505-02-04 Green Fields Music Night

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Ellie digs around in her pockets for a few moments, pulling out a couple of paper packets before finally pulling out enough coppers to buy a ticket for eating and one for dancing.

Briony dips a knee to the duchess in a curtsey and makes her way to the stage, the squeezebox breathing like a cat in heat as she jostles up to sit on the edge of the stage. She lifts her skirts a bit, tugging off one boot, and then the stocking, stuffing it inside.

Aileana greets the Foresters as they arrive, a wave given even as she holds a big jug, just right for blowing out some song beats, "Good evening. We're going to start playing in a few minutes! Please, if you are going to play the music for everyone to dance to, then it's free."

Ysora comes in from the south hallway. Ysora has arrived.

Khalani laughs softly, lifting her voice to call back to the Duchess. "I'd be glad to pay, as anything I'd play would merely drive people away."

Serath comes in from the south hallway. Serath has arrived.

Aileana laughs now, "Oh, you just wait until Finn gets here. He'll at least have you trying to play the spoons...or the washboard! He's really great at the spoons. I like the jug here myself." "I will pay as well." Micah offers, moving over to hand over the five silver and one copper for the dancing. "Plus, I'm" Micah turns and grins at the Duchess as he overhears her and he just gives a long slow laugh. "I cannot wait to see that."

Phailin does offer a bow towards Aileana as she makes her way to the stage. She's got something small in her hand but its defintly apporiate for this kind of set up. In seeing Briony on the stage already there's a bow seen for her to. In true Fielder style her feet are bare and she's in too long pants rolled up to her knees. You'd expect her any moment to be chewing on a piece of hay but no she doesn't do that, just yet.

Strides into the hall, giving a grin and a nod to Aileana, a small fiddle in one hand as he heads towards the stage, his feet bare as ever. He join Briony and chuckles, "Been a while since I played in public, but let's see what happens. And Finn better move his arse, if I'm doing this, he better bloody well get up here and join me!"

"Aren't spoons for.. eating with?" Khalani sounds more than a little skeptical at the prospect, but she slips some coins in, just to ensure that she's not required to demonstrate her lack of musical skills.

<OOC> Phailin says, "what that Phaeton?"

Athar comes in from the west hallway. Athar has arrived.

After buying her tickets, Ellie just watches everything else get set up for now. She pulls a candy out of one of the paper packets and pops it into her mouth before putting the packets in her pocket again.

Ysora hands over a few coins in donation, though a couple of the coins are dropped as she watches the musicians preparing the show. It's just too distracting to focus on the money going in the box. She crouches stiffly to retrieve the coins and get them in the right place, wincing as she does.

<OOC> Phaeton stamps his name on the pose.

Off comes the other boot and then Briony is standing and bending down to tuck the hem of her skirt into her belt, hiding her modestly with all the aplomb of someone about to stomp grapes. She climbs the stage, her squeezebox crying out miserably. "Oh, this will be horrible," she grins to the Forester siblings. "But it is for charity, after all."

Duke Phineas comes in from the west hallway. Duke Phineas has arrived.

Phailin grins at Briony. "Indeed." She scans the area and says, "Figures Finn would be late to his own event." Giving a wiggle wave to Phae when he makes his way over. She seems to be in pretty good spirits as it is.

Better late than never, right? Phineas enters the area with the lazy saunter of a man who isn't worried about the fact that he's showing up well past the starting point. He grins as he glances about.

Phaeton gives a laugh, and winks, "Could be worse. I could be singing." He grins back at Phailin and squints at her instrument, "Evenin' Lin!" And then he looks towards Phineas as he enters, "Well finally! We've been waiting here for your lazy arse for ages, Finn!" Yeah, ages and ages. He didn't arrive five minutes ago himself at all. Oh no.

Godfrey moves through the crowd, fading in and out of visibility as he simply surveys the room.

Phailin has her handy dandy jaw harp in her hand. Since she was out of rubber bands as it was. Shaking her head some when she finally sees Phineas sauter on in.

Athar steps into the great hall, pausing at one of the donation boxes to slip a few coins in. He glances about for a familiar face, and spares a smile for his cousin Ysora. Spotting the spread, the Baron moves towards it, looking for something to drink.

Rosencrantz has his eyes closed, while sitting on the stool. His lips move a bit and he has his hands clasped in front of him.

Slipping in among the gathering crowd at the entrance, Phoenix is not so quick to join his siblings on the stage. A dip of his chin is offered to the Duchess as he makes his way passed her. He pauses to slide out of his long jacket, damp with snow, tossing it over a convenient straw bale. From a pocket, he pulls a fine silver harmonica. Then he makes his way to join the other Fielders.

Khalani moves over to get herself some food and there's a laugh as she watches the duke arrive. "I think I'm safe! I don't see any spoons yet."

Aileana waves to Phaeton and then looks to Khalani, chuckling, "No, you can play the spoons. His Grace will demonstrate well." And speaking of His Grace, that's who gets the Duchess's next look, and ever so briefly, it doesn't look like a happy one.

Empress Mena comes in from the east hallway. Empress Mena has arrived.

Moving up towards Phailin, Micah gives a low bow. "And you can play as well?" He chuckles a bit at her as he smiles. "Thank you for having the lilies as well." He says, before he moves along back towards the center.

Phineas dumps something in the donation box with a glance at it and scans the crowd by the music area. His grin broadens at the number of souls he recognizes. He raises a hand to wave toward Phaeton. "Phae, ya ain't in a place ta bitch about someone else bein' late ta anythin'," he calls. He heads for the grouping, and greets pretty much every Fielder by name. "Ahnlana. Nix. Bree. Hey Lin. Phae. There's Ana." He chuckles easily. "I'm teachin' the spoons ta someone?"

Ysora finally stops looking at the musicians (and some of the creative styling) on the stage long enough to survey the room. She catches sight of Godfrey and nods, smiles briefly at Micah, but ends up near the food and her cousin. She grins easily at Athar and asks, "So are you going to go up later and show off some heretofore unseen skill in the musical arts? It sounds as if they will be teaching."

The now-distinct sound of coins being dropped into a donation box announces the arrival of the Empress to the music night of the festival, as always with a knight behind her. She seems to be engaged in conversation with the knight on duty to her person, giving him a final shake of her head before she glances around to see who has gathered for tonight's festivities.

Ellie sucks on her candy, watching and waiting for things to get more interesting as she glances occassionally towards the food laid out.

Garett comes in from the west hallway. Garett has arrived.

Aileana nods to her husband, the affection way he speaks her name causing her annoyance to abate. She then gestures to Khalani, "Yes, I think she's going to play." And then to Micah, she just gives a subtle grin, "You'll see soon enough. I'm sure anyone that's seen me play, definitely knows that I can blow." And then she starts for the stage, her hips swaying as she looks back over her shoulder at her man, "Come on musicians. Let's show these people how to really play some music."

Serath makes his way into the great hall, oddly enough still dressed in black robe. He glances about at all of the people and he grins with a hint of awe. He deposits a few coins into the box as well and disappears into the crowd to get a better vantage point of the festivities.

Khalani's smile is a little rueful as she lifts a hand to wave to the duke. "That would be me.. I should have kept my mouth shut, your grace. You may have better luck teaching some of the snacks." Phaeton smirks at Finn and shrugs, "Damn, you noticed. Ah well." He glances around and eyes a certain Baroness, "Yep, I do believe Khalani over there thinks that spoons're just for eating!" He gives a wink and a wave over to the entering Empress, and then begins checking the tuning of his little fiddle.

"Oh, I don't have much in the way of a hidden talent with music I'm afraid..." Athar says as he picks up a beverage and sniffs the fruity contents. "Besides, you know how Lady Ravelle feels about amateur musicians..."

Phailin throws a wink at Phineas and gives a nod in seeing Mena. She really does not have to do much when it comes to tuning her instrument so she simply waits. A nod is seen for Nix to when he joins them.

Briony slips her hands into the leather handles of the squeezebox and pulls the bellows apart. She eyes the gathering of Foresters, feeling like one small tree in the middle of them all, albeit a bright tree. She gives Phoenix a rather long look before looking out towards the crowd. Her face brightens for a moment, and she does her best to forget about multiple stabbings for the moment. She runs a scale on her instrument.

Rosencrantz looks up as he hears a name he didn't expect to hear spoken, but with the amount of noise in the hall there really wasn't that much of a chance he heard it correctly anyway. He stands from sitting on the stool and looks about to see what exactly is going on.

Phineas chuckles at Khalani's words, undeterred. "Now, ain't a person alive who can't learn the spoons. If I know them, anyone can learn them." Thus saying, he does draw a pair of old and worn iron spoons, slipping them into a grip in his hands. His voice rises up as he finds a comfortable spot on stage after kissing his wife's cheek. "Anyone called a song yet fer the eve? Whose got tonal instruments? Bree's got the squeeze box there, did Bee not show up with her fiddle?" He chuckles in exasperation.

"I was thinking of starting the night off with Old Farmer Jed's Big Cow. That one is always fun..fast paced and if we all do horrible, it's all still laughable." Aileana replies as she tips her cheek towards Phineas now, as she asks, "Everyone know that one?" It's not a complicated Fieldian song.

Garett steps into the room, a little discreetly this evening as he takes note of the group Foresters on stage. A little surprised, the man stays along the edges with a nod in greeting to anyone he passes with any recognition.

Phaeton pats his own fiddle, "Nah, but I brung.. er, brought mine, Finn. Dunno where Bee is tonight though." He shrugs and takes a seat on a stool then, and gives a nod towards Aileana, "Good starter for the night, that. Though somebody's going to get their feet trodden on, I suspect."

Mena makes her way to one of the available seats in the room, just spectating tonight, it seems. Upon settling, she smooths her hands over her skirts and watches with an air of formality around her. Ysora pushes up on tiptoe after Athar mentions Ravelle, hmmming thoughtfully. "Well, you know - I don't see her around. This may be your only chance!" She grins at her cousin as she goes back to the flats of her feet. "Hmmm. I wonder if there are any that could be played with only the one hand," she muses. The song title suggested makes her blink once, a bit surprised. "You know, I have to say, that's a phrase I don't think I ever imagined I would hear here. Should be interesting."

Micah moves away from the stage as Lin's attention is pulled as the rest of the Forester family arrives and the band begins to start and he offers a "Nother time, eh?" To her before he withdraws, moving to find a place to sit.

Mathis enters the south hallway. Mathis has left.

Ellie sucks on a candy as she watches things. "Oh, good evening, Your Majesty." she greets when she sees Mena, curtsying to the Empress.

Briony sets her foot up on a handy keg put on stage, her little toes gripping the edge. "Maybe we can follow it up with 'Fox in the Rye'?" she suggests, and presses the box together and pulls it out, the thing sounding like a fox with it's tail caught in the hound's mouth. "Oh dear.. it does get better," she wrinkles her freckled nose. "I hope... do we have to keep the songs err... not bawdy? Does anyone sing?"

Mena smiles at Ellie, inclining her head. "Good evening, Miss Clapton. Are you enjoying the faire?" Duke Phineas steps into the Dancing Area.

Ahnlana is standing to one side, watching the group on the stage. When she hears the song, her face brightens and she looks about for a vic... partner. A lopsided grin crosses her features as she makes her way to Micah, tsking softly. "No one /sits/ when there's music in the Fields, you know. Either you play or you dance." She winks.

When the Empress passes, Athar drops into a bow for her, looking to his cousin as he rises from the silent obeisance. "The spoons," he points out, gesturing towards Phineas' instrument of choice. "That would be easy enough, I imagine."

Khalani bobs a curtsey to the Empress and then moves closer to be able to watch what Phineas is doign with iron spoons. "Big.. Cow?" She's doing her best to just watch, rather than get captured into dancing, at least just yet.

Isolde comes in from the south hallway. Isolde has arrived.

Micah looks at Ahnlana and gives her a small sot lauh before he stands up and towers over the much smaller young woman. "If you are sure," He says, his hand reaching out for her own. "I did not know that."

Mena gives a nod to Athar, returning the silent greeting.

Rosencrantz watches and listens to the music. Curious too it would seem that this is a bit more internal then external with those that are attending.

"Oh, there's lots to see, Your Majesty." Ellie replies to Mena with a nod.

Ysora bows from the waist for the Empress' passage, but she's grinning again just a moment later. "I will keep an eye on their playing - see if it looks like something I can manage. But - will you be dancing when the music gets going, or will you be reserved tonight? I'm hoping there will be plenty of toes to step on."

Phailin gives a whoops look when she finally notices that Micah had said something her but she's waiting on the song choice now. Looking over to Briony, "I sing some." She admits.

Aileana looks to the little band of musicians and nods, "One....Two..." And then she starts to thump her foot on the ground, starting to blow on the jug to make the hollow bass sound that serves as a good beat for the cow song.

Phineas gives a nod toward Briony. "Good one. Alright, The Cow it is. I think 'bout anyone can join in singin' on that one, an' Lin'll be good with it," He sets the spoons aright and gives a ringing rattle of the bones between his palm and his thigh, as if to get everyone in accord. When Ana starts, he begins a snappy, cheerful rhythm to the musical beat.

Standing towards the back of the stage not too far from Phailin, Phoenix catches that long look from Briony out of the corner of his eyes. He dips his chin in acknowledgement to her, those cool grey eyes watching her for a moment after she turns away. As the music starts in on the first round of Farmer Jed's Big Cow, his attention shifts from the Fielder Baroness. For a quiet recluse, it becomes rapidly apparent that Phoenix is considerably better than a rank amateur with the harmonica. Must be all that alone time he spends out there in the wilderness. He easily follows the increasing speed of the music, the brassy music from the instrument flowing smoothly.

But at the moment Lin's mouth is occuiped with her instrument and giving off a twangy sound as she follows along in Ana and Finn's lead. Her mouth looks like she's eaten a big jawbreaker but there's an instrument in there.

Isolde enters the area with a silent grace. Her footsteps taking her to the inside of the entryway where she lingers. Her lips curving up just a bit as she hears the blow of the jug. For the moment though, she just stands to consider the people that are around the area.

Ahnlana apparently isn't used to waiting on ceremony when she dances. She puts one of her hands in Micah's offered one, then reaches for his other hand and puts it to her waist. Winking again, she tugs him onto the floor, bare feet flying to the music.

Briony picks up the beat with her foot and her squeezebox rumbles into a coarse imitation of music. Since Lin said she could sing, Briony doesn't sing too loud, but her voice is there.. all gusto and no grace, just as it always is in the Fields.

"Reserved?" Athar asks of his cousin, his brows rising. "I do not know about that..." He lifts his cup to his mouth and takes a long sip. "I'm certain I will be drawn into a dance at some point. Even I cannot resist the lure forever of the Green Fields ditty."

Sheriden comes in from the south hallway. Sheriden has arrived.

Thankfully Micah has both longer legs than Ahnlana and is a swordsman, otherwise he'd be quite embarassing himself. As it is, he manages to not slaughter anyone as he dances along with the young woman from the fields. A grin breaks upon his features.

The Baron finishes tuning up in time to start plucking out the notes on his fiddle, following in behind the others as he begins a merry tune, and surprisingly doesn't stuff it up. He grins at Briony, "Nah, we'll be having bawdy songs, I suspect. After I've had a few ales, mind." The one disadvantage to jug blowing is that it's much harder to smile, so for now, Aileana doesn't. She just keeps a nice beat. Blow. Stomp. Blow. Stomp.

Phineas gives a whoop for Ahnlana's dancing and an intricate clicking-spoon rhythm to challenge her feet. His voice isn't really something to be proud of, but it's reasonably in tune as he sings out the chorus. "An' he tugged on her sac till she kicked him in his rack, Farmer Jed's Big Brown Cow that has a racking knack, so men watch yer nutters when yer out there on Jed's ranch, 'cause it's the cows ya got ta watch or they'll kick ya in the pants!"

Ellie bounces a bit in place as the music starts. Not quite dancing, she's certainly not standing still either.

Serath disappears into the crowd for a bit and comes up beside Ellie. With a playful tap of her left shoulder he emits what would be considered a rather uncharacteristic if not quiet "cluck", and appears on the other side of her, watching the would be performers with wide, apprehensive eyes.

Khaelis comes in from the south hallway. Khaelis has arrived.

Mena remains in her seat, watching the band and the dancing going on before her with a quirk of her lips. Even she cannot resist the lure of the music fully, her foot tapping to the beat in time with the music.

Ysora bobs her head in time to the music, humming absentmindedly, off key, and just generally playing along without a musical bone in her body. But when Athar's brow goes up? So does hers as she grins. "Yes, reserved," she tells him, tone warm but still teasing. "Well good. I will count on you for a dance at some point then. I know you'll let me step on your feet. And ..." And then she is laughing quite freely as she hears some of the lyrics. "Oh, where's Helena when you need her?"

Briony makes sure the violent parts of the song get sung especially loud. Her eyes go wide a the musical prowess of Phoenix. Who knew the silent man could make so much noise!

Phailin is tapping her foot as she continues making twangy noises with her mouth. Twang, twang, twang. She can't really smile to but she's defintly happy to be up here on the stage and making noise...er music with her family and fine Fielder folks.

Aileana does pause her jug blowing just to call out to the Empress, "No washboard tonight, Majesty? We need someone skilled in the washboard!"

Ahnlana takes Micah for a whirl around the floor once, twice, then laughing nudges him in the direction of Ysora. "Now that you know the steps," she calls after him, "time t' teach!" Then she turns to Baron Athar with a bowing curtsey. "Would you dance with me, Your Excellency?"

Godfrey stays off of the dance floor, standing at the perimeter with a fixed and ... seemingly bored expression.

Mena chuckles and shakes her head to Aileana, returning with her voice lifted to be heard. "You know I never played the washboard, Your Grace! I always preferred the dancing, myself!"

It's not the most elegant music ever, to be sure. But it's a bright, toe-tapping, laugh-filled celebration of life and community. Farmer Jed's Big Cow.

Micah gets shoved along by Ahnlana towards Ysora and he drops down into a bow and holds his hand out. "Shall we then?" the large guard wonders, grinning at the young Lady Guardian.

Aileana continues her blow beat as her eyes shine at Mena, once again pausing even if her feet keep stomping, "One day, I'll get you up here. I still have hope."

Music and dancing, Khalani watches a little while.. both the dancing and the playing before she starts slipping her way out of the now crowded room. The petite baroness is not noted for her love of crowds. There's the twang of Lin's instrument to be heard as she continues to tap her foot and move her hips as if to dance to the music right there on the stage. Hands a bit occupied or she'd be clapping to if she could.

Valentine comes in from the south hallway. Valentine has arrived.

Isolde lets her eyes wander the room as she lets them fall on each person. She doesn't take part in the festivities though. She sort of hides towards the back of the room. Her eyes do turn to follow Khalani

Focused on the music, it takes Ellie a moment to notice the tap on her shoulder and the 'cluck'. She blinks and looks left when she notices and... there's nobody there. Looking right, she sees Serath and giggles, "Oh! Good evening!"

As the song comes to an end, Aileana does pause to take a breath, laughing now as she looks to Briony, "So Fox in the Rye?" Breathe. Breathes.

Phineas continues the skillful tattoo of spoons, wandering among the musicians present and giving a grin as he moves around while the end of the first song of the night draws nigh.

When the song ends Lin pulls the instrument out of her mouth to give her mouth a break. Now there's a full grin to be seen. Taking a breather before the next song starts.

Firenza comes in from the south hallway. Firenza has arrived.

Athar turns a glance upon Micah as he and his dancing companion approach Ysora and himself, though he is addressed by Ahnlana, an unfamiliar face. "Well, Ysora! It seems you have your wish," he notes, putting his cup aside as he determines to take the woman up on her offer.

Briony nods to the Duchess, her own cheeks rosy with exertion. "That was wonderful," she grins brightly. "In the fun sense, not the sound good sense," she laughs a little and squeezes into the winding reel of Fox in the Rye.

Firenza breezes into the hall looking quite in the good moode and quite cleaned up and quite quite quite sober. She curtsies for the sundry people higher ranked than her (though not her daughter, thankyouverymuch), and then starts skirting the outskirts to locate a family member.

There's a collection of Fielders with assorted instruments on the stage, all spooning and stomping and fiddling and playing along, transitioning from one song to another.

For his own part, Phoenix follows the transition between the songs. He's not really paying much attention to his surroundings, hands cupped over the harmonica at his mouth.

Mena just grins at Aileana, then gives a slow look around the crowd. As she sees her mother approaching, she gives a smile. "Good evening, Mother." She sits upon one of the available seats, a knight standing behind her. "You are looking quite well this evening."

Phaeton ends on a high note and grins, shaking his arm slightly to loosen the muscles a bit, "Sure, I can remember that one." He joins in again, bow moving across the strings, fingers moving lithely as he concentrates on actually hitting the right note, stamping one bare foot on the stage to keep a rhythm.

Khalani enters the east hallway. Khalani has left.

Firenza looks pleased as punch with her children up there singing as she winds her way through the crowds, though not without accidentally-on-purpose touching a few noble posteriors in the process. She moves up to Mena, curtsies with a beaming smile and a wink, and then turns to take in the show.

Ahnlana grins at Athar, Baron or not, and holds her hands out, one poised for his shoulder, the other awaiting his hand. "It's a bit fast, but a good song to dance to." Her bare feet are already tapping on the wooden floor.

Phineas laughs once with the shift to the new, faster reel, switching his spoons from one hand to another and rapping out the faster rhythm. He gives an occasional hooo in time with particular twists of the music, walking lightly among the group as he does so.

With her cousin's leave, Ysora inclines her head to Micah. "I'll get you later, cous," she calls out cheerfully. And then she looks at Micah with a wry expression. "You're going to have to improvise a little," she warns the guard as she steps up onto his feet after setting the cane aside. The good arm hooks around his shoulders, the other hands limp at her side. "But I have to insist you lead."

Aileana laughs once and then goes back to jug blowing and foot stomping. Admittedly, this whole jugging is easier whens he's not pregnant and does start to look slightly flush.

Watching the dancing from a well-kept spot against the wall, Garett's attention remains on the dance floor with a brief flicker of his eyes towards those arriving and leaving. For his part, he's not bored. Intrigued? Well, there is that as the fingers of one arm idly tap against the sleeve of one arm.

Phailin is of course still playing her jaw harp aka as jew harp. So even if she could not find rubber bands in a way the music that comes out of that instrument sounds like that.

Serath turns to glance at Ellie and he blinks as if suprised, but he does grin however and replies, "Well hello there, I didn't see ya.. havin' fun tonight?"

Mena's attention turns back to the dancing and music playing, her smile easing into something more relaxed. "It's been some time since I've seen them all up there like that. If only someone would dance with me...." Though the first part of that statement is aimed at her mother, the latter part is said more loudly and to the room in general. Hint. Hint.

Isolde studies Athar for a long moment. The moment lingers and then she switches her eyes to watching the by play between Briony and Phoenix. Finally, she studies the others. It seems she's not quite ready to jump into the fray yet

Sheriden is carried into the party in the arms of his nanny, eyes on stage watching his family perform. Right now, he's fascinated, give it a few years and he'll be properly mortified that he's apparently a member of the Partridge Family. Suddenly he points up at the stage and shrieks, "DADDY! DAAADDY! I HERE!" He beams and then adds at the top of his voice, pointing at this trousers, "PUT ON MY PANTS!" He's very proud of this for some reason.

Micah grins at that. "Of course." Micah's one arm slides around Ysora's form to keep her on his feet and he moves along the dancefloor, dancing quickly. "Well, how is this?"

Valentine slips in but doesn't bring too much attention to herself. She's not one to stand out either. Some of the beat disappears as Aileana stops blowing to laugh at her son, looking at his pants to make sure they are on correctly, "Come up here and get some spoons, Sher. Daddy will show you."

Ellie giggles at Serath and nods, "Oh, yes, it's very interesting. What about you? Oh, the music is interesting, isn't it?"

Phailin has to stop her playing for a moment to give a chuckle when she hears her nephew. Once he does approach the stage with nanny in tow she's sure to ruffle his hair before she goes back to playing.

Athar takes her hand, and puts his other upon Ahnlana's waist, with a quiet chuckle on his lips. "I don't usually dance to this sort of tune!" he says, as they move into the quick paced dance, his steps sure though not brilliant by any means.

Tiege comes out of the Auction Tent. Tiege has arrived.

Tiege slips out of the auction tent and looks around swiftly. Bows are issued toward the general groups of nobility, and one particularly for the Empress. He wanders to one of those manning the donation bins to exchange a fast word.

Sheriden is carried to the stage before he's set down by his nanny, left to the care of his musician parents. He beams up at Phailin and then runs to grab a pair of spoons, which he promptly starts to bang together. Who needs lessons? Clearly he's a natural!

Firenza grins at her grandson and moves over to Sheriden and the nanny. "Hello, dahling. It's grandmama. You need to shhhh for a bit so your daddy can practice his singing-- and then maybe, just maybe, he'll sing to you later tonight?"

Briony does her own swaying dance on stage in time with the reel, her hair streaming coppery bright behind her and around her shoulders. The black kerchief wraps securely around her neck, and she hollers along with her "instrument" to the shouted words of the tune. Something about a fox and rye and catching fat cocks.

Firenza perks up at the mention of fat cocks and begins scouring the crowd for anyone who might be capable of that description.

Ahnlana seems unabashed, whirling with Athar around the floor, already flushed and slightly breathless. "All the more reason to start," she grins. Suddenly, without warning, she nudges him toward a knot of bystanders, mostly women. "Time to teach someone else," she giggles, then curtseys deeply to Garett. "Will you dance?"

Serath's eyes widen a hint at Ellie's question. He takes a moment to glance toward the performers, to the dancers. His grin broadens and he laughs softly, "Interesting is the perfect word for it." He winks.

Phineas laughs as his son gives out a call, the spoons now just rattled on his thigh as his free hand beckons to his boy. He lowers to a knee by his son to tell him how to hold the spoons, grinning up at Firenza after a moment. "Next song's Lin's ta call, want ta hear her sing!"

Garett glances in the direction of the Empress, the corner of his lips tugging into an amused grin. Close enough to have heard the words spoken, the lord heir pushes himself away from 'his' piece of wall with one shoulder before closing the distance. "Good evening, Your Majesty," he replies, offering a swift bow in greeting.

Aileana goes back to blowing on her jug, content with her son's antics so long as he's having a good time tonight. She may not be able to grin too huge at her husband and boy together, but the joy is in her gaze.

Mena looks in Garett's direction as he greets her, a bright smile finding her features. "Ah, Lord Lytton. How absolutely wonderful to see you this evening."

Athar laughs quietly as Ahnlana releases him from her grasp, the pair apparently in the direction of the Empress and Garett. "If you're willing to accept the Miss' invitation, my lord..." he states to Garett, and looks towards the Empress, "Perhaps I could entice Her Majesty to take to the dance floor?"

As the reel draws to a close Lin comes to a corner of the stage and informs the audience, "I'll be singing Lovin' Spoonful." Of course she's not going to play while she sings for the crowd. If she's nervous it doesn't show. Looking back towards the musicians she waits for the opening strains before she starts her crooning.

Tapping his foot in time with the music, Phoenix takes a breather to push his too-long hair from his eyes. His eyes scan the crowd whirling on the dance floor, before lifting the harmonica again for the opening strains of Lin's song.

I was down in the fields Eatn' Cream and razzzaaaberries When the heat just made me faint I began to get crosseyed I thought I was lost I'd begun to see things as they ain't. As the relatives gathered to see what's the matter The healer came to see was I fine. But the healer said give him jug band music, It seems to make him feel just fine.

I was told a little tail about a skinny as a rail Emerald Hollow put ranger with a headache He was hung up in the tavern swappin' rats And tryn' ta get a drink of water with his knees gettin' mud caked And I'll tell you and exceptance how he stumbled into Burgandy Terrance Lookin' hard and gettin' dust baked. We gave 'im little water; a little bit of ale He opened up his eyes but they didn't seem to shine And the healer said give him jug band music It seems to make him feel just fine

So if you ever get sickly Get sister run quickly to the dusty closet shelf And pull out a washboard; and play a banjo chord And do a little do it yourself. Call on your neighbors to put down their labors And come and play the hardware in time Cause the healer said give him jug band music It seems to make him feel just fine. Just fine.

"Want to dance?" Ellie asks Serath cheerfully, not wanting to remain on the sidelines the whole night. Oh, no, just too much fun to stand around. And he seems as good a prospect as any right now.

Phin gives another whoop for the song Lin names, carefully rattling the spoons in time. He joins in on the chorus, "Give him jug band music it seems ta make him feel just fine!"

Phailin throws a wink at Nix when he starts her out and than she's belting out the words to the song. Pleased as punch with herself as her foot taps out the rhythm if there could be such a thing as rhythm to jug music but she darn tries. Her own Fielder accent coming out tried and true.

Ysora nods to Micah as he takes the lead, chuckling as he begins. "You're a guard, though. Surely you can put up with a bit of weight. Faster! I sincerely doubt you can break me more than I already have been." And she tries not to laugh at the lyrics again. Too much.

Firenza starts shimmying and shaking to the music, her body moving with the supine grace of one who has spent a lot of time perfecting her hip movements. She claps along and grins up at her children, her gaze quite lucid and... proud.

Aileana is just the steady bass that keeps the band on track, no glory in the jug blowing, but she sure does look like she's having a grand time.

Micah chuckles a bit as he reaches out and spins around with Ysora, moving rather fast along the dance area with the young woman. He moves along with her, spinning her around slowly, giving her another spin.

Tiege listens to the music being sung with appreciation apparent as Phailin's voice lifts. His eyes wander about and settle on Firenza. He stares just a bit.

Briony woops and hollers and even Yahoos at the mention of her home Barony. Her flush spreads clear down into her chest, and her arms squeeze that abused squeezebox for all it's worth. Her bare feet stop the wooden stage in time with Family Von Forester, even though she is the red headed step-child (or something).

"I hope you are enjoying yourself," Garett replies to Mena, even as he pauses with a look to the approaching Ahnlana and Athar. Missing them by mistake in the crowds first when he stepped away from the wall, he doesn't now as he offers the former a polite bow and an extended hand. "I wouldn't mind. Though, I doubt that the young lady and I have ever met, Your Excellency."

Ysora nods towards the food and drink eventually, laughing. "Alright, alright. You win. Now I need something to drink and I think you will owe a dance to some other woman. I will catch my breath," she tells him with a bow of the head.

Isolde picks up a drink, because comeon it's a Forester party. Then she moves towards Phoenix. She doesn't say a word to him, she just holds the drink out for him when/if the song ends. For the moment, she stays silent at his side until he moves or something else captures her attention. Valentine tries to barter the foodtender down to one copper.

Mena does get to her feet with a graceful movement and brushes off the front of her skirts briefly. "Why, how kind of you to ask, Baron Soranus," she says with amusement shining in her dark eyes. "I was hoping someone would as me to dance this evening." As if she didn't announce it to the whole party a few minutes before. "Lord Lytton, this is Miss Ahnlana. Good luck keeping up with her," she says with a wink, then offers her hand to Athar. "Shall we then? Perhaps they will play a fast one, next." Note to all: Most of them are fast. It's a jug band.

Phineas keeps rattling the spoons for his boy's education, a grin aimed at his wife. Then he notes the presence of Isolde by Nix, his dark eyes lingering on her.

Ahnlana grins up at Garett. "Lana, milord. And that's about as formal as I'll get while dancing, if you don't mind." She takes his offered hand and puts her other on his shoulder. "Shall we?" As she whirls with him toward the floor, she accidentally bumps into Isolde and her extended drink. Aghast, she stops stock still.

Sheriden just continues to wave his spoons aorund and bang them together wildly, keeping a rhythm all of his own. He's having a grand ole time doing this until, WHOOPS, one of the spoons goes a'flyin' out of his hand and right at his uncle Phoenix and Isolde. DUCK!

Firenza sees Tiege and crooks a finger at him.

Serath laughs, though it's tinged with obvious nervousness as he glances back toward Ellie, he looks for a moment in shock as if she had just asked him to jump off a cliff, but he does recover and maintain his composure, "Why..certainly my dear, it'd be my utmost pleasure, don't you know?" He finishes with a drawl and laughs again, holding out his hand to her.

Moving to sit Ysora down, Micah gives her a small laugh before he bows his head to her. "Enjoy your drink." He offers and moves back over to the side, looking around slowly, seeing whom is not quite taken.

Briony plays her music, looking Shocked and Appalled at the sudden aggression of various stumbling and slippery-fingered Fielders. Kids these days.

In the middle of a song, Phoenix does not stop to take the drink from Isolde. Indeed, he's barely aware of her presence. At least that is until the spoon comes flying through the air from his nephew's hands. He ducks, stepping out of the way before he can get knocked in the head. In the meantime, Lana's made contact.

Tiege blinks as Firenza beckons to him. He glances to either side and behind himself quickly to see if anyone else could possibly be the target of her beckoning. He bits his lip and straightesn, walking toward Firenza with his hands linking behind himself in a very formal posture. He bows to her. "Good eve, Dowager Baroness. Thank you for your generous donations."

Aileana stops playing her jug as she sees the spoon go flying, "SHER!" She blushes now, but that may not be so easy to tell because all of the blowing has her cheeks pinkened regardless.

Somehow. In some part of Garett's mind, he's going to wish that he had stayed against the wall where it's safe. Nodding briefly to the Empress before looking back to Ahnlana, it's all that he can do to prevent a full collision with Isolde. Then again, it may not be his fault per se. Not when he spots the spoons also headed towards the woman. And Phoenix. "Excuse us." Quickly spoken, he exhales slowly with a look towards his partner and back to the other pair. "I think my partner is quite energetic this evening, unfortunately."

Lin's still singing the last bit of her song. Well trying to when all Fielder hell breaks loose with spoon a flying and tavern wrench a bumping.

"Oh, good!" Ellie exclaims, taking Serath's hand and practically dragging him over to the dance floor. As they pass by Valentine, Ellie pulls out a ticket and hands it over to her. One of the eating tickets. Not saying anything. And, then, she's off to the dance floor.

Firenza's lips curve in a smile that would shame a cheshire cat as she surveys the youth before her. "You are welcome. I'm sorry that I screamed at your pretty charity event. It's the least I could do." She presses a finger into his chest, if allowed. "You should dance with me to make up for your slight to me that night."

"I think we are in no real worry about a slow one," Athar states, as he takes the Empress' hand, and places his hand as appropriate to guide his new dance partner upon the floor. "Being a Fielder, you must be good at this!" And off he goes, beginning to draw the Empress with him into the dance.

Godfrey's hands tuck behind his back, watching now the interaction between Firenza and Tiege with a small smile on his face. When the guardsman smiles, it almost looks to be unnatural. And yet, there it is. No one can resist the revelry of the charity event, no matter how stalwart they seem to be. Phineas clears his throat as a bit of confusion hits in the song and gives a call of, "The Wind that Shakes the Barley, next!" He nods to Phaeton.

Phaeton draws the bow across the strings of the fiddle and a singing tune comes forth, a jig for fast feet. He opens his mouth and sings while he plays. "I sat me in the forest green, I sat me wiiith my truue love!"

Sheriden gasps, aghast at the loss of his new favorite toy. "NOOOO!" He shrieks, because it's his favorite word ever, and follows that with, "SPOOOON!" Because that's his current favorite toy. And he likes to yell. He ignores his mother's admonishment and trots to his uncle to find his lost toy.

Tiege glances down at the nail that's pressed to his garb and looks back to Firenza. He clears his throat. "It would of course be a privilege to dance with you, Dowager Baroness." He steps back and offers a hand with great formality (and some nervousness).

Having grown up on the Fields, Mena is damn good at these quick stepping country dances, and she makes no qualms about enjoying it. A bit of a grin remains on her features as she follows along the dance with Athar. Jigs are among her favorite dances to dance. But she doesn't do a lot of talking during the dance. It takes some energy!

Phailin just shakes her head when the song draws to an end and another begins. Stepping back attempting to go back to her spot and trying to help Phaeton in the singing. But look she is laughing at all the mishap and so its more like, "Wiiith...chuckle...me...chuckle."

Ysora falls back into a quiet watching mode for the moment. Or, well, quietly when she isn't laughing out loud at one part of the display or another as she sips at some water. Just taking a break and keeping out of the way for the time being until a messenger arrives to distract her. After a moment's conversation, she slips out quietly.

Ysora has left. For atmosphere http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_d4L0DRaNU

Isolde feels the drink taken as the person runs into her. Luckily, it is that bump that makes her see the spoons of death and she ducks to avoid it. There is a potential of her head hitting the other man's as hse listens to those around her. She doesn't really react too much other than to catch her balance as much as possible.

Serath quite literally gets drug off by the energetic girl and he laughs, following her out onto the floor, waving to Valentine on his way past as well. He laughs softly when they get to the dance floor and with a wink he takes her hands and takes them into an easy, merry dance with a sheepish grin. Despite his nervous demeanor he actually does seem to know some of the field's ways and provides an easy lead for Ellie to match with the beat.

Ahnlana clears her throat and offers several apologies, complete with curtsey, but since it appears no harm is done, she quickly scoots away with Garett back to the floor. After all, there's dancing!

"Whiiile soft the wind blew down the glen and shook the goooolden baaarley!" Phineas calls, easily letting the altercation around his son carry on with no real stress about it. The spoons continue to be rattled with deft experience. He's done this a long, long time.

Athar is quickly caught up in the dance with the Empress, and doesn't have much energy for talking either, just doing what he can to keep up step with the rather well-practiced Mena. The smile he wears makes it certain he is enjoying himself, no matter the exertion it is needing from his end. Not quite his usual dance, but he acquits himself decently.

Micah moves over towards Isolde and holds out his hand to her. "Care for a Dance, Baroness?" The large Guardsman asks, looking at the woman slowly.

Valentine returns that wave of Serath's, friendly like.

Firenza takes Tiege's hand and steps innnnnnto him, making sure that her curves (more plentiful these days) align with him as solidly as possible. "Lead on, luv. Tell me about yourself. Are you a virgin?" Godfrey's smile soon fades as the consternation of duty rears its ugly head once more. His head cants to the side, face darkening as some activity within the crowd gathers his attention. Nostrils flare, mind calculating the likelihood as to whether or not what he had seen is something of his approval. Hands behind his back tighten into fists for only a moment, the pops of his knuckles lost in the din of the jug band.

It's difficult to see Mena's feet under the skirts of that gown she's wearing, but the movement of her body indicates that she is indeed dancing pretty quickly. She does keep a proper distance from Athar as she continues to jig with him, letting out a jovial laugh as she messes up once.

Briony laughs to herself for no apparent reason and reaches over with her toes to give Phoenix a nice friendly kick in the shin. She winks to him and closes her squeezebox. "Excuse me, all. I have to hit the sandbox," she informs everyone within ear range. She untucks her skirt and pulls on her socks, but not boots, and scuttles across the floor towards, like a redneck Cinderella.

Recovering from the near-miss to the forehead, Phoenix palms his harmonica and reaches out to scoop up his nephew. Lifting Sheriden into the air, he settles the child easily into his arms. "Here boy, why don't ya give this a try?" He offers over the harmonica. "Hold it like this. . and blow in the little holes. . ." A glance over towards Isolde, perhaps to check on her, before his attention returns to the child.

Tiege's lips press tight together as the full and sweet bounty of Firenza Forester, hills and valleys so many know so very well, is introduced to him so forcefully. His posture stays completely straight as he does tug her into a dance. "You are very curious about my personal life, but I have nothing to hide in it. I have never indulged in sexual activity with a female."

"Or ANYONE," Tiege clarifies a moment later.

Ellie may not completely know the proper dance steps, but she makes up for it with enthusiasm as she dances along with Serath. She clearly loves this sort of thing, even if she's not quite sure what she's doing.

Aileana doesn't stop her boy from chasing after his spoon. She soon goes back to her jug blowing as Phoenix takes hold of her little one.

Athar keeps himself as proper with the Empress, laughing along with her when the pair stumble just a bit, but he resumes the dance easily enough with so skilled a partner. He only has a moment of sight to catch poor Tiege and his unfortunate new dance partner.

Spoons? Who needs spoons when you have a harmonica? Sheriden tosses the other spoon over his shoulder carelessly. DUCK! Then he accepts the harmonica from Phoenix, beams at his uncle brightly and brings the instrument to his mouth, then blows, hard. Hooray for noise!

Isolde smiles towards Sheriden as he arrives. Then she locks eyes on Phoenix, seeming to be undamaged. Then she turns Micah's extended hand. Her lips curve upwards to that and she offers. "I appreciate the offer, but I think I should make my excuses." She runs her hands down her skirts and then offers to Phoenix with a nod, "If you will excuse me, Your Lordship." Then towards Micah again, "As well as yourself, Master."

Garett is just not used to the dances from the Fields, quite simply put. Bowing his head before being whisked away, with a partner such as Lana, he's managing with a fitting distance as they go abut the dance floor. "If you do not mind, Lana.. I'm going to need a breather rather shortly." Out of shape? Not in the least. Trying to avoid stepping on her feet? Well, that's another matter.

Briony goes home. Briony has left.

Firenza's brows spring skyward at this and a salacious smile crosses her lips. "Reeeeeally? Never tumbled a girl? Never had your candle waxed by an expert waxer? Tsk Tsk. And tell me again /why/ you have chosen this horrible deprivation?"

Valentine returns to the food display, this time with a ticket. Where did that come from? She has one now, and she gets a plate of veggies mainly. And mead. Heck yeah..mead. Awesome stuff. The song is actually a bit of a sad one, but the speed of the music covers some of that. After the man's love is killed, he mourns her with an aching heart, "Eeevery time Iiii hear, the wiiind that shaaakes the baaarley!" As it draws to a close, Phineas glances toward Phaeton with a grin.

Phaeton pulls the bow across the strings of the fiddle with a deft almost growling sound and strikes up the song about the demon and the Fielder Lad. It's fast and furious, and a favorite song of Fielders all around.

"Ah, of course. I should have expected no less, Baroness" Micah says, turning from Isolde back towards the wine and spirits table and he grabs a mug and begins to slowly drink at the mug.

Ahnlana nods breathlessly. "I need a quick drink myself." She is flushed and looks like she could dance all night, but she does make her way to the table for a drink.

Lifting Sheriden up higher, Phoenix settles the harmonica-playing-noise-making boy on his shoulders. A glance towards Isolde's excuse and departure, but it's hard to hear much of anything with all cacophony right over his head. He nods his chin to the Baroness' departure.

As Serath and Ellie get into the steps he noticeably eases into it and with his worries washed away he begins to strut around the floor with her, he chuckles softly, his eyes bright, "You got a soul made for dancin', dear."

Tiege meets Firenza's gaze with a rather reserved look. "I choose it because I honor Providence with my body's chastity and refrain from that, until and unless I marry, Dowager Baroness." He doesn't seem entirely familiar with the music, but he's young and energentic. He can fake it.

Aileana does pause at the end of that last song and just shakes her head to Phineas, "I need a break for a few minutes. All of that blowing makes me feel faint." And there is fried chicken nearby.

Firenza nods, watching Tiege's mouth more than his eyes. "I seeee... so you remain chaste because you wish to honor a woman whom you cannot see? But doesn't your prick respond to the women that you can see? And feeel..." A wicked glint finds her green eyes.

Mouse comes in from the south hallway. Mouse has arrived. Zipporah comes in from the south hallway. Zipporah has arrived.

Mena grins at Athar in the middle of the next song. "Shall I set you free, Baron?" she asks with a chuckle. "You are keeping up exceptionally well."

Godfrey's facial features become something of a predator's grimace before his prior suspicions turn out to be a hoax. For those who get to see the eclipse of the man's temperament, the granite of his face breaks away to the expression that suggests an exhibition of patience. One mail-covered boot taps in time with the music, even.

Sheriden puts all of his heart and soul into playing that harmonica and making sweet, horrible music. Well, it's what be considers playing, but all he's really doing is taking as deep a breath as he possibly can and then blowing air through the harmonica as long as he can as the instrument slides back and forth randomly. Joy can be found in such strange places when you're two.

Tiege jerks slightly at something that takes place in his interaction with Firenza, then tries to insert distance between himself and her. "What my body does or does not respond to is not something I choose to discuss beyond saying that I am in good health, Dowager Baroness. Thank you for asking. Are you fond of winter, as you do not have much of it on the Fields, I understand?"

Micah moves over to Mena and Athar's side and he holds his hand out towards Mena. "Would you care for me to cut in?" He asks, smiling to Mena and Athar.

"Oh, dancing is lots of fun!" Ellie exclaims as she dances along with Serath. They dance near Firenza and Tiege and she gives them a bit of an odd look at their conversation before going back to concentrating on the dancing

Garett offers a quick bow once they step to the sidelines of the dance floor, polite and with a kind smile. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Lana," he says before turning to find that wall previously leaned against before opting for a door instead to discreetly slip out of.

Duke Phineas grins at Aileana as she takes a break. "Ana, love, if yer gettin' food, maybe help yer starvin' man?" he pleads her way before joining in on the singing again.

He laughs, caught up in the spin and twirl of the music. "If there is a partner Your Majesty wishes to take for a spin, direct me!" Athar exclaims, before Micah approaches, his gaze returning to the Empress. Its her request to answer!

Zipporah steps into the Great Hall with some curious interest at what a Green Field's music might be, and almost immediately upon entering, she grimaces at the racket, "This is called music? It sounds like noise."

Garett enters the east hallway. Garett has left.

Aileana just chuckles at Phineas's request, "I'll think about it, love." She does head for the ample buffet tables, making sure to pay for two plates before she starts to fill them with various comfort foods -- particularly fried chicken.

Ysora has arrived.

Phaeton keeps sawing on the fiddle there, going into a solo. Some fo the instrumentalists choose to take a break and go for food.

Mena does release Athar's hand as Micah asks to step in. "It seems you choose a good time, as I was just setting His Excellency free." She then looks to Athar and inclines her head. "Thank you for the dancing, Baron. I very much enjoyed it."

Valentine , already near the table, offers a polite bow to the Duchess that approaches. She's say something but her mouth is stuffed with cabbage and small tomatoes. Yum

When there seems to be a break Lin moves over to a part of the stage and takes a seat allowing her legs to dangle as she listens to all the noise and commotion.

Firenza allows a soft rich laugh to escape her. "Oh, Master Sorrrranus. I would say that your body is capable of responding quite clearly and rather valiantly I might add. Is that a family trait." She glances over the crowd for Athar. "Well-staffed virginity?" Looking back to Tiege, she adds. "Because if it is, that is certainly a crime and you should be arrested and forced into private service with an older, instructive woman."

As Ellie and Serath move near Firenza and Tiege, Serath seems to overhear some of the conversation and he turns momentarily as well to glance at the two. The sheepish grin on his face quickly dissipates and he murmurs a little louder than intended as he addresses Firenza, his expression momentarily dark and pointed, "Is this really necessary, my lady?" And with that he glances back to Ellie, his smile returning, though with nowhere the intensity as before, "People can be so silly sometimes."

Micah chuckles a bit at that. "Then I am most fortunate, Empress." Micah drops down into a deep bow, giving a smile to her as he holds out his hand. "Shall we then?" He looks down towards Mena, "It is my honor to dance with you, Majesty." He winks. "I just hope I don't step all over you."

"Thank you, Majesty," Athar says, stepping back from Mena and Micah with a bow for the former. Straightening, he looks out about the dance floor, his gaze favouring Tiege and Firenza for a moment, perhaps just checking up on his cousin in the arms of the green-eyed beast.

Tiege insists as he keeps upw tih the steps of the dance, "I promise I'm well versed in the laws of this realm, Dowager Baroness. If either of us are prone to crime, you might have historically so, but none of my actions are." His chin rides up with determination. "I believe that the song is ending. Would you wish escort to some food?"

Taking a pause, Phoenix delivers his joyously noise-making nephew to the stage near his father where the two of them can play music together. Swinging Sheriden down from his shoulders like a sack of potatoes, Nix sets the boy to stomp around before hopping down from the stage himself. Returning to where he abandoned his jacket, he pulls out a pouch of tobacco and rolls a slim cigarette.

Zipporah's gaze turns towards Firenza with her little purist Tiege, and she can't help but start towards the pair, "I cannot help but overhear you talking about the little purists and his potential."

Mena takes up the dance with Micah then, giving the man a smile. "I'll be certain to watch out for your feet, Captain," she returns. And she does do well keeping her feet unmolested! Isolde moves away as far from Phoenix as possible as her eyes move about the area. She does take a few more steps towards the door though.

Firenza pops a brow at Serath, surprise touching her features. "Are you schooling me, Serath? If it is a lesson that you seek, I'd be happy to supply one." Her gaze sharpens on him as he moves past before returning to Tiege. Regret finds her tone. "Well damn. Those Green Fields songs are never long enough to get a good tour in. But, thank you for the dance. And no, I won't be needing any food." She smiles. "Or drink." Then, seeing Zipporah, she beams and announces, "Oh, I would predict he has extensive potential, Miss Zipporah. "

Godfrey's eyes return to Tiege and Firenza for a lack of any other couples to really watch. He has never been capable of reading lips, but he doesn't have to. The Dowager Baroness and the Assistant Advocate have means of nonverbal communication that make their conversation very clear to him. And for the guardsman, the next rejoinder cannot happen quickly enough.

Aileana's plate is rather heaping and so is the one she prepares for her husband. She does smile to Valentine, "Good evening. How are you? Great fun, isn't it?" A glance does go towards her son to make sure he's behaving.

Ahnlana finishes her drink and, apparently refreshed, looks for a new dance partner, eyes scanning the crowd that she hasn't yet danced with.

Valentine hurries to chew her food as she's being addressed. Chomp chomp chomp GULP. "Wonderful, your grace." she replies. I'm enjoying myself, the food is splendid." she further compliments.

Tiege releases a breath as Zipporah comes over, his features paling with a bit of something other than fear. Frustration? Anger? He inclines his head to her. "Miss Zipporah, if you haven't met her, I'd like to introduce you to Dowager Baroness Forester," he says with icy exactness. "I think that maybe the two of you are so obsessed with sex and virginity that maybe the two of you can go off and copulate together." Then the young man turns and walks stiffly off toward the auction tent.

Mouse enters the Great Hall and looks around from a safe spot by the door. He adjusts his clothing carefully then his hat. Once that's done he adjusts them again before wiping his hands upon his thighs, heaving a sigh, and walking in deeper.

Ellie doesn't seem so bothered by Firenza's words as Serath seems to be. She shrugs a bit and nods to her dance partner, "Oh, yes, silly. Lots of people are silly." As the song comes to an end, she comes to a sop and blinks a bit at Tiege's words.

Sheriden blows on that harmonica util he's blue in the face. Almost literally. Then suddenly stops playing, taking a break of his own from the music. He doesn't chuck the harmonica over his shoulder, instead he holds it out to his father with one hand while the other tugs incessantly on his father's pant leg, "Daaaaaaddy. Here! Here. Daddy."

And Micah does quite well enough so that he dances around with Mena quite well as he grins at her. "I hope I can do well enough." He winks, dancing around quickly, moving a bit faster now. Zipporah's brows lift a bit at this now, "And here I was coming to give warm greetings." She does look to Firenza now, "It is good to see you again. I had hoped you would have sought me out by now."

Phineas looks over at his son as his attention is called for. "Alright, we can take a break for a set, y'all go wet yer whistles," he suggests to everyone. He heads for his boy and takes the harmonica offered, blows a note on it. Then he holds it back toward Phoenix. "Nice playin' there, Sher. Yer teachin' yer nephew well Nix."

Ahnlana blinks a few times after the Soranus lad, then scoots after him, dropping a curtsey. "Do me the honor of the next dance?" she says hopefully. "Well, when they dance again." She gives him a lopsided smile and lowers her voice to say something quietly.

Mena keeps up with Micah until the song comes to an end and Phineas announces the break for the band. When she stops dancing, her breathing is slightly labored from the effort. "Thank you, Captain," she tells the man with a tip of her head as she steps back from him. "I do believe I will go find myself something to drink."

Firenza blinks as Tiege leaves her on the dance floor, not really expecting that. But an amused smile slowly draws across her features and she turns to Zipporah. "Sought you out? Ohhhh yess. We share similar interests. But, forgive me, I have been sooooo busy." Being drunk. Getting yelled at. Yelling at others. IT's a vicious cycle.

Aileana smiles to Valentine now, "Good..excellent. I'm going to bring this food to my husband and watch my son have a great time."

Isolde enters the south hallway. Isolde has left.

Ahnlana mutters to Tiege, "Just... Show them... didn't..."

Loitering at the periphery of the stage, Phoenix lights his cigarette in a nearby decorative candle. He reaches for the offered harmonica, slipping it back into a pocket. He can clean out the kid-spit later. "Aye, he's got his mother's lungs," he drawls, that thick Fielder accent drawing the word into 'moother'.

Well, it is fair to say that Athar did not expect that to come out of Tiege's mouth, his brows both going up at the exclamation from his cousin. "Well... I suppose that was inevitable..." He sighs, and moves to retrieve his drink, letting Tiege handle his outburst in his own manner. For now, at least. "Please, allow me to get you something?" Micah wonders, motioning to such things before he glances back to Firenza and he smiles at her. "Hello Lady Firenza." he calls out, his low baritone rumbling.

Serath's eyes settle on Firenza again at her reply, but he says nothing as he turns to Ellie, he chuckles wryly, "No doubt my dear, no doubt. I think I can use a drink. I wonder if they have any chocolates here?"

The show is over. Godfrey's shoulders rise and fall as he sighs. The show between Firenza and Tiege no longer captivating him, his head turns to watch someone else have a good time at the charity event. Tiege mutters something under his breath, soft but precise, then draws up short with the invitation of Ahnlana. Some vestige of training and manners compels him to give a bow to her curtsey. "Miss Anhlana, it's a pleasure to see you again. You did seem to be enjoying yourself. The music is most unique tonight, isn't it?"

"Yes, I understand. I will follow after the little purist because he is so much fun." And then Zipporah does start after Tiege, "You are angry with me."

Valentine replies to Alileana "Of course..would you excuse me?" she asks of her, even though she's already leaving, its just something Val, of low stature, should say. When it appears the duchess is about to leave with the food, Val makes a beeline towards Tiege.

Phailin is simply just people watching. Hands down on the stage floor as her feet rock back and forth. Not getting involved in anything as she gets lost in the crowd of people.

"It is quite alright, I assure you," Mena tells Micah. "I am going to mingle for a bit. Do enjoy the rest of your night."

Ellie looks a bit dubiously towards the laid out food and drinks at Serath's question, "I don't know. I haven't really looked. I just see lots of wine and ale right now..." It's quite clear she's not thrilled at that sort of prospect.

Aileana nods and then brings Phineas's plate for him, "It's harder to blow for longer than it used to be. I must be out of practice." She does look down to her son, "Having fun, Sher?"

Firenza sees Micah and waves gratuitously to him. "Hello, dahling Captain. Good to see you, as always." She scans the crowd for her sons or a random daughter. So many amends to make up for today. Not enough day left and she's running short on years. She starts heading for her family.

Micah looks as if he's about to speak to Firenza bu she heads onwards and he closes his mouth once again. A small frown creases his forehead before he moves over to the side to find a place to sit and eat.

The Empress does find herself a drink, then moves in the direction of her smoking brother (That would be Phoenix) and smiles up at him. "So, will you dance with me when they start playing again?"

Tiege links his hands in front of himself as he faces Ahnlana. When Zippora comes over, the fingers of those conjoined hands go white. "I would prefer not to discuss my private matters in public, Miss Zipporah. Have you met Miss Ahnlana? Ahnlana, this is Miss Zipporah." Very formal and polite.

Phineas smirks at his brother. "He does, doesn't he?" He reaches to take the boy with one arm if Sheriden will come to him, accepting the plate from Aileana with the other. "I know what ya mean, Ana. It's been too long since we had a bit of a hoedown. I have ta eat fast and get back ta music." Phineas smirks at brother Phoenix, to be precise.

Ahnlana gives a nod to Zipporah, then looks back at Tiege. "I'm sorry," she says as politely as possible, "but I did ask him to dance with me next. Perhaps later?"

Serath laughs softly in response to Ellie's comment, "My dear, there are times when ale are good for you, and this would be one of them.. " He bows his head before her, "You were magnificent, I hope we can do that again one day."

Joshua comes in from the south hallway. Joshua has arrived. Phoebe comes in from the south hallway. Phoebe has arrived.

"Oh. Oh no. Oh, I don't drink." Ellie shakes her head at Serath before giggling a bit, "Oh, but thank you. I had lots of fun, too."

Godfrey's head swivels from left to right, before the proceedings get the better of him and he decides to move through the crowd. He remains on the outer perimeter of the dance floor, but is otherwise easy to overlook. He is just another reveler. In chainmail. With a two-handed weapon.

Athar shakes his head quietly at something, stepping away from the mainstay of dancing to recover his drink, eyes surveying the shifting mass of people.

Turning with a nod from Phineas and his family, Phoenix exhales a stream of smoke from the corner of his mouth before responding to his little sister. "Ah was goin' to get some air and ale," he says to Mena. His gaze slides across her features, taking measurement perhaps of her enjoyment of the evening. "But Ah'll twirl ya around the dance floor when Ah get back?"

Zipporah just eyes Tiege now, giving a slight nod, "I cannot wait to dance with him when my time comes."

Enter, the Ice Princess. Phoebe Forester enters from the south hall, a blue cloak wrapped around her form and her arms concealed beneath the surface of the cloth for now as her frosted gaze sweeps around quietly, surveying those in attendance.

Phineas grins at Mena's arrival. "So yer goin' ta get up there and sing fer the last song, right?" he drawls easily. "Else I might have ta try ta get the crowd ta encourage ya."

"I'm going washboard next round." Aileana chimes in as she hands a fried green tomato to Sheriden, "Here, son."

Josh steps into the hall. Better late than never. He's got an absent minded look on him as if he was off doing something that took a lot of focus. He takes in the crowd to be found here. Moving around the crowd and trying to see what is all going on here.

Mena gives Phoenix a feigned annoyed glance. "You always did try to get out of the dancing," she teases him, then chuckles. "Alright, go escape, then." When Phineas makes that challenge, her eyebrows shoot up. "Oh, Phailin is a much better singer than I am. She should do it."

Lin blinks when she hears her name being mentioned. Well she did just belt out a little ditty just a while ago after all. "You know Mena we could always do a duet." Yep trying to get little sister involved.

"Hear yer sister Lin there, an' we'll get Bee up there with the pair of ya. So it'll be a chorus. Health ta the company's last, of course," Phineas says to his sister with a shit-eating grin. He sets his plate on the edge of the stage to pick up a piece of fried chicken.

Lin leans over towards where Phineas is and steals another piece of chicken off his plate. She sure did just help herself as she listens to her family go on about who is singing and what the next action plan is.

A twitch at the corner of Phoenix's bearded mouth is the only response he has for Mena. "Aye, ya don't want me breakin' any of ya toes, little sister. Besides, Ah think ya are being called." He steps aside then, fading into the background while Mena is cajoled up onto the stage.

Phoebe slowly drawls her way over towards the cluster of Phineas and Mena, one brow arched as she dips into a silent curtsey at the presence of the group before she tilts her head to one side; her arms staying concealed beneath the cloak.

There's a lot to look at, and that's what Mouse is busy doing, walking around and looking at all the work that's been put into taking the Great Hall and turning it into a place of wonder.

Tiege meets Zipporah's gaze with a flat-lipped expression. "Of course I'll look forward to it, Miss Zipporah," he declares crisply.

"Maybe you should make Mother sing instead," Mena suggests to Phineas, nodding toward where Firenza got herself off to.

Serath winks at Ellie with that, "I should be getting home, dear -- tis getting late and I've an early morning, are you going to be okay here?" He turns to glance around the room at all of the people gathered for a few long moments.

Josh sees Tiege in the crowd and begins to make his way over him. Making excuses if he bumps into anyone on his way.

Phineas notes the large figure and waves toward him. "Hey Mouse! How's yer evenin'? And that's a good idea, Mena. She can join us all."

Athar finishes his drink, and sets the empty cup aside. A single glance is spared about the place before he decides to take his leave, his appetite for dance apparently satiated for the evening. Athar enters the east hallway. Athar has left.

"..Sing?" Phoebe says dryly, before turning to Phineas. "..Phineas, are you positively out of your mind? I come down here to be supportive and you try to toss me up on stage like some frolicing harvest girl?" Phoebe asks, a little incredulously.

Lin grins at Bee once she makes her approach. "Oh so your all about Mists now? Not even a touch of Fielder left in you?"

Mouse smiles as he's addressed by Phineas and he turns to nod to the man. He approaches and drops into his best bow then straightens up to offer his hand. "Your Grace! I am very glad to be able to call you that in public!"

Zipporah's gaze does follow the Purist Baron with clear interest though she's soon back to watching Tiege, the icy Tiege.

Ellie nods to Serath, "Oh, sure, I'll be fine. Good night! Thank you for the dance and all."

Phineas grins unrepentantly at Phoebe. "Ayup, that's about it," he says after swallowing a mouth of chicken. He turns that expression toward Mouse. "So have ya met most of my family here? This here's my boy Sheriden, and that's Ana, I expect ya know her. Empress Mena. That's Phoebe over there, Ice Queen. Baroness, really, but we know her aspirations. That's my sister Phailin the Florist, an' my brother Phaeton's on stage there with the fiddle. Nix.." Phineas looks about. "Phoenix was right here. Damn he vanishes fast."

Phailin is busy eating a chicken bone but she is able to give a wave towards Mouse. Looking amused when her gaze flickers on Bee for a moment.

Aileana nods to Mouse, a smile on her lips for him, "I'm not sure we've met? Who are you?"

Firenza has partially disconnected.

Ahnlana gives Tiege another glance, then wrinkles her nose and calls out to the stage, "Pardon, but are we having any more music tonight or is this a Draught discussion forum now?"

Mena smiles and inclines her head to Mouse. "We have met, actually. And it is a pleasure to see you again, Master Kirkorin."

When Josh finally reaches Tiege he says close to his ear because of the crowd and all, "You must be doing really well in your hosting. There's quite a crowd here tonight."

Zipporah's attention does turn on Joshua now, her brows rising a little more. She starts to walk towards him now, "How are you? I saw you the other night trying to cheer the little Purist when he thought no one would remember his festival."

Mouse follows the introductions given him by Phineas and he nods along with them. "Your family is rather famous Duke Phineas." He of course bows his head to all of them, since they are all of higher statiopn then he is. When addressed by Aileana he turns to her, "Mouse. Mosha Kirkorin. Sword for hire. And I don't think we've met Your Grace. Much to my regret." Then to Mena he smiles broadly, "And a pleasure to meet you again Your Majesty. Always a pleasure."

Phineas looks over with the shout from Ahnlana. "Uppity wench, aren't ya? Fine, fine, we'll get back ta music." He sets down his son and takes another bite of chicken. "Talk ta ya after the music's done," he tells Mouse as he gets back on stage. "I'll give ya this break, Bee, Mena. We'll all sing, but yer part of it."

Phoebe's lips curl faintly. "Hrm. Remind me next time to stay in my suite instead of coming down." Phoebe says as she glances at Phailin with a shrug of her shoulders and a faint smile on her face. Phoebe glances up at the stage before walking over towards one corner of the room.

Tiege gives a nod to Josh and answers, "I think this was the Green Fielders. I can't take any credit." He offers an elbow to Ahnlana. "There's nothing wrong with a Draughtian discussion forum!"

"You're singing it right now?" Mena asks of Phineas. "Is it the last song?" Serath smiles at Ellie and he turns around and makes his way out through the hallway, his robe billowing with his swift movements.

Serath enters the south hallway. Serath has left.

"Nice to meet you." Aileana replies with a smile as she follows her husband towards the stage, sitting her plate aside as she picks up a washboard so that she can get a break from the jug blowing. She does call out to Mena, "Majesty...jug?"

"No, we ain't at the last song," Phineas answers Mena when he gets the spoons out and takes a spot next to Phae. "There's a night ahead still." He nods to his twin.

As Serath abandons her to do that dull thing known as sleep, Ellie makes her way over towards where Tiege and the others are. "Oh, but dancing is much more fun." she comments to Tiege's protest. Mena laughs and shakes her head to Aileana. "No way, I could never get that thing right. I'll just stay down here for now."

Godfrey enters the south hallway. Godfrey has left.

Micah stands up and brushes himself off before he moves over towards Firenza and holds his hand out. "It seems that the music is about to start again, Mother of the Empire." He says. "Come dance with me, and then you can appreciate a man with some skill and some experience."

Joshua looks over at Zipporah when she talks to him. "I am well, mistress." His attention going towards Tiege, "Oh that's why there are people dressed stranglely with no shoes and well those can't be instruments can they?" Shaking his head some as he pushes his glasses back.

Phaeton leads in to another song with a sure-handed fiddling flourish, then sets a beat that puts toes to tapping. "Come on, Bee. We can do a duet!"

Mother of the Empire? That draws Firenza from her random beratement of a servant and she drifts over to Micah, letting him claim her hand. "I would love a dance, luv. How are you faring today? Any new sweethearts since we last spoke?"

Ahnlana grins at Tiege. "'Long as you're from Draught, sure." She winks at his friend. "Bare feet means it's less likely he'll crush my feet. And those are definitely instruments."

Lin gets up from her seat on the stage. Chicken bone was thrown onto Phin's plate. She's waiting for what the next song is so she can decide if she needs to sing or play the jaw harp.

Phoebe looks up at Phaeto before shaking her head slowly, one brow arched upon her features as she watches the goings on with a pensive expression on her face.

"So what is your name?" Zipporah asks of Joshua with a slight grin on her lips now, "I am Zipporah. Are you a purist too?"

"I will endeavor not to crush your feet, Miss Ahnlana," Tiege tells her as he prepares to dance. He gives a sighing nod to Ellie. "So most people seem to think. Alright, Miss Ahnlana. Let's dance."

Joshua looks over at Ahnlana when she addresses him. "Oh really? I am not sure if I would be comfortable in that set up." He turns to look at Zipporah now. "I am Lord Joshua Dhaval. And yes I am a purist." That said a bit proudly. He's not going to hide what he believes in after all.

"No new sweethearts, unfortunately. I did meet your daughter, Lin." Micah indicates the young woman with the small lap harp. "But she seems quite happy with her lad, much to my own dismay." He gives a low chuckle, as he brings Firenza out to the middle of the dance floor. He waits for the music to begin and then he begins to dance.

Mouse nods to Duke Phineas as the man heads up onto the stage. He chuckles at the banter between the royals as they all get ready to make their music.

Duke Phineas listens to Phaeton for a moment before he joins in, the rattle of spoons adding its own magic to the music. He grins at Phailin, but there's something just slightly off in it. He mutters to Phailin, "... an'... 'em."

Talking is nowhere near as much fun as dancing." Ellie says with a cheerful shrug to Tiege, "You make it sound like a funeral, dancing." She starts swaying in place, despite the fact that there's no music right now and that she doesn't currently have a dance partner.

Phailin gives a shrug towards Phineas. Listening to her brothers before she joins in with her little ole jaw harp. Its a bit smaller than a lap harp and its something that she plays off her mouth and hands.

Ahnlana snorts at Tiege. "Just Lana. See?" She grins, holds her hands out, and readies to dance again. As the music starts up again, Mena starts to drift away from the stage in order to meander through the crowd. That knight stays with her closely.

Tiege takes Ahnlana's hands and says quietly, "As you wish, Miss Lana." He does draw her with him into dance steps, none so skilled as the fast Fielder, but at least certain. He says something softer.

Firenza steps into a lively dance with Micah, smiling up at him. "Lin is a beautiful girl. I did not know she had a lad but I suppose I shall have to find out." She pauses. "Captain, do you have children?"

Zipporah chuckles at Joshua's answer, "Do you wish to dance to this noise? It seems I have angered your little friend. This twinges pain at my heart."

Joshua looks over at Tiege when he's whisked away by 'Just Lana'. He gives a nod of his head towards Zipporah. "I can most certainly try. This kind of music is not something I am use to. But I'll try my personal best."

Jenoch comes out of the food and shopping area. Jenoch has arrived.

Aileana starts to scrub at the washboard with metal tips, just keeping up with the rhythm and having a grand time this evening.

"I do not, Mother of the Empire." Micah tells to Firenza, giving a soft chuckle to her as he spins her around slowly, watching her impishly.

Sheriden is always best behaved when he has food in hand, mainly because his mouth is full and he's not moving far from the food, so he can't run around. He shoves and entire slice of fried green tomato into his mouth, stuffing it so that tomato juice oozes down his chin. Mmmm.

There's a distinct pause before the blue cloak is unclasped from Phoebe's shoulders and a fiddle, "violin" as she calls it. There's a sloww buildup, from the back of the room as Phoebe begins to wander through the crowd towards the stage, the sound of her own fiddle matching the rythym on stage.

"Very good. I have never danced to such a thing." Zipporah admits as she approaches Joshua, "You are not glaring at me. I imagine that the little purist didn't tell you all about me."

Ahnlana grins and dances away with Tiege, the fast steps not at all hampering a quiet conversation. She mutters to Tiege, "You... me... She's... in... she's... sticking... own breed."

Jenoch walks into the Great Hall and is taken aback by all the festivities. He quickly walks towards the exit.

Jenoch enters the south hallway. Jenoch has left.

"No I have heard of you." Josh tells his soon to be dance partner Zipporah. "But at this time I have no need to glare at you." See he can be polite even with something as evil as this beauty.

Phineas gives a long look at Phailin and another at Phaeton, the dark eyes of the newly reinstated duke seeming to find some gentling as he gazes at his siblings. A fleeting look about the room ends with him gazing down at his hands and the spoons he plays smartly in time with the music.

Aileana leans towards her husband a bit as she continues washboarding, whispering something his way with a mischievous glint to her eyes.

Phailin can't really smile when Phineas looks at her. But with a hand she points towards Bee to show to her brothers the ice princess does have a bit of fielder still in her. Foot tapping to the music. Tiege's lips twist a bit at something soft from Ahnlana and he wrinkles his nose. His feet follow hers in the rapid music. He mutters to Ahnlana, "I like her fine... but... about..."

Firenza spins with a grand smile, coming back to face the captain with a light laugh. "Well you should get some. I've rediscovered the wonders of my own." Searching Micah's features, she asks, "If you could have any woman here tonight for one night-- aside from me, of course you want me-- whom would you choose?"

Zipporah inclines her head to Joshua, "Very good. It is nice to not be glared at so much. Even I have feelings too...on some days." She does look to the musicians and the song they play, "How does one do this and not look a fool? How do you suggest dancing to this?"

Micah gives another laugh a bit at that. "Good, I always knew that it was in you, and I only wish I could find someone to do so." Micah winks at her as he spins her around again before he leans in to murmur something to her, chuckling a bit.

Phineas glancs over at the soft words of his wife, and he grins to her. "Worth a try." As he edges close to her, he glances at his siblings. He follows Phailin's gesture with his gaze and a grin slowly comes to his feature. A whoop is given for Phoebe's fiddling approach. Then, he concentrates on the rhythm and tries to plant a kiss hot on Aileana's mouth.

Micah mutters to Firenza, "... you think?"

Aileana's eyes stay alight with mischief as she leans towards her husband to join in the kiss while still scrubbing at the board. She does indeed try to keep the beat, and does indeed fumble a little bit in her efforts.

"I would suggest trying to follow the beat?" Josh says towards Zipporah. "I mean if there's a beat? Im not to sure. Or we could just dance and hope for the best that we don't look so foolish out there. It seems everyone else is having a good time."

Phaeton joins in with a call to Phoebe, stepping up the pace to the fiddling a bit.

Ellie spins around in place, dancing by herself as the music starts up again. Whee.

Mouse heads over to pick up some refreshment. After a long drink he returns to the entertainment and starts stomping a foot and clapping along with the music. He looks around, then shrugs a shoulder, apparently deciding he's allowed to whoop to the music, even when the musicians are so distinguished. So that's what he does. He whoops! Spotting Ellie dancing by herself he heads on over to ask her to join him, "Dance Mistress Ellie?"

Phoebe slowly climbs the stage, not losing a beat as she continues the fiddling. Her own features locked in a faint smirk as she slides the bow across the strings.

Ahnlana tips her head in amusement at Tiege. She mutters to Tiege, "Well,... could... you go... dance... her if you... I... you... your..."

Tiege fixes Ahnlana with a look as he carefully tries to spin her with the music. "You're not nice either," he says, but not like he means it.

Firenza glances around the room, considering Micah's words. "Zipporah, maybe?"

Zipporah nods and then steps closer to Joshua, her steps in the dance a bit out of sorts compared to the music. It's as if her brain does not function with this type of music.

Well Josh tries his best to lead Zipporah in this dance. His steps a bit halting but he tries to keep up. Looking to the others he sees what Tiege is doing and will now attempt to spin Zipporah since it seems to be a part of the dance.

Ellie stops spinning and looks up at Mouse, giggling, "Oh. Oh, yes! It's lots of fun!"

Zipporah does spin, a little too quickly really. At the end of the turn, she pauses to stare at Joshua now, "Why did you think to do that? This music is too choppy for such a thing. Perhaps we should just go for a walk and converse."

Phailin throws a wink at Bee when she joins them on the stage. Hand and mouth a bit occupied to do anything else. She begins to dance around the stage. If she was wearing skirts she'd be lifting them about now as it is she moves her legs in exagerated manners as if she's stomping on things. Micah chuckles a bit at that before he looks at Zipporah. "Ah, no, close, but no." He chuckles a bit more as he moves along with her, grinning.

Ahnlana grins merrily at Tiege. "I have six brothers. I learned the hard way not to be too nice." She spins rapidly, in time with the music, then returns to facing Tiege.

Sheriden finishes his food up happily and contiues to sit, unusually well behaved for the moment. Of course, behavior like that just can't last long, it would ruin his reputation. So, in order to maintain his reputation of mayhem and mischief maker, he waits until his nanny takes her eyes off of him to make a break for it, slipping into the nearest hiding place. The auction tent.

And Aileana isn't watching her boy either. She's busy smooching his Father and trying to keep up with the washboard as she does so.

"I did that because it seems to be a part of what your suppose to do in this kind of dance." Josh attempts to explain to Zipporah as she turns back in his direction. A brow raised at the invitation given. He thinks on that for a moment, "A walk and conversation? I think that will be alright." Firenza points over at Ahnlana, asking of Micah. "What about that one? She has a sweet backside, I must admit."

Sheriden enters the Auction Tent. Sheriden has left.

Phineas breaks the kiss with his wife and his faltered rhythm resumes. "I do love ya," he says softly to her. He looks up as Phoebe reaches the stage and laughs, a relaxed and happy sound. As the party continues, Mena takes a few minutes to slip into the auction tent.

Empress Mena enters the Auction Tent. Empress Mena has left.

Micah chuckles a bit and nods. "She does, yes.. she does." Micah offers before he looks to Firenza and grins. "I'm more of a bosom man, myself." He offers, giving another soft and low chuckle to his throat.

Mouse takes Ellie by the hand and pulls her out onto the dance floor to join those already dancing. "It is fun!" He spins with his young partner with the wild enthusiasm of a native fielder, "Whoooo!" He whoops at the sight of the ducal kiss on stage, then goes back to his dancing with Ellie, "Nice to see you smilin' Ellie girl!"

Phailin is to busy dancing and making her own music on the stage to really comment on what Phin and Ana are doing. But there's another wink given in their direction.

Aileana grins up to her husband and then goes back to her playing though that does slow when she notices an abandoned plate where her son used to be and a nanny that looks more than a little worried as she looks for the boy herself.

Tiege stumbles the slightest bit, but he's almost smiling at Ahnlana's graceful spin. "Six brothers, what a lot. I have no siblings, I can't imagine what that would be like. So do you really not have winters there?"

Zipporah inclines her head to Joshua, "Very well. Take me for a walk. That sounds interesting."

Firenza closes her eyes and declares quietly, "Goddess, how I miss Green Fields and the parties there. This was an excellent idea." She glances back up to the Captain. "I think one of those young purist girls has an attractive bosom-- you should do the realm a favor and..." she drifts into quiet words. Firenza mutters to Micah, "... like... picking fronds... are... snooty.... could... go for... one... the... could... use..."

Phaeton draws a sweet melody from the fiddle, but the last closing strains of the song come. "Something slower, Thunder? Bee? Lin?" His melody begins again, slow and sure and smooth, a sweet dance.

Ellie completely misses the kiss on the stage, so busy is she concentrating on her dancing. Her smile disappears for just a fraction of a second at Mouse's words, but then quickly reappears with a giggle, "Well, this is lots of fun. Oh, I love parties."

Phineas tucks the spoons away as Phaeton changes the tempo. He steps behind his wife and puts his head on top of hers, wraps his arms about her and sways a bit to the music.

Micah ahhahhs. "Now, be nice." Micah gives a soft laugh to Firenza before he looks around. "She's a young woman and quite lovely. But I think I would break her, would I not?" He asks, "Nothing else?"

As the music draws to a close Josh stops and looks to his dance partner. "Very well." He begins to move out of the crowd and towards a doorway.

Aileana's gaze slides up as she stops the washboard playing so that she can whisper up to her husband. She looks worried.

With the change in songs to slower music, some of the fast-paced dancing is abruptly out of place. It's a sweet song about down by the Hollow in the lazy summer eve.

Phoebe matches tempo, moving to a slow tempo as she watches the people on the floor quietly.

Lin decides to sing the lyrics softly as her instrument of choice is not at all soft. Crooning lightly but loud enough to be over heard. Hands are clasped together as she sways back and forth in the singing.

Ahnlana blinks at Tiege. "No siblings? I can't imagine that. Seems everyone almost has a hoard of siblings." She chuckles, stopping as the music comes to an end. "No, really, there's no winter. I mean, the ground gets too cold to plant, but that's about it."

Phineas looks down at his wife with a frown. He sucks in a deep breath and bellows over the music, "ANYONE SEEN SHER AROUND HERE??"

Well Lin was singing until Finn bellows that out. Stopping short as her gaze tries to look over the crowd for her lost nephew.

Ow. Ow Ow Ow. Phoebe shoots an ice glare to Phineas for a moment as she stops playing and looks out across the crowd of people as she lowers the fiddle to her side.

Mouse smiles and releases Ellie's hand as the music slows down. He smiles and gives her a bow. "Thanks for the dance Ellie doll." Then he hears the *coug*bellow*cough* announcement and beings looking about for the missing child. "Scuse me Ellie."

Tiege glances over as the music shifts and then collapses completely. "Thank you for hte dance, Miss Ahnlana. I appreciated it, more than I can say." He gives her a friendly look before stepping over to one of the knights on duty in the hall and asking about Sheriden Ashlan.

Micah moves up and looks over towards Mouse. "You, sir. Cover that door." He turns back to Firenza. "Come with me." He says, moving towards the other assorted people. "No one leave, don't let anyone leave." He calls out, looking towards the knights and pushes past them. "He's around here, somewhere."

Ellie blinks at the shout and then nods to Mouse, "Oh. Of course." She looks around, trying to see if she can spot the mini-escape artist.

That stops Josh short when he hears the Duke of Green Fields. Looking over at Zipporah, "I don't think I can go for that walk with you now. There seems to be a lost boy and I want to help find him."

Aileana nibbles at her bottom lip as she looks towards the table with the pie, finally rising to casually walk over and lift the tablecloth. She really expects to see a pie covered boy chowing down in hiding. He's not there. She does cut a glare towards the nanny as she tries to remain calm despite all of the craziness she's authoring in her mind.

Firenza's gaming ends when she hears her grandson has gone missing. "Sheriden???" She moves after Micah, letting him handle the staffing of the place.

"It'd be easier if we were outside. No alarms." Phoebe says dryly, as she descends from the stage and tucks the fiddle from her arm. A frosted look glancing around the area with cool detachment.

Phailin pockets her instrument and gets off the stage and tries to make the rounds of finding a lost nephew. Her brow furrowed.

Mouse steps over towards the carousel, the slide and the snowdrifts area, thinking that he would like that area if he were a young fellow...wait, he still likes it.

Zipporah inclines her head to Joshua, "Of course. I'm certain he is fine. Who could steal the heir to a Duchy right from under everyone's noses?"

"Idiots." Micah says, looking towards Firenza. "Come on, he's not in here, he'd of already popped up. Come on, he's gotta be in one of the tents."

The knights calmly begin to close off the exits, and one tells Micah as he pushes past, "Watch where you're shoving." None of them look overly worried, mind you, but they do check everyone over and make sure no young Ashlans slip out.

Joshua just looks at Zipporah when she says that. "Someone very clever, I would imagine." The walking he was doing to head for a doorway changes. Especially when the knights close off the exits.

Phineas gets down from the stage, moving through the crowd. He calls as he goes, "ALRIGHT. Red-headed kid, anyone seen him leave?" Some nanny is going to be fired. He heads for the snow tent.

Firenza points towards the shopping booths. "He'd be near food."

Empress Mena comes out of the Auction Tent. Empress Mena has arrived. Ellie looks around and arou nd, not seeing the little boy around anywhere at all.

"No, he stuffed his face earlier.. kid.. kid." Micah taps his chin and laughs, "This is the only place he'd be.. come on." He moves towards the auction tent, and nearly bowls Mena over. "Empress, you didn't happen to see young Sheriden did you?"

Aileana does look towards where Firenza is pointing though she answers with worry, "He already had a full plate. He's wandered off since then."

The nanny looks like she's about to tinkle her drawers! She just took her eyes off of him for a second! Just a second!

Tiege starts walking the perimeter of the room, heading for the carousel with a fixed and purposeful look.

Mena steps out of the auction tent, her gaze searching out her brother. "Your Grace," she calls to Phineas, since it was his voice she heard bellowing. "Your son is in the auction tent hiding under a table and giggling."

Phoebe is heading through the crowd, fiddle tucked in her gloved hands as the Forester Baroness weaves in and out with a look on her face that could kill. Though at the entrance of the Empress, and the declaration..Phoebe stops. Her brow arches and she turns to look to Phineas.

Mena tries not to show the bit of amusement. Kids to the damndest things. She knows this well.

Phineas slows to a stop at Mena's call, his jaw shifting to one side and then another. "He is, is he? SORRY EVERYONE! I see one butt whallopin' in his near future." He stalks toward the auction tent.

Mouse investigates snowbanks for any boys that might be hiding in them, making a mess with all the snow as he does so. The shame of it is that he doesn't even get to enjoy playing in the snow, as he's busy being serious. Next up is the carousel, "Sheridaaa..." He stops midcall to look towards Mena. He starts chuckling and turns his attention to brushing snow off his boots.

Tiege sighs relief as the marquis has been located.

Aileana looks instantly relieved and rushes for the auction tent, one hand sliding under her swelling stomach to make sure there isn't too much bounce there as she rushes for her boy to make sure he wasn't smushed by the horse...which, of course, he isn't if Mena is so calm.

Phailin wrinkles her nose when she hears Phineas and attempts to catch up with him. Telling him quickly, "Now you be nice. Remember he's just a little boy." Yep Auntie is trying to save the poor boy's hide.

"Oh good he's been found." Josh murmurs towards Zipporah. "Hopefully in one piece to. But I would imagine so if the Empress is calm in her speech."

Phoebe looks around and with a faint twitch of amusement on her features, she begins to head for Mena. Her voice low as she nears her youngest sister. She mutters to Empress Mena, "... when... kids; you..."

"Lin, that's a little boy whose gettin' his ass whopped," Phineas says firmly. "He doesn't get to run off like that an' get away with it." As he nears the auction tent, Phineas gives quiet thanks to Mena. Then EVIL SPANKING FATHER PERSON enters the auction tent.

Mena does step aside to let the worried parents through. At Phoebe's mutter, she chuckles and nods. "Of course. I'm looking forward to it."

Duke Phineas enters the Auction Tent. Duke Phineas has left. Firenza disappears among the shopping and food booths. Firenza has left. Aileana does indeed follow after her husband, perhaps planning to soften the blow of the angry Dad. Duchess Aileana enters the Auction Tent. Duchess Aileana has left.

Phailin just shakes her head and looks like she's about to protest again. But knows its no use. Saying to no one in particular, "Poor boy."

Micah disappears among the shopping and food booths. Micah has left.

From Auction Tent, a masculine voice shouts, "Boy! You git yer ass over here right this minute 'fore I have ta come find ya."

Phoebe takes the moment to ...ESCAPE! "Your Majesty, Have a grand evening." Phoebe says with a curtsey, a wink, and she begins to head for the exit to the south hall.

Now that Sheridan is found, Ellie frowns just a little at the boy breaking up the dance fun. She looks around and shrugs slightly to herself.

Zipporah watches the commotion come to an end and inclines her head to Joshua though her gaze does turn to the bellowing Father, and for a moment everything about her seems to soften. Even the smirk that resides in her gaze seems to fade, "I think I must go, purist Joshua. Have a good evening."

Micah comes out of the food and shopping area. Micah has arrived.

Mena chuckles and shakes her head to Phoebe. "Terrible," she says, but inclines her head without trying to stop her sister from leaving. "Good evening, Baroness."

Phaeton winces as Phineas yells, rubbing at his temple. "Looks like we can all get back to the fun again. Bee, you don't get away that easy."

Mouse looks at the snow at his feet, then at the nobles wandering around without music. He really shouldn't... but he does. He bends down and grabs up a handful, makes a nice ball and gives it a fling at Ellie.

Zooo-...no zoom. Phoebe stops at the threshhold to the south hall and turns and looks at Phailin. "Of course I do. Phineas and Aileana are both occupied, and I have.." A thoughtful pause, "Magical things to make magical. Yes. Much more duty-bound than singing, I really can't stay Lin. I hope you have a good night!" Phoebe offers in a smooth voice.

"A good evening to you also." Josh says towards Zipporah when she speaks of her leave. Watching her with interest as she departs.

Tiege's attention follows Zipporah as she departs. He speaks softly to one of the knights.

Ellie happens to be looking the other way when Mouse throws the snowball at her. "Hey!" she exclaims in surprise, whirlling to see who just hit the back of her head with that cold snow.

Phaeton chuckles at his only blond sister. "You really don't want to do that before the last song. Don't break tradition for something magic that can wait, Phoebe." He tempts with a soft note from the fiddle.

Zipporah looks to Joshua, then Tiege and finally turns to leave, quiet now. Zipporah enters the south hallway. Zipporah has left.

Phailin steps back to where Phaeton is. "Let her be, Phaeton. You can scold her later."

Mouse puts his hands behind his back and looks at the very pretty ceiling. Quite the innocent fellow. Couldn't be him throwing things. But he is standing by the snow...and he's a horrible actor.

Micah turns to head towards the exit as well, brushing himself off slowly as he does so.

Micah enters the south hallway. Micah has left.

Phaeton shrugs at Lin and chuckles, "Eh, fair enough." He glances towards the tent and sighs slightly, "Eh, I suppose Sherry deserves that a bit, he needs to know it's not safe to run off. Hope Finn doesn't paddle him too hard though."

Phoebe takes a sigh, and she puts the violin down near the exit to the room. Looking around, Phoebe disappears briefly into the shopping booths. A few moments later, she returns with a servant trailing behind her a tray of 8 ale-filled mugs as Phoebe gives a grousing look for a moment. "Incorrigible."

Ellie blinks when there doesn't seem to be anyone over by the snow that's the right age to be throwing snowballs at her. But, then... Mouse? She blinks a few more times, apparently confused.

Tiege covers his mouth with a hand watching Ellie and Mouse. He looks back to the stage.

"Well it is Finn you know." Lin says towards Phaeton. "It looks like things are dieing down in here." A brow raised when she takes notice of what Bee is doing. "Is that ale for us?"

Josh has been watching Zipporah depart. But now his attention is caught between Ellie and Mouse and the 'game' that is being played. Shaking his head some.

Duchess Aileana comes out of the Auction Tent. Duchess Aileana has arrived. Duke Phineas comes out of the Auction Tent. Duke Phineas has arrived. Khaelis has disconnected. Sheriden comes out of the Auction Tent. Sheriden has arrived.

When Mena sees the ale come out, she makes her way over to where the other members of her family are. "Hey," she says to Lin and Phoebe. "Five silver to the one who can drink their ale the fastest...," she says, grinning.

Mouse peeks and chuckles proudly when his act works well enough to get him out of dutch. He could leave things well enough alone, but he doesn't. He looks around then quickly bends down to scoop up another ball of snow. He makes it a perfect throwing sphere as he stands, chuckling and giving Ellie a wink as he does so. Then he lifts his non throwing hand and gives her a wave.

Phineas exits the auction tent with wife and son, the latter properly chastised. He heads for the stage. "That the ales, Bee?" he calls toward her.

Tiege's eyebrows rise at the comment from the Empress and he watches wtih wide eyes. Phailin laughs when she hears the bet from her little sister. Looking around at her other family members that are represented. "Sounds fair to me." Looking over at Ana, Sher and Phin when they make their way back in."

Phoebe glances at the group before adding, "I'll see your five silver and raise you five more that says I can put it back better than you can." Phoebe says to Mena before taking one of the ales with a nod to Phineas. "Little sister thinks she can take ale better than us." Phoebe remarks to Phineas before giving wry twist of her lips at Phailin.

Aileana laughs as she hears all of the wagers, "I would participate, but I don't think I can tonight." She looks to Sheriden, "But Sher will have some."

"Just the girls!" Mena says with a laugh as she takes up the ale. "Will one of you call it?" she asks of the other siblings. "And then we can sing."

"You threw a snowball at me!" Ellie accuses Mouse. She glances over towards the ale drinking competition going on and then back at Mouse.

Phailin looks at Mena and than looks at Bee. You'd think she was the middle sister instead of the oldest in the trio the way she looks at them. But she does lift up the tankard and waits for the go ahead.

Phineas saunters over to the Fielder Forester females. He glances about to see if any other Green Fields girls are left. "I'll call it," he offers. "But then ya git up on stage fer last song."

Phaeton laughs and shakes his head, fiddle being put down as he takes one of the ales to sip on, "Now this oughtta be interesting, I have no idea who's going to win." He winks at Sheriden, "Cheer your Aunts on, Sherry."

Mouse laughs and throws the next snowball at Ellie. "You're right! I did!"

Phineas looks at Phaeton and emphasizes, "Sher. It's Sher. It don't sound like Sherry, a liquor or a girl's name. Sher." He smirks, but still nto joking.

[ROLL] Phoebe rolls 1d100: 75 Total: 75 (Because I'm the Ice Princess and I better win this bet.)

[ROLL] Phailin rolls 1d100: 45 Total: 45

[ROLL] Empress Mena rolls 1d100: 33 Total: 33

Aileana was just about to say the same thing to Phaeton when Phineas beats her to it. She then closes her mouth and chuckles, "Yes, Sher..cheer on your Aunts."

Tiege links his hands behind his back as he observes this strange custom.

Sheriden cheers for something, but he's not entirely sure what he's cheering for. He's just glad he's not being spanked anymore. This is a lot more fun.

Joshua stands next to Tiege as he observes this tradtion. His hand resting on his chin.

"Hey!" Ellie exclaims when she sees the snowball heading right for her. This one, she ducks. Dives out of the way of, really, not seeming to notice that she's on a collision course for Joshua and Tiege nor really paying attention to who or what the snowball is going to hit instead.

Mena takes a napkin from the nearby servant in her free hand, then looks to Phineas to call the start of the contest.

Phoebe takes her mug and giving a slow look around the room, she reaches up to brush her flaxen locks back from her face. A look at Phineas, then back to Mena. Her own napkin is stolen from a passing servant as she readies herself with a nod to Phineas.

Tiege slants a look to Josh. He mutters to Joshua, "Do you... we... tell Athar..." That's when Ellie barrels into him and he gives a loud >OOF!<, caving to the side.

Phailin holds the tankard with both hands. She has every means of just throwing down the liquid in her throat. She's the oldest of the girls. She's got to prove she's the best after all! Looking over to Phineas as she waits for the call.

Phineas looks between the sisters with a smirk. "Alright, Three..Two..One.. GO!"

Mena starts chugging that ale, holding the napkin just under her chin so she doesn't end up dribbling all over her fine, fine gown.

Joshua was trying to lean in and listen to what Tiege is telling him only to play the balance act when Ellie comes at him and Tiege in full force.

Phoebe listens to the call from Phineas and then with one final smirk to her siblings, Phoebe begins to chug the ale back. Her hand raising the napkin up to keep the dribble contained.

Lin doesn't care about the dribble. That's probably why she's no Empress or Baroness just a simply Lady Florist. No napkin to be seen as she chugs down her drink.

Phineas watches with a narrow focus, as if this is very serious business. Drinking, a very serious thing to Fielders.

Phoebe continues chugging the ale before slamming the now empty tankard down with a rush of air from her lips...and quickly bringing the napkin up to her mouth to wipe away. Yes, wipe wipe wipe. Must look presentable as quick as possible.

Phaeton rolls his eyes and grins, "Sher, sorry sorry." Then he goes on watching, drinking is own rather a lot less quickly than his sisters.

And there goes Lin. Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle. Her throat moving swiftly down in the taking of the blessed nectar of ale. Once she is done drinking the sweet taste of the gods she slaps her tankard down back on the tray and uses the back of her hand to wipe off any foam left on her lips and chin. Of all the things that Aileana doesn't expect to find in the castle, snow heading her way is the least of them. As she holds her boy and he cheers, she gets smacked with snow...really, cold /snow/! This causes her to jump back and gasp as she looks at her gown and then for the culprit, "What...was that for?"

Mena's is the third and last tankard to make it to the stage's surface, wiping off her mouth right afterward too. "Clearly, I am out of practice," she says with a chuckle. "Well done, Baroness Forester," she says with amusement. "Shall we sing?"

Phineas drops his hand. "Bee has it, then Lin. Surprised me Lin. Mena..." He shakes his head at the Empress. "Clearly, ya need more practice." He looks over at his wife's squawk. "Ana, you alright?"

Mouse grimaces as Ellie ducks out of the way and he realizes that that hurtling orb, that perfect snowball he lovingly created, is headed directly for a blooming duchess! His Duchess! Oh my! Oh no! Time stands still. Oh this is bad! "Eh...Oh!" Not knowing what else to do, he drops into a deep bow.

Whether or not Tiege falls as a result of her impact, Ellie ends up on the floor after she hits him. "Oh. Oh. I'm sorry!" she apologizes as she tries to reorient herself and get to her feet. That Aileana gets hit with the snow meant for her goes unnoticed for the moment.

Phailin just shakes her head when Bee defeats her. "Well, must be all that wine drinking giving you pratice for ale throwing." But as quick as lightening she's scrambling back onto the stage. She's in pants. She can do that.

Aileana is busy searching out the source of the snow as she shivers once. That's cold! She then looks to her husband, "I just got...snowed! Indoors."

A head rush is the definite presentment of chugging all that ale, especially so fast. Phoebe wrinkles her nose before she takes another deep breath. A grimace as she hears, then notices the impact of the snowball and the snowy cascade over Ana as she looks back too Lin, "You're incorrigible, Phailin Forester!" Phoebe calls after her eldest sister before she begins to head for the stage slowly, grabbing another ale as she does so. "Come on, Empress. I thiink we have to resign ourselves to historical duty tonight."

Joshua bends to offer a hand towards Ellie when she falls. He was doing that act of a person on a balance beam with hands out to make sure he doesn't fall. Once that is over he straigtens. Hence the reason to be able to help Ellie.

Phineas looks at Aileana for a few moments more before scanning the room. "It's like the fuckin' winter's followin' us," he laments. "If yer okay, let's dance, then we can find who ta yell at."

Aileana does smile at that, finally putting her son down at the offer to join her husband in a dance. Mouse gets a look. Yes, he gets a look, but so does Ellie!

Mena chuckles and takes her tankard with her, though she moves more carefully up to the stage. Her skirts could be easy to trip on. "Just make sure to sing really loud," she tells Phoebe.

Tiege does his best to shelter Ellie as she falls, totally taking one for the team. "It's fine, Miss Clapton. Are you alright?" he asks as he gets back on a knee and to his feet, looking her over and dusting himself off.

A low cut in from Phoebe, "I'll sing just as loudly as you do, Empress."

Phailin just sticks her tongue out at Bee once she's settled on the stage and throws her famous wink at Mena. Very informal with her sisters tonight as she waits for the noise...singing to start up.

Joshua does look over Tiege and Ellie to make sure they are alright. Than his gaze falls over to the stage to watch what is happening next.

Phineas tugs his wife toward him and reaches for a tankard. "Everyone who ain't throwin' snow or whatnot, it's last song and dance of a Fielder celebration. Grab a tankard, join in." His free arm wraps around his wife's waist while he hums the introduction.

Ellie is innocent! Really. But she doesn't notice the look given to her by the duchess. "Oh. I'm fine." she nods quickly in response to Tiege's question.

Aileana's arms wrap around Phineas's shoulders and just looks up at him, smiling warmly, "I love this." What 'this' is probably left as a question.

In hearing the humming that comes out of Phineas, Lin starts out singing in a alto. Probably a bit solo in hopes that everyone else will join her. For all the kidding she was doing with her sisters she's a bit serious in this. Drinking and last songs are serious business after all. Hands clasped together as she gives her whole heart out to the song.

Well, an ale sounds better than staying in a bow for the rest of his life, so off Mouse goes to grab up a tankard. He hoists his tankard in salute of the stage and the players.

The first verse starts, solemn and merry at the same time. The art of singing, drinking, and dancing all at once is something that clearly the Fields kindles in her people.

Kind friends and companions, come join me in rhyme Come lift up your voices in chorus with mine Let us drink and be merry, all grief to refrain For we may and might never all meet here again

Chorus:
Here's a health to the company and one to my lass
Let us drink and be merry all out of one glass
Let us drink and be merry, all grief to refrain
For we may and might never all meet here again

Mena starts singing right at the same time as Phailin does, singing the melody of the song along with her sisters. It's one she has sung many times, that is obvious. And her voice is pretty pleasant to listen to.

Phoebe climbs the stage with Mena, giving her a small, sparing glance before she reaches out and gives Mena a half-sideways hug while taking a sip of ale before she begins to hum in preparation. As the lyrics form, Phoebe's voice joins the sisters beside her. The Ice Princess has a softer sound when she chooses to reveal it and the words come of the heart and of the soul.

Aileana sings softly, her words not traveling out of earshot of her spouse, but she does clearly participate in the end of the evening.

Tiege says to Ellie, "You know, if someone actually gets hurt at this, I'll never get to have it again, likely." But it's a note of teasing in his words, just a bit of a thaw for her. Phineas sways with his wife, gesturing with his tankard in time with the music. He takes a deep drink between verse and chorus, and offers Ana a smaller sip.

It's really more of a community singing together than performers at this point, even, a celebration of unity, life, and the sweet unity of the moment.

Here's a health to my country lass that I love so well Her style and her beauty, sure none can excel There's a smile upon her countenance as she sits on my knee Sure there's no one in in this wide world as happy as we

Chorus:
Here's a health to the company and one to my lass
Let us drink and be merry all out of one glass
Let us drink and be merry, all grief to refrain
For we may and might never all meet here again

Joshua tries very hard to follow along in this unfamilar song. Lips upturned as he makes a good effort. Going as far as ignoring Tiege and Ellie as they converse. Listening to the words of the song and the melody.

Mena casts a smile to Phoebe at the show of affection as she sings along with the others, raising her tankard here and there during the song, saluting certain lines. Aileana does take the smaller sip, closing her eyes at the simple pleasure of the small sample and then she continues singing softly.

Phailin shifts some so she can join her sisters. An arm snakes about Mena's waist as she continues to sing. Her gaze falling on certain members as she carries on.

Phoebe drinks again as the chorus begins, saluting those in the audience as she sings the chorus, her own cold, blue-grey eyes watching those in front of her as she dips her head towards Aileana as the chorus begins. A smile at Phailin as the melody lifts from her lips.

Mena's smile shifts to Phailin, winking at her oldest sister as she song continues.

Ellie blinks at Tiege, "Oh. I didn't mean it! Oh, I'm sorry!" She's not sure if he's really scolding her or not and she glances over towards Mouse. Evil snowball thrower!

Phineas brushes a kiss across Aileana's brow as he holds her close, his dark eyes closing as he inhales the scent of her and rocks slowly with the music.

Aileana rests her head against Phineas's chest, her eyes just staying closed as the simple sway continues.

Phailin does pause long enough to offer a bigger smile to Mena and Bee. Contement reigning in her features. A good song to end a good night after all.

Tiege shakes his head at Ellie. "My apologies. I didn't mean to worry you, truly. It was just humor," he says, but this softer as the song reaches out to him, even if it does involve a lot of drinking.

Our ship lies at harbor, she's ready to dock I hope she's safe landed without any shock If ever we should meet again by land or by sea I will always remember your kindness to me

Chorus:
Here's a health to the company and one to my lass
Let us drink and be merry all out of one glass
Let us drink and be merry, all grief to refrain
For we may and might never all meet here again

When the last verse is finished, tankards are raised and drank deeply from.

Joshua hasn't been drinking. He's been simply trying to keep up. Watching when the song concludes and the others in the audience lift up their tankards.

Mouse sings along with the music. He apparently didn't get the gene for music making that the rest of teh fielders did, but at least he knows it and keeps his singing only as loud as the voices around him can safely tolerate. The drinking, he can do that well. He has the gene for that at least.

Phineas sips at his ale and says something soft to his wife, then to his sisters. "Some times I never thought I'd be able ta share this with ya again. Love ya all," is his murmur to the trio of Forester girls and to his brother.

Mena does cast an affection smile to her family. "As do I," she says in reply to Phineas's words. "Very much."

Phoebe finishers the lyrics with another deep drink of ale before lowering the tankard with an exhalation of air. A nod, "Me too." Phoebe offers quietly, giving a faint smile on her lips as she untangles from Mena and Phailin and begins to step down off of the stage.

Aileana looks up to her husband and just smiles as she keeps her arms wrapped around him as she nods, "Yes...completely." She then looks to Mena and nods in agreement, "Yes, love you all." And then her look includes Bee and Lin.

"Love you all." Lin murmurs to her family members as they all begin to make their way off the stage and such.

"Oh. Oh. Alright." Ellie says with a nod to Tiege and then listens to the song until it's over, which isn't very long at all.

Mena climbs off the stage with her sisters, setting aside her tankard once she reaches the floor. "Well, I do believe it is time for me to retire, since the last song has been sung," she says, the smile lingering on her features. "Do have a good night, everyone."

"Good night, Mena." Lin says towards her. Looking to the others that are soon scattering. "I should go to. Its been quite the night."

Phineas looks out about those left. "Each of ya, thanks fer comin' tonight. Love guide yer steps and paths, keep ya safe," he calls to the room at large, and then grins about at his family. He tugs Aileana with him from the stage, toward their sleepy boy.

Phoebe nods briefly, a look around the room before adding her own farewell. "Goodnight, all." Phoebe Forester murmurs as she departs into the north hall.

"Good night, Your Majesty!" Ellie calls over when she hears that the Empress is leaving.

Tiege's brow furrows at something, and he rubs the back of his neck. "I suppose that things are really winding down." He bows toward the departing figures. "Good eve, Majesty. Your Graces, thank you for having this event!"

In seeing that people are leaving Josh bows in their direction. He looks pretty relaxed for a man who did no drinking tonight.

Aileana walks towards the boy and starts to bend down in order to scoop him up, "This was really fun, Finn."

Mena lifts her hand to give a last, graceful wave to the room before she slips out of the hall to go back to her tower.

Mouse salutes her majesty when she makes to depart, then adds a bow to Phoebe as she too makes to leave. He picks up a fresh tankard and drains it in one sloppy go, then leaves the ale behind to bid Duke and Duchess a good night as well.

Phineas drawls to Mouse as Aileana gets their son, "Good ta see ya here. Ain't really talked ta ya much, but mebbe we can take a drink in the tavern together sometime soon." Phailin whistles a tune to herself as she begins to make her way out. With all the singing and the drinking and the instrument playing you'd think she'd be tired but nope not this florist. But off she goes.

"Yell at him for hitting me with snow." Aileana chimes in as she gets her boy in her arms, "Come on, Sher. It's been a long day for you."