Nallah, a buff-looking tortie cat with green eyes, 2 House Mazetti Aspirants, Sirra, a very quiet maid arrive, following Alessia.

It's a fine evening to retreat indoors, what with the snow piling high on account of the clouds above practically dumping the cold stuff on the city of Arx now that the mottled snow and rain that followed it has cleared. Strategically placed braziers provide warmth to the chamber, along with an abundance of firelight to dine by. A number of masked Guardians offer an unobtrusive presence while the ruling family convene for a dinner within the Reveler's Refectory.

The table features a number of platters, all of which are laden with a variety of foods. Ranging from roasted meats, vegetables, and even some thick stew in one particularly aromatic dish. The Marquessa and Marquis-Consort reside at the head of the table and cattywampus to the head of the table. They seem to be awaiting patiently for the arrival of their fellow Hydra while Hadrian shuffles a few documents around before himself - clearly it will be time for dinner and a show, it would seem.

Lean and dark, young Vitalis slouches into the room, or perhaps he's been here all along, such is the man's ability to come and go in total silence. He is polishing off something snatched from the laden tables, disappeared on the sly such that he might simply be dusting his hands, and adjusting the drape of his pauldron pelt because that is, in fact, what he is doing now. He sweeps the hat from his head, swiping crooked fingers through the loose curls there and giving his head a shake before favoring cousin, marquis and ther gathered family with a rakish smile. "Good evening, everyone." He settles himself at the table, chair legs hooting briefly as he does.

Hadrian has joined the The Banquet Table.

Cambria has joined the The Banquet Table.

Vitalis has joined the The Banquet Table.

Subtle as a rampaging bear, Theron has arrived and gone right for the alcohol, clearly intent in putting the Revelry in the Refectory. The twin-sword bearing man followed as always by Garibaldi and the rest of his sharp pokey and slashy objects. Once glass and bottle is obtained, he raises them towards the head of the table and The CambRian Mazetti, or perhaps it is Hadbria? "Cousin, Cousin-in-Law. How is the youngling coming along?" Shifting shoulders to ease their burden as he gravitates towards food and the table, there is a sharp nod towards Vitalis as well.

Theron has joined the The Banquet Table.

Alessia enters the refrectory shortly after her cousin, dressed for the semi-formal occasion in a resplendent crimson seasilk gown while her golden torc wrought in the shape of a Hydra gleams in the light, against her bronze skin. Striding toward the banquet table gracefully, she offers her family members warm smiles, before taking a seat. "Good evening." She greets simply, smile remaining on her lips.

Alessia has joined the The Banquet Table.

Cambria, seated beside Hadrian, appears to just be finishing a particular strain of conversation with the Marquis-Consort. As the family begins to filter into the refectory, she puts aside whatever business had previously occupied her and greets her cousins with a smile. "Vitalis, good evening," she says to the younger man. "Theron," is up next. Though said in a way to imply annoyance, the grin Cambria gives the Sword makes it clear she is, in fact, amused. And last, but not least, "Alessia, you're looking lovely this evening."

"The younglings are doing well, growing fast. Damianos no longer demands Verus 'go back,'" Cambria answers Theron with a roll of her eyes, as though her first born conspired against her. Probably in league with his father.

Hadrian shifts around in his seat so that he may angle away from Cambria and turn his attention around to the other of the Hydra coming to settle in at the great table. Immediately both hands come up and onto the tabletop, at which point his papers are carefully whisked away and passed off to a nearby Luigi. The transition performed, Hadrian's attention turns back around to the nobles of House Mazetti which arrive for dinner and he a bright smile flashes to life across his sharp features as he points toward Vitalis, "You're looking rather dashing this evening, Vitalis. I hope you're doing well?" He allows of course for ample time that Vitalis may answer, but inevitably his attention shifts around to Alessia and he offers her a playful smile, "Lovely indeed," he says in echo of Cambria's words. Then finally toward Theron. Hadrian considers the Sword for a moment before he nods once and adds to Theron, "You're looking particularly determined tonight. Hungry? Playing with ones sword can cause quite the appetite," he offers with a mischevious smile.

Once the initial greetings are extended, Hadrian's hands come together before himself and his long fingers curl around a steaming mug which rests before him. He looks from one face to the next before he asks with a tilt of his head and harlequin eyes that shift about the table, "Before I put my matter of business out there, does anyone have any pressing matters they'd like to share? I don't wish to speak over anyone if they've something of importance; whether business of hearth and home or personal.."

Cambria's explanation behind Damianos' gradual acceptance of his younger brother earns a quiet chuckle from the Marquis-Consort.

Vitalis looks wholly innocent of any mischief enacted by Cambria and Hadrian's offspring. He's rather closely studying that wine. Very closely. At Hadrian's address, "Hmm? Oh," Vitalis looks at his coat and pelt, "I aspire to wear it as well as the cat that gave it up, though with fewer casualties to our vassals." He pauses a beat, "I suppose I should be glad I didn't purchase that place with a roofdeck view of the Clocktower." Vitalis hitches in his seat, eyes cutting to Hadrian briefly, before returning to the empty glass before him, taken and lifted for a servant to fill. He likes a good, rich red wine and nods when it comes, murmuring.

"I find I'm simply ... unsettled about it. Though I should be closing on a place in the Upper Buroughs not long from now. There's a fine stable there, and just in time for Adagio's colt to arrive." Vitalis settles back looking satisfied. Adagio, a mare in the Ostrian stables known for her even temper and unruly offspring, gave birth last year to a colt Vitalis laid claim to. The gelding is old enough now to make the trek by sea to Arx. "Poor thing will be mad to come ashore, I reckon. But no news of any import. I've not even a tiny clue about all the ...strangeness in the City." He looks around to all the others, hoping any one of them has something to share.

"Alessia! Well, that gown does look rather. Hmmm. I am not sure I have the right words. I like it though! Who made it, if I may ask?" A truly curious look to Alessia, and then his head turns to Cambria. "Ah. Sibling rivalry. You know, something more dangerous is when they learn to cooperate with one another." Theron's smile appears fully, clearly unphased at the implied tone of annoyance. It's almost as if he is proud of hearing such a way to speak his name. He winks quickly. "Ah yes. Brotherhood." There is a chuckle, likely at some sort of memory before he continues. "Enjoy the minor mischief while it lasts as only minor mischief!" Settling himself down he plucks up a piece of roast beast and consumes it before glancing at the Voice. "I'm always determined, Hadrian. However, you have a point. I am feeling rather, well, pent up. Much like a falcon, I need to be cast at some prey now and again. Though this assistance I am about to perform may help with that." Finally he shifts his gaze to Vitalis. "Not fond of our new snow? Yes. The shade is rather dissapointing, isn't it? Bad timing too, with you having to work a new mount."

"I wasn't sure how formal the occasion would be." Alessia responds with a wry smile. "I apologise if I'm overdressed, I *would* head to my room and change but who knows who'll turn up through the door?" Leaning back against the seat, she listens to the rest of the conversation. "I'm glad our prayers worked and things are... back to normal. For now."

"Adagio is from good stock," Cambria says to Vitalis when he notes the imminent arrival of the colt. "I look forward to seeing what will become of this steed." Giving the nod that she would like a glass of wine herself, a servant pours a healthy measure of the rich red liquid into the Marquessa's goblet. After taking a sip, she says, "Strangeness is one way of putting it."

Rather than continue to speak on the diseased snow and the fall of the clock tower, Cambria says, "I may have not had any siblings myself, I at least had you all growing up, so I am well prepared for the sort of antics my children may get into as they grow older." She allows herself a brief chuckle, then a shake of her head.

Then the distraction passes, and Cambria addresses the more sombre subject yet again. "I likely know as much about current events as the rest of you - which is to say very little. Needless to say, we as a people have only just barely avoided a terrible, terrible disaster."

"And Mistress Aurora Thornburn." Alessia adds in response to Theron's question.

Alessia's panache in the dress is nearly as dangerous as her dance with the glaive and the young explorer gives his cousin a lifted glass in salute. He turns a slow smile to Theron, "Where would we be without our 'uncles' to help us on adventures." He nods, "At least the snow's gone back to normal." Prayers for small favors. His gaze sharpens on Cambria when she speaks, attention riveted on her and this 'terrible, terrible disaster' they family has avoided. "What's this, now?"

Hadrian's expression dims ever so slightly at a comment from Vitalis about a clock tower. A somber nod of his head is provided before he breathes out a quiet answer to Vitalis' words, "It's most fortunate that you didn't decide on that property". Briefly Hadrian's teeth tap together, perhaps as some sign of anxiousness at the thought of it, but eventually his expression brightens once more as he provides a nod, "I look forward to meeting your new mount once it arrives and you've put some effort into its training. I can only imagine the excitement Damianos will have in watching you ride - when the appropriate time for riding comes, anyhow". Hadrian segues easily into a glance toward Theron and a look of unrestrained amusement flashes to life on the Marquis-Consort's features as he provides a sharp nod of his head in return, "It has been a quiet time for you as the Sword of House Mazetti, but...", he pauses for a moment, allowing the silence to expand for the span of a pair of heartbeats before he continues, "...you'll have an opportunity to due time, I think. As the pieces come together and grow, so too will the opportunity for your purpose as the House's Sword also grow".

Hadrian's attention shifts around while his hands draw up and permit himself a sip from the steaming mug. Fingertips drum against the side of the container as it lowers back to the tabletop and is released anew. He awaits Cambria's words regarding recent events and offers only a faint dip of his chin in acknowledgment of her words. When he looks back to those gathered around the table, he speaks up. "So!", he begins with a sudden energy to that initial sound as though to arrest the attention of those around the tabletop, "Work in Ostria has been being conducted to expand upon the harbor of the city. It is, we hope, to be a rather immense expansion. A deep water port, with the addition of shipyards. The intention being of course: growth. The House will naturally appreciate any aid which you can provide, as it is a project that we have been diverting assets toward for quite some time, but we aren't quite to completion yet. Given that this is a joint effort of the nobles of this House, under the purview of our very own Marquessa," Hadrian says with a mindful dip of his chin toward Cambria, before his attention drifts back to the occupants of the table and he continues, "we have chosen a name for this new port, upon its completion. Should any of you or any other member of this House have a suggestion? The House would love to hear it. For now though? We've taken to referring to the project as...", Hadrian's attention drifts briefly toward Vitalis before he continues with his harlequin eyes returning to the rest of the table, "...Port Valerio. Thoughts?"

Vitalis flinches briefly at the naming of Ostria's new port and the endeavors surrounding it, letting the import of that. He looks to Cambria, gray eyes searching hers briefly before he nods, solemn. "I think that's quite fitting."

Alessia raises a newly filled glass of brandy to Vitalise in reponse, smiling before taking a sip. Turning to Theron after Hadrian addresses him. "Whatever you do, please do not bet the sword on a duel. You wouldn't think it'd need to be said but..." As a response, to the request for name suggestions, she shakes her head. "I don't believe there are better options. We will continue to honour him until our final days."

"That makes sense." Theron comments back to Alessia with a smile. "True, one never knows when people may show up." Sipping from his glass, there is a brief appreciative nod as she mentions the Seamstress. "It's good work, my compliments." A sly glance tossed Cambria's way. "Oh you say that now. Then it will be 'oh dear gods, my children are little terrors!' I mean. Parts of our souls are in these children, family-wise anyways. Certainly they will carry on in the spirit /we/ carried on." Theron's innocent smile is clearly smoke and mirrors. Especially as it is turned onto Hadrian. "Hah. I'll prepare for the future lectures of 'No Theron, you should not be bringing my kids along for show and tell during Abyssal slayings.' or some such. Hmm. I suppose this means I must aspire to be the Fun Uncle." That gives Theron pause for several moments, clearly plotting. Then his smile is bright, though coupled with a touch of grim satisfaction as he processes Hadrian's promise of oppportunity. Then the mention of the harbor and his fingers snap. "Remind me later. I'd like to invest some of my prsonal resources into such a thing, regardless of name. Though, I rather suspect he'd be amused yet appreciative of such a name. Or he's shaking his fist at us for making his name so public." A deep chuckle. "Honestly. Both mental images are comforting, to me at least. So no objections here, yet I defer to others. Also fitting given his end."

"I would say the sense of sadness and loss are indication enough Arvum just barely dodged a proverbial projectile," Cambria says to Vitalis. "And there are several journals in the Whites speaking of Copper - though I cannot claim to know her." Having said her piece, Cambria moves onto the topic of the port, and the expansion of Ostria.

"We may yet have that sculptor back home create a statue of him riding a leaping shark, but..." She shrugs, smiling furtively. "The port is, at this moment, our largest and most expensive project, but it is not our only one. One must always strive for improvement, after all." Reaching for her wine, Cambria spares Theron an amused glance. She says to Alessia, "I do not believe we need fear one of our own pulling an Everard."

Vitalis' brows draw down at the cavalier mentions of his father's demise and rendering of him riding a shark - regardless of the fact that Valerio himself might have heartily approved. He takes a long sip of his wine and lets the conversation flow around him, ears and eyes open, falling back on his training when emotions begin to roil.

Alessia's advice to Theron earns a quiet chuckle from Hadrian before he lifts a hand to gesture idly toward Alessia, "Now, now, be fair. The last Sword to have done so is now known as a traitor to the Compact and its people. Theron's not a traitor. So he's already off to a wonderful start in not doing idiotic things!"

"Okay. So. None of them suggested Port Hadrian and I feel like maybe I should be a little upset by this fact," the Marquis-Consort remarks with mock indignation toward Cambria. He exhales an exaggerated sigh, then turns his attention back to the gathering around the table. Clearly an effort taken to provide some humor to an otherwise somber mentioning. Hadrian nods once to those gathered around the table before he continues, "Very good, then. I had hoped that everyone here in Arx would find the name an acceptable tribute and it brings me great pride in its acceptance".

A deep breath later and Hadrian idly gestures a hand off toward the north, as if indicating something far and away from the Ward of the Lyceum, let alone the Hydra's dwelling in Arx, "As I've heard it through a source or three, there was a concern quite recently that spoke of what took place. Something about the end of the world, but we were saved by the clock tower and someone called Copper?" Hadrian's eyebrows tick upward as he offers up a shrug following his initial statement, "So definitely unsettling stuff and as I heard it the one called Copper died in the whole matter? Most unfortunate news, from what I've been told. I'm no subject matter expert, though."

"Do give me some credit, darling Cousin?" Theron asks dryly of Alessia. "I'd wager something much less precious to myself, and the family." His fingers first indicate Allegiance on his back. Then he gestures towards Hadrian. "I'd likely sooner wager ownership of Hadrian before I'd remotely consider giving up this sword in such a fashion." On the topic of riding a leaping shark. "No no. Smashing one with Mandate, or punching it honestly would have been more his speed. I mean, he loved Ostrian horseflesh, but a skilled rider he was not." Theron does drop his smile to look more serious. It is a look, coupled with his trademark gaze that falls upon Vitalis. "You know. If he was here, he'd kick you in the backside for brooding. Look, epecially as I am supposed to be the brooding one. Anyways. Vitalis-" He claps the younger man on the shoulder and gives it a firm friendly grip. "Your father I am not. But I will gladly kick you in the backside if needed in his stead, how about that?" His tone is familial-friendly, a gentle teasing as shown by his wink. Leaning back once again he plucks up his drink and a dinner roll. Then a snort. "Hadrian, I am perfectly capable of doing idiotic things. Have you -seen- some of the things I've charged into?" A darker amused chuckle which dies as he looks serious. "I did miss the news about Copper. The tower I heard about. Honestly, it is a lot to take in. I've seen many a thing, and done much in my life. But green sickly snow?" His head shakes.

"A bad joke." Alessia gives Cambria an apologetic smile before taking another drink from her brandy. "So, we should all aim to die weird and exciting deaths so we get unusual statues created in our honour." She glances down again. "I did it again, sorry." Straightening in her seat, she gives the marquessa a curious look. "So what other projects?" To Hadrian, she shrugs. "I did not hear anything about someone named Copper dying. Last I heard of the name, it was with regard to Princess Sorrel performing songs about the metallics."

"No back-side-kicking in the refectory," Cambria says firmly, followed shortly thereafter by a sly wink. "Very well, we are agreed that it shall be known as Port Valerio, and you all now know that whatever you are able to contribute will be greatly appreciated." Sipping from her wine, Cambria continues. "Moving forward, I wish you all to consistently bear in mind that we have entered into dangerous times--" She pauses, considering her words, then amends, "Even more dangerous times than before. The world is clearly changing, and we must be mindful of this."