Liara lingers by the entrance to the garden, waiting to greet guests, while some of the establishment's staff may be on hand to direct people - largely towards the seating area, at which food and drink are readily available.

(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: The seating area in the garden and the assembly of small tables there have been well provided for with food and drink. A few of the establishment's staff discreetly mill about, ready to provide for guests as wished for. Off to the side of those tables is settled a harpist, to provide some gentle ambience.

Captain Curls, an attentive, ebony guard poodle, Aspira leave, following Quenia.

Simone arrives at the Ataecina Arcadia with her faithful lady-in-waiting, Georgette in tow. The Marquessa is speaking quietly to the woman beside her when they reach the entrance and come to meet with Liara. Simone dips into a curtsey as she greets the hostess. "Princess Liara, what a beautiful display. Thank you for hosting such a wonderful event. I am Marquessa Simone Greenmarch. It has been some time since my husband, Marquis Marius and I have been in the capital."

Liara warms with a quick smile following Simone's introduction and gives a subtle incline of her head in reply. "A pleasure, Marquessa. I trust that you have found your return to the city fulfilling? I suppose you may find that some things have changed, although hopefully not too terribly much."

Raimon arrives, and at first it appears that he's somewhat uncertain, as if who or what he'd expected to meet or see here is not visible. But then he seesLiara, certainly a familiar face, and strides over to say hello

"I have taken notice of some of the changes, yes." But Simone does not say whether they are good or bad. Her sweet voice holds a neutral tone. "This center is new. It is quite lovely. One can tell a lot of work was put into the construction. How are things in Grayson, your highness?" The Greenmarch could possible blend right in with her emerald ensemble with all the verdant foliage.

Liara remarks with a look around the garden, "I have been here only twice before, myself. Lady Emberly suggested it as a venue. It is quite striking, is it not? Matters with House Grayson fare splendidly. Bastion thrives in a way that it, nor anywhere else for that matter, has not in a very long time, and I intend to continue to build on that prosperity, especially now with the Eurusi matter well out of the way."

The Grayson gives a tiny flutter of her gloved fingers in a wave to Raimon. "How do you do, your highness? Have you met Marquessa Greenmarch?"

Raimon bows in greetings to Liara: "Your Highness Liara Grayson, a most exquisite pleasure, as always. Raimon thence bows also to Simone: "Lady Greenmarch -- charming to make your acquaintance. And I must say your ensemble is -most- fitting for the locale -and- the season. And all three are beautiful creations indeed." Back to Liara: "I may belong here moreso now than at any time prior, for I have indeed taken Discipleship!" So. -That's- new. . .

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, your highness." Simone curtseys to the Thraxian prince. "And that is wonderful news to hear, Princess Liara. This event is a wonderful tribute to those we've recently lost. My thoughts and prayers have been with all who have suffered. What has been the outcome of the Eurusi war? I have been doing my best to become abreast of the situation. There is so much to wade through."

There's a curious arch to Liara's eyebrows and she inquires of Raimon, "Which discipleship might that be, your highness? I recall this being a matter of some interest before."

Then she answers Simone, "Our foe is utterly shattered. From what we have been given to understand of political affairs in the Dune Kingdoms, such a defeat precludes any possibility of further invasion, since even if this represented but a portion of their potential strength, they are divided and there is no appetite for a difficult war."

Raimon nods. "I have been investigating the Eurusi settlements and their expatriots as well. There is some consternation afoot with regard to the true identity of thr Queen of Veils, but, as yet, no indications of further hostilities in, or towards, the southlands. Our Order of the Knights of Light in the East are seeking more southerly outposts to further keep an eye on things, but, for the moment, that threat seems to have passed." Raimon to Liara: "Indeed so. I have taken up an appointment with the Scholars, Your Highness. A Discipleship that shall test my limits, and, should I remain True, cannot but fail to expand my horizons." Raimon bows again.

"Long may it remain so. I will be quite glad never to see the Saffron Chain again; I have plenty to attend at home without having such far away worries," Liara says in fairly earnest reply to Raimon. "As to your discipleship, I dare say it will suit you splendidly, and wish you all the best with it."

"I see. We have fought bravely and valiantly. I am so very proud of our people. I am certain my father would have been at the forefront of those battles." Simone offers a wistful smile in memory of Arn. "Order of the Knights of Light in the East?" The Marquessa repeats and gives Raimon a curious look. "Different from The Knights of Solace? It seems this is a newer Knighthood?"

At Simone's query, although Liara certainly showed some sign of being familiar with the Order when she heard it mentioned, the Grayson simply directs her attention to Raimon too, perhaps curious as to further details forthcoming.

Raimon to Simone: "We are the Eastmost. We greet the Dawn. Our Order was founded upon the ideal of bringing the best parts of our best selves to the furthest reaches of the known. We are fewer in number, and much less wealthy than the Gloria Templars or the Knights of Solace are, on the mainland. But we are the Sea-going Knights, under the auspice and protection of Our Lady Mangata, Blessed-Be the Breath of Her Name..." Raimon explains. Or evangelizes? In any event, he has some words to share on the topic. Doesn't look like he's out of words, yet, if you care to probe further.

"How intriguing. I have not heard of such an order before but I am so very fortunate then to have met you, your highness, and learned of this Knighthood. As an Oathlander, we certainly take such organizations seriously. You bring up a point I am hoping to address and a situation I look to remedy." Simone gingerly snatches a glass of something to drink to have something in her hands as not to fidget. "I have heard of the elevation of new Archlectors in Arx and I am most interested in meeting with all of them. Blessed Felix, has taken up the mantle for Mangata?"

Raimon: "Indeed so. I met with him only just yesterday. And the day before." Raimon thinks. "and the day before that . . . ah, yes. Archlector Felix is quite approachable, and very easy to talk to and you should most definitely pay him a visit. Or two. I myself have been searching for Archlector Wylla. No luck as of yet, though . . . "

There is a playful giggle that erupts from Simone's lips. "I suppose then I will have to begin my pilgrimage of the Shrines. Perhaps if I am still in good fortune, we will cross paths there as well." Simone lifts her glass of something light and bubbly in quiet thanks then takes a sip. "So, Prince Raimon Thrax, tell me, what is your story? Did you spend your formative years sailing through the mourning isles or perhaps, not from House Thrax originally? Married in?" The Marquessa inquires. Forest greens politely draw in the Prince's appearance. "Princess Cassima is my new patron. Seems I am always in good company with House Thrax."

Raimon: "An excellent choice of Patron, and vice-versa. Aye, the reach of Thrax is strong, nigh even unto Tor. Where in my youth I was schooled at the lists and on the proving grounds, in all the ways of battle known." Yeah that doesn't -sound- like an idyllic, leisurely childhood. (( It wasn't. )) "And, yae, indeed, I shall expect to see you on the Round of Shrines as you make your pilgrimage. Most likely at Mngata, Jayus, or that of Lady Death." Raimon surmises.

Seeming to be amply content to observe the conversation, Liara eventually withdraws a bit when a page comes with a message for her. Then, with a smile for Simone and Raimon, she says, "A pleasure. Please, excuse me."