BlackBerry's attention had fully left Lady Kathryn and Kosaras conversation in favour of the one with Cecily. Sipping still at his drink he nodded in understanding as she answered his questions.

He supposed that it just being herself and Lizbeth there hadn't been anyone else to take the time to sort through everything. Even back home it sometimes took a few days before someone gathered the strength to clear out the room of any recently deceased. But with what had recently come to light he would have thought Cecily of all people would have decided to investigate further. He wisely chose to keep this last thought to himself under another sip of his drink. He wondered also if he should perhaps offer to lend a hand? But resisted, thinking that it would be unseemly and elected to suggest it later should he find the chance to without prying eyes. No doubt the locked study contained at least some answers.

"We do a little thing at the Stables for it too." Jon added to Cecily's own words of the Frostival. "Just some mulled wine, cake, and the like, nothing too fancy mind. Sometimes the horses even leave some left overs for us. Hah!"

BlackBerry joined in with a small chuckle at Jons little joke. He quite liked the sound of the Frostival here, and the Master of the Harvest to him sounded like a way to add som6e fun and whimsy to an otherwise hectic or busy time.

But then he had heard the word 'darling' which grabbed his attention back towards Lady Kathryn currently giving Monsieur Laurant a verbal dressing down. He grinned seeing the familiarity that had suddenly emerged between Lady Kathryn and Kosara but he did have the good graces to keep his mouth shut. Althought, when Kosara did pass by he turned to shoot Lady Kathryn a conspiratorial smile and waggle his eyebrows in Kosaras direction.

Oh this was a delightful evening indeed.

"So, are you lot planning some games or something? Or are you just getting tired of being losing." Jon asked while playfully jabbing his elbow into BlackBerry's side, who then gasped sharply. "Ah, sorry lad. Thought you had gotten patched up. You all right?"

"Yes, yes, I am quite fine thank you Jon. Just caught by surprise is all." BlackBerry replied as he made sure he hadn't spilled any of his drink. "I do advise though that magic can do wonders but it certainly cannot make you forget a decent punch. To answer your question though, yes indeed. Lady Kathryn and I have had some fun fights but, well, to put it bluntly, we have grown rather tired of simply beating each other senseless and are looking for something else to try."

"Oh. Why not Horseshoes?" It was a very on brand suggestion of Jons.

A wild 'caw' caught the pair of them off guard and in sync they both looked towards the bird in Victorias arms and then to each other.

"A fabulous spell of our dear Bard." BlackBerry explained, and then added after a moments pause. "You should ask her sometime to show you the steed which she may produce also."

It was then that surprisingly the pair time had surprisingly passed them by and it was now time for the second toast of the evebing. And still the last guest hadn't yet arrived. But the drink and merry atmosphere put whatever worries BlackBerry had out of his mind.

"Indeed this is quiet marvelous!" He nodded vigarously innagreement to both Victoria and Lady Kathryn. "And I had thought the last drink was brilliant, well done to all involved. Not least of course to yourself Mater Rens."

It was as he was indulging in another taste of the wine that he stopped suddenly. "My word where are my manners. Lady Kathryn, Kosara, and Victoria. May I introduce you to Master Jon, if you are not already familiar. He is the most senior stablehand here and I would bet my arm he knows more about horses than any of us combined."

Jon, suddenly finding himself in the limelight simply raised his glass to the three and politely repeated his introduction from earlier; "Evening all."

"Jon here has been ever so kind in graciously taking me under his wing these past few weeks. Or perhaps months even? Gracious me how time does fly."

“Eeeep!” Kosara let out a squeeky happy sound as she was scooped up and casually allowed to occupy Kathryn’s shoulder like she had been a child again and her gramps at the tavern back home was carrying her around much to everybody’s amusement. Yes Kosara had an affinity to being carried up high, blame it on big people carrying her around as a child… or maybe blame it on a horned golden dragon horse that carried her around in her earliest memories. Whichever the case was the reason, one thing was certain! Kosara and being carried high was a combination that wasn’t going to go out of style with the pale tiefling anytime soon! Best part of the whole thing?’ Kathryn’s not wearing stiff uncomfortable armor!’ Yes priorities were a thing indeed and Kosara had hers in order. In any case, she just gave everybody who turned to look at their schenanigans a big happy wave.

On the matter of a certain non-noble man with possible ideas of grandeur and his overt not too subtle attempts at snubbing and demeaning by word play and name calling, he probably should have best considered himself quite lucky. History had proven that Kosara was a poor example of inhibitions and word filter was the least of things she was lacking when the situation called for it. As that event back in Avonshire that now seemed like a lifetime away proved, the white lady was not above kicking with her full force men between the legs when they were being assholes. Admittedly it was quite possible that just as well she might have confused the situation more by pointing out that sulfur was not present at the wine tasting and probably called his senses of smell into question. Again with Kosara one could never really know how it would go. She did give a bit of a pout when she was put down though.

With the party… if this could be called a party of course. She wasn’t sure if a wine tasting event counted as one. Maybe it did for these weird northerners and their curious and bizarre culture? In any case with the event hitting a bit of a rest point where nothing much was happening, Kosara was just taking the chance to wander the area, try some of the offered fruits, check what else was around to try and of course just skip around the place. She didn’t exactly interact with people much, aside some simple greetings as she moved about the place, but this was a good event to write about so she was trying very hard to memorize the sights of the people and their inter-mingling so she could put it in words and maybe a rough sketch next time she wrote in her journal.

As the matters turned, Cecily called for another toast after trying some time. This one was a different sort of brew. Much more aged by the looks of it. Honigblume…” Funny name.” Kosara let out a chuckle as she had taken herself a glass and gave it a try with the others after joining in with the toast. That said an unexpected jump from Kathryn followed by the woman giggling like a loon, had the tiefling glance and narrow her eyes at her.” Do you require some magical restoration to set your head right?” Kosara asked with a deceptively sweet and testing voice.

“I have tried them yes, however I lack the trained tastes to appreciate them as some would.” Kosara replied with a shrug.” I’ve always drank more beer than other alcohol. And no, thank you. I’m not drinking more then needed.” She replied calmly.” It is however quite the drink, I will admit that. No beer I’ve tasted quite compares in virtue of simple taste. Very sweet though... I need something sour now.”

Weather: Still cold. The wind remains light, with only the tiniest of gusts giving the occasional diagonal motion to the snowfall. It is true snowfall now rather than flurries, though not what one would consider heavy. Large, slow flakes fall earthward, making for a quiet, rather peaceful night.

Time: The night time is the right time. An hour or so past dusk.

Ambience: Considering the lovely (if quite cold) night outside and the lanterns hung to light the main thoroughfare, not much obvious has changed across the Rose River Vineyard in the interim. Inside of the Tasting Room, there is likewise a lack of appreciable environmental change, unless one counts the overall feel of the room from a more personal standpoint. There is an almost palpable friction amongst the guests and from obvious sources. However, there is an overtone of general merriment that only a successful harvest and outstanding batch of seasonal icewine can provide out here in Wine Country.

The lighting inside is adequate to the needs of even the most mundane of sight, thanks to the dual strike of candles and lamps set up in key, predetermined locations for exactly this reason. The central table is topped liberally with quick and easy things upon which one may munch with one's fingers; cheese, bread, and fruit primarily, though some utensils are provided for the status-conscious.

Conversation among the guests is varied and usually kept to themselves as not to interrupt those around them; polite discussions about the quality of wine throughout the years or whispers about whatever notable happenings were afoot within the context of their lives. The more public and/or louder addresses among the guests are taken in stride, as likely as not to be elements of future gossip sessions when in differing company.




Laurent was a socially proper enough person to, upon getting himself startled by a suddenly appearing and disappearing Raven (from and back into the thinnest of air, no less), straightened his waistcoat and departed from Victoria's vicinity even as she left to join her plus one elsewhere in the room. His own path took him the short distance back to the table, nearest to the Mosswaters, who have taken the last few minutes to sit back and enjoy the festivities - wine and drama both. At least, Barbal was enjoying the wine and drama, and with a suppressed bout of chuckling reddening his face, at that. Tarace was looking apprehensive. Nervous, even. The less boisterous Halfling was giving Barbal what support he might while sipping upon his glass of wine as if to partly disguise his expression.

"Ey there, Laurent," began Barbal. "Those adventuring types? They ah... mostly don't care about social status. Not unless it get 'em something. Advantage, like. I don't know that you or I got anything they need, Monsieur Laurent." A quick look around prompted him to follow up with, "...what I heard, anyhow."

The middle-aged landowner known as Monsieur Laurent maintained his composure enough to sip from his glass and quietly remark, "Quite." The freshness of the upset by the imposing noblelady still possessed a modicum of sting despite his cooler demeanor, and apparently the Halfling that was his peer among this apparently very mixed group could just tell. The verbal knife twisted a little bit more.

Meanwhile, Rens was more than happy to take his share of the accolades, not like he didn't deserve them. As the Master of Wine for the Rose River Vineyard, he was the man with his feet on the ground, overseeing every aspect of the vintages produced from the time the grapes got crushed to the moment the finished product was moved for shipping. Objectively, the two wines sampled this evening were some of the best the region of Avonshire (and possibly the nation) had to offer. The upper-class market for these wines truly belied the moderately overweight, middle-aged craftsman before them, bedecked in what would pass for decent weekend wear for society's wealthier element but for him was obviously tucked away for special occasions, like this one. His thick moustache wiggled beneath his prominent nose as he stood himself up straighter under the glow of his praise from multiple sources. A showing of obviously false modesty reared in the man with, "Oh no, it's all too much. I am a mere wine man, it's really all about the good people of Rose River." And while Rens may have genuinely meant that, he was absolutely eating up the attention. He did make one wistful concession, though. "I am a little worried about this season's Master of Harvest. Toombes was supposed to have been here ages ago... He's missing out."

Lizbeth had taken the opportunity of this attention to spirit herself away to the table, whereupon she selected for herself a bread plate and placed a few cubes of cheese, some slices of apple, and surreptitiously poured a glass of the Honigblume for herself. The glass was to her lips by when she glanced to her side, seeing Tarace Mosswater give her a quick wink after being very solidly caught. Tarace smiled and pretended to be oblivious, and Lizbeth took her first sip.

Cecily, genuinely oblivious to this, tapped upon her glass again. It was time for another segment of the evening, according to her plans. "If everyone would please direct you attention this way? Thank you. We have new guests to this event, and even though I have given a cursory tour of our fine Winery on their way in, it is customary for a fuller tour, should it be warranted. It is only fitting that, while viewing our casks by date, varietal, and technique, they be allowed the opportunity to sample as they go along. So please, and open to everyone in attendance, let us divide into groups with Master Rens, Lizbeth, and myself. One of us may escort you on a more personalized tour of our facilities and answer any question that does not let our deepest of professional secrets slip." She moved off to one side to allow for anyone who wished to join her as an option to do so.

Lizbeth nearly slammed her ill-gotten glass upon the table as soon as her name was mentioned, seemingly unprepared for this quite so soon. "Yes, that would be grand!" she blurted nervously. "Um, I can, um... Yes, right this way, anyone who wants!" She forced a smile. The Mosswaters, Tarace and Barbal both, tried not to laugh aloud.

The tiny amount of magic that Victoria channeled to summon her familiar felt a little but like a specific moment in many a tavern night. Specifically, the moment where she had indulged in one of her favorite wines, but did not realize until standing and excusing one's self to visit the little Bard's room that the wine had made an impact. She still had her mental faculties enough to realize that she was ever so slightly more loosened up than she really intended to be at the outset of the evening. It was not the best of ideas to get in that quick measure of brandy - the particularly not cursed brandy - before attending a wine tasting. Well, "in for a penny," as the saying went. She was already cursed, in her own way. The brandy was a mere drop in the bucket.

Be it that the application of bread, cheese, and fruit might affect her slender, girlish figure, it might also work to help counter the effects of her indulgence. So after handing off the bread plate to her guest, Annick, Victoria made her way over to the table where Lizbeth was appropriating her own share of finger foods. And stealing a glass of wine. Before she could get there, Cecily gave her announcement of a more ...interactive... tour of the rooms from which they had recently entered. The additional samples of their numerous fine vintages stored within was a temptation, to be sure, but it afforded other opportunities.

The sudden surprise from Lizbeth when she thought that she had been caught by her aunt getting a glass of the Honigblume (and stifled laughter from the Mosswaters) prompted Victoria to maneuver between Cecily and Lizbeth's line of sight in pursuit of her alcohol-soaking snack. Between Cecily's gaze and Lizbeth's glass, anyway. The Bard looked back and gave Lizbeth a knowing wink, then took another small sip of her wine. It was a token movement, as she was trying to actively decrease the rate with which she was approaching intoxication. In truth, this was all a ploy to get nearer to the impromptu tour guide that she knew best, and as such had the better chance of influencing. "If it's all right with you, Mademoiselle L'Rose," began Victoria in hushed, formal tones, "I would prefer very much you showing me around in here, first."

Victoria's eyes motioned in the direction of the door with the chunky, inset lock as a near mischievous smile crossed her otherwise serene, sublime features, a spark of trouble glinting from crystal blue, almond shaped eyes.

Back near Rens, Medician Floquet held a firm look as one who had just finished mildly embarrassing themselves despite the assurances that she, in fact, had not. While her own history was far from sterling, even her recent history, Annick was painfully aware that she was not in her own place and did not have the luxury of being quite as touchy. That and, for her dislike of the things which her new, young student did as a spellcaster, she was a guest of said student and what was left of the L'Rose Family in their estate. Yet at the same time, the older woman didn't just come here to be sociable. "I can think of a question or two I wouldn't mind answered. And I never have seen the inside of a grand winery like this. We've been neighbors for a long while now, Madame L'Rose. I would enjoy a tour." She gave a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, drained her glass, and went to set it on the table.

Annick's gaze met Victoria's as she deliberately put her glass down. She then pulled the shawl from around her neck and set it on the table next to her glass, then reached into her cloak and retrieved a small leather case with a brassy, metal clasp, which she placed on top of her shawl. Leaving these things behind, she returned to Master Rens. "Lead on, Master of Wine. I'm curious and thirsty."

The evening was still a marvellous time and it wasn't even that late. BlackBerry continued to enjoy the delightful array of foods on offer; cheeses, biscuits, some dried fruits, found their way onto a small plate he set aside for himself to pick on between sips of delicious Honigblume wine. There was now doubt, and no small amount of excitement, that by the end of this evening BlackBerry would learn what people meant when they described wines and okay or fruity or dry or what lever other words assigned to taste and flavour.

He smacked his lips appreciatively and as soon as he set the empty glass back down Jon was there filling it back up again which BlackBerry only put up a token fight against. But even as the next glass was laid it appeared Cecily was trying to moved the night forward with a further tour and further promises of more wine to try. But it seemed that Victoria had some plans of her own with the odd request to keep the tour going on in the tasting room, and even her plus one asked the same. The pair were up to something he was certain and hoped it related to getting some answers this evening.

"I take it Toombes is not normally one to be so late to such events?" The worries from earlier had resurfaced at Master Rens mention of their missing guest.

There is a time limit, a traitorous thought whispered. Despite the brandy and Honigblume wine whispering in his ear, go on just one more it would be impolite to leave now. BlackBerry still had all of his facilities for now.

"I do not mean to cause a fuss. But perhaps something has happened to the poor fellow? It might be best someone go out and find him." He regrettably put down the glass of wine. "If it would do well for you Master Rens and Madame L'Rose, for I do not wish to appear rude, I understand you are both otherwise engaged this evening but I can go out to try and find him? If you would tell me his appearance and direct me toward the meeting spot then perhaps I may find him with any luck. Worry not I shant be long. I have not intention to go further than the vineyard boundary if I should even need to go so far."

He paused for a moment look down regrettably at his half empty wine glass. It really was very good wine. "Do not worry yourself either Jon, I shall not drag you away from the evening on this little adventure"

Jon who had moments prior been looking at BlackBerry as one should when another suggested leaving a party just as it started, suddenly brightened. "Well as long as you're sure you can handle yourself out there. I'm sure Toombes is alright though." He said in an effort to save some face, and quickly turned to Master Rens " Right Rens, Bout time you showed me how this all works. The boys down at the yard have been after your secrets for years." He winked at the man over the rim of his glass.

BlackBerry tightened his robes about him in preparation not relishing the thought of leaving the warm, comfortable confines of the winery and its tasty wines, food, and company it provided. But He was worried about their missing guest as while no more other...Guests had arrived on the land it wasn't something that could be ruled out. Hopefully Toombes was just running a bit late or simply in a ditch a few steps away.

BlackBerry caught himself at that thought and wondered if maybe this adventuring life was really healthy for anyone.

As the night continued, Kathryn could feel the booze working through her system. Not enough for her to do anything too crazy she hoped. And for the most part she still felt only impaired enough to drown the shy awkward side of herself. Now! The confident noble woman was allowed out to play. Physically Kathryn had the confidence that she could physically out match anyone that opposed her. In this moment she was feeling pretty damn near that socially. Hells, in this moment she felt beautiful, she had the most adorable date, she had the titles to back up her social standing against over confident social bullies, and she was winning! She was on top of the world! Mostly. With the toast, Kosara had offered to sober up in this moment. With a chuckling smile Kathryn shook her head. "I'm good love. If I start throwing things or doing impressions though? Maybe then. I am okay for now though." Kathryn said warmly as she gave a kiss to Kosara's forehead. Kosara was clearly not as much of a drinker that Kathryn was. Which was fair. Kathryn had the slight chance of being a mild alcoholic. But she also could drink a ton more before alcohol began to kick her ass. "Most cases I would have to agree with you. Something simple without being mind numbing is better for day to day situations. Though I do have a soft spot for a sweet whiskey. My pallet isn't for everyone." She had just noticed it now, but her tone wasn't even its usual relaxed laid back tone she picks up when being social. Despite her drinking and semi relaxed posture, she was still very much acting as a proper representative of her name. A more official tone that could be used for low stress professional political and asset meetings. That is when she realized she was sounding a lot like her father in this moment. Shame no lands were attached to her titles. Nor did she have heirs. Or a married spouse. Even looking at Kosara she wasn't even sure marriage was something the tiefling woman would ever consider, or even wanted. Then the problem of heirs came up. Unless warlock magic could solve that problem too, Kathryn could never marry Kosara and attempt to continue plans of returning to power. Not without lands, and a spouse who could give her an heir. But that wasn't tonights problem. Tonight! She just had to prove to the woman she wasn't shit faced enough to need sobering up. "We could try some salted crackers to cleanse your pallet and a dark red maybe for that sour taste you're looking for?" Kathryn offered the woman.

Blackberry's look in Kathryn's direction was one she couldn't resist. She gave a rather affirmative nod, and returned a grin pointing her eye brows back at Kosara with a smile that said anything but innocent intentions. Not that Kathryn had any notions of where the night would go. Or the fact that most of those less than innocent thoughts she only knew from books and second hand retellings. She was high on her wins, and wanted the world to know she was on top of the world! Plus seeing Bb's face amused her. The way the monk was trying to figure her out, Kathryn figured keeping him guessing would be the most fun. At the mention of horse shoes Kathryn looked puzzled. "I think we'll find ourselves in a comparable situation Jon. I appreciate the idea but the contest wouldn't even come close again. Outside of my skills with a weapon I happen to be rather great at iron works too. Swords, axes, buckets, knives, plates, and of course, horse shoes. But that is the sort of creative thinking we need to find ourselves some competitions that don't end with one of us bloody and beaten." Kathryn chuckled warmly and confidently not getting horse shoes was in fact, a playable game. Though she did think it odd that a smithing competition of making horse shoes came to the stable mans mind. Maybe he really needed a bunch of horse shoes? And saw a way to kill two birds with one stone? If Kathryn had free time she could likely still help him there. Though BB did take a moment for proper introductions to the stable man which made things easier for Kathryn to address the man. "It is a pleasure to properly meet you Jon. Allow me to return the introduction. Lady Kathryn Pyke of Arcanaple. But just Kathryn works wonderfully. We're here socially, not on business after all."

Kathryn turned to Kosara to excuse herself a moment telling her, "I'll be right back darling. I want to go take care of something real fast." She spoke warmly to the smaller woman before making her way over to Monsieur Laurent and the Mosswaters. With a warm and polite smile, and a soft curtsy Kathryn greeted the land owners. "Greetings. Tarace Mosswater. Barbal Moss water. Monsieur Laurent. I hope all has been well." She said giving a curtsy to each of them as she greeted them. "Monsieur Laurent, I was hoping we could chat. privately?" She tried to ask sweetly. Alas, her womanly charms were not enough to win him yet. He seemed far from interested in joining her for a private talk. "Okay then." She spoke sweetly as she stepped to his side. Using his person as a way to separate the conversation to a minimal at least. Though at her height using people as barriers socially didn't really work out so well. Still, speaking softly she didn't want to announce their conversation to the whole room.

"I must apologize for how our last conversation went. I hope you didn't feel embarrassed or targeted. You seem like a very pleasant gentleman. A good solid man who would get along rather nicely with a man like my father. He's a bit of a traditionalist himself. A man who respects authority, power, and position." Kathryn said simply, stepping off to the mans side so she didn't accidentally give the impression she was talking down to him. Being physically taller than most people in the area, that was something easy to do accidentally. She didn't want to seem to be giving him a lecture. "I think you would struggle to get along with my mother. She is a bit less traditional. But my father loved her. So not getting along with her, could create problems with him. Though father said she is a lot better about keeping her thoughts to herself in recent years. I'd like to think I am learning too. But its been a crazy few years." Swirling her drink, and taking a sip not making eye contact again to make sure she wasn't physically talking down to him. "If you'd like to make friends with my family we can talk. I am my father's heir, inheritor of his lands and titles. Being unmarried that also means no one else has claim to them. Unless that changes, you would end up working with me when my father is unable to maintain those relationships anymore. If you'd prefer to have me send letters back and forth with my father I will accommodate, But I do believe it would save us all some time and effort if you and I work together to get things going." Even without lands and funds, Kathryn had something that a lot of people didn't, and that was something that money alone couldn't buy. She was a young unmarried woman in her child bearing years with a string of titles and no heir of her own. Heir to her family titles, and with the right pulls, the lands that rightfully belong to her. "Let us have a good night tonight, but please think on my offer. I'm currently wintering down in the couch house if you'd like to talk. Apologies again for any negative interactions tonight. I'll behave better next time we cross paths." She spoke softly before taking a sip of her drink, and locking eyes with Monsieur Laurent. "You seem like a man I could learn a lot from." She said warmly before taking her leave. "I hope you will consider talks Monsieur Laurent. Until then." Kathryn said as she stepped away, a sway in her hips as she joined the tour.

As the tour began Victoria had made the mention of wanting too get a tour of what was going on in and next to the tasting room rather than the main tour. Kathryn would be lying if she said she wasn't curious too. Especially with all the weird events taking place recently. Though, apart of her wondered if now was the time to go poking about. First, she had been drinking. Second, Cecily seemed uneasy with the whole idea of that room and her father in laws working space. Maybe with less eyes on things. BB also brought up a rather valid point about the missing man. He could be hurt, or lost, or worse given recent weeks. Though Kathryn wanted to drink wine, tour, drink some more, enjoy her first date since she was 9 years old, that responsible part of her brain told her that she couldn't let this go unanswered. "Would you like some company BB?" Maybe they would find him quick, or maybe they would be able too catch up really fast? Or maybe he would barge right through the door before they left at all? But BB brought up a good point. It was getting weird. This whole place was getting fucking weird.

A kiss to the forehead! Kathryn was being overly affectionate! Kosara was no on alert for possible drunk Kathryn schenanigans! Affectionate was not a bad thing per say, but the big woman doing such a switch was suspect. Hopefully she wasn’t going to go wild bad drunk on them soon, this mildly drunk and affectionate Kathryn was nice, but she liked sober Kathryn most.

Having tasted the sweet alcohol that while very tasty was not entirely he main thing, Kosara had found herself needing something to bring balance to her tastes so she was in agreement with Kathryn on this.” True! Let’s get something form the tables!”. Something more neutral or perhaps sour… and sure enough there it was! The solution to her problems! CHEESE AND APPLES! So much like Lizbeth before her, Kosara got herself a plate and some foodstuffs on it for It was clearly not stuffing yourself with the things quantity or arrangement so she just got enough to taste and neutralize the general sweetness in her mouth. Besides she did like cheese and apples. There was a recipe for a cheese and apple sandwich that was gradually forming in her mind. She was seriously pondering giving it a go. There were some inherent differences in trying to use fruit and cheese to make a sandwich, but it was nothing that a determined Kosara wouldn’t solve! Maybe grilling it! Grilled cheese went with many things and apples could be baked too! Or maybe frying !? There were things to try later and she had a collection of friends to try her creations!

As the situation moved on to apparently going on a proper tour of the location and more sampling, Kosara noted that V was chatting with Cecily, so she decided to hop on with a tour led by Liz. Her reasons were a few, nothing too grand and profound in the grand scheme of things, but she did like to think a tour by a closer friend would be marvelous. That and she figured that hanging with Liz was a good idea for the time being. V had Cecily covered by the looks of it. The other reason was that she had a feeling something was up. A missing person of some importance was likely not a good sign and with everything that had happened as of late it was probably a good idea to be prudent and have someone from the party in each group As it turned out Berry was expressing his desire to go with the third person!

“Lizbeth, I would like to go with you!” Kosara chirped happily nearing the younger woman who had become something akin to an unofficial party member. A nice thing really as far as Kosara was concerned, everybody had to have the joy of going on adventures, have fun and locate new and interesting locations and experiences as they went! Adventuring was a dangerous business yes, but it was also very rewarding and that wasn’t always about the coin at the end of adventures. There were many rewards when going on adventure, rare knowledge, made good deeds, making friends, seeing new lands and cultures! So many things that many adventurers never really thought about it, but Kosara did! She did think about it a lot! It was one of the reason she wanted to adventure, the almost romantic dream of adventuring and the fact that to the tiefling woman, the goods outweighted the bad things of adventuring by a huge degree!

“What will you show first, Liz? By the way what’s the oldest thing that’s left to age here?” Kosara asked with a smile, now standing with the younger woman. She was quite curious on the second question mostly out of professional curiosity as somebody who grew up at a caravan rest… which doubled as a tavern. She was mainly a beer drinker yes, but it didn’t mean she wasn’t curious of super aged hard alcohol. That and she was now wondering if that thing they discovered was the oldest alcohol around these parts currently.

Weather: It remains cold; a chill suitable to this time of the year. Fat, puffy snowflakes descend slowly among quieting winds, giving a rather idyllic winter evening scene a across the whole of Avonshire.

Time: While hammering down a specific time is difficult, persay, all parties will agree that it is most assuredly nighttime. Earlier rather then later, but it's dark and shows no signs of un-darkening any time soon.

Ambience: In the intervening time, not much has changed outside. The evening outside progresses with its picturesque majesty, accented by the lanterns set up by the Rose River staff along the primary thoroughfares of the Vineyard. Likewise, the interior of the tasting room has gone through zero significant changes, with the possible exception of there being marginally less refreshments out due to the gradual consumption of wine and munchable palate cleansers consisting primarily of breads, cheeses, and winter available fruits.

The feel of social friction coming from various sources within the room is obvious, but that doesn't seem to bother a number of the guests. In fact, the Halfing farmers (or just the one, anyway) take the mild drama as part of a suppertime show, to go along with their refreshment. A sort of a party atmosphere persists then, despite the friction. Maybe even because of it, with the addition of yummy, late harvest wine.




The question of their missing guest, as put to Master Rens by Baronfjord, was met initially with a shrug. The portly Human did come around in a moment with the explanation of, "I don't know. He's not one to pass on free wine. On the other hand, the only thing he's ever really reliable on is work. Trust the man to lead a good shift, but that's about it."

Cecily took to the Dragonborn's asking permission to search the grounds with confusion at first, followed by a resigned intonation of, "I'm sure I won't be offended if you feel the need to look around. There should be light up, which Toombes would be able to see clearly if he's about."

Rens piped up, "There's a receiving spot along the main road, right near the boundary of the vineyard grounds. That was where we were supposed to meet before coming up this way, but he didn't show." Anyone who traveled the main path into the Rose River Vineyard would have seen this spot; it was a circular area lined with stacked, white stones with benches, overlooking the vineyard below. "But Toombes, even if he was made late by some emergency - he'd know where to come."

Meanwhile, Lizbeth responded to Victoria's insistence on getting a tour of the Tasting Room first as the others went more into production areas with a little uncertainty. The fact that the Bard might have kept her from getting into bigger trouble with her aunt wasn't lost on her, but at the same time, skepticism bubbled up. "Um, yeah. Sure, Mademoiselle Belmont, I can do that." She glanced around nervously, looking at casks and bottles on display, and eventually, to the locked door. Her smile was not the most genuine ever.

Kathryn's salutation to the Mosswaters was met with a cheerful return. Tarace was ultimately more forthcoming with manners, rising from his seat and extending a hand to the tall warrior, "Thank you again for all of your help with the Ankheg incident. We all might have been in trouble with that one." His smile was warm and open. Barbal was less demonstrative of cheer and etiquette; nevertheless he did wave a greeting and sip from his wine thoughtfully. he then slapped his knee and exclaimed, "I owe you and yours an apology. Really do. This here's plumb my fault. I was supposed to some back with enough ankheg to do up a seasonal roasting with you all. Traditional Halfling food of Avonshire, or so I was planning. One tiny setback led to another. Hmm. As an apology, I do still have a good portion of hard smoked Ankheg sausage I can dip back with on the morrow, if you like. Oh, and about half of the shells I claimed left, too, if you're interested. I got what I need from them, was just going to sell 'em off (probably to Cecily's fellow, Urmdrus). Just let me know, alright? Anyways, I think I'll join Madame Cecily for that tour. Excuse me..."

The exchange between Laurent and Kathryn was more of a one-sided event, as he merely waited until she was done speaking, nodded slightly, and responded with, "Yes. Quite. Pardon me, I believe I shall be with Master Rens while he shows us around." He then made his way over to Rens and Annick, nearer to the door.

As Kosara seemed to be the only other person raring to go with the tour, Lizbeth took her desire to be part of her group with stumbling appreciation, as if she was getting into a situation a little over her head. She responded with, "Um okay, sure! Let's wait for the others to vacate and I can get to yours and Mademoiselle Belmont's questions with less interruptions, okay? Oh, but I can tell you that, including the brandy that was just discovered, the oldest stuff would be..." She looked around until her eyes met a stand toward the corner, "That stuff over there. It's one of the blends we don't really do anymore, since adapting the grapes better, I think - it's our original Ziegelrote, and I think they had to fortify it for longevity. Very rare in this part of the world, now." She looked as if reciting something for a classroom, and showed a bit of pride when finished with the explanation.

Cecily suddenly spoke over the conversations in the Tasting Room, announcing, "Very good! Now everyone find their guide who hasn't and we will get started. Anyone who wishes to go looking to Toombes, go ahead and we can catch you up when you get back, if you find him quick enough. Thank you, everyone - and perhaps we might have a little music," She smiled in Victoria's direction as to silently make the request of her, as she went to the trouble of bringing her violin and all, "to continue the evening after?" Satisfied with her declaration and following request, she emphasized, "So, Monsieur Laurent and whom else is with me?"