the trellises of the creeping night's trumpet. The west path is of a dark, almost black rock with rougher edges, chipped and hand-fitted into a mosaic pattern of basalt that mirrors the winding way of its sister. The two paths come together beneath an elegant three tier fountain made of white marble, shot through with black veins and polished by the constant flow and splash of water.


 * A set of double doors, made of heavy biinwood stained to a darkened hue of near black, lead off to the north, their inlaid and gold-leaved inset of the Sunburst of the Light shining brightly even in the dimmest day. A small postern door, tucked at the end of an unassuming branch of pathway on the western side of the courtyard, leads north into the dining hall, while a small gate opens in the low salle wall to allow access to the weaponmaster's training area. 


 * Tables have been lined up that line the flower gardens to the left, white linens placed over them in preparation of food. Along the right, another line of tables have been setup with various chars. The area set for the a great many people though there seems to be only two occupants at the moment. A harried dark haired guard who at the moment seems to be sloshing a barrel full of water and apples off to the corner of the gardens to meet one of its hidden counterparts. A pole with multiple ribbons has also been erected no far away.

"Thank you, Markus. I want the children to be able to play in that corner. Other than the apples and pole, can you think of any other activities for the children?" Celeste inquires of the harried guard, his grumbling not even dampening the woman's spirits. Her dress that of the white velvet skirts and obsidian corset that seems to me a uniform for the Mikin.

Meian rushes in, smiling over at Celeste. "My lady," she calls out, "Should I b-bring out the food here to the tables? I j-just have a couple more pies to check on!" A glance around the courtyard and her smile broadens, helplessly. "It looks lovely!"

Celeste turns around, nibbling her lower lips. "Yes, that would be wonderful, Meian. May I talk to you for a moment before you rush off. It is regarding two matters that I fear that I should speak with you on before the festivities of the evening."

"Of course," the girl immediately replies, brushing some hair back from her face. Like the rest of her, that hair appears to be nicely groomed at the moment, her violet and black outfit neatly kept and devoid of any cooking stains.

"There will be a time tonight that we will have to explain the intent of Night's Edge. I need to know if you will be adverse to answering questions about what we intend to do here?" Celeste brushes a hand down her skirt, watching Meian's face with a renewed intensity. "We are here to teach the Light, and how to live with the curse, or blessing that a person must bear. This is important for us to remember because there will be those that come here tonight that would wish for nothing more than to see us fail, Mein...and I truly do not wish for this to be the end of our chapel."

"I am not adverse," states Meian steadily, shaking her head. "If I might suggest, my lady, I'd p-prefer to... hm, how to describe it... present the Touched side of it in p-particular, discuss primarily what the role of the Touched is here. I think people will be more able to d-deal with the concepts if I don't t-try and talk about the Sun-kissed at this early date, just my own kind."

"They will ask, Meian. I can assure you that they will ask. But I will need you to tell me first what you will say, as we will have enemies in the guise of friends...and they will play a politic game to try and ruin what we have built here," states Celeste calmly. A flash of gold to her eyes the only admittance to the fear that hides within her breast still.

Meian purses her lips thoughtfully, voice calm. "Well, that we- as Shadow-Touched- are of course m-more open to corruption than regular people, but t-that under the close watch of the Light, we're less likely to go astray. That if we're taught about the Light, and how to behave rightly, we'll only ever use our powers in the service of good and nothing e-else. Is that acceptable?"

Celeste nods her head, sighing with a hint of a smile returning to her lips. "I was going to use the words moderation, temperance and restraint, but you seem to understand my fear." She reaches out to place a hand to the bard's arm reassuringly. "Meian, this place is a great deal to each of us that live here. I do not want to see someone of close minds try and destroy what could be a first step for the betterment of Fastheld...no matter how small it may seem. And I trust you..." She states firmly.

Meian smiles softly at Celeste, bowing her head. "Thank you, m-my lady. I understand not to do any f-fiery preaching about how Shadow-Touched are g-good, any such thing like t-that. I'll limit myself to insisting we are not all born completely evil. Little steps must be taken to introduce ideas to closed minds, s-so that beliefs have changed before anyone knows about it."

"I wish that we could change their minds with but a blink of an eye, but I believe in time..they will come to understand. You are my friend, Meian...touch or no touch," states Celeste firmly. She stands with the smaller woman near the pole of ribbons.

Meian smiles softly to Celeste, bowing her head. "Thank you, my lady. But, it's getting l-late. I should definitely set out the f-food now, unless you needed to speak with me about a-anything else..?"

Into the courtyard sweeps a Kael. Grandly. Well, as grandly as he can manage, anyway, self-consciously tugging at the cloak over his shoulder, adjusting that feathered cap on his head. Bathed and groomed... and dressed in clothes /far/ beyond his means.. he seems more than a bit nervous as he takes in the preparations.

"Will you play for us tonight? I know it is short notice and if I had not had that incident a few days ago..I would have asked by now. But I was hoping," if a noblewoman could give doe-eyes...this is exactly the anxiety that Celeste shows at asking.

A soft chuckle, and Meian assures, "I had thought you might w-want that- so I was p-prepared for the request, yes. I wrote a song, t-though on short notice, so it may not be the b-best I've ever composed... still, I'll certainly play it and anything else y-you want me to, my lady. I -am- supposed to be your minstrel, after all." She doesn't seem to notice Kael yet, her attention caught up by Celeste.

Unusually punctual and unusually clean, Varal Mikin struts in - his baldric in hand. He apparently has made an effort to not smell like horses and mud for this event, though he's dressed like a commoner. He's apparently looking for someplace to stash his sword during the party.

Kael moves across to the dancing-pole and the women arround it - self-conscious. ".. Celeste. Meian ... thought y' might coul' use some help. Anythin' I kin set hand to?"

"That would be wonderful," replies Celeste with relief. The noblewoman turns to Kael, "actually, I was going to ask if you would be adverse to answering questions about Night's Edge for me, Master Firelight. It seems you have an invested effort here as much as the rest of us and we may need your wisdom should we receive a belligerent naysayer." She turns to guard quickly, who you would swear the man was slinking off to escape the noblewoman's eyes. "Markus, can you see about setting anything that Meian will need help with. She's already got her hands full and will need the help," she notes with a hint of firmness to her usual soft alto.

''The guard scuffs his foot, making sure that the noblewoman does not notice and then moves to follow Meian into the house. His gaze studying the dirt to his boots again rather than the crowds that slowly begins to arrive to the courtyard. Some dressed in the simple fineries that a freelander can buy while others dress in the soft velvets and silks of minor nobles...all with a sense of curiosity about them.''

''The light and dark courtyard has been split into two sides. One side is dedicated to a sumptuous feast of pies and various other dishes. This is continually being refilled by young women dressed in simple white gowns of cotton, their hair pulled back with white satin ribbons. Along the right side of the garden, tables have been lined with chairs in preparation of the meal that is to follow. One chair set at the head with a russet cloak draped over the back as a somewhat "claiming" motion. The chairs are a dark-stained oak with white linens and earthen plates at each of the settings.''

''Off towards the far corner of the yard, an area has been set aside for the playing of children. Some already laughing and teasing as they bob for apples and dance about a large pole that has been erected. The twirling of the ribbons swaying in time with the music that wafts through the courtyard by the small troupe of bards.''

''The air is one of festiveness and camaraderie, with bright skies and the moons shining down on the gathering. Some have even taken to dancing off in front of the small pavilion that has been erected for the musicians.''

Meian gives Kael a very warm smile, standing on tiptoe to steal a quick kiss before she calls to the two of them, "I'm bringing the f-food in by wagon. T-that part I can manage, but I'll need someone to s-start unloading it while I take one last trip to the kitchen, so that's where I'll need help!" This said, the girl scurries off quickly for the archway.

Kael nods to Celeste, seriously - he and the noblewoman stand near some of the decorations for the night's fete, the young man looking rather self-conscious in dress that exists to look good rather than be functional. "I kin do that, aye, I guess. M' nae much fer talkin', but... if folks got questions, I kin try. If th' get belligerent, kin throw 'em out fer ye, too." He grins, at that.

Varal stops in the middle of the room and frowns. With a sigh, he slings the baldric back over his shoulder and moves towards the food. He takes a hulking piece of some sort of meat-based pie and finds a corner to enjoy it in.

Making his way into the courtyard of the Monastary comes Duhnen Seamel, the man making a leisurely pace of his walk. At his side, Stowynne walks as well, the pair of them engaged in some conversation or another. "..was blueberry pie /everywhere/," he comments to her with a shake of his head and amused grin. "Never seen a thing like it, and could hardly believe my eyes," he states.

Cautiously and slowly, allowing plenty of time for the crowd to give her wide berth, Meian drives a horse and wagon into the courtyard... backing the wagon up to the tables of food and leaving the servants to unload more victuals and drinks for everyone's consumption. That done, the girl hurries off again, this time towards the salle door.

"Well, respectfully, Your Grace, perhaps you should not have solicited the dog's help." Stowynne says, attempting to adopt a deadpan. She's smiling though, and this may ruin the effect. She smoothes a hand over her skirt and then gives in to chuckling.

Lyddmull Seamel steps hurriedly through the archway into the courtyard, brushing the dust of the road off of his clothing before stopping to take survey of the place.

Pausing to look to his cousin, Duhnen states for a moment, before being unable to help but laugh loudly. "I'd rather the dog go to it than my wife, trust me. Though, likely, she'd have made me do it myself." He glances about the courtyard, then, considering. "I've only been here twice before. And both times briefly. I haven't quite had a chance to really look about."

Celeste turns about from the harried guard, leaving him to tend to the tables with the ladies. Her eyes widening at the crowd that seems to find its way to the courtyard...her own steps wandering off to the great fountain that splits the garden.

Kael smiles as Celeste moves away - tipping that hat back.. and staring as the wagon's unloaded.

You know, there's an old story of rats and a piper, and them unable to avoid following his music. If Kael's a rat, that wagon's the piper, and the succulent aromas already crossing the courtyard? The tune. He's powerless to resist, already moving across with a vaguely awed expression.

Stowynne deliberately bites her tongue at that and clears her throat, stifling further laughter. She nods though, looking around, "It is a rather lovely place. Lady Mikin has truly done wonders. She shifts to the side, noting both Lyddmull and Celeste herself.

''The musicians slowly begin to play again. The soft whispers of tuning precede the soft melody that begins to ring out through the garden. The motley group choosing their crowd well as it is a song without words but speaks in soft whispers through the area, non intrusive and trying only to add to the festive air.''

"The interior of the chapel is something. Especially the glass working," replies Duhnen at that. The placed out food receives a considering look, before Celeste next. "I suppose we should be polite and greet our hostess before eating her food, shouldn't we?" he states with a chuckle.

Meian wanders out of the kitchen, unable to keep from smiling at the sight and sound of all of the festivities. She's bearing what seems to be a large tray of pastries, three steaming pies and one smaller tart, which she carries over to the table of food and begins to unload.

Varal slowly begins to work his way through his slab of eel pie. After a few eager bites, he looks quizzically at the piece of food. After a shrug and a sigh, he returns to eating it from his nice, lonely corner of the party. He pays less attention to the pie and more attention to his surroundings as people slowly arrive to the party - almost as though he's on the lookout for danger. Eventually, he seems to let himself relax.

Lyddmull Seamel's eyes light on the huge repast being laid out and he chuckles, though his gaze continues its search as he begins to move further into the courtyard.

Celeste seems content to remain by the fountain, she turns to greet a new arrival every few moments. At times it's is a simple farmer, the next a minor noble...each greeted with the same gentle air. "Welcome to Night's edge, please...try the pies," she notes to this family or that.

Kael starts by loading his arms - a bit of cheese, a cherry tart. Oh, there! That's chicken, and that is boar... and that! That looks.. who knows /what/ that is, but he's going to eat it anyway. When the arm isn't enough to carry it, he thieves a small serving-tray, layering food atop it until balancing more would be guaranteed disaster.

"I think that would be the best course of action," Stowynne agrees, "Though, look. Lord Lyddmull is here as well." Her gaze continues to skim and rests for a moment on Varal. She blinks a moment and purses her lips in thought before staring slightly at Kael's reaction to the food. She begins to chuckle again. Whether smiles, gazes, and glances are noted? Doesn't seem to alter her general demeanor friendliness.

Meian's gaze is caught by Kael's food-thieving, and she giggles helplessly, shaking her head with a fond smile before gravitating toward Celeste. In a low voice, she murmurs, "I hope I have enough food, my lady? If n-not, I've got a -little- more in r-reserve... but any way, I'm ready to do any entertaining, whether with m-music or by answering questions, that you need me for."

"I've not had much of a change to ever speak to Lyddmull," replies Duhnen at that, beginning to make his way towards where Celeste stands. "He was injured, as well, and I wish I had the chance to talk with him more about it. Still."

Lyddmull's eyes finally light on what they seek and his smile spreads even wider. Seeing that Celeste is occupied, he contents himself with a bow from across the room, should she look his way, before he moves further into the courtyard.

Celeste smiles down to Meian, eyes atwinkling in all the excitement. "I believe we should be fine. I will seek out Markus about herding everyone to the table and we can see about a proper sit down meal," she comments to the bard.

Stowynne nods, "I have a feeling that you should be able to circulate as much or as little as you wish tonight, Your Grace."

The freelander and his caloric horde? He starts for the tables, already chewing on a bit of that chicken, and then thinks better of it, altering course for the fountain's edge. It seems a bit of a conundrum there, for a moment - juggling food, cloak, and unfamiliar clothing (nearly losing his hat) before he manages to get settled on the marble, all without ever really setting down dinner. Almost a juggling act in its own right, really.

Duhnen Seamel flashes an amused smile to Stowynne before pausing before Celeste. "Evening, Lady," he greets with a grin. "As you can probably guess, I received your letter. Though if I knew you'd have children here, I'd have brought Katya, perhaps. As it stands, though, I only brought my cousin." He gestures to Stowynne.

Varal finishes his pie and begins licking its remnants off his fingers in a show of matters befitting of a peasant. He wipes the spittle off on his trousers. Stifling a yawn, the Mikin stretches out his back with a soft pop and leaves in search of something to drink.

Mild dismay registers in the girl's face. "A sit-down meal, my lady? You said you weren't a-aiming for a sit-down meal. I don't have anything o-organized for courses or anything l-like that at all. There's not enough of e-each dish for every person."

"I'm sorry, your grace. I should have mentioned it in my letter," notes Celeste a bit sheepishly. "When I went to visit the local temples, I had suggested that they bring the children so that everyone would feel welcome. I'm sure that if it goes too late, we can put them down for a nap in the salle." She glances over the over excited children, "yet I don't believe they will be slowing down anytime soon."

With that, Celeste offers a bow of her head to Stowynne. "It is good to see you again, Lady Seamel. I hope to have good news for you in the next few days, if you would be willing to come and visit." Her hand absently reaching out to place on Meian's arm at the protest, and finally stealing her gaze away. "The sit down part is for the discussion as to why we are here celebrating this evening, dear. You have done exceptionally well," she says with sincerity to the bard.

Lyddmull Seamel begins to meander slowly about the courtyard, his eyes lighting up in amusement as he is nearly run over by a gaggle of the afore-mentioned little beings that are running amok. He threads through the gathering, his eyes ever and anon drawn to the fountain and the Mikin noblewoman as she continues to greet all comers.

Stowynne's lips curve upwards in a smirk, "Yes, even though I told him that I did stop sucking my thumb last week, he assured me that it would be close enough to pass muster." She inclines her head and sketches a curtsy, "Good day, Lady Mikin. Everything looks amazing." She tilts her head slightly in question but nods, "Of course I will." She looks to Meian at the girl's distress and repeats, "All of the food looks wonderful, Mistress Skygleam. I hardly know where to start."

At the fountain, food dissapears at an alarming rate, Kael's mess kept under some semblance of control by using the fountain itself to keep his fingers clean rather than wipe leftovers on borrowed velvets. Really. It's a wonder he /tastes/ any of it.

After a quick look over the assembled beverages, Varal snags a glass of simple red wine that he assumes is a Mikin vintage he'll know. As he takes a sip, the nobleman in the garb, though quite clean, of a commoner takes a moment to regain his bearings. After another, less tentative sip aimed at preventing the contents of the glass from sloshing about, he moves in the direction of Celeste.

Likewise, Duhnen turns to Meian with a reassuring smile. "I certainly won't have issues with the food prepared, Miss. And should any give you trouble about it, I'll mock them thoroughly. Never fear." He quirks a grin and wink to Stowynne, before nodding to Celeste. "All the same, no harm done."

The smile Meian offers all of the reassuring nobles is matched with a curtsey, the mage-cook offering a little diffidently, "If none of you m-mind that you shall all have to e-eat different things r-rather than being served courses, well, who am I to have any problem with it myself?" A glance over her shoulder to Kael, and she adds with a conspiratorial smile, "...but you may wish to hurry before that w-walking stomach over there devours it all."

"You are welcome to bring them by anytime, your grace. After tonight, Night's edge will be officially open for those that wish to come," Celeste states with a hint of pride. She smiles over to Meian, "you are welcome to start playing whenever you wish, dear. Just tell them to hush and share that song that you were telling me of earlier." She offers a gentle squeeze to the mage's arms and quick, but amused smile to the freelander. "We may wish to see about a few dishes and make our way to the table... if you would like, that is."

The walking stomach is busy, though he does seem intent on doing just that.

Lyddmull begins to circle the tables, not particularly interested in the food, unless it is to stare agog at the vast amounts of it assembled. He chuckles quietly to himself as he continues his circuit of the courtyard.

Stowynne laughs, "If I were a gambling woman I think I'd be taking odds on how soon it will be before some of that food ends up making our friend a ill." From afar (to Stowynne and Celeste Mikin), Kael does plan on being horribly sick on

"Mm, well. I don't wish to keep anyone from it. As for me..maybe a drink wouldn't hurt?" Duhnen considers, glancing over to where the food is gathered. Stowynne is glanced to, an eyebrow raising in question, before his attention falls to the distant Lyddmull, watching his wandering.

Varal places a hand on Celeste's shoulder, offering a polite smile of greeting to the small entourage that has surrounded her. "Quite the feast, cousin," he notes. "You'll have to excuse me for sneaking in and offering you my salutations so late." There's a slightly embarrassed smile that the Mikin attempts to cover with another sip of wine.

Celeste turns, reaching up to place a hand lightly to Varal's on her shoulder. "Thank you for coming, cousin. I was worried you might not make it, and that would have saddened me. Seems another stepping stone for our House back to the Light that we both love so much," she confides in hushed tones to the Mikin at her side. "Hopefully, they will not throw me in the fountain after the speech that I have prepared."

Meian murmurs to Celeste, with a faint smile, "I'll join the musicians, then, and you can t-tell me when you think is an opportune time. I feel a little unsure it's a g-good enough song for this crowd, but... well, I'll t-try, yes?" Reaching into a haversack slung over her shoulder, the girl retrieves her liltrum and heads off to climb onto the stage.

Coming to the end of the tables, Lyddmull Seamel turns his gaze towards the fountain again, this time his eyes spotting the returning gaze of Duhnen. The young nobleman inclines his head towards the Duke respectfully before altering his course to head in that direction.

Stowynne watches Varal speak with Celeste and seems about to provide a comment for or to the gentleman. However, she catches Duhnen's comment and raised brow. She blinks slightly but smiles easily enough. "I don't think that it would, Your Grace. Did you have a preference?" She shifts back smoothly, "It looks like there is more than enough selection."

Smiling towards Lyddmull, Duhnen dips his head as well, before an eyebrow arches and he looks back to Stowynne. "Well... no, I didn't have a preference. But, the real question is, do you?"

Kael peers up - slowing down as the tray makes a reappearance - burping slightly as he peers out at the crowd, much more interested in the proceedings now that the edge is off. Gnawing at the edge of a cherry tart, he grins across at Meian, watching her climb up to join the other musicians - offering a wave if she takes any notice of him, simply watching if not.

Varal clears his throat. "They'd have to get through me, first, cousin, 'less I was part of that mob," he reassures the other Mikin. There's a small smile towards Stowynne. "My apologies for being so inconsiderate and unavailable of late."

Celeste smiles back to Meian, "I'm sure they will love it as much as myself, dear. You should not second guess your music," she chides softly, the warm smile to the Mikin's lips trying to soften the chastisement. She glances back to the small gathering of Seamels and then back to Varal. "Let's hope my words do not bring such a response," she offers with a sly grin. "We may want to start making our way to the table though. I would hate for everyone to fall asleep before knowing why they are here."

Perhaps Meian's always aware of Kael- her gaze hadn't been obviously on him, yet at that wave, it's returned with a soft smile and a blown kiss across the courtyard. Her reply to Celeste sounds faintly distracted, "I'll endeavor to p-prove you right then, my lady," as she settles into place and arranges that liltrum in her lap, beginning to tune the strings first.

Lyddmull Seamel moves up to Duhnen after threading his way across the courtyard. "Good evening, Your Grace," he says with an easy smile, "It is good to see you under more pleasant circumstances." As he speaks, his gaze momentarily slides towards the nearby conversing Mikins.

Stowynne tilts her head, "Oh, I am sure I'll find something, Your Grace." Her tone is light and she turns towards the circulating trays.

"Indeed. Nice to see us about with nobody greviously injured," Duhnen replies to Lyddmull with a bright smile. "I'm glad to have a chance to speak with you again, as well. I take it you and Stowynne are already aquainted." He glances back to the woman at that, blinking at her words, before seeming all the more surprised as she turns. "Wait..where are you going?" he asks her.

Kael doesn't stop with the eating, no - this would be criminal. That said, as the conversation flows around his seat at the fountain, he simply peers curiously between faces - and up at Meian as she prepares to play, the mage and her instrument getting the vast majority of his attention... after the roast bison.

Varal frowns as Stowynne seems to ignore him. "Well, that's certainly one way to send a message," he mutters under his breath. He moves to flank Celeste for the time being, though his eyes are on Meian and what is likely to soon be a performance.

Stowynne may be delayed in her response, but she does indeed respond. Perhaps something was lost in the multiple discussions happening at once. She glances back over her shoulder, eyes moving first to Varal, "No apologies are needed, my lord. I well understand that you have numerous duties. Though? If I have come across as a less than dedicated student? I should offer you my apologies. Perhaps, at a more appropriate time, we can arrange when to meet as we'd planned? I would be more than grateful if you would deign to teaching me whatever I'm capable of learning." Her voice is smooth and even. Though, Duhnen's question gains her startled attention, "I was going to get us some drinks, your grace. It won't take but a moment."

Celeste waves her hand towards the dark haired guard from before. Many guests quickly picking up on the man's name and using it as a personal address like that of the noblewoman. He leans into the woman, the two speaking softly for a few moments. She smiles to Varal, "If you could excuse me my lord." The female Mikin steps away from the fountain and begins making her way to the length of table that has been set down. The guard on the other hand hurries off grab a small cowbell.

''A bell rings out through the yard. Sure enough, Markus is ringing that poor cowbell with all his might. He seems rather excited and waving his free hand towards the table that Celeste has wandered off. "Time to eat," he bellows out. "Please make your way to the tables, it's time to eat."''

Oh! Wait. Kael peers down at his nearly empty tray, blinks - and /visibly/ thinks through the implications of ringing bell and the sudden gathering at the tables. With a merry grin, he comes to one, very obvious conclusion...

"I can get /more/."

Suiting action to that thought, he hops up, belching, and moves for the wagon and the servers again.

Up there on the stage, with the liltrum tuned, Meian softly launches herself into song after that announcement. It's a tune that begins with a pensive sound, almost melancholy, plucked out delicately but with excellent control of its sound. Rich harmonies underlay her high, clear, soaring voice as she begins to expressively sing.

"A burden bear I, my whole life long In my soul as on my cheek; It shadows my smile and darkens my song, Echoes in each word I speak."

A small figure slips quietly through the archway, a sleek, dark shape that lingers against the outer wall for a moment. After some quiet observation, the figure stirs and steps away from the wall, out to mingle with the partygoers. Torchlight and moonlight reveal the young man to be Syton Temple, and a somewhat uncomfortable-looking Syton Temple at that.

Lyddmull Seamel nods in agreement with Duhnen, offering Stowynne a nod of greeting. "My lady," he says. As he turns back the other way, his face falls a bit as something seems to have gone horribly wrong for him. He frowns inexplicably and looks around the courtyard again in consternation.

Varal allows Celeste to escape. "That sounds agreeable. I've been going over how best to teach with my own combat trainer, so it ought to be interesting," he offers to Stowynne as he turns to watch the performance. He takes a sip of his goblet of wine, and allows the music to carry him in the direction of the tables.

"Ah, let me get it," Duhnen replies with a laugh to Stowynne. "I was offering, after all. Or..at least I meant to. Well, regardless.." The bell gains his attention, of course, what with the way the poor man is wrenching his wrist to ring it. "Course, it doesn't matter who of us go to get it now, does it? Come, let's sit." He smiles over to Lydmull. "Join us?" His words fade as he notes the look on the man's face. "..what's wrong, cos?"

''As the ringing of the bell dies down. Well actually, a blonde guard arrives and steals the blooming thing from the poor guard. A camaraderie between the two guards, for those that know the Viscountess well, they may recognize them as her personal guard. The smiles upon their faces near daft as one gives chase to the other, ending promptly at the table and the collecting of a small feast between the two. This feast almost, but not quite, rivally that of the walking stomach of Firelight. Though after a few moments, one of the guards, this one tow-headed, moves over to the waiting female Mikin. He offers her a plate of chicken and a goblet of wine before dashing off to join his counterpart again.''

"You were? How fallible of me!" Stowynne laughs and her cheeks blush faintly. She nods to the invitation to sit and gives Lyddmull a look which may appear like well concealed sympathy. She does not comment directly however, instead nodding back to Varal. "I expect it will be, my lord." The singing quiets further speech as it captures Stow's ear.

A little of this, a little of that - Frankly, Kael's not paying much attention to /what/ ends up only on his serving-tray, only that something does. It seems he's distracted from his gastric adventure by Meian's singing, a thing that slows him down quite a bit. Regardless, with another round of food and song? He heads back for his spot at the fountain, smiling, and watching the lady minstrel more than his path.

A cascade of notes ripples down the strings, a soft pouring-out of sound that speaks of loneliness and separation. Attention entirely on the liltrum, Meian pours an equal amount of emotion into the words of the second stanza, her eyes half-closed.

"This path is not one we choose to tread, But the Shadow cannot be ignored; Whatever we beg in the depths of our dread, We cannot lay down our dark sword."

Celeste pulls out the chair at the head of the table, the one that was held only with the soft russets velvet of a cloak. Her fingers steepled, and her attention to the pavilion and the bard who sings with all her heart. For a moment, it seems that the guests seem to disappear for the hostess. Only the shuffling of a chair as another joins the table brings her attention crashing back to the festivities at hand.

Lyddmull's eyes finally find a cloaked chair and its occupant and he sighs somewhat glumly. His attention returns to Duhnen though and he smiles a bit. "Forgive me, your Grace," he replies, "I would be honored." He glances up at the pavilion, smiling a bit more broadly as he listens to the marked musician.

Syton slinks through the crowd, not drawing much attention to himself. He glances across the courtyard to Celeste, then over to Meian, before finally moving towards the center fountain. The young freelander takes a seat next to Kael without comment.

Duhnen's attention remains fixed appraisingly on Lyddmull, a small frown etched on his face. "Something troubles you," he states, needlessly. "If I can help, please don't hesitate to mention it." He gestures for the other man to head to the table.

Kael wordlessly offers that plate over to Syton - he /can/ share! - not even really looking at the other freelander as Meian's song continues. "Sh' is amazin', aye?"

Varal finds a seat at the table, stretching yet again as he finds the most comfortable way to sit in it. He removes his baldric and places it in his lap. His attention moves between Celeste and Meian as he enjoys the performance and awaits the promised speech.

Stowynne reaches out to take a glass of wine from its tray, not sipping it just yet but indeed claiming it. "You've not had a chance to greet Lady Mikin, have you, Lord

Lyddmull?" She murmurs quietly to the man. "Perhaps you should at least say hello? We will make sure you have a seat to sit with us, I'm sure."

''Children are slowly ushered away from the maypole, and the soft plunking of children trying to drown one another as they try to outsmart their companions of who can snag the most apples. Always coming up with the one and a face drenched from the water. Some parents pause, listening to the words of the bard and then darting glances to the figure of white at the head of the table. Some more with an uncertainty, but each moves to find a seat either among the tended grasses or to the remaining seats of the long table. Sounds slowly dying away to be filled with the heart wrenching song of Meian Skygleam.''

A similar torrent of heartfelt notes bridges the gap between the second and third verses, plucked out swiftly by deft fingers that don't threaten to miss a note- even with the complexity of all the harmony woven into the song. The melody is remaining much the same as she continues, as is the remarkably clear quality of the singer's voice- though after this third verse there's a longer interlude of instrumental music.

"Tis a bleak road that faces a mage, whatever good they might intend; Hatred and fear craft a stronger cage, than steel that might could bend."

"She's good," Syton agrees, albeit somewhat understatedly, as he pushes Kael's plate away gently. His blue-gray eyes watch the performance, but his attention truly lies with the Mage beside him. "It's been a while. How are you?"

Lyddmull Seamel's mouth opens to protest Duhnen's question but Stowynne's words halt him before he speaks. He smiles, chagrined as he looks to her with a grateful nod. His eyes track to the lady in question before he looks to Duhnen, looking slightly embarrassed. "By your leave, your Grace," he says with a faint smile.

The magus takes back his plate, eating quietly as he listens - ".. m' good. Mostly." He flashes Syton a grin, then - "let m' hear this - then wi' tell ye whate'er y' want t' know."

"Of course," nods Duhnen, gesturing for him to go. He watches for another moment, before sighing to turn to head off to the table to pluck up some of the mead, before finding a seat by Stowynne. "I'm concerned," he states bluntly to her.

Celeste does not touch the meal in front of her. Nodding and smiling to others and they join the table about her. A slight tremor to her hands, only noticeable by the subtle jostling of the red liquid to the glass. Every few moments, her attention returns to the figure on the stage...pride glowing golden in her eyes.

Varal finishes off his wine, then places his cup on the table for a servant to deal with. He scratches his chin while he enjoys the continuing festivities.

"May I ask why?" Stowynne does, indeed, ask. She sits and sips the wine, head slightly cocked as she listens.

Syton's response to Kael is only silence. He nods vaguely and looks from Meian down to his feet. For now, it seems, the young Freelander is content to contemplate his boots.

It's a minute or two of interrupting playing, during which the melody gradually morphs, before Meian begins to sing again. Several subtle key changes shift the tune, the melancholy sound showing itself more rarely as the song becomes hopeful- and then, stirring, played with the fervor of true belief. When the girl begins to sing again, her voice is stronger and firmer- as are the notes themselves.

"Only one thing can reach between those bars that keep us alone and apart; The Light's loving rays can ever reach far To the depths of the human heart."

"The man looked like he was passing a stone," replies Duhnen at that, his voice quiet, drinking from his mead as he distractedly listens to Meian. "Is he still injured, perhaps?"

Lyddmull Seamel nods his thanks to both of the present Seamels before turning to head quietly towards the table where the hostess is seated. He does his best to avoid the diners and yet not obstruct anyone's view of the pavilion, the rout taking him almost completely around the courtyard. Finally, he comes up behind Celeste, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder and squatting down to eye level as both of the nearby chairs are taken. "Good evening, my lady," he says quietly with a smile.

Kael glances up to Syton - actually reaching out to rest a hand on the man's shoulder for a moment - before going back to the performance. It's an oddly reassuring gesture, the mage's face remarkably kind, if worried.

Celeste starts, nearly sending the white that was already precariously teetering at the edge down to the table linens. She turns slightly in the chair, her hands clutching a bit more tightly to the goblet now. Though this is subsides at finding the Seamel at her side. "Good evening, Lord Lyddmull. I hope that you find the festivities to your liking," she mummers softly. Her attention split between the playing bard and that of the man kneeling at her side now.

Stowynne laughs softly, "I've never heard the two states compared, Your Grace. Though, I am, of course dreadfully naive in many matters." she says dryly, "But look," she nods towards Lyddmull and his greeting of the hostess. She looks at Duhnen and very deliberately raises a brow. "That is so unfamiliar to you?" She sips her drink again.

Syton acknowledge's Kael's gesture with a brief glance, but nothing more. He turns back down to look at his boots, and spotting a bit of errant mud, reaches down to brush it off.

Duhnen, again, regards Lyddmull appraisingly, sipping from his mead. He sits at one of the tables next to Stowynne, the two talking quietly. "That? Not so much. But earlier, it could have very easily been something different."

Griedan walks into the courtyard from the chapel. While he's not as festively or formally dressed as many other guests to the monastery, the silver ringmail does seem to suit him. As always, there is a white glow radiating out from the large man's very skin. His brown eyes cast over the group gathered here, recognizing all of them, but it is the hostess, Celeste, whom he takes primary not of and approaches first and foremost.

"I imagine that everyone handles things in their own way," Stowynne says demurely. "Are you still worried?"

Lyddmull Seamel grimaces a bit at the noblewoman's reaction. "Forgive me, Celeste," he says, his tone still hushed to avoid being heard above the music by anyone else, "I did not wish to startle you." He nods a bit, smiling now, "It is indeed quite a gathering, you and everyone here have quite outdone yourselves. How are you holding up?"

That song from Meian broadens again as it enters its last stanza, now not only hopeful but triumphant, sung with a fierce pride and dignity- and a smile to match. The tune soars high and loud, somehow enough voice coming from that small woman to echo to all parts of the courtyard, but it doesn't drown out the agile playing of her fingers. "This one chance we have, and gladly will I Seek the guidance of the Light- I will gird on my weapon and watch the sky, Day's soldier who walks in night."

The final note hangs in the air for a lengthy moment before her hand stills the strings, and she takes a faltering, deep breath, viewing the crowd with a rather more uncertain smile.

Celeste brushes a hand to Lyddmull's shoulder, "you may wish to take a seat, my lord. I fear it is time for my speech." The woman sounds hesitant, and the glass still shakes between her fingertips. She takes up a fork, smiling back to the Seamel one final time and rises.

''The soft rapping of the glass can be heard throughout the courtyard. The crowd of visitors having fallen mostly quiet over the evening. Celeste stands at the head of the main table, dressed in the white and black velvets that have become customary over the last few moments. She clears her throat, and looks out over the assembled crowd.''

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has come to join us in celebration tonight. This chapel has been a labor of love for many of us for quite a few months. Each man, woman and child helping from the planting of flowers to the re-seeding of the forest, each leaving their own mark if you will. I would like to thank the support of my matriarch for allowing me to bring this dream to fruition as well as my kinsman Lord Alin and Lord Varal. I would also like to thank the dukes that have given their support, trust and belief in what we hope to accomplish. To the freelanders who have given not only of their time but their hearts to hard work here, such people as Mistress Skygleam, Master Firelight, and Master Griedan. Though there are many more who have visited our halls, leaving with us: wisdom, support and above all, friendship,” states the Mikin.

"Of course," replies the Duke with a small nod of his head. "I likely will be, for a while, as well. But, I suppose it's unavoidable." As the music stops, he reaches to set his mead gently on the table, before turning to face Meian to applaud loudly, smiling approvingly at her. He lets the applause fade as Celeste begins to talk, listening.

Kael grins widely as Meian brings her song to a close - and finally sets that serving-tray aside, largely empty twice over. As Celeste stands - he bites back whatever comment he'd prepared for Syton - blinking... and listening yet again, curious.

Varal leans back in his chair, very interested in what Celeste has to say.

Stowynne falls silent, turning to both applaud Meian and then listen to Celeste speak.

Lyddmull Seamel offers Celeste a quick smile in return before he somehow manages to slink away without detracting any attention from the speech. He moves silently over to where the Seamel Duke and Stowynne are sitting and finds himself a seat nearby, turning his attention back to the speaker.

Syton doesn't look up to Celeste, but the smile that forms on his face suggests that he's listening. As she speaks, he nods along slightly, a subtle sign of agreement.

Celeste takes a deep breath, closing her eyes to the assembled group. "The chapel before you was established in the vein of the Stanchion, holding education and enlightenment of the Light above all else. It currently stands as a testament to what can be achieved when we look beyond the glow of a man's skin or the Mark to a woman's cheek and build with our hearts. The intention of our small chapel is quite simple really, we shall open our doors and working together, those of born of Light and Shadow... or somewhere in between, to see the work of the Light taught."

"Guidance to others who may feel lost and seek a sanctuary to understand the burdens or blessings they bear. Our hope is to work in concert with the teachings of Light's Reach and provide a means to help one to learn that with moderation, restraint and temperance, we can all live together without turning against the ones that we love," she continues. The words grow firmer with each breath and word...her fingertips slowly returning to a gentle tapping of the glass. A final sign of her own nervousness.

Meian folds her hands together over that liltrum, listening to Celeste single-mindedly with a broadening smile as she drinks in the noblewoman's words.

A sly smile slowly begins to dawn to Celeste's lips, slowly opening her eyes to the gathered group. Gone is the golden corona about her sea-green eyes, and only the natural color shows through. "We have lived in a world of secrets and caves for too long, and I believe it is time that we let the Light shine throughout Fastheld again. As such, we encourage people come and visit our halls, that no judgment rests in our hearts for the Mark or blush to a man's skin, only that he seeks the teachings of the Light. Now, I believe I've talked long enough and would ask that if you have questions to please direct them to myself, or those who now reside here. Such peoples as Master Firelight, Mistress Skygleam or Master Griedan," she finishes with a contented sigh.

Kael winces, murmering to Syton - "light. Sh' /hae/ t' have 'em ask /me/..." For once, /he/ seems nervous. "I look a'right?"

Varal begins applauding. After a moment, he rises to his feet.

Duhnen nods his head slightly, before clapping as well. He looks over to the spoken of people, considering each, before chuckling and glancing to Stowynne.

"What, you thought this food was free?" Syton raises an eyebrow at Kael and smiles. "And you look fine, Kael. In fact, I almost didn't recognize you." He chuckles at the implied insult, then finally looks back to Celeste.

Griedan pauses in his approach towards Celeste as she makes her speech to those gathered, nodding his head at the noblewoman as his name is spoken. Once she has finished, he begins to approach again. He smiles lightly at her before finally offering his customary awkward bow. "Meh Ladeh. A fine speech, aye. Yeh look a right in yer el'ment."

Lyddmull Seamel is beaming as he joins Varal in standing to applaud, joy shining in his eyes.

Stowynne shakes her head slightly and stands up, "Forgive me, Your Grace. I should likely take a step outside for a moment."

Meian rises with the others, cautiously leaving her liltrum behind to clap enthusiastically for Celeste. She doesn't look surprised at the speaking of her name, bowing her head to anyone who looks her way at its mention.

Celeste gingerly lowers herself back to the seat, that wineglass now coming in handy as she takes a deep sip. Color flares to her cheeks at the sound of the applause, having troubles swallowing down the wine. The fragile calm shattered at the sound of the mason, who receives an intrepid smile from the priest. "It is good to see that you were able to make it, Master Griedan. I was worried that we would be celebrating without you."

Kael snorts at the man next to him - "S' prolly a good thing." He pauses - "If y' want t' talk 't her, jus' give 'er a moment. Wi' nae be too long, m' guessin'. If y' lookin' fer me, though, m' here now." He smiles. "s' been a while, 'n y' look a bit ... worried."

Duhnen nods to Stowynne. "Of course. Please.." He rises to his feet as well, watching her leave, before turning back to look to those still about, before nodding to Lyddmull. "You've visited here before, then?" he asks.

Once the applause dies, Varal takes advantage of standing by moving around to find another glass of wine. He watches Griedan and Celeste's interaction with no attempt to veil his interest. Yet another glass of red finds its way into his hands.

A remnant of a smile lingers on Syton's face. He glances halfway back to the mage beside him. "I wasn't looking for you, but I'm glad I found you anyway," the freelander replies to Kael. At the rest, though, he waves dismissively. "I'm fine, though. Just a little restless."

Stowynne inclines her head to both Lyddmull and Duhnen, then slips out of the courtyard.

Lyddmull Seamel's attention is jolted by the speaking of Stowynne and Duhnen Seamel. He nods to the departing noblewoman before turning back to the Duke. "Yes your grace," he replies quickly, "On several occasions."

Picking up that liltrum again and slinging it over her shoulder, Meian climbs down off the stage, wandering over to Kael and Syton with a warm, friendly smile. "I'm glad she s-started speaking so soon after my song," the girl confides wryly. "Wasn't sure h-how well the words would c-come across, hastily penned as they had to be."

Kael nods to Syton - "jus' seems like w' all are, a bit. I been worried 'bout ye, though - y' been.. far away fer a long time." He offers a hand up to Meian - "'t were beautiful, m' heart - y' coul' nae hae chosen better. S' it yers?"

"As ifn I would miss somethin' like this, Meh Ladeh." Griedan tells Celeste. "I'm 'onored what that yeh would 'ave meh. I'm sorreh fer meh dress, aye, but meh clthers are otherwise all needin' what to be washed anew."

Duhnen nods his head at Lyddmull, smiling in some amusement, then. "Please. Don't let me keep you, if you wish to go socialize," he offers with a gesture, lifting his drink again.

Celeste waves a hand absently at the mason's words. "Clothes do not express the heart beneath, Master Griedan. You should know that by now," she notes with a hint of her amusement returning. Taking another sip of the wine, she nods to his or that person as they make their way back to the various amusements.

"I thought your penmanship came across wonderfully," Syton compliments Meian, turning from her distractedly to look up Dayhunter. The crimson moon holds his attention for a few seconds before something occurs to Syton and he looks back down to Meian. "It's good to see you again, Meian."

''Speaking of amusements, the bad scurries back to the stage to take up their instruments again. This time the song is boisterous and loud, Some would claim it to be bawdy if one were to put words to it, but for now, it is just a lively tune for others to come and dance... and dance they do. Parents allow their children to return to the dunking of one another's head, while they move out to the pavilion and begin dancing.''

Lyddmull Seamel's eyes shift away from the Duke for just a moment but he shakes his head. "Actually, your grace, I have been hoping to come and speak with you at Jade Gardens," he replies, "Though, with one thing and another, I have been prevented from being there at a time when you were available."

Varal drinks enough of his wine that it won't slosh around dangerously in the glass, as he did prior, before approaching Celeste and the glowing man beside her. He moves to flank her, but makes sure she's aware of his presence. "Wonderful speech, cousin. And no mob, either."

"A great deal of credit needs to go to Master Songbird," confesses Celeste. "If it were not for him finding me wandering about the Aerie this morning, I fear that I would be bald and still have no words to pen. Instead, he was able to help me to express what has been eluding my thoughts for so long...but you, Varal." She states sincerely, reaching up to clasp the male Mikin's hand affectionately.

Meian takes that hand of Kael's and raises it to her face, to kiss it lightly, before letting the two joined hands fall back down. She murmurs, "Aye, I wrote it, though I'm n-not sure how well I conveyed what I wished to... ah, I think it'll do, and thank you b-both for the compliments." The smile she turns to Syton then is, curiously, gentle... almost sympathetic. "...aye, it's also good to see you, Master Temple. Hasn't it been since... oh, Light's R-reach."

"Ah?" replies Duhnen at that, his attention falling back to the other Seamel. "Then please, speak. My doors are always open, but if here will do just as well, I'm willing."

Lyddmull Seamel seems mildly distracted, but he leans on the table and nods. "I had hoped to seek your counsel, your grace," he says, "I find myself without much direction at the moment, yet I would not have myself remain idle."

Kael lets the two talk across him, watching Syton curiously - intent, in a way.

"Walking with no direction is the best way to find yourself somewhere you've never been before," replies Duhnen at that with a curious smile. He gestures for him to sit."

Lyddmull Seamel nods a bit with a chuckle as he follows the gesture gladly. "Indeed it is, and so it has," the young nobleman replies, "Yet I still feel as if I am wasting my time in idleness."

"I suppose it was Light's Reach, but we didn't really get a lot of catching up done..." Syton ponders that for a moment, frowning slightly, before shaking that thought off and returning to the present. He motions vaguely towards where she was performing a moment ago. "You were great tonight, much improved since the last time I saw you play."

A definite bashful note slips into the girl's expression as she nods. "Well, I'm n-not sure if you've ever seen me perform since that v-very first time... I usually wasn't that awful even t-then, but I've had a lot of chances to improve my nerves... and practice a good deal. Thank you for the compliment, though. ...I've o-often wondered how you've been, since you always seem so... well, tired."

Duhnen seats himself as well on the chair, idley reaching a hand to extend a finger and trace it along on the table in an odd symbol. "Do you feel you've learned anything?" he asks, glancing up at him.

"Words are merely vessels for ideas, cousins. Without great ideas, what use would words be?" Varal responds to Celeste, patting her hand. "As you know, you have the entirety of my support, as meager as that may be. Although, perhaps, you may need less of it. It appears that you may not need the additional protection of my men. Things are peaceful, and the garrisons of Light's Reach are nearby." He pauses. "I don't mean to seem eager. They will be at your service until you decide you don't need them."

"Aye. Last few times I hae seen ye, Syton - y' seemed.. nae much yerself, t' tell truth." Kael flashes the man a smile - "Sort o'.. angry, I guess."

"What I have learned is that there is a great deal that I do not know," the young Seamel says to the Duke with a grin, "Such as why there is such an evil hold on our realm as would induce a group of normally peaceful people to rise against their neighbors, take the law into their own hands, and kill." His tone darkens a bit as he says this, his hand resting on the table and slowly becoming a closed fist.

"As much as my ranger companion would feel that I should be over-cautious, they can go home, Varal. Thank you for allowing them to remain as long as you have," replies Celeste sincerely of the older Mikin. "I've another idea that I wish to present to the prince, but have not been able to speak with him yet. A means to help those who may have lost their way."

Griedan bows in turn to Varal as he is nearby a glow of white still surrounding the large man. "Meh Lord. 'S good what to see yeh 'gain. I 'ope that the days 'ave been treatin' yeh well." There's a brief shimmer in his eyes but it fades away a moment later. A smile is returned to Celeste once again. "Well... I know, but I still wish what that I'd been able to dress a li'l bit nicer, all thin's conci'ered."

Syton offers an odd look to Meian first, then shifts it to Kael, and ultimately, splits it between the two of them. "In my defense, the price of ale has increased dramatically..." He huffs softly and shakes his head. "I appreciate the concern, really, but I'm fine. Soulsearching can become terribly dull, though, and try as I might, I'm not poor enough to justify working."

"Perhaps you should s-stay here for a while," the girl suggests gently, with a light shrug. "I can't say much about w-work, but dull is a word that you can rarely apply here at Night's Edge. It'd be nice to get to talk to you as w-well... and the kitchen is always stocked, so I can just add ale to the supply list."

Varal nods to Griedan. "The pleasure is mine, as well. I can't say that I am particularly festive, either." The Mikin shrugs, then turns back to Celeste. "I will take them home with me, then. Should you require their assistance, you need only ask, cousin." He takes a sip of his wine. "If you need someone to talk to about whatever you wish to do, or some form of assistance, well, I fear I'm getting into the habit of repeating myself."

"At least you know there's much still to learn," nods Duhnen at that, glancing back down to the table for a moment, before shaking his head. "Still. People can do some shocking things when they're either angry or frightened. I've seen it many times. Usually, they're not always the best of things, either. From what I heard, they were incited and played upon, however. Preyed upon, even, in order to be made to do what others wished them to do."

Lyddmull Seamel nods in agreement. "I saw that," he replies, "And I would that I could help to prevent such from happening again, this time with better results than merely getting myself injured."

Snatches of other conversations seem to catch Griedan's attention and he glaces towards Meian and Kael, then away to take in Temple, Duhnen and Lyddmull. "Meh Lord, Meh Ladeh, ifn yeh will 'scuse me." he says, taking his leave of the two mikin nobles to being approaching the other group.

Kael nods to Syton - "Sounds t' me that y' coul' do without ale anyway - ne'er does anyone much good." he smiles, wryly. "an' maybe y' kin teach me a thing o' two."

Celeste shakes her head, smiling warmly to Varal. "Cousin, you have been kind already to allow them to stay this long. I believe that we may still face troubles if the Scales continue their excursions of justices and wanton murder. Though, I hope to find out more of such a group soon enough." She falls silent for a moment, looking down to her wine. "Will you be trying for knighthood, cousin? You know that I would believe you quite able, and you'd only need to speak with our matriarch...and I believe she would support you."

"I appreciate the offer, Meian, and I certainly will steal from your kitchen, but I do not think I could stand to be here for so long." Syton shakes his head gently, his nose scrunched in disgust. "Too much philosophy." Kael's comment illicits a dark chuckle. "Kael, I like you far too much to teach you anything I've learned."

"I'm glad it wasn't serious," Duhnen offers with a small nod. "Influencing people is..difficult at the best of times. Tricky, as well. Is that what you wish to do? Be a leader of men?"

"Follow your heart, cousin," replies Celeste softly, reaching up to clutch at his hand. "If you could stand it, we could always use a man who could help teach here as well. I fear that if I should ever achieve knighthood, then I will not be able to perform my duties here as readily."

"Your Grace," Lyddmull replies with an amused chuckle, "Ask anyone from my home and they will tell you that I cannot even lead a cow. No, if I am to lend any aid in this, it will be with spear and shield."

Meian chuckles softly, murmuring, "Well... I do leave the kitchen of my o-own free will from time to time, if not -that- often. But if you w-won't come here, then I s-suppose I do have to go to wherever you are instead." Kael's cast a fond look, and a gentle smile, as the girl teases, "...for someone who thinks himself s-slow, you have quite the l-love for learning, don't you?"

"Lots of people can't do things until they learn," notes Duhnen with a small shrug. "Still. THese are your choices to make." He taps a finger on the table, before tracing something that appears different.

"I fear, cousin, that I am only a mercenary, no teacher. If I could teach anything, it's fighting. Frankly, I don't have the patience for other pursuits. I would do poorly at them," Varal responds to Celeste with a slight shrug. "Then again, maybe I could make my lessons with Lady Seamel something a little more official. A school to teach nobles how to use a weapon."

"i got too much t' know, 'n nae enough time." Kael smiles up to Meian. "jus' 'cause I donnae learn /fast/ donnae mean I donnae want t' ken what I can, aye?" He looks back to Syton. "m' thinkin' yer fond o' that. S' nae yer mos' endearin' trait." His smile becomes more than a bit rueful. "Syton - y' donnae face all that 's out there alone. Ne'er have, e'en if y' like thinkin' y' do. Y' got friends what woul' help ye, 'n learn from /ye/, too, if y' let 'em."

Lyddmull Seamel nods a bit, "Well, we will see what the future holds, for now, I seek only your counsel. How would you proceed in my place, your grace?"

"That sounds wonderful, cousin," Celeste sighs, allowing the turn of conversation away from the topic. "The life of a priest is not for everyone, and one must come to such a path on their own. Still, a school could be nice; shall I send anyone I meet to your doorstep, cousin?" She asks with a quirk of her brow and a wry smile.

Griedan appraoches the group with his hands clasped behind his back, glowing faintly. "Good evenin' to all o' yeh." he says, offering small ,yet somehow still awkward bows to Lyddmull and Duhnen. "Meh Lords. How are the tow of yeh?"

"Well, you may not want to ask me for advice," replies Duhnen with a chuckle. "When I was in your place, I wandered Fastheld for a year, playing music in taverns and just generally being a layabout," answers the Duke, grinning at his cousin.

Syton rolls his eyes, a gaudy, dramatic motion involving nearly his whole body, ironic in its intensity. Barely audible, he mutters, "Yes, Kael, I was struck by lightening and suddenly forgot that I can ask my friends for help." He meets Kael's eyes with his own, tired but resolved. "Patience, Kael."

"I'll leave that to your discretion," Varal replies simply, shrugging. "Perhaps doing so will bolster any application I would intend to make towards knighthood. At least it gives me something to do besides riding around trying to find desperate peasants who prey upon peasants who are even more desperate and the occasional freelander."

Lyddmull Seamel looks up as Griedan greets him and smiles. "Good evening, master," he says, "I am well today, thank you." He turns to smile at the Duke. "Then knowing what you know now, how would you proceed."

Celeste shifts uncomfortably, trying to cover it up with a sip from her own wine glass. The a nibble to her lower lip before finally finding her voice again. "Yes, but there is other things that you could be doing. Have you been to Light's Reach? They may need a bit of help there," suggests the female Mikin.

Likewise, Duhnen looks to Griedan, smiling at the man. "Hello, Master," he greets with a nod. "I'm well."

"I've...visited," Varal responds, "But it is difficult, cousin. It is beautiful, more grand than Light's Reach ever was, but, it's not home. It's a reminder of what I've lost. I don't particularly like being there. Funny, it's a blessing and a culmination of everything I could ever hope for, but now that it's here...I don't want it."

Meian places her other hand on Kael's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. Looking at Syton more than her freelander mage, the girl softly offers, "Yes, patience. Everyone h-has to go about their life their own way, right? If he doesn't want to visit us, well... we'll just keep the d-door open until he does. And," she adds, looking directly now at Temple, "I think we can k-keep it open however long you want."

Kael sighs. "i been havin' patience, Syton - jus' worried about ye." That rueful smile remains. "M' sorry - jus'.. m' here, y' ken. Whene'er."

"Similar has been said of my Marked friends that have visited there. That a part of them doesn't feel welcomed," sighs Celeste. "I know what part that is, and that it is difficult for them to deny it. Just as it is to deny what lives within you and I, cousin. We can only try and find our way, sometimes it is like walking through a rainstorm and we stumble and fall. Other times it is as clear as the dawn...you will find your heart, cousin. I just know it," she states firmly, offering a gentle squeeze to Varal's hand.

"Seems quite a bit o' 'eadeh talk goin' round druin' a time what's s'posed to be fer celebratin'." Griedan lightly chides the group. He offers them all a faint smile, the most he's truly been able to summon up for quite some time, really, but it is genuine. A large hand reaches for a glass of wine, engulfing the small vessel entirely within his grasp.

Syton whistles a low, steady, impressed tone as his eyes move between Kael and Meian. "You two are quite a team," he says with a grin. "And I will come to visit when I am in the area, if only to make sure that the two of you are still worried about me."

"That's what happens when you put too many nobles together," Duhnen replies to Griedan with a small nod and chuckle, lifting his mead a bit in aknowledgement of his words. "Talk talk talk. Right, cousin?" He glances to Lyddmull and grins.

Kael's laugh is inclusive and warm, at that, pointing at Syton as he says - "aye. An' Meian kin feed ye, 'n I kin bore ye t' death. Wi' a full belly 'n me dronin' on, wi' get plenty o' sleep, 't least."

Lyddmull Seamel nods in agreement with the Duke, turning to Griedan with a smile. "You are quite right, Master Griedan," he says before looking back to Duhnen, "Forgive me Your Grace, you came to enjoy yourself and I am impeding you."

Griedan laughs at Duhnen's comment and shake shis head at the man, causing his curls to bounce just a bit with the motion. It is getting to be time for his monthly trim. "Talkin's fine, Meh Lord. I 'joy it much as ana man, aye. But 's time fer 'appiness an' sharin' funneh tales, not the 'eaveh talk o' bus'ness."

Meian sweetly assures Syton, with a wink, "Brawn and brains, claws and feathers, food and t-talking, whatever y-you want to call it. We like to w-work together on all fronts- two loads of g-guilt are twice as powerful as one. ...though seriously, I'd l-like to get to know you now I'm a little less shy than I once was, and Kael needs something to k-keep his attention away from the food."

Varal smirks. "It's comforting to know that someone has confidence. Personally, my belief in the Light has always been based on people. Our works express our devotion, not the other way around. It bothers me. Something doesn't sit right."

Celeste slips finally from her chair, blinking in uncertainty. "With what was said here tonight, cousin," she questions, the cautiousness returning to her voice. "I believe we strive for the Light and in doing so, we better ourselves."

"It's no worry," replies Duhnen with a grin. He gestures for the two to talk, seeming content to drink his mead for the time.

"Quite right," Lyddmull replies to Griedan with a smile as he rises to his feet, "My apologies."

"He's eating for two--man and dog," Syton smiles and nods, proud of that one. "Well, if you two ever get bored and want to do some travelling, you'll find me in Hawk's Aerie, or East Leg, or the Central Bazaar, or Silkfield, or the Lightholder Crossroads, or basically anywhere other than Light's Reach."

"Aye? Hmm. tell ye what, then - why nae meet up in th' Aerie 'n a few days? Woul' be a good spot t' get a bit o' food, 'n maybe see 'bout goin' up t' Wedgecrest." Kael looks to Meian. "what do y' say, m' heart? Woul' be a fun run, up to th' wall."

"That's it. The Light is it's own reward. A sense of fulfillment and righteousness. Having a gift, and such, seems perverse. And the deification of a dragon, on top of all that, it makes me uncomfortable," Varal responds.

"No problem with t-that," Meian acquiesces readily, smiling in a rather cheerful fashion. "H-hopefully this time, I can actually run with you. ...if not, w-well, I'll take a carriage and a nap, I s-suppose. Either way, I'd love to."

"She is not to be worshiped, or seen as anything more than the multitude of symbols we already have, cousin." Celeste offers with a soft smile to Varal, "to worship her would lessen all that we have seen of her. No, it must be for the Light alone that we seek to strive, my lord."

Griedan shakes his head at the two Seamels and sighs merrily at them. "Ah, yeh dun 'ave what to take me so ser'ous, Meh Lords. 'S not somethin' what that people much seem prone to do, aye." he says and takes a drink of his wine. "I'm to grab mehself some food, aye. Either o' yeh an' ana while I'm gettin'?"

"I should actually head out," Duhnen replies after a thought, looking from one to the other. He nods at that, draining his drink, before rising to his feet and stretching a leg.

Lyddmull Seamel's attention seems elsewhere for a moment until the two men speak. He eyes Griedan curiously in confusion. "What was that?" he asks. To Duhnen he offers a nod, "I hope to see you again soon, your grace."

"But that's the problem with these dragons, cousins. They seem greater than us. More powerful. Whether or not they are /too/ be worshipped, they /will/ be worshipped because people look up to power - perhaps hoping to find some of it for themselves. The Cult, for instance. Not to say that worshipping the Light will be the same as the Cult, but there's an inherent problem in utilizing a creature as a symbol," Varal says with fervor. "Using the dragon as a symbol will, intentionally or unintentionally, create something to be deified. To be worshipped. Some will think that the dragon is the Light."

Griedan blinks his eyes at Duhnen as he rises to his feet and then whispers loudly down to Lyddmull. On an empty stomach, the wine has taken a quick effect. "Do I smeel bad or somethin'?" he asks, then seems more inclined to answer the man's question. "I asked what ifn yeh wan'ed ana thin' to eat whilst I'm up gettin' some fer mehself, Meh Lord."

"Then I will see you two there..." Syton says to Kael and Meian, qualifying it with a slightly belated "probably." He rises to his feet and tugs at his armor, but he doesn't seem to be in a big hurry to leave.

"Ah, that is when you have a priest explain the difference. Did you know that both symbols in the nave are of Light, cousin? One shines down on the other...the other being the very image that was adopted from the Stanchion to Mark a mage," explains Celeste softly. "They are both present, but they mean nothing..they are but symbols. As a quill is to a scribe, and neither lend power....but the cultists, yes. They seek their power from a drake, but there will always be those people who falter and look to another more powerful to solve their problems, for they are afraid to find the courage in themselves."

Kael watches Syton rise - ""n a day o' three, m' thinkin' After all o' this 's cleaned up an' set. Wi' be worth seein' ye regardless."

Meian nods her agreement, though her gaze wanders... with something rather like caution in it, as she surveys the whole crowd. Those pale eyes don't pause on anything for too long, perhaps searching for trouble they don't find- after that pass, she relaxes visibly and returns her gaze to the two men. "...Yes, I'll look forward to it," Meian agrees verbally, this time.

"A priest is but a man, cousin, and people will still draw their own conclusions. Light's Reach makes a point as to what conclusion to draw. Though, it also shows the magnificent the Light is," Varal responds. "Perhaps it is that the first drake I ever heard of was the Ravager and it destroyed my home. I will never be able to look up to them, and using them makes me physically sick."

"You didn't do anything wrong," replies Duhnen to Griedan with a grin. "I just have children at home. And one tends to get fussy unless I sing her a song before she goes to sleep," he explains.

"I can understand that my friend. As I've said before, the drake that hangs within my chapel is a homage to a woman that I hold dear. She means a great deal to her, and helped me to realize my own life," Celeste sighs. "As I said, we should not look to other forces to solve our own troubles, but find the strength...the *Light* within ourselves."

"I will come up with something fun for us all to do. Dinner, dancing, perhaps a take in a play or two..." Syton runs a hand through his hair tiredly and exhales. He looks pointedly to Kael. "You know..." he begins, only to abort promptly. "Nevermind." Syton nods to his fellow freelanders, "Kael, Meian. Light keep."

Lyddmull Seamel looks over at the Freelander beside him incredulously, shaking his head with a grin. He turns to Duhnen and nods, "Have a pleasant journey home then, your Grace."

Griedan offers a bow to Duhnen and a faint smile. "Light protect yeh, Meh Lord." he says before going to the table and dishing himself up a helping of food from the spread. He returns with a healthy portion which he begins to eat. He offers a nod of greeting to both Kael and Meian once more. "'Ow are yeh both?" he asks.

Lyddmull Seamel sighs as he finds himself alone again and leans back on the table, his attention shifting towards the conversation between the two Mikins as he takes up a wine glass.

"Mayhap I play too strong the cynic, but dragons and drakes, their kind, I'm afraid I will always bear a strong hate for, until something happens to change that," Varal responds. "But at times I lack the shining optimism to be a good priest."

".. a.. er. As y' wish, m'friend. LIght keep ye, an' keep ye safe." Kael's tone betrays a bit more worry, even as he glances up to Meian, then back to the merchant. "Jus' three days, aye?"

"Aye," Meian mock-threatens, though it's not without a faint anxiety of her own, "you had b-best be there waiting for us in three days, or I'll be right spiteful when n-next we -do- meet."

"No cousin, you are not easily swayed by the grandeur of such a being," Celeste remarks with a hint of a smile returning to her lips.

Griedan looks back and forth between Meian and Kael and then simply shrugs his shoulders. "Sorreh to bother yeh." he mumbles and takes up a seat not far from Lyddmull again. "I 'ope yeh dunna mind a freelan'er eatin' next to yeh. Promise what that I willna bite yeh."

Turning about, Duhnen begins to make his way out of the grounds, a buzzing rising up about him as he walks, before he vanishes.

Syton laughs outright at Meian. "You improved with your instrument, but you still need to work on your threats." The freelander smirks at himself as he turns to walk out of the courtyard. He waves over one shoulder, presumably to the couple he's leaving behind.

Meian chuckles and waves to Syton as he leaves, before glancing to Griedan. "Sorry," she calls back to the stonemason with an apologetic smile, "I'm good, a-although it seems I might be a little hard of h-hearing. I didn't notice you there at first... somehow."

Lyddmull Seamel turns to look down at the seated Freelander with a chuckle. "That I am quite certain of," he replies, still somewhat distractedly.

Kael waves to the retreating Syton - "...heh. I dunno. I thought that were nae too bad." He blinks, and peers over to Griedan. "M' sorry, m' friend - were nae payin' a bit o' attention t' much. "

"'S alrigh', aye. I mean, 's easeh what to miss someone what blocks out the sun when 'e walks by." Griedan teases the marked couple. "Cer'ain o' what, Meh Lord?" he asks Lyddmull. "That I willna bite yeh?" he asks as he looks the nobleman over. "No 'fense, meh lord, but aye, I think yeh wouldna taste all tha' well, so def'niteleh no bitin' from me. Kael on the other 'and..."

Celeste slips away from the table, intermingling with the receding crowds. Her route seemingly unguided until she comes to stand at the Seamel's side. Her hand gingerly lowering to rest to his shoulder, "may I have this dance, my lord," she requests of the man. The music still plays softly over on the pavilion, the tune now lending to that of a softer melody.

Meian laughs helplessly, bowing her head. "Aye, I think it was the l-light shining off your holy forehead blinded me, Griedan!" She glances to the stage thoughtfully, then back to Kael, giving the mage's hand a light squeeze.

Lyddmull Seamel chuckles quietly at Griedan's ramble, shaking his head. The man's words occupy his attention long enough for him not to see Celeste's approach. He looks up at the touch, smiling when he sees her. "I can make no promises regarding injury, my lady," he says with chagrine, "But I would right gladly give you the dance." He reaches up to take her hand, turning to Griedan with a smile, "If you would excuse me, Master Griedan."

Kael smiles up to Meian - "g'on. Wi' love hearin' ye." He squeezes her hand.. then waves her on. "Go play. Make sommat beautiful."

Celeste smiles over to the mason, "I shall try not to keep him for long, Master Griedan. I fear that I was rude, and need to make amends." She looks back to Lyddmull, guiding him out to the dance floor. "I do not promise to spare your feet. There is still a Kahar out there cursing my prowess as a dancer, my lord," she confesses with a wry smile. This does not stop her from making a valiant attempt though.

Griedan waves a hand at Lyddmull and Celeste. "Bah, doesna bother me, Meh Ladeh. Dance with 'im till 'e canna stand anna more." he says and begins to set into his food, pasunign a moment to look up at Kael, his tone becoming more serious now. "was dif'cult, aye, three 'ere at once with a mark, but I managed. E'en with Meh Lord Seamel usin' a spell." he says, breathing out heavily. "Was vereh 'ard what to keep it controlled."

Meian leans in and steals a rather firm kiss before turning a soft smile up to Kael. "All right," she quietly replies, "but one of these d-days, I -will- make you dance with me, and that's a promise." Stepping back, she slings the liltrum around to her front, quickly altering the tuning of a few strings with rapid little motions that seem as much instinct as anything else. Griedan's comment gets a worried glance before the girl scurries off to the musician's stage and waits a moment for the current dance to end, before playing.

Kael looks up to Greidan, then - "Wi' say 't says sommat good about ye, then, m' friend. An' more, 't says sommat about th' folks wi' marks an' th' folks marked 'n other ways - what w' kin sit in th' same room 'n nae try t' hurt each other, aye?"

Lyddmull Seamel smiles broadly as he turns to face the Mikin when they reach the dance floor, shaking his head. "My lady, I do fear I will give you reason to regret this," he says, but he puts his free hand to her waist and begins to move. His timing is absolutely horrendous it is not long before he trips over his own feet.

Griedan shakes his head at Kael. "I dun think yeh unnerstand, Kael." he says and sighs, watching Celeste and Lyddmull rather than the two mages, though he speaks to the one. "Whene'er I'm 'round magic bein' used... there's a pull in me... an urge to... make it stop. Whene'er I'm round yeh when yer transformed, I 'ave to fight the part o' me what makes me wan to make yeh suddleh a man 'gain. More mages there are, 'arder it is to resist. When the Duke used he spell to vanish like that... Thought what that meh 'ead was goin' to split."

Sadly it is not only his feet that the Seamel finds, but that of the priest's as well. The warm smile slipping from her lips to that of panic as she catches the hem of her skirt....two staggering steps back and she smacks into another couple. Who then in terms trips over her own partner. The lone Mikin stands in the middle of what can only be described as a domino effect, all caused by her hand. She looks over her shoulder quickly to smile at the Lord.

Meian raises a hand to her lips, looking horrified... but for all her efforts, a strangled little laugh slips out. Seizing on the chaos, the girl lifts a hushing hand to the other musicians, and in the ensuing silence begins a much slower song... the kind of pleasant formal dance almost no one could destroy. Although, perhaps that's merely a challenge to Celeste...

Maybe it is the wine already in his system, but Griedan, along with the children who have been allowed to stay up still, laughs uproariously at the disaster on the dance floor, his voice lifting in mirth loudly above the din, though at the first notes from Meian's instrument,, he dulls it into a low, private chuckle.

Lyddmull Seamel looks up at Celeste from the floor, his eyes surveying the havoc that they have created. "Incredible," he mutters in amusement as he hauls himself to his feet with a grin at Celeste.

Celeste stands there alone, hands to her mouth, horrified at her own mess. Thankfully, no wine or food is spilled this go round...nor is there a man cursing her name, well, except for the laughter from a far off corner otherwise known as Griedan. She spins about, eyes widening further at finding the Seamel to the floor and watching tentatively as he stands. ".....sorry," she meeps.

Lips twitching with the effort to hold in amusement, the girl keeps on playing the pleasant, calm melody, smiling in a helpless fashion down at Celeste and Lyddmull.

"'S 'bout as well as I could do, aye." Griedan murmurs to the couple. "'least when it comes to dancin', 's like I 'ave three er four lef' feet, aye." he offers his large, meaty hands down to a young man and woman sprawled out on the ground, helping the two rise. "'Couse ifn I did it, would prbleh be 'least one fataliteh, whatever who I fell on, an cracks in the flagstones."

Lyddmull Seamel grins over at Griedan. He looks up to Meian with a grateful glance and holds out his hand to Celeste. "Now that we have cleared the field of all comers, shall we attempt something a bit less strenuous?" he asks, smiling warmly.

"Here you go," the bard calls down to the dancers merrily, "aye, s-something a little more suited to... a slow, careful time, perhaps. I do hope you enjoy it less energetically than the last one, or I'll need to find a healer soon as possible..."

Celeste laughs, nodding her head vigorously. Unable to trust herself with words, just yet. She takes holds of the hand, and steps closer to the Seamel. Her sea green eyes looking up to his face in the hopes that he will lead this time.

Griedan shakes his head merrily and find himself joining in the dance with a young girl, possibly all of eight years old and completely dwarfed by the large acolyte/mason. Still, he seems to find some joy in it and chuckles merrily along with her.

Lyddmull Seamel smiles, putting his free hand around the woman's waist again. He is still a bit clumsy, perhaps shaky from the fall, but he at least keeps his feet this time, glancing at them from time to time, which is indeed a hardship, considering that it forces him to take his eyes from Celeste's.

Wordlessly, Meian starts to sing along, a cheerful little tune that just echoes what she's playing. It doesn't seem to have any real point, simply fueling her smile as she plucks out the melody for the dancers, watching them happily.

Celeste. though attentive to her own feet as well now, it is not everyday one clears a dance floor so quickly. Though the lack of obstacles allows the former scourge to move with a smoothness of step. Her gaze finally slips away from their vigil of her footwear to watch the profile of the Seamel in amusement. "It seems that I was able to collect on that dance after all, my lord," she says softly.

Griedan spins the little girl around in time with the music to be accompanied by a shriek of joy and excitement such as children are wont to do. Despite his size and musculature and even the power evident in his hands, he is extremely gentle with his partner, as though she were made of glass. The child's parents watch on from the table with smiles.

The speed of the music slowly increases as Meian seems to get caught up in the excitement of the dancing, the deliberate nature of the quickening allowing those already dancing plenty of time to adjust. Her foot taps in time as if it itches to join the dancing itself, but she remains up on stage, letting the other musicians follow her lead.

The young Seamel seems to have his hands quite full with even this simple dance. "Such as it is, my lady," he replies with a brief chuckle. He looks up into Celeste's eyes, his own beaming happily despite the concentration the action is taking. "You were truly amazing tonight, Celeste," he says gently, barely getting it out before he has to look down again to avoid trampling her as they turn a corner.

"Thank you, Lyddmull. I have my friend Master Songbird to thank for the words. Truly," Celeste sighs, "if he had not found me wandering about the Aerie today...I fear that I never would have been able to give the ideas voice. It is easier to believe, and quite difficult to teach at times." Her own gaze remaining to the Seamel's face and keeping time with the music....surprise after her display only moments before. "Thank you, well, to you and your kin, for coming. I just wish the others could have seen it as well."

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