Cadenza made her way to the beaches alone tonight. Quietly she looks but finds herself a spot for now to wait for event to commence.

Eirene looks detached from it all, standing a distance from Lucita and muttering to Caelis. She give Orazio a half hearted smile. "Yeah. Lets hope that's the case," she says in her rough voice. Her silver-black hair has more silver and white than before.

Is Ian here for the wake? Is he just some Thrax hobo who wandered outside the city to drink a bunch of rum and now there's a wake happening? It could really be either one, if one were to judge from the look of him. He's sitting well, well out of the way, on solid ground rather than on the sand, and that distance creates a sense that while he's here, he's not really part of all of this. He sits on a fallen log under some trees and drinks straight from a bottle. He's probably got more alcohol in the satchel sitting next to him.

Kia arrives, following Artorius.

Caelis looks at the ocean, shifting her weight and looking to Orazio as he speaks. She gives him a sympathetic smile and talks to her aunt quietly. The conversation has her brow furrowing.

Sir Alren arrives, following Bianca.

Bianca arrives, following Costas.

10 King's Own Guardsmen, Zelda, the royal messenger arrive, following Alaric.

Lucita gives a respectful bowing of her head to Orazio as he speaks, the words clearly having touched her. She steps forward, casting a glance around the area, making sure all is prepared. "Thank you, Legate Orazio, your nephew loved you be you family or godsworn, love surpasses that. He would be honored you are here." She looks toward the gathering. "My husband loved good food, good company and the sea, where better for us to meet, celebrate his life and remember him fondly. There are beverages and foods that were amid his favorites and the sea that he loved beside us. There is nothing formal planned, this is a time to enjoy. Now I am going to let Estaban's best friend speak of him and share about him, then hope each of you can share something joyful or interesting as a memory if you know one.

Artorius, the Count of Magnotta arrives at this special remembrance of Estaban...his friend. On his arm is Kia, a new member of the House who wanted to come with him. His eyes find Caelis and he approaches her, a bow of his head to his sister before he finds his spot, a deep sadness evident even through his poker face.

Sabella has joined the Beneath Trees.

1 Navegant Marines arrives, following Regla.

Reese arrives along with Luca. She seems to be in a somber mood, her cheeks are pale and blue eyes are grave. She has a nod of greeting for those gathered here. Her attention is upon Lucita as she speaks.

Orazio bows to Lucita, casting a worried, sidelong look to Eirene as he straightens. But he says, "You are too kind, Baroness. If there is anything I can do, please let me know." And then he moves away, taking a seat not so far away, with a good view of the altar and statue of Mangata.

Eirene laughs at something Caelis says but then she stops as the ceremony begins proper. She gives as Art a raised hand in greeting.

Orazio has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.


Following alongside Artorius, Kia remains mum and quiet, politely observing for now. Upon seeing Caelis, she simply curtsies before glancing about to take in the names and faces of those present.

Vald arrives, following Sina.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Ian before departing.

Alaric has joined the Wooden Picnic Table.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Bianca before departing.

As the appointed hour arrives, Prince Aiden Grayson looks up from the quork of a white raven on his shoulder. Something focused displayed in Aiden's eyes and he approached the glow of flickering torches. When Lucita turns it over to him, he nods to her, "Thank you Baroness." He clears his throat and looks around at those gathered, testing his vocals, coming forward in his military regalia, a glass of whiskey in his hand.

"Though the black birds may follow us on this day, I do wish to thank each and everyone here who has made the time to share this time with us now. We are gathered here in the memory of my friend and spiritual brother, Estaban Saik, so that together we may acknowledge and share both our joy in the gift that his life was to us, and the pain that his passing brings. In sharing the joy and the pain together today, may we lessen the pain and remember more clearly the joy."

"The first time I met Estaban, I was wearing terrible orange and bright azure silks and a felt top hat, as part of one of the stages in the socializing tournament held by the Whisper House in April of 1006. I'm certain I looked like a mad man. And surprisingly, Mailys Whisper found herself with a tie for second in the competition in that round, between Lady Desiree and myself, calling upon Lord Estaban to break it. Amusingly, he decided that our tie be broken with a dance off and I would happen to be placed with Lady Arcelia."

"I was new to the city and I was not accustomed to the dance, despite all the efforts of my parents, I was stiff in the shoulders and kept a firm gap between Arcelia and myself. I remember Nisaa Whisper applauding Estaban's method of breaking a tie and calling him a 'brilliant man' while I cringed inside over it. What I remember most in that moment, was Estaban's mirth at the entire situation, that mischief in his gaze, which I'm quite certain there are a few of you in the crowd that may have seen the same." There's more to come, but he's giving a moment to collect his words.

Smiling at her brother, Caelis dumps some sand on his foot with a nudge of hers. "We're celebrating him. You can recount how much you loved to tease him." She points out and looks to Kia curiously with a nod of her head before adding to Artie "More importantly, Baroness Lucita is going through what you did when Serah was little and if you don't talk to her I shall thwamp you in the training ring."

Reese has joined the Beneath Trees.

Aiden continues after taking a sip of whiskey, "The second time I would see Estaban Saik was the day that he saved my life upon the ramparts of the Sea Watch Gate. I'm sure you've all heard the story, but if you haven't, I will quickly tell it now and recount how selfless he was in life. As most know who live presently in Arx, we were besieged by the army of Tolmar Brand. They came at us at the Sea Watch gates and most of the archers were upon the ramparts firing down at the enemy. It became clear when the enemy rolled in siege towers that we were going to be shortly overwhelmed, but Estaban fought back to back with me, keeping me focused and driven when the enemies climbed the walls. It was my first real battle of the sort. We moved in unison, to ensure that enemies continued to fall. His prowess was unmatched, his aim was true. He toppled many in that instance."

"During the chaos, a creature that we know as the formorian or ogre for short, pinned me to the rampart wall and lifted it's brutal club to end me. I saw my end there and then. Imagine my surprise when Estaban risked his life and deflected the giants aim, taking much of the punishment himself. I thought him dead. It was that selfless act, to keep a young man he barely knew from certain death, whichisplayed the valor and heart of a lion that he lived his life with."

"He had heart. When he cared for someone, he made it known, otherwise half of you wouldn't be here as it is. He was selfless and sacrificed a lot to greater ends. Never did I know him not to support me if asked, nor am I sure, did he deny any the support they needed, his commitment helped drive the ferocious beasts part of the Menagerie. He lived with honor and a charitable heart, open to all those who would have him. Still, he wasn't always quite so serious. There were times I spent with him that we laughed, we cried over broken hearts, and we got entirely too drunk to remember which way was up - especially if we could escape a formal ball that way."

Prince Luca arrives with his wife on his arm. Or is he on her arm? It's hard to tell. Either way, there's a flask in his other hand, already. He doesn't look nearly so somber as Reese does. It takes him a moment to cast his dark gaze around at everyone who has shown up, picking out familiar faces. And over off in the distance, there's Ian, and he lifts a hand to point at the man before leaning in the murmur something to the woman in pink.

Reese quietly makes her way to the trees, taking a seat not far from her sister and Lord Ian. Luca seems welcome to join her and she murmurs something softly to the flask-toting prince. When Aiden speaks, Reese looks over in his direction, sucking in a soft and sorrowful breath. She looks over to Lucita, trying to locate her and to make sure she is okay.

Leana, an Igniseri Guard, Tamsin arrive, following Luis.

Aiden carries on: "His laugh, was something else, practically like a lion's roar. I recall the time he took me out to sail, so that I could learn how to get around the deck of a ship. When I turned up at the bay, my expression fell flat at what he had aligned for us. It was a sailing dinghy, barely large enough to hold both of us, but, there I could learn how to tie knots and understand how a mast worked. Needless to say we didn't get far away from the shoreline before he decided to throw me overboard after my many frustrations with a singular rigging knot. His belly aching laugh when I flailed around in the water in a panic as he yelled at me and told me to put my feet down... echoes in my mind even now. I'm pretty sure even the seagulls joined in."

"I learned many things from Estaban. He taught me many valuable lessons about archery and sailing, but it was power and depths of friendship that he taught me the most - what it truly means to be a friend. He knew when I needed an ear, I knew when he needed a push - especially to get over all those ladies he needed to get over so he could meet Lucita... And when he did, oh Lucita, the change in him was immediate. He spoke a great deal of his love for you. He had that heart of gold, a willingness to do right and good by all he knew, and he was lucky to finally share that with someone that was his equal in courage and strength."

"He lived for adventure and thrived for the seas. He ventured with several others and myself to a place none knew of, to find a creature none of us were certain existed, simply upon the promise of obtaining answers on how to battle our enemies. He pursued knowledge as much as I did. He went upon dangerous missions without question and complete loyalty. He helped in the Gray Forest campaigns, showing valiant efforts, and he was always a dedicated Iron Guardsmen. He worked tirelessly and was someone that people like Duchess Calypso Malvici relied heavily upon. He was prepared to give his life for all of us."

"And so he did."

A breath is taken and another sip. He's doing well. So far.

Eirene blinks her warm blue eyes at Aiden's story. "Was I there for that," she asks aloud uncertain. She runs a hand over her greying hair and mutters something about alcoholic hazes. The Malvici falls quiet again.

"He told me once, when I was last afraid of things to come, which I would speak now to you all, for there is fear of living without those we love or a fear to face the next danger that comes for us for the thought of losing loved ones. When that day comes, remember what he said unto me. He spoke: "Remember it is alright to be nervous and afraid, but do not let it consume you. Use it as a shield and a way to keep moving forward, use the fear to push on, use it to keep going."

My brother of the Saiklands, we will keep going, and though we may be nervous of what life is without you in it, I know you would want us to always go forward. My brother, I wish you rest well knowing you've done us a service and that you were always a hero. I will see you again, in the next turn of the Wheel."

He gestures for the whiskey to be taken out and passed around, for the glasses to be given to every single person present. "Please, I ask you all now to lift your glasses in a toast, for I'm sure he'd like to go out with a sailor's farewell, one he may very well be singing from up on high. Join me if you know the words."


Another pair of faces arrive, one of them known to some here, the Lady Regla Navegant. The other, a female Thraxian Marine who at this moment is being used to help Regla keep upright and walk. Regla is, slow, not as graceful or agile as her norm for those that know her. Both of her arms wrapped around the single arm of the marine that is with her. As she arrives, she motions for the marine guarding her, watching her, helping her, to stop. She's not going to stop Aiden from his speech or make any sort of scene. She's just going to stand there, tears streaming down her face.

Aiden drops The Parting Glass, a song of farewell.

Waldemai takes a glass when the servants reach him in the back.


Marcos moves about with glasses of varrious things along wit hte servants to make sure everyone has a glass of something if they so wish.


Luca follows along with his wife, listening to Aiden speak while he walks. And it is a bit of walk over to where Ian is, but when he's close he parts from Reese's side and crosses the distance over toward the man, before finding a seat close to him.



"Oh all the silver that ever I spent
I spent it in good company
And all the harm that ever I've done
Alas, it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all
Oh all the comrades that ever I've had
Are sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I've had
Would wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and I'll softly call
Good night and joy be with you all
Good night and joy be with you."


Artorius looks to his sister as she nudges him, a small smile on his face for her. "I was going too...I even wrote it on paper in case I uh...got" emotional. He does not finish his words, but he nods to his sister in agreement. Then the song is sung, and Artorius joins in, knowing these words by heart.

2 House Deepwood Guards, Rona arrive, following Emily.

Costas arrived silent and somber, the dark colors of the house to which he was sworn given some contrast by the pale form of the Archlector of Vellichor with whom he stood arm-in-arm listening to the tale recounted by Aiden. His stubbled jaw bobbed a few times; in recognition of some of the events described, and in acknowledgement for the qualities spoken to of the man he'd shed blood beside. And when the call to sing the old sailor's tune the Malvici clan's kept blade set his mask of inscrutable detachment aside, lifting his own south-sea's colored voice to join the others.

Ian was being so good, too, sitting under the trees on a log, being his usual somber, emotionless self. Then Luca says one thing to him, and Sabella says another, and suddenly he's fighting off a smile. It's a fight he loses, and winds up just lowering his head and trying to look respectful that way.

Out walking along the beach, Sina approaches the farewell memorial, and stands quietly off to the side, listening to the tail end of Aiden's speech with a solemn expression on her face. She has a small lynx kitten with her, who trots along in her wake, making little footprints in the sand. The Thrax handmaiden is quiet, folding her hands before her as she listens to the singing, dark lashes lowering over her silvery eyes.

Still sitting still, she listens intently. Watching her fellow Seeker, Cadenza just purses her lips as silent tears roll down her face. Reaching a hand up to wipes her face as she looks to the sky.


Squeezing his arm, Kia offers a soft bow of her head. "It's quite alright m'lord. Emotions can get the best of us." And she goes quiet, not knowing the song in the least, but she listens intently at least.

a tiny man with a BIG unpronounceable name arrives, delivering a message to Bianca before departing.


Slow to arrive, for perhaps it is the grief that keeps him from arriving on time, or perhaps other reasons, but Luis Igniseri walks down the path to the beach, clad in black leather and with a heavy black cloak over his shoulders. The hood pulled over his head, he carries the black cloth wrapped blade upon his back as he moves into the group of those who mourn, looking from face to face. Dark curls lightly conceal the deep brown eyes that stare with the memories and loss of the departed. His footsteps carry him, though the man is not alone. A slightly shorter Lady is at his side, the Lady Emily and the two murmur soft sounds of recollections for the one whom they have come to celebrate. A smile forms upon Luis' lips, he's clearly recounting a happy moment of the life of Estaban to Emily, reaching out to squeeze her shoulder as they finally encounter the rest of those gathered. A glance to Lucita, to Aiden, and to others as he waits for the right time to intercede.

Her voice is rough and lacks any kind of polish. Eirene knows another verse which she sings, glancing at Lucita.

"Oh, if I had money enough to spend and leisure time to sit awhile.


Regla might actually be the first one to make a scene as they all start to sing the song, she bursts out in to tears.

Luca has joined the Beneath Trees.


There's a fair young maid in this town that sorely has my heart beguiled
Her rosy cheeks and lovely lips, alone she has my heart in thrall
So fill to me the parting glass. Goodnight and joy be with you all..."

4 Thrax Guards arrives, following Galen.

Aiden lifts his whiskey glass up on high during the singing of the farewell song to Estaban Saik and is struck by the profound effect it has on him. His cheeks are wet by the end of the song before he mutters something more personal and private, perhaps a final prayer and farewell, before he tosses down the whiskey.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Bianca before departing.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Bianca before departing.

Galen has joined the Beneath Trees.

Caelis hands Eirene a flask mutely and looks back up at her brother with a nod. "You're a good man Artie." She tells him and looks around at all the people who wandered out. The Valardin Malvici sticking between her brother and aunt giving light pats to both periodically.

Luis has joined the line.

Lucita's eyes shimmer with tears but there is a little smile there too as Aiden speaks. She glances around the gathering and says. "An informal celebration, drink up, eat, speak up when you wish! Share, and enjoy! Oh, I loved that smirk he had, it was a real heart-melter and coupled with that glint of mischief.... full of life, adventurous. We spent an evening with Prince Aiden once, sharing drinks and tales and playing games ... had so much to drink I can't remember what we played ...or half the stories, but such fun. When the servants came in the next morning we were still there half asleep, the night gone by. But he spent untold hours in organizing matters for the house, in research, in training others and keeping himself fit, generous with his time and his skills.

Ian lifts his head, a smile still playing around the corners of his mouth (in defense, he HAS been drinking), and salutes with his bottle when Aiden proposes the toast. He takes a drink, and then pours some of the rum onto the ground.

Artorius has joined the line.

Turn in line: Luis

Emily's head leans in to listen to whatever Luis is sharing, a faint smile tugs at her lips. Thgouh as they come to stand still she looks then to those about and her eyes find first Lucita. The Baroness is offered a light dip of her chin in regards before those blue eyes take in the form of Aiden as he drinks. The song however, as it lifts draws her attention and soon her humming will be heard in tandem, a very soft sound as she seeks to take Luis' arm more tightly with her own before he moves to get in line, releasing him so that she stands there to await his words, her attention briefly seeking out familiar faces.

Eirene is a soldier. Of course she knows that song. But as people start to share their memories, she downs the memorial shot of whiskey and walks away. Stalking more than walking. She kicks at her black skirts, unused to them as she is.

Marcos takes a glass for himself and raises it in toast with the others, singing softly the words he knows but feels he has forgotten. He steps up and gives a sad smile to Aiden and takes the 'stage' such as it is. In his other hand is a unstrung bow.
He stands there in his armor and looks out over all the people gathered and smiles, putting effort into it and making it real. Likely his first real smile in days.
"I want to share a silly story of Estaban my cousin. We were young and in the Saik lands. I was.. six perhaps? Estaban ten. As children will do we ended up in a tussle over something silly. Childish. And in the end we ended up in had to be the largest and only puddle of mud anywhere near us."
he pauses and laughs in remembering the scene. "And then by the end of it we were tossing mud-balls at one another and then heading home with hugs and pushes. And when we faced our parents.. well. It was he who stepped forward and tried to shoulder the responsability for our mud covered persons. Just like him. I learned much from him even though we didn't have a long time with one another. Quick to temper. Quick to mend fences. Quick to step up and take his share of duty and carry it as far as he could."
Marcos lifts the bow in his hand. "Estaban left me this. Left me my armor and my duty to our house. To our Baroness. Cousin! Like you I'll see it through. Thank you, Estaban, for all you gave and taught me." He lifts his glass and then sips silent toast.


Cadenza has joined the line.

Carissa, a Malvici bodyguard leaves, following Eirene.

Artie looks first to Kia, nodding to the woman with a deep shuddering sigh, before his other hand reaches for Caelis's. Time to muster what strength he had left to try and make Estaban laugh...or maybe it would have. No matter, Artorius was next in line, squeezing the hands of his sister and Kia, he starts to move forward, because he was going next, most likely to say something emotional.

Vald leaves, following Sina.

Luca, next to Ian, also raises a flask when Aiden's whiskey is raised. He doesn't do it silently, though. He rises up, and calls out, "Esta was a heck of a man! None better!" and he takes a drink too, before spilling just a touch on the ground. The somberness just isn't there for him, at the moment. Perhaps he's mourned all he can this week. He goes back to sitting on that log beneath the trees, after.


Mainly there for emotional support, Kia squeezes the hand of the count simply following along, taking in a deep breath as she continues to listen.

Bianca stood quietly at Costas' side throughout the fruition of the song, features more impassive this evening rather than her usual soft smile. At the conclusion of Lucita's statements and as others rose to impart reverent words in memory, the Archscholar leaned to murmur something to her escort.

Reese has joined the line.

Luca has joined the line.

Aiden respectfully listens to Marcos, taking a step down from the stage and nodding to the man's memories of a time that Aiden wasn't privy to. He wipes his cheeks with a hand and gets another pour of whiskey. There's enough of the particular whiskey floating around to serve them all - Estaban's favorite. Aiden watches Eirene stalk away and frowns a bit, but he does sweep his gaze over others who have attended, lifting his whiskey glass to Luca for the shout and offering encouraging smiles to others.


As he arrive and mingles with a few folks, introductions and the like, it's when there's a passing moment in the air, a quietness that allows Luis to stand a little taller, and approach Lucita and Aiden and Marcos when the man does coume around again, toasting with the young Lord all the same. When it is done, Luis places his hand upon Lucita's shoulder and he looks her in the eyes while saying loud enough for all to hear,

"On the week before he was to sail to Setarco, Estaban and I did exchange words. Words that had us both near weeping with the solemnity and power with which they held. We knew that both of us were going into a battle that neither of us would likely walk away from, and so I gave him the blessing of a brother, I praised his courtship of you, his support and admiration for you and I told him that there would be no other who I would have ever seen as a match to your own charm, dear sister. In doing so he swore to me that he would support and care for you until his dying breath. In turn he only had the most deep heartfelt words to share of you, words that were I to share right now, I would fall into tears so large that I would not be able to speak, and so instead he asked for my oath as well, to protect you, to watch over you should he not return, and so I swore unto him that with my own dying breath I would see that you are carried safely through this realm, until it is such a time that you are to join him. As always dear sister, you have my sword, and our blood. Carry him with you always, for he still watches over you today."

With that said, he will hug Lucita, move to Aiden and give the man a hug as well, then again to give Marcos a firm shoulder clasp, before he moves over so more people can continue.

Regla has joined the line.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Ian before departing.

4 Thrax Guards, Teonia Redreef, Aryka Wyrmfang arrive, following Sorrel.

Turn in line: Artorius

Aiden has to drink more whiskey ... swiftly, upon hearing the words from Luis. His jaw tightens and he tries to refuse anymore tears to be shed. He does well enough to keep them at bay and murmurs, "Thank you for your words Luis-" and then embraces the other man when it comes time for that.

Those words shared of Estaban draw Emily's attention as those that morn speak their hearts and minds. The Deepwood lowers her chin a moment in quiet thought, dark hair shifting about her shoulders brow hare attention is drawn to Luis halfway through his words as she takes a few steps forward. Finally the scout steps up to Lucita and offers her a wan smile, "I am so very sorry I never got to meet the Baron. May the Gods guard you in your grief and loss, Baroness," she offers Lucita, reaching out to gently - if allowed- touch to the woman's arm. Eyes settle upon Marcos, "And in your own," she states for him, a slow breath drawn before she takes a step back from her condolences so that the others wishing to speak are not missed.

Lucita lowers her head, trying to blink away tears. One hand rises to wipe at her eyes as she struggles to retain her composure, the other dropping to the gentle, small swelling of her belly. Too choked up to speak at the moment, she just nods gratefully to those speaking. When her gaze finally notices Alaric, she gives a curtsy.

Nodding silently in response to Bianca's quiet words Costas let his leather-wound arm drop from it's twine with hers, and after lifting his stromblue gaze the swordsman peered out over the crowd. Then he slipped unobtrusively away through the throng of mourners and their attendants, until he hovered just aside where stood Caelis and Artorius, and took up the silent anima of a still oak.

Marcos nods to Emily, sad smile returning. "Thank you." he says softly.

Sorrel arrives late and slides up next to her husband, to take his arm and stay close to him, looking a bit troubled, as one often does at funerals.

Sorrel has joined the Beneath Trees.

Bianca moved off toward Lucita after the swordsman parted from her, carefully winding her way through those gathered until quietly reaching the Baroness' side. She would wait for her attention silently, her presence only motioned by a light touch to Lucita's lower back in indication of her arrival and offer of support should the widow so take it.

When it was his turn to come up and share a few words, Artorius took a deep...deep breath. He was never really good with speeches. Not at funerals or celebrations of one's life, however rway you want to put it. So, with a heavy heart, Count Artorius Magnotta stepped up to speak, a glass of wine in his hand because that was probably the only reason he was gonna be able to get through it. After a sip, he speaks. ".....I've never been good with speeches, Estaban himself would have told you that as well." He says then a moment, a deep breath taken.

"Estaban had a heart of gold..he cared deeply for every single person he ever came across. In life, he was among my first true friends. He was there for me at my lowest. Helped me stand up when I fell or was discouraged, becauase that was the kind of man he was. I teased him relentlessly on just about everything....from our brief spars to his love life." He glances softly to Lucita, a sympathetic look on his face.

"I made a vow of brotherhood to Estaban Saik. My truest friend." He wipes at his eye as the normally emotionally steadfast Artorius is starting to be slowly overwhelmed. "To Estaban, my friend...may you live forever in paradise, singing your song of victory. You will be missed, my dearest friend."

Artorius then turned from where he was, saying what he felt he needed to say, he approaches Lucita then. Having brought the deceased's body back to Saik, he bows deeply before Lucita, offering his quiet condolensces condolences and soft whispers to her of comfort before he moves past Aiden, patting the man on the shoulder as he returned to his sister's side.

Yeah...he really wasn't good with speeches, even of rememberance.


Regla will keep to the shadows, and keep her silence. Listening to the speeches and waiting for her turn to say what she needs to say about Estaban, and to Lucita, Aiden and Marcos.

Lucita reaches over to give Artorius a hug. "Thank you for bringing him back to us. He was very teasable, and could certainly tease in return!

Aiden nods with empathy toward Artorius, reaching out to brace and pat Artorius' shoulder in return. For now Aiden doesn't say anything, gulping down whatever emotion was evidently choking him up.


Kia stands there alongside Artorius, offering her condolences as well. She's there purely for support, like an emotional support dog, but you know, not.


As Luis waits after speaking quietly with Marco and Aiden, he notes the words of Emily before he reaches out an arm to draw her in close so that they can step aside and let the next people speak. He holds it together, if barely, but he nods to Artorius as the man passes by, "It would seem Estaban truly was a brother to all. Such was his way," he adds, but it is a polite phrase, clearly meant in the positive. He moves a little further, finding drinks and offers one to Emily as well, slowly moving through the minglers as he looks to the table with the King and retinue. A bow for his majesty, and a quirky smile for the Princess that is there with him. Further they walk till they circle around to stand beside Artorius, Caelis, and Kia.

Turn in line: Cadenza

Cadenza had acquired a drink at some point it seems since she was standing with a drink in hand. Taking a deep breath she would speak up. "I didn't get to speak with Estaban a lot....but when I did it was always joyous. I won't forget...." There was a pause as she looks to her drink then exhales. "...when we were out in Setarco, and I was prepping to head with the Vanguard....we had a hilarious discussion. He figured out something that was to be announced later...my betrothal. He was so smart...so observant. He told me not to be so hard on myself about my lack of knowledge of where to begin with such thing...and to seek out his and his wife's help." Chuckling she just shook her head. "When we did speak, he was always up lifting. When I first washed up....he was one of the people there were so helpful as I tried to get my footing. I will never forget his kindness to me....and will remember all his words. " And with that downs her drink and wipes her face as she turns back to her seat.

Sea birds of all variety are starting to converge upon the beach, a safe distance away from the crowd, with their squawks and clicks, and screeches. It's an interesting affair. More seem to land with every memory told. Maybe they're just inching in on the food.

Galen sits quietly beneath the trees, his stormy gaze reaching out to note others present, should Lucita meet his gaze he would offer her a warm smile and a respectful nod.

Lucita looks toward Archscolar Bianca and manages a smile she likely did not know was hiding in there somewhere. She leans into her a little with a sigh, nodding at the support offered then straightens, steeling herself to face the rest of this.

Waldemai tears up some hors d'ouvres and tosses them toward the birds.

Caelis is more or less quiet. She like Costas seems to be more keeping an eye on her people than baring her soul.

Emily lets out a long held breath when Luis draws her aside and she glances up at him and then down with nothing to say. The drink is held tightly in her grip when it is finally offered and she stakes a long gulp. When Luis marks their passage and notes the King, she blinks and takes on an automatic dip into a curtsy paired with an inclination of her head. Fingers curl a bit more about her drink and more of it slide easily past her lips before she leans into Luis and seems somewhat detached in her attention. There is a vague understanding that their are others near them but for the moment the Deepwood takes another drink, a coiled tension pulling through her shoulders.

Turn in line: Reese

The birds closest to Waldemai's shared hors d'ouvres act like birds do... wings are fanned, it's a hurry of webbed feet, some fly and dive... generally squawking displeasure to the ones who gobble up all the food first.

Bianca inclined a small nod to some murmur between them, withdrawing her hand from the small of Lucita's back to instead fold hands before her as the widow straightened her stance again. She remained at Lucita's side for the moment, another murmured splay of words passing briefly.

Aiden smiles toward Cadenza, "Thank you..." he says to her as she passes back to her seat. His eyes turn toward the others who are willing to have the floor (or sand) and say their parting memories of Baron Estaban Saik.

Alaric has left the Wooden Picnic Table.

Orazio has listened quietly to the memories shared, exchanging a few quiet words with those nearby as he does. He doesn't seem inclined to step forward with memories of his own, but his expression softens as others share their own. The birds get a quelling look - as if they would care.

A lone knight approaches the beaches, where the memorial is being held. He glances about for a moment, contemplating things before moving towards Aiden, incidentally. He stops next to the Grayson Prince and bows his head to him, humbly, after nearly bumping into the royal. "My apologies, Your Highness," he states, glancing about.

Reese rises from the ground beneath the trees and takes a few steps forward. She glances over those gathered here and sucks in a soft breath. "I had the pleasure of knowing Baron Estaban since before the siege of silence and it was such an honor to have been his friend. There is so much to say about Estaban, it can't all be said, but I do remember how he attended mission after mission with us Graysons in the Gray forest, always so brave and willing to help in every way possible. He never really cared about what house or featly a battle or mission would help, but he was there for us all. He had ad deep empathy and a deep understanding. I remember feeling lonely at a party that Luca couldn't make and Baron Estaban asking me to dance, cause he sensed that and really saw those around him. He saved my cousin's life, which I am very grateful for and he commanded the ships of Southport and was very very brave in that final battle." Reese then looks over to Lucita. "I am so so sorry for your lose, Baroness Lucita. I can't even imagine how you must be feeling now. I glad that Esteban had you. I am sorry that he is gone so soon." She says and then starts in Lucita's direction.

After her speech, she says her farewells to Orazio and Alraic before moving to Aiden and Lucita. Looking to Lucita, she smiles and nods respectfully. "I'm sorry for your loss...he was a great man and Lord Ignacio sends his regards since he couldn't physically be here." Looking to Aiden she smiles....she then nods to her fellow Seeker. "I'm sorry...." She smiles warmly then but curtseys to them both. "Let me know if you need anything at all. And thank you for this beautiful ceremony...." Cadenza sniff just slightly as she stood back up straight.

Rohm the Blackguard, Karrigan's Watchful Avalanche, a Snow Shepherd puppy of ultimate fluffiness leave, following Caelis.

Turn in line: Luca

The white raven on Aiden's shoulder alerts the Prince to the presence of an approaching oblivious lone knight and Aiden does manage to take a step back to avoid any collision courses with a hand out to stop him from proceeding onward to bump into Baroness or otherwise. He nods to Jordan, gesturing on the dismissive for the apology, "It is alright, Sir. See yourself to a drink and whatever foods the birds don't get-" he eyes the growing flock with a mirthful shake of his head, trying to gesture to Waldemai to stop feeding them! But it's a large crowd, who would possibly note that!

Prince Luca rises from the log he's been perched on, a bottle in-hand, and makes his way over to where the bulk of the people have gathered. He's had just enough to drink to add an edge of slight roughness to what is otherwise grace in his movements - a shame, since his movements are usually the only thing graceful about the man. "I never know what to say at these things. Luckily, I never have many to go to. But this one hurts a lot. I can't imagine losing a better man. But the quality of his life is best summed up by the quality of the people who show up to remember him." He gestures around, with the bottle-wielding hand, of course, at the gathered.

"I think that says enough. He was larger than life, Esta was. At least that's how I always felt about him. We got into a lot of trouble together when we were younger. I looked up to him, back then. But that was our relationship. A lot of drinking, some under-the-table jokes, and making trouble together. It was all we needed. And he was better than I was at it, because he could charm his way out of just about anything."

Luca pauses for a moment, looking out at the people who are there, and then he just shrugs, "I thought I was going to tell a story or two. But if I started.. we'd be here all night. You'd all be dead, drunk or gone before I finished. So I'll tell you what. It doesn't have to be here, or stop here. Anytime you want to hear a story about how amazing Estaban Saik was, you bring me a bottle and we'll sit down and I'll tell you one. Just the two of us. Just like he and I used to do. Because I'll be telling stories about Esta for the rest of my life."

Luca clears his throat again, and finally finishes with, "I'll miss you. I won't ever stop missing you, Esta. But I'll celebrate you. And I'll see you again. You couldn't be rid of me if you wanted." He takes a drink from the bottle, takes a bow, and treads back over to the log he'd initially come from, sitting next to Ian beneath the trees.

Ian, perhaps notably (perhaps not) makes no move either to rise or speak, even after two people sitting near him do.

After speaking to Aiden and Lucita, Cadenza respectfully makes her way out.

Cadenza has left the Wooden Picnic Table.

Isla, a small silver fox, 1 Velenosa House Guards, Claudio, the chivalrous knight, Sofia, a saucy sailor's aide leave, following Cadenza.

Lucita swallows hard, lifts her gaze to meet and acknowledge those offered her from the people around the gathering. Her grief is obvious but she is not breaking down. To Bianca she says. "I'd really like a tall glass of whiskey right now but think maybe the water would be best, thank you." She takes a shaky breath and says "So many here, am not ignoring anyong just..." She lifta a hand in a vague wave indicating the food, drink, those gathered to celebrate Estaban's life and expects they can understand her situation. "Oh, the more amusing stories, the better, he's love hearing those, misadventures and advantues, and that people he loved and helped liked him, had fun and remember...." She gives Luca a nod. "Deal! I'm up for that!" She glances over to Aiden and Marcos, making sure they are holding up alright.

"Do you want me to spook them away?" Jordan glances over at the flock, stopped as he is by Aiden from bumping into a Baroness and the like. He realizes he's in a funeral when Luca starts talking, and color leaves his face for a moment. "Er. Maybe I... should go."

Turn in line: Regla


Now it's her turn to say what she has to say, and there's no doubt in her mind she's going to get it wrong. She's going to say the wrong things, upset people, make this whole thing worse for herself and everyone else here, but she has to say what she has to say. Stepping up, her Marine guiding her and helping her, Regla slowly makes her way to Aiden, Lucita, and Marcos, being helped the whole way. Her injuries still plague her, but she will not let that stop her.

"I, am never good at these things. I never have been and I never will be, and for that I am sorry." Regla exhales deeply and starts again, fighting back all her tears as best she can, "It, is no secret that Estaban and I were close. That, we had drifted apart, was also no secret." She pauses here a moment, inhaling and exhaling slowly, "My last memory of him, is waking up in the hospital tent, with him asleep in a chair next to me. He'd stayed with me, all night, to watch over me as I healed from being badly injured during the battle the night prior. I, couldn't grasp why he had done such a thing, but it brought me no small amount of joy to wake up with someone I knew, being there for me."

Regla exhales again and begins to sob, and with that, she turns to Lucita, "He told me he wanted to be a good brother, a good friend, and I.." she pauses and tries to fight back her sobbing, trying to get the words out between gasps for breath, "now that he's gone, this last memory has torn at my heart."

She keeps looking to Lucita, "I, am sorry!" she adds to Lucita and everyone else here. "If, I had not been hurt, he'd have been with you, and not wasting his time watching over me. Maybe, one day you can forgive me, forgive me for saying this and making all this worse, but I just, I had to say it." She pauses and smiles warmly to the Saik family, "He, was one of the best of us. If you need me, ever, just call on me and I'll be there. No questions asked." With that done, she attempts to make her way away from the group.

Aiden regards Luca's speech with heartfelt empathy, each person having shared a different friendship with the Lion of Saik, but the compelling nature of Luca's has Aiden turn his head down and rub at his eyes again. He shakes his head at Jordan and grips his shoulder to prevent him from doing so, "No. The birds are here for him. He was a man of the sea." Although when Jordan reconsiders being in the moment, Aiden's hand comes off his shoulder and he nods a moment, "If you wish it. You may have not ...known him as we do, but we all fought for the same cause."

Marcos has the sad smile plastered on his face. His eyes sad. He stands by Lucita and Aiden and grins more fully as Lucita calls out in agreement. A nod to Luis and then eyes blinking as he looks towards Regla. A slow nod to her as well.


With the coninued words of support and mourning, and jubilation, praise and the like, Luis seems to retreat in a little upon himself, drawing closer to the Lady at his side as finds support in her. "This is truly lovely... it hurts every time... just when you think you know at least most of the hearts touched by a man, you always seem to discover further stories and connections after they pass. It is refreshing, and sad at the same time," he turns his head to look to Artorius, "Thank you, Count, I had heard you had brought him back, that means a lot to us."

Bianca simply inclined her head, stepping from Lucita's side to make her way to the spread of food and drinks. A hefty glass of water was found as well as a small plate of finger foods before she made the trek back through the sands to the widow. Again she remained just a touch back but in supportive position to the woman, the glass of water nudged toward her though a small nod drifted beyond Lucita to Aiden.

Drawn from her inward thoughts and the automatic partaking of her drink, Emily looks to Luis. "Sometimes I wonder if I came to Arx too late," she remarks softly though as Luis speaks to Artorius the lady affords the Count a smile and nod of her head in his direction. Eyes take in the others with him then and she quickly downs the rest of her drink. She wets her lips and lowers the empty glass to her side.

Artorius nods softly then to Emily with a kind smile for the young lady, but his attention is given to Lucita as she hugged him "It as my honor." and he wnet on his way, bowing his head to Luis as he spoke to him, a soft smile on his face as he did one last favor for his fallen brother. Now he stands next to Kia, looking her in the eyes as he looked about.

Aiden looks up at Regla's memories, his lip tweaking a bit, but it was to Luis' words that he does catch. "It is true, when you think you know someone well enough that you know everything, only to be pleasantly surprised you didn't know quite enough. He impacted many lives, making us all strong when we were weak." He sighs a little and downs another glass of whiskey, evidently making it possible to purposefully glances from people such as Bianca as much as he could, not that he was dismissive of it, but that each and every glance added to breaking his composure once more.

Orazio stands, quietly. He makes his way, just briefly, to murmur something to Lucita, and then departs.


Seeing his gaze, Kia offer a warm and reassuring smile, bowing her head once more as she squeezes his hand. There's another curtsy to the others, standing steadfast to be a pillar of support for the count.

Orazio has left the Wooden Picnic Table.

2 Faith of the Pantheon trained guards, 2 Faith of the Pantheon novice guards leave, following Orazio.

"I'll be fine," Jordan tells Aiden with a nod, before he watches the memorial quietly, heading over to pour himself a drink. He looks at the birds, though, then back to the horizon, and to the other attendants, nods of condolences are offered as he heads on over to offer, 'My condolences', to Lucita. He hasn't really known Estaban, after all, and it's hard to say anything further in this event. Instead, there's a slow dip of his head and he moves on, wineglass in hand.


Sipping from his drink, Luis watches the birds gathering, turning his head to see what they are up to before nodding again to Aiden in response to the man's words. Emily's shoulders get another squeeze as he stands and waits, looking around, he says something quietly afterwards.

Lucita accepts the glass of water from Bianca, looks at it longingly like she wishes it were a full fifth of whiskey and after listening to Regla, just downs it in one swallow after another after another, then sets it aside. She blinks hard, and lifts her head then just nods and says a simple 'Thank you' to the condolences offered.

Tilting her head at something Luis says Emily pulls from him and goes to set down her glass leaving the Igniseri for a moment or two before she makes her slow way back to the Lord. She touches his arm and affords him a faintly supportive smile. Eyes look then to Artorius and Kia, perhaps waiting on something as her fingers idly tug and shift the right bracer on her arm into place - which really is not different than where it was before.

1 Navegant Marines leaves, following Regla.

Octavian, a silken spaniel arrives, delivering a message to Ian before departing.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Luis before departing.

A messenger comes by WHO IS A PERSON, and taps Ian on the shoulder and gives him a note. He reads it, swears under his breath, and mutters to said messenger. "Tell her..."

Bianca gestured for one of the serving staff, retrieving Lucita's glass and requesting it to be refilled. Soon enough, a fresh cup was held subtly to the side in case the widow wished for more and a murmur was leaned again to Lucita.

Lucita is distracted a moment, then looks up and nods to Bianca. "Later the week will be fine. Thank you for being here with us."

Henrik Coldrain - the Sameera Babysitter arrives, delivering a message to Galen before departing.

Bianca dipped her head and drew away from the widow, carefully wandering through the crowd in search of a particular individual! Upon finding Costas, a small smile and dip of her head was granted to those in his near vicinity though she leaned to then mutter something to the swordsman.

Prince Luca rises up from the log he's seated on. He's been chatting and drinking with what is, ostensibly, the group of hopeless people all gathered underneath the trees. But he departs, a bottle in his hand still, and trudges across the distance over to where Lucita is sitting. Somewhere along the way he grabs a chair, dragging it along, and he plants it as near her as he can get it, disregarding present company that might also be gathered. He leans against the back of the chair, close to Lucita, and asks in a lowered tone, "Hi there, Luci. I just wanted to come talk to you for a minute and say, if anyone fucks with you, you come tell me." He gestures back to the trees where Ian and Galen and Reese and Sorrel are all loitering, "And I'll bring that lot, and we'll kick their ass, yeah? Because that's how your husband was. He was big on ass-kicking when it came to anyone hurting the people he loved. And he loved the fuck out of you. We talked about it in Setarco. He was so excited about that kid you've got, and about you. And I just wanted you to know we're all here for you, yeah? Stories, back-alley beatdowns, whatever. Don't be shy about it, please." He smiles at her. It's far from his usual grin. But it's a bit of a drunken smile.

Jordan looks over at Luca, then back to Lucita. He nods soberly to her and heads on over... well, somewhere he can be inobtrusive.

Lucita has fallen quiet for a moment, looking out at the sea Estie loved and the birds, gathering her composure again. She reaches out, takes Luca's hand and gives it a squeeze. "I may well need you in time, and gladly accept your offer. Thank you." She releases her grip, managing a tiny sad smile in return.

Bianca nodded to Costas, moving to slip her arm to his and await his farewells if needed before departure.

The sea birds, all, in unison, burst into the sky with in a flocking unison that cannot be natural. Or maybe it was? Either way, they swirl around the crowd, above their heads, and in a chorus of squawks and sea-bird shrieks. Then they wing away, out toward the water, as if they were carrying all that was said out to the horizon.

Reese looks over to Lucita when Luca, gestures toward them beneath the trees. She gives her a somber smile. "I will help however I am." She says softly in her direction.

Glancing aside at the pale holy woman, Costas nodded in response to her quiet inquiry and after one last solemn glance round the gathering the swordsman led Bianca up the dunes and back into the bustling city.

The line has been dismissed by Aiden.

Sir Alren leaves, following Bianca.

Bianca leaves, following Costas.


With the completion of many voices, Lus moves to give Lucita a hug and another kiss, "You are surrounded by loved ones and friends, remember this, you will have the support, even in his memory," another look to Aiden and Marcos, nodding as though to emphasize the words spoken earlier before he turns, and will gather up Emily to start walking away, it seems he's his own method for dealing with the passing of a soldier.

Lucita nods gratefully to Reese and then to each of the others remaining. She stands and says softly. "If anyone thinks of stories they would like to share of him, for his children to enjoy later, I'll leave the chest to collect them in Saik Tower Garden for a few days more. Or they can be sent to me by messenger. Thank all of you for being here and sharing this time with us.

Luca pats Lucita's hand, the one squeezing his own, and nods to her, "Good. And I know I'm talking out of my ass on this one, because it's hard, easier said than done, but don't let all the grief eat you up. Anyone who's been raised to go to battle is already living on borrowed time, and we were all lucky to get what we did of his. I know it's hard to be sad and to miss him and we all do, but it's harder still to smile and laugh at his memories. And the hard things are worth doing. And he was worth doing." Even the Fox-Prince, sloshed as he is, realizes he's mixed up some words there. He blinks, then shakes his head, "Sorry. I'm drunk. I'm really drunk. But I meant what I said. Except the last part." He laughs to himself, quietly, a touch sadly, and pats Lucita's hand again, before getting up and wandering back.

Giving Luis the room he needs while parting with his sister, moving in only when he is done giving the three a dip of her chin. Fingers take hold upon his arm once more and she will turn to depart with him and thus when they pass the Count and his sister there is an invitation, "Join us? Ambassador's," she offers the two and with a matched gate will walk with the Igniseri away from the beach and the peculiar flock of birds as her eyes drift upwards to watch them upon wing.

Aiden stands stationary for a while, his gaze lifted toward those sea birds as the people drift out. For a while the Prince will stand, waiting until the last person and the last bird has left out of sight (or close enough to) before he walks toward the water's edge, lets the ocean lick his boots and upends a bottle of whiskey into the sea. A final tribute to Estaban Saik. Let him drink too.