With silent steps, Brannen moves to the front, kneeling down and praying to the altar in silence for about a minute before heading towards one of the pews, sitting down on one of the cushions.

Balian, a Templar squire, Guy, a hunting kestrel, 1 Templar Knight guards arrive, following Preston.

3 Tyde Houseguard, 2 Redwood Initiates arrive, following Lethe.

The shrine's illumination casts everything in a warm, rich light, as it always does - a perfect atmosphere for the occasion. Each guest are welcomed and kindly reminded to watch for spiders, though the spiders prefer the dark corners or the high ceilings for the most part. Though a religious event, it is clear it is meant for mingling and socialising, rather than sit down for a long time to watch and listen, even if there will be a short ceremonial part in the beginning.

Near the altar, a Godsworn awaits to lead everyone in prayer. Evaristo stands there as well and smiles and waves to people entering, encouraging people to sit down in the pews to start with. A black tarantula sits on his shoulder.

"Welcome, welcome. Please, sit down for a while," Evaristo begins, "make yourselves comfortable. We shall have a prayer, and the crown will be brought forth - and after that, we will mingle and spend time together. I promise, you won't have to sit still for too long."


Tyrus arrives escorted as ever by his guards, the prince choosing to sit at some of the pews nearer the front even as Evaristo offers his welcome and a prayer is offered. The Thraxian prince says nothing, only sitting down and watching for the rest to begin.

Tyrus has joined the pews nearest the front.

Rorans casually making his way into the shrine, a smile on his face and mindful of eight legged and otherwise legged creatures that might be crawling about. The Archlector of Lagoma wanders about to seek a pew to sit on and observe the people coming.

Lethe has joined the pews nearest the front.

Roran has joined the pews nearest the front.

Lethe arrives to the event with an eager smile. She looks around with curiosity and makes her way to a pew.

Allegra shuffles into the shrine with her usual limp, looking around at the decorations (and spiders) as she moves deeper inside. Taking a quick survey of the people gathered so far, she presses onward, shuffling towards the front and taking a seat there amongst the others.

Allegra has joined the pews nearest the front.

Nina has joined the pews nearest the front.

Carefully watching the ground for any stray spiders, as the sign warns, Sanya Grimhall makes her way to the front pews, giving Evaristo a warm smile as she passes. She settles down, inclining her head to those already seated. A more familiar greeting is given to the prince. "Your highness."

Sanya has joined the pews nearest the front.

Stepping into the shrine, Helena looks around at its adornments for the event, smiling at the festive space. It's become one of her favorite places in the city, though she's not a Harlequin. Her eyes seek Evaristo at the front and he gets a fond smile from the Redrain princess before she moves to find a place at one of the pews in a soft rustle of green and silver tulle. She's dressed for the occasion, in her favorite spiders and skull hairpins from her wardrobe's collections.

Korka has already been here for awhile, but rather than sitting she's leaning a shoulder into the wall by the chamber of stillness, arms folded and just watching the whole thing with an impassive expression.

Helena has joined the pews nearest the front.

Nina though a commoner, walks into the shrine with boundless energy, and walks up to the front to sit close to see what is about to happen. If this is a breach of protocol it is a protocol she is blissfully unaware of, and she very much wants to see an interesting thing.

In the Shrine of the Queen of Endings, for such an event but this, there is no gown Berenice could have chosen but one spun of spidersilk from the Queen's most beloved creatures. She steps inside with all the habitual grace of her stature, lingering near the doorway for a moment before she moves to the pews nearer to the back. She is only there a minute or two before a certain spider -- a tarantula, in fact -- makes its way to her as if to say hello and find a nest in the thick dark curls of her hair. Cause that's not creepy.

Drusila has joined the pews off to the side.

Berenice has joined the pews nearest the back.

Brannen has joined the pews nearest the back.

Raffe has joined the pews off to the side.

Preston steps into the shrine, the slight rattle of full plate armour as he stands close to the door. He steps to the side to allow others to pass, his hand steadying his swords as he adjusts the straps holding the shield to his back. A nod and a small wave is offered to Evaristo - whether Preston is here to guard the event as one of the Templars, or whether he just doesn't trust crowns that seem to get people a bit stabby, well. You can pick. Spiders though are given a stern look. No sir, no hijinx.

Raffe quietly moves to the pews at the side, trying not to obstruct the ceremony, vibrant-gold eyes watchful.

It might be a time for mingling, but Ras slinks in with his hood raised and an earth-toned patterned wool blanket wrapped around him like some sort of transposed hug - he doesn't appear to be in the mood for socializing with anybody. Unobtrusively, he moves in to hunch down as far in the shadows of the back pew as he can get, and watches everything, with an especially long study devoted to the empty glass case.

Ras has joined the pews nearest the back.

Raymesin, for his part, is lurking quietly near the shrine's door. Presumably the tall Harlequin has some sort of function - he's looking as though he's there with a purpose - but whatever it is, it's not obvious.

Drusila glides into the shrine with her usual restrained poise, her amber eyes remaining focused on the altar where the Crown is to be presented while she makes her way towards one of the pews off to the side where she makes herself comfortable on one of the cushions.

Rurik, a prodigal assistant, 1 Crimson Blades Sergeant, Aegis, a large red Oakhaven bloodhound arrive, following Mirk.

Sydney slips quietly in, at least by her standards. For a change, her strides are subdued, padding respectfully in and casting a glance about. She tucks the hood of her cloak back and scans the room. Familiar faces are found and paused upon being spied, but ultimately she doesn't cast wide grins or dour scowls, she merely wanders over to one of the pews and seats herself. Probably not coincidentally, she picks one next to Ras.

Sydney has joined the pews nearest the back.

1 Templar Knight guards, Sir Daniel the Beardless, a somewhat hapless Templar arrive, following Hamish.

Mirk has joined the pews off to the side.

5 King's Own Guardsmen, Tulip arrive, following Symonesse.

Fiore the Sarcastic Attendant arrives, following Gabriella.

Once everyone's seated and comfortable, Evaristo speaks again. "It is nice to see so many here," he says and looks a bit touched, glancing at everyone, and smiling. "Archlector Hamish shall leads us in prayer." He steps aside, to let Hamish take over.

Just after Hamish is introduced, but before the prayer begins, Symonesse slips into the Shrine and finds a place to sit. She casts a golden-eyed gaze at the decorations on display for the dedication of the crown, seeming rather charmed by them. After waving a couple of the spiders, she takes a sit and folds her hands in her lap, smiling gently.

Octavian, a silken spaniel, an aid in Kennex livery, 2 Kennex corsairs arrive, following Zoey.

Symonesse has joined the a completely normal pew which isn't at all infested with spider eggs that will hatch en masse Nov 27 of 1012.

Zoey has joined the a completely normal pew which isn't at all infested with spider eggs that will hatch en masse Nov 27 of 1012.

Trini Albricci, an attractive young Lycene woman arrives, following Dianna.


Gabriella Pravus is a silent and unobtrusive late arrival, slipping in to the shrine only a few handful of seconds before the beginning of prayer. Gluttony peacebonded at her back, the princess turns bright blue eyes toward the altar for a moment of curiosity before she quietly seeks out a place amongst the pews.

The entrance of the queen draws a glance followed by a smile and nod thataway from the Redrain Princess, who turns to murmur something to those near her at the pew. Helena turns her midnight-blue gaze back to Evaristo, offering him a smile of encouragement, before looking to Hamish, waiting for the Archlector to lead them in prayer.

Tagliatelle, a black-scaled kingsnake arrives, following Graziella.

Sydney quietly folds one leg over the other from where she's seated, and wriggles back a touch to settle more pleasantly against the cushion that rests beneath her, as though the additional comfort is getting rather in the way of what should be a perfectly suitable seat. Still, when it becomes apparent that things will be getting started, she manages to settle in. Her eyes flit reflexively in Symonesse's direction, if only because her attire is so /bright/. Otherwise, she seems blissfully ignorant about whom she happens to be, and turns her eyes back front to focus on the important bits.

Unfortunately a little late, Sister Dianna Godsworn and her assistant, Trini, make their way into the shrine, both deeply curtsying to Queen Symonesse when they spot her. Trini remains near the back door, but Dianna moves to sit on the pew with Symonesse and Zoey, smiling gently to other friends and godsworn who might catch her eye.

Dianna has joined the a completely normal pew which isn't at all infested with spider eggs that will hatch en masse Nov 27 of 1012.

Raymesin continues to lurk quietly by the door, watching and listening but saying nothing. His eyebrows do go up at the sight of Symonesse, though exactly why isn't made clear.

An unobtrusive late arrival, Graziella Pravus steps into the shrine with a quiet reverence for the space, looking about with the interested eyes of a young woman who has rarely been in Arx before now. After a moment, seeming to spot familiar faces, the young princess steps towards the pews near the front, settling to observe the proceedings.

Graziella has joined the pews nearest the front.

Hamish steps up to the front once introduced and looks over the crowd. "I haven't lead a formal prayer since coming to the city, so you'll have forgive me if I'm a bit rusty." Hamish sets his hands together so the long sleeves of his robes of station conceal them. "Those who gather here today do so in the unified purpose of remembering our Queen of Endings. We lift voice so she knows of our love, of our faith and of our promise." He then says several words in another language before finishing with an amen.

Hamish says in Nox'alfar, "She is love, but does not need our love. Still, we give her our love. She is the end and the beginning and needs no glorification, still we glorify her. She is patient and does not need our promise, but still we promise to never again forget her."

Hamish steps aside then, so Evaristo can move on with the show.

Preston quite deliberately doesn't look at the Queen's ears, but does offer her a bow as she comes in and sits on a...perfectly normal seat. Apparently. Dianna gets another bow of his head as she passes "Sister" he offers though quietly as they prepare for Hamish's talk. As it turns into something strange, Preston's head tilts to its side with one eyebrow raised. The look one gives when someone has randomly sprouted a duck's head or the like. But, soon after Preston shakes his head and returns to passivity.

Symonesse's eyes are riveted to Hamish as he says the formal prayer. Her lips are curved into a smile and she murmurs a few words under her breath as well, in the wake of the prayer's ending.

Evaristo stands with his head bowed meanwhile and seem very focused on the prayer. He murmurs something himself at the end. When it is done, he smiles thankfully at Hamish and steps forth.

"Today we will honor Death, and present to her the Crown that Josephine Arcuri crafted with love and dedication, with tears and smiles, with joy and sorrow. Many visited her workshop, to tell the metal puns, jokes, stories from their life. In doing so, they reached out to Death herself, in a manner, and imbued this artifact with what they told. Josephine Arcuri crafted something very, very special for all of us to enjoy. For though we dedicate the crown to Death, we all are part of it. It started in the shrine of Petrichor, where I found Archlector Brigida's lost staff. It ended with the Crown. A piece of the staff, a sliver of wood, is embedded in the crown itself. And who, if not Blessed Brigida, should carry forth the Crown today? Josephine's best friend, and the one that is the reason the crown even exists... Please, Blessed - bring forth the crown, for all to see." He bows his head and gestures for it to be brought forth.

Brigida enters, the Archlector of Petrichor walking at a slow, regal pace. Her Disciples follow her along before breaking off and sitting near the back. Keski is currently in possession of Brigida's famous staff as the Iron Thorn is using both hands to hold Death's Crown, presenting it to see as she unhurridly makes her way to the front, her face a somber mask and utterly focused on the task at hand.

As, at last, the Crown is presented, Tyrus' attention turns to focus solely upon the object. It is not awe, born from either faith or admiration from the now deceased crafter's skill, that might be found writ upon the prince's face. It is... a certain satisfaction, a confirmation of what was suspected, but that until now had not been verified. Only those near him might hear the murmured words that follow, though those watching may notice the small smile on the prince's face.

Sydney is overheard praising Josephine(rip).

When the Crown is brought out, Korka does not watch it. Instead she watches the crowd and their reactions to it, green eyes carefully scanning the attentive faces of each one.

The words in Nox'alfar earn a soft sigh from Helena, who then murmurs them in quiet tones for those sitting near her, translating the elven words. Her gaze finds Evaristo again, and she smiles, if a little wistfully, at his explanation and story behind the jeweled crown, before turning to catch sight of the masterpiece.

Hamish has joined the a completely normal pew which isn't at all infested with spider eggs that will hatch en masse Nov 27 of 1012.

Straightening in her seat as the crown is unveiled, Sanya's brows rise. She's unable to tear her gaze from the masterpiece, almost enthralled by it.

Helena is overheard praising Hamish.

Dreya, an older woman in Velenosan livery, 2 House Velenosa Guards, Ailfryd, a tall, thin man with a haugty air arrive, following Saoirse.

Evaristo is overheard praising Harlequins.

Symonesse turns her head to gaze at the Crown as Brigida brings it in. While there is a touch of sadness in her golden eyes, but still, she smiles as she murmurs to those closest to her, "What a masterpiece."

Allegra watches with rapt interest as the crown is brought in, letting out a slow breath as she shifts in her seat to follow the procession. "Truly beautiful," she says quietly.

Saoirse has been here the whole time, one hundred percent! And in a very spiderweb-by outfit to boot! So fitting. So themely. So entranced by this crown as it makes its way through the crowd. Her eyes twinkle so much, in fact, it wouldn't be entirely out of place to wonder if this particular princess was about to start planning a heist -- complete with hijinks, natch.

Sanya is overheard praising Harlequins.

Preston stomps his foot appropriately as praise for Josephine is mentioned - clapping with gauntlets is a silly game. But then it's the crown, and Preston can't help but smile at the beauty of it...followed quickly by a furtive glance to the door of the shrine, his hand tighting a little on the pommel of his blade.

As the crown emerges, Graziella's attention fixes on it immediately. Her lips move a bit, as if in prayer, but the way she regards this emblem of Death seems touched with a hint of fear.

Evaristo has seen the crown, but he too stares at it with wide violet eyes, drawn in by the beauty of the piece, the craftmanship otherworldly. "Thank you, Josephine," he murmurs. There's a moment when he looks away and lifts his hand to his eyes, taking a deep breath, before he turns to watch Brigida and the artifact proceed towards the altar.

Nina is watching the crown as it moves around. She's giddy with excitement and in awe of how majestic it is.

Raymesin continues to lurk near the door; with head bowed during the prayer, and observation of the crowd while the crown is brought in, he smiles a bittersweet smile at the sight of the object.

Sydney rests her bruised cheek in her hand and offers a puffed sigh, eyes tracking Brigida's motions and watching the procession. "...You did well, changer of fortunes."

Gabriella has joined the pews nearest the front.

Ras lowers his head forward in a way that the hood he wears hides all of his expression, and not just his eyes. It might be a mute gesture of weighty respect, or subdued sorrow, or both.

Approaches the glass case, Crown in her wrinkled hands. She pauses just before it and whispers something to the Crown before kissing it softly and into the case it goes. The Archlector of Petrichor steps back and offers a slow bow towards the Crown and the Shrine before she retreats to the side, silent and deep in thought it seems. Those observing closing might even note a watering of her eyes, but sure not. The Iron Thorn doesn't cry does she?

Brigida pproaches the glass case, Crown in her wrinkled hands. She pauses just before it and whispers something to the Crown before kissing it softly and into the case it goes. The Archlector of Petrichor steps back and offers a slow bow towards the Crown and the Shrine before she retreats to the side, silent and deep in thought it seems. Those observing closing might even note a watering of her eyes, but sure not. The Iron Thorn doesn't cry does she?

Korka has joined the a completely normal pew which isn't at all infested with spider eggs that will hatch en masse Nov 27 of 1012.

Hamish glances toward Preston, then around at the guards and looks mildly amused. There's a moment where it seems like he might lean over to speak to the grandmaster, but then the humor fades and he sits back. After all, if one crown can go missing it's probably best to let the Templars do what they do.

The Godsworn Mirrormask's expression shifts from one emotion to another as she beholds the mask - from awe of its beauty to restrained wincing as Josephine is mentioned. Her gaze shifts from the crown to straight-ahead, full lips tucked between her teeth. Finally, she finds her repose - but her expression is one of simple repose.


Hands folding neatly in her lap, Gabriella turns that sharp gaze of hers on Brigida and the crown as it is presented. Her brows raise in unison at the sight of it -- but her split lip tugs into a little smile all the same, ignoring the sting of the gesture and quietly taking in the gravity of the moment with an air of appreciation for all it signifies.

Lethe looks at the crown with tears in her eyes. She sighs softly and takes a quick glance around the shrine.

Cufre has joined the pews nearest the back.

There's a silent nod of thanks to Brigida, and Evaristo's clearly having to compose himself here, so he busies himself with adjusting his cloak a bit before he clears his voice and steps forth once more. "Thank you, Blessed." His voice is a bit coarse, even so, but it rings true across the shrine as he continues. "As you all can see, the crown is special. It is our gift to Death. It is Josephine's gift." He pauses, then smiles widely, even if it is a bit rueful. "I wanted to say many more things, but for once, I won't be. Please, stand up, mingle, find something to eat and drink, admire the crown, remember your lost ones, take joy in the newborns in your lives." With that, he too bows to the crown and the princes and princess and nobles, and the Godsworn.

After bowing, he adds one more encouragement for people to get up and mingle; "Tell Death a good pun - I will listen in. The one with the best one, which I will judge - perhaps with help of Archlector Hamish - will win a little prize!" He grins, and then waves for Harlequins to start helping people with drinks and food.

Sydney eases quietly up from her seat. It wouldn't be an event with food and drink at it if a certain brawler weren't among the first to the table. Wouldn't be natural, really. At least she has a contemplative and somber look about her as she goes about plundering the refreshments onto a too-high pile of food. Where on earth does she put it all?

Maybe it's that talk of puns, or perhaps it's the fact that the prince truly has other things to see to. Either way, he rises once the ceremony is done and nods to those in his vicinity. "A pleasure, though I fear I must see to other matters. Till we meet again." And so does Tyrus take his leave from the shrine.

Symonesse is overheard praising Harlequins: 10

Symonesse is overheard praising Hamish.

Symonesse is overheard praising Evaristo.

Symonesse is overheard praising Harlequins.

Tyrus has left the pews nearest the front.

3 Thrax Guards leaves, following Tyrus.

Graziella is overheard praising Harlequins.

Brigida smiles and Keski appears with her staff. The Archlector takes it and huffs once before finding Evaristo. "How old are you Evaristo?" she asks curiously.


Though her features are decorated in a number of fading bruises, including a particularly egregious one blooming like a little bruised flower at her nose, Gabriella still offers Graziella a most warm smile when she notices her sister at the pews. Her attention turns, however, towards Evaristo as the ceremony ends; a brow lifts curiously, looking toward the crown. 'Puns?' she mouths, and seems to ruminate over this at least for a little while before she rises from her pews and makes her way towards the refreshments. "Puns. ... Hm."

Allegra is overheard praising Evaristo.

Allegra is overheard praising Hamish.

Gabriella is overheard praising Harlequins.

Preston relaxes as the crown is safely handled and there is no strange fog, effects, spiders exploding, anything odd at all. He lets his hand lift from his sword and he walks closer to Evaristo, giving the disciple a pat on the arm before he leans in to murmer something to the Disciple.

Helena moves to look at the crown close up, offering Evaristo her hand in greeting. "It's just beautiful, and you did a lovely job," she says warmly, then lowers her head in a bow to Hamish. "Beautiful benediction, as well," she tells the Archlector. To the shrine itself, she offers her pun: "Why didn't the skeleton dance at the grand ball?" she asks, before making a sad face, and adding, "He had no body to dance with."

Allegra is overheard praising Brigida.

Berenice rises from her seat when Evaristo calls for the room to mingle. And it's him that she drifts towards first, drawing near enough to his side to murmur a quiet word to him while leaving room for others to approach. There's a hint of a smile at her lips, and her gaze draws to Brigida when she approaches. "Blessed Brigida," she says with warm courtesy and a respectful dip of her chin.

Sydney seems to perk up at this overheard snippet of conversation from Brigida, and responds on Evaristo's behalf, "Early forties, if I recall correctly." The pugilist meanders over, plate and fork in hand.

Lethe looks around. "It is nice to meet everyone. I am Harlequin and Lady Lethe Tyde."

Once people begin to mill about and socialize, Symonesse rises from the pew she had been seated at, gives the King's Own the accompany her a nod, and moves toward the exit.

Preston mutters, "... Harlequin. And no strange visits from ... Silence this ... which is good. ... ... I am ... are still ... the city, so any sign of The Silence, ... ... us know, hrm? Death ... ... ... of ... in the end, to return ... ... ... Wheel. Just ... she travels ... ... ... ... ... of ..."

Raymesin exhales as the presentation ends, then smiles ever so faintly. "Really was the Craftmaster's crownin' achievement," the Lowers man says.

Symonesse has left the a completely normal pew which isn't at all infested with spider eggs that will hatch en masse Nov 27 of 1012.

5 King's Own Guardsmen, Tulip leave, following Symonesse.

Saoirse watches a few people considering this pun challenge and rises slowly. Is this it? Is this the Crown's punmaster herself stealing the thunder? ...No. No, it isn't, because after a second or two, Saoirse merely mutters a few words to Hamish and Evaristo then takes her leave.

Mirk grimaces, as the puns begin, and rises to his feet. There's a respectful dip of his head towards those familiar faces in the room. He heads over to look at the crown for just a moment, and then turns and heads towards the door.

Evaristo winks at Helena and smiles warmly at her. "Thank you. I'm impressed I managed to keep my talk so short. I might treat myself later," he jokes. He listens to her pun, grins amusedly - then turns to Brigida to reply to her, but he snaps his mouth shut and turns a good-natured glare at Sydney. "I am /thirty one/," he responds and straightens up, adjusting his cloak again. "Why do you wonder?" he asks curiously of Brigida.

Dreya, an older woman in Velenosan livery, 2 House Velenosa Guards, Ailfryd, a tall, thin man with a haugty air leave, following Saoirse.

Helena has left the pews nearest the front.

Sydney waves a hand amicably, "Same thing. Old."

Mirk has left the pews off to the side.

Rurik, a prodigal assistant, 1 Crimson Blades Sergeant, Aegis, a large red Oakhaven bloodhound leave, following Mirk.

Brigida takes that information from Evaristo and rubs her chin, "Hmmm... You know when I was your age...?" she pausing for a moment and letting Evaristo wait on her words of wisdom for a few moments. "When I was your age...?"

"I was thirty one."

"As impressed as the rest of us," Helena says with sparkling eyes, but moves out of the way for others to give their own puns or greet the master of ceremony. She chuckles at Brigida's words. "May we all gain your wisdom with age," she tells her, mock solemnly and with a little curtsy.

Brannen is overheard praising Harlequins.

Brannen is overheard praising Faith of the pantheon.

Berenice is overheard praising Harlequins.

Brannen is overheard praising Josephine(rip).

Berenice is overheard praising Faith of the pantheon.

There's a very amused eye-roll at Brigida's joke, and he tips his chin and grins at Raymesin at his quite obvious but clever pun. "I should've known this contest would come bite me in the proverbial arse," he jokes dryly. He leans in to listen to something Berenice murmurs to him, and looks contemplatively at the crown for a moment. He also nods to something Preston says to him. "Anyone else? Don't be shy! The worse pun, the better," he encourages everyone, raising his voice to be heard.

Nina looks up from the pew in the front, and blinks at Evaristo. "But good sir, do you not believe this event is a space too deathly serious for such jocularity? Surely the element at hand is a grave matter. I would rise to the occasion but I just cannot get the purpose of this through my skull."

She stands up, and innocently blinks, then seems to change her mind on the matter, folding her hands. "I must say the spider symbolism also has me quite alarmed. I would hate to break social norms and end up bitten. We know the social webs around here are quite entangled."

She gives a little bow. "Begging your pardons from a common girl. It was still very much a delight to be among the corps here today."


Preston smiles to Evaristo, and pats him on the arm once more before he steps a little closer to the bench where Zoey is and unfastens the blade at his belt, pulling it slowly from its scabbard and offering it for her to study. "Absolutely no idea." He answers out loud to an obviously much quieter question.


With a modest arrangement of food that seems perhaps a little, slightly, egregiously heavy on the meats at her disposal, Gabriella turns that bright gaze of hers onto the minglers. A hand on her hip, the Setarcan knight considers a moment, before she approaches to offer Evaristo the flash of a grin. "Ah, the man of many hats," she greets warmly. "And now I witness another of your accomplishments. And all this at the respectable age of thirty one." There's just -something- about how she says 'respectable.' Maybe it has to do with the way her brow cocks.

Brannen moves about the shrine, fetching a beverage and over the mingling compliments the Harlequins for their service. He makes sure to compliment the fine craftmanship of the late Josephine.

'What do you call a wedding of two smiths?" Roran calls out to Evaristo. It seems, he's going for a theme of smithing.

"A Welding"

Zoey looks down at the blade Preston presents to her and nods. With a smile she tells him, "It's Nox'alfar. It says, 'With the grace of the gods stand your ground, and channel Their light until no darkness stands against righteous intent.'"

Stepping from the completely-normal pew, Dianna steps to the front and greets Evaristo and Preston. "My thanks for holding this lovely event, Harlequin." She smirks, aside, at Roran, then smiles to Preston. "And I am always grateful when you are here to guard such events as these. I'll be in touch soon." She nods to both, then makes her way to the exit, a gentle smile for Gabriella and Zoey as she passes.

Dianna has left the a completely normal pew which isn't at all infested with spider eggs that will hatch en masse Nov 27 of 1012.

Trini Albricci, an attractive young Lycene woman leaves, following Dianna.

Amusement turns the curve of Berenice's smile at Evaristo's quiet reply to her, and she reaches for a glass of wine to sip on as she plays audience to the many puns being offered to her protege. (Even if she doesn't attempt the game herself.) Her gaze turns to the crown on display, lingering there as her features turn thoughtful.

Sydney reflexively tenses at the sound of metal being loosed from scabbard, twitching her attention over to Preston, a brow lifted slowly. Still, she's not above curiosity herself, and moves to take a glance alongside Zoey, the auburn-haired woman peering at the blade and then back up toward Preston, lips thin. "...Do you train with it, or is it mostly there until it's needed? I know folks in your position grow used to swinging orders more than steel. Never seen you going through your motions, despite my best efforts." The delivery doesn't make it sound particularly insulting, in spite of her choice of words. She pauses at Zoey's translation, and makes a low hum in the back of her throat. "Hmn. Fancy."

Nina gives Sanya a little smile at that one, her eyes sparkling.

There's a look of admiration at Nina, Evaristo momentarily stunned. "Amazing," he breathes and it might be that Nina just threw up some rather stiff competition in this contest. He snickers amusedly at Roran's pun. "Good one! I have not heard that one before!" He looks a bit abashed for a moment, nodding at Gabriella. "Well... I quite often feel like I am sixteen, and act like it too," he says quite dead pan. "Just ask my dear patron, Princess Berenice." He glances at Preston and Zoey for a moment, their sword-talk drawing his attention but it's brief, as he goes back to focus on puns and the drink he now holds.

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

Preston lifts an eyebrow as Zoey is able to read it "Well, that is interesting....a fitting quote for the blade. I shall have to remonstrate with Prince Laric that he didn't understand such a language." Preston turns the blade and, saying a quiet prayer before kissing it's crossguard, he slides it back into its scabbard and onto his side "Perhaps there is more to some of the foreign languages after all, I cannot think who would have added that onto the blade but it's smith." The words of Dianna get a smile, but she's already off and so he just stretches. Then there is the query from Sydney, and Preston shakes his head "I spar with training sword, or Banisher." And his hand touches the mirrored pommel of his other blade as he re-attaches Crusader to his belt "To use a sword of Gloria for training is not its purpose. It is to defend the innocent against the unjust, the faithful against the heretic, the righteous against the dark. There are few old blades in the Templars, we lost much." Preston glances behind to Evaristo "The Harlequin wields one old Templar blade, blessed by the hand of the first of the Orthodox, so I'm told. Well. Do picks count as blades? Spikes? Well. Weapon anyway."

When a messenger comes in looking for Helena, a slip of paper is handed to the Redrain princess who nods and slips it into her pocket. She looks over to Evaristo to offer a quick waggle of fingers, before finding the exit and her way out.

Cufre has left the pews nearest the back.

"I always thought blade would have to have a flat edge." Sanya interjects from the bench, turning to Preston. "But if messere wanted to call his pick a blade, I wouldn't want to be the kill-joy who stops him." She laughs lightly, smiling at the harlequin.

Ras lifts his head and stands from the pew, and looks towards Death's Crown for a long minute.

Korka has left the a completely normal pew which isn't at all infested with spider eggs that will hatch en masse Nov 27 of 1012.

Sydney offers an appraising nod of her head at Preston's answer. She eases a hand to her hip and nods, "...Fair enough. I suppose the question was more, 'I'd enjoy seeing you train, or having a spar', but I'm told that often comes off as overbearing, declaring you'd like to creepily watch someone's form, or offering to punch them." A lift of her shoulder, and her lips crook upward. She approaches Evaristo. "...Surprised you're missing the obvious, with puns. Corn's all but death's official vegetable. Can't eat corn without macabre."

Korka makes her way through the crowd heading over to Ras to murmur something to him.

Lethe has left the pews nearest the front.

3 Tyde Houseguard, 2 Redwood Initiates leave, following Lethe.

Nina looks bright at Sydney and almost claps her hands. She just seems to enjoy this game. She finally gets to her feet properly, so that she can mingle a bit more, or maybe just to overhear more jokes.

Nina has left the pews nearest the front.

"I'm glad I could be of assistance," Zoey tells Preston with a warm smile. "I speak a number of languages and love having opportunities to use them."

Hunching his shoulders under the blanket, Ras turns out into the aisle and seems about to depart, but pauses to tilt his head beneath the hood and listen to Korka. He mumbles something back, and is on his way.

Drusila has left the pews off to the side.

"War-pick. Good for hammering in nails in the wall," Evaristo quips at Preston. "Ahem. Not that I'd ever do that, not with an old Templar weapon," he quickly adds. He is carrying the war-pick on his sword-belt, but doesn't take it out to show. He studies Berenice for a moment, then looks at the crown again - he also looks thoughtful. "The Crown will be moved safely to the Cathedral later. It was targeted by some cultists, and they might try again. Though... I doubt they would ever come in /here/," he says and sounds quite confident about that. Seeing Ras over there, he lofts an eyebrow at the young man and even wiggles his fingers in a little wave as he leaves, and he offers farewells to the others that also leave.


In the aftermath of Nina's delivery, the grin Gabriella offers her is a bright and approving thing. Like a thumbs up without the thumbs, upping. "Mistress Nina is quite that, yes," she asides to Evaristo, before turning her attention back to the man fully. A snort flares past her nostrils for his words; she even leans backwards so that she may assess, peering at the Harlequin with a squinting, piercing stare. "Ah, yes. There it is. The stubborn spirit of youth," she declares, amusement tinging her tone. "All the more impressive for someone of your spiritual age then."

She'd say more, but Sydney's subtle efforts are currently earning a brief, spirited, "Hah!" of a guffaw from the Setarcan knight.

On his way out the door, Ras gives a slight duck of his head towards Evaristo (with Sydney nearby the harlequin bard), and doesn't look at Preston near the door. Raymesin is nodded to.

Ras has left the pews nearest the back.

Eventually excusing herself from the pews with a curtsey, Graziella rises with a whisper of aeterna skirts. "I am afraid I haven't a head for puns at all," she says to Evaristo with a rueful smile, "but I wished to offer my thanks for holding such a lovely event. I look forward to hearing all the puns from everyone else. Dear Nina has produced quite a series of potent ones." She reaches to squeeze Nina's hand, at that.

Sydney casts a glance after Ras, her attention drifting over toward Korka, a brow lifted dubiously. With the utmost warmth.

"One would hope," Berenice says, her voice a touch more dry, in reply to Evaristo's words. But then she turns her attention back to the crowd, her smile warming once more as she sheds that thoughtful mien. "/Sixteen/ is a bit optimistic, sometimes," she adds more humorously of Evaristo's inner age.

Merek makes a way into the place to look about.

Evaristo chokes almost on his wine when Sydney delivers her pun. "That... that is the worst one," he says and laughs. Then, there's a sharp surprised look at Gabriella, but he doesn't say anything to that - Berenice saves him. "Fourteen? Twelve?" he says. "I suppose I am all of those ages, depending on the circumstance!" he adds cheerfully. "Alright, do we have any more puns, good or bad, or worse?"

Rising from her seat, Sanya smiles as she approaches the Velenosan princess. "Your highness. It's lovely to see you again." She appraises her. "You look stunning. Though at this rate, it's no surprise." She turns to Evaristo. "This was wonderful, messere. The crown was one of the most beautiful pieces of art I've seen. And a worthy offering to the Her."

"You are welcome sometime - I believe Mother Cassandra was working with you, yes? You will find quite a few Templars around at the moment, training and preparing." Preston offers with a warm smile to Sydney "Training is a good part of my life, it is not so strange to wish to engage in it." Zoey is also given an appreciative bow of the head "Thank you." This done, his head turns to look at Evaristo "Let me know when things need to move, Evaristo. I will ensure there is escort. But, I fear I had better get to a meeting. You can't Eurush a good Crusade." And that's his one offer to the worship of Death.

Nina returns the hand squeeze from the Princess, looking giddy. "You are too kind." She bats her eyes a bit at Gabriella at the comment. "Well for this sake, I am operating I suppose more on volume. But little contests of wits are all in fun, and what I enjoy most is the creativity of others as we all support each other." She nods her head a bit. "And joking aside I do agree that the crown is a magnificent artwork. It's a bit of a morbid one but the intricacy of the work is in a class of its own."


"As do you, my lady," Berenice tells Sanya with immediate warmth. "Thank you, as ever, for your gracious and generous compliments; it only seemed fitting to wear a spidersilk gown to this event honoring Death." Her brows lift as Preston departments with that pun, and she actually lifts her hands to give him a little /clap/. GOOD JOB.

A messenger comes into the shrine then and hands Zoey a missive. She quietly excuses herself and departs.

Zoey has left the a completely normal pew which isn't at all infested with spider eggs that will hatch en masse Nov 27 of 1012.

There's a bow to Graziella. "Thank you for coming, my lady," Evaristo offers and smiles. Another bow to Sanya. "So good to see you again, Lady Sanya - thank you for coming." He straightens up and then gapes at Preston as he departs with such words. "Thank you, Grandmaster. Great pun. No, terrible - but great because of it. I will send word on when we move it, of course."

Sydney presses her fingertips to her collarbone, offering a light bow at Evaristo's reaction, a smirk replacing that chilly look reserved for the distant inquisitor across the room. "Always a pleasure to be the worst. I excel at it." She turns her focus back to Preston, and offers a light laugh, "...Yes, Cassandra was working with me, but with all that's been happening, there has been little time for tutelage on her part. Still, I shall take that to heart, and extend that as an offer - should you so desire to train, some time, I can attempt to shuffle around my busy schedule." Notable sarcasm on the part of the commoner and her packed schedule. It would seem she's quite free.

To Preston's words, Sanya smiles. "Especially with how tough it is to cross the ocean as of now. Some things have to remain swimmering for a while." And that is apparently her offering. She studies Berenice's gown. "So this the famed spidersilk. It might be the first time, I'm seeing it up close." She seems awed.

Nina hears the word 'spidersilk' and looks over. She admires Berenice's gown with a look of awe and appreciation on her face. Her breath seems caught for a moment as she sees another work of art that inspires her. "It is really beautiful," she says, and dryly swallows, then gives Sanya a glance, perhaps in thanks for making her notice this.

There don't seem to be any more takers on the pun contest; Evaristo digs out a small simple linen pouch, and steps over to Nina. "I declare you the winner of this pun contest, Nina Autumndale. You presented yours fluently and naturally, and you are a deserving winner. Congratulations!" He pours out the content from the pouch, showing a nice spider medallion on a silver chain bedecked with rubies, before giving it to Nina.

Graziella has left the pews nearest the front.

"Congratulations." Sanya beams, turning to Nina as she's rewarded, a clap given. "You will now be known as the connoisseur of puns." She chuckles.

Berenice smooths a hand along the silk of her gown's skirts, her chin lifting with a bit of playful humor as she -- or the dress, really -- becomes the focus of Sanya and Nina's study. "It is a /remarkable/ fabric, and Messere Nurie did breathtaking work for it. I assisted the Archduchess in her project to cultivate spidersilk, and the results were breathtaking, but quite limited. I was lucky to be gifted just enough bolts for this gown." And then Evaristo announces the winner, and her smile brightens, hands lifting for applause once more. "Congratulations, Messere Nina."

Sydney look faux-affronted. "But when puns are concerned, worst /is/ best! This is an outrage. To be expected of a man in his late forties, one supposes."

Allegra rises from her seat, pausing then to offer some applause for Nina. "Very well done, indeed. Congratulations, Nina," she bids, before nodding to Evaristo, Hamish and Brigida, "And thank you all for putting this together." That said, she edges her way out of the pew to begin limping for the exit.

"Oh, congratulations, Nina," Graziella enthuses. "You are a credit to us wherever you go."

Allegra has left the pews nearest the front.

"Congratulations!" Roran calls out as he rises from the bench as others seem to be taking their leave. And the Archlector of Lagoma starts to make his easy way toward the exit too.


With the winner declared, Gabriella offers her most unreserved applause. "The best of the worst! A great honor indeed. You ought feel proud of that," notes the knight to her protege, her voice steeped in gravitas. Deep, deep gravitas. It's a gift.

Roran has left the pews nearest the front.

Berenice has left the pews nearest the back.

2 First Legion Centurions, Anselma, the underwhelmed assistant leave, following Allegra.

"I think you wore it for the performance at the Bard's College." Sanya finally recalls, studying Berenice's gown for longer. "When you were Procella Pravus." She grins. "An excellent performance by the way, I didn't have the time to say. And the dress was highly fitting. Mine for Triscali was unfortunately put together in a rush." She chuckles.

Korka waits another few minutes after Preston's departure, but then follows him and those leaving out without another word.

Evaristo is overheard praising Faith of the pantheon.


"Thank you so much. It's such an honor to be here," Nina says, "and to participate in such fun games with everyone. But mostly... just to see the crown..."

She jumps a little, delighted to have impressed. "Thank you!" Her cheeks flush a bit. She looks at the medallion, and says, "I will wear it with pride and find an outfit to match!"


Nina is overheard praising Evaristo.

"Well deserved. Not at all part of my cunning plan to make everyone in Arx wear Death related outfits, not at all," Evaristo says and grins at Nina. "Alright, there's so much food and so much to drink. Now, let me sing a few songs while you all get merry," he suggests and goes to do just that... singing songs about Death, or funny songs with puns in them, while people get to mingle.