07.01g: The Seventh Winter (Fireside Table)

[Wyvern]

Alys shrugs. "I may take you up on that offer at..." she pauses, looking out into the room, to where Tinder has slipped back in through one of the servants' entrances. "One moment..."

Tinder makes his way back to Alys' side, dodging various servants (who either haven't noticed him, or have decided it's proper to act like they haven't noticed). Alys hands the dog a treat, taken from one of the various trays of appetizers, and spends a few more moments going through a (non-verbal) "good dog" routine.

Then she turns her attention back to the table. "Hm. Well, it seems the next course should be arriving soon. As will Dworkin, and... someone I don't recognize. Perhaps we should continue this conversation later?"

[colomon]

Renny continues to try to quietly soothe Osmund as the next course is served.

[Brian C]

"Later it is then. I cannot wait to see Dworkin's guest."

[Ruben]

Ruben clears his throat to get Renny's attention and nods towards her seat to get her to return as the waiters enter.

[Joshua]

Osmund will scoot his chair over to the two of them. (Ruben and Renny.)

[colomon]

Renny returns to her seat.

[Joshua]

The second course is Boeuf a la Nicoise, a beef stew with tomatoes and olives over buttered noodles. Despite the winter time, it is clear to those with discerning palates that the tomatoes were picked fresh that morning, the balsamic vinegar is aged 18+ years (yeah, not technically possible either), and all the ingredients are remarkably and impossibly fresh (even the ones that can't get ripe at the same time). Extra noodles and stew are placed in the center of the table.

Dworkin enteres when all the tables are served, along with a large nordic man with one eye. They head towards the raised dais where Dworkin will be making an announcement.

Dworkin stands in front of the large center throne and announces, his old voice carrying despite its lack of volume. "Greetings Amber and other courts. Welcome to the Seventh Winter. I trust you are all enjoying your gifts. Unfortunately a matter has come up and I will not be dining with you this evening." He gestures to the newcomer. "This is Odin. A... um..."

"Colleague," prompts Odin.

"Colleague who is here to observe the new courts. He will be staying the festival, and I hope all of you will give him the respect a true diplomat from another land is due." Dworkin looks behind himself and out of the balcony briefly. "We will be retiring to the highest tower of Tir-na Nog'th for tea and conversation. I hope you will forgive this breach."

Without further fanfare, Dworkin and Odin exit the room through a side door.

[Wyvern]

"Colleague and diplomat, huh?" comments Alys, once Dworkin and Odin have left the room. "I don't much like the sound of that."

[colomon]

Renny looks at Ruben, concerned. "He's here to observe, which he will start by dragging Dworkin away from dinner?"

[Ruben]

Ruben chuckles despite himself, amused by the alarmed whispers consuming nearly every table. Leaning in to answer Renny, he adds his voice to the rising din. "Personally, I'm relieved to see the pretenses of protocol drop away before the third course, rather than waiting for later in the evening. I wouldn't be shocked to learn that this was all staged so that Dworkin could observe our reactions and those of our fellow guests."