Charlemagne the Unicorn arrives, following Larissa.

Larissa arrives, following Ferrando.

Ilvin arrives- a bit late, he had a bit of a thing at his own Shrine to work with, but hey, here he is. The little Archlector looks about, eyes widening a bit as he spots the bonfire. "Oh, my."

Reese arrives and she is out of her armor. Maybe she figured that trying to do artsy things and staying in all her steel would be a bad idea. She watches as Eirene puts her silk in the fireplace. "Oh, we are burning our clothes..." She says.

Gisele is not a person inclined to call attention to herself. Yet, as the time to begin arrives, she gathers the hem of her robes (please don't trip, please don't trip!), steps up onto a box-- thank you, Bern, for setting that there-- and holds up a hand to summon the focus of the crowd. The perceptive may notice the way she swallows, the way she steels herself for the weight of all of those eyes, but her smile is brave, though somewhat small. "Gods bless, and--" she begins, before realizing her voice is pitched too softly. After clearing her throat, and taking a steadying breath, she tries again.

"Gods bless you all, and thank you for coming. Some weeks ago, this shrine was profaned by an act we still don't understand. So we must commit this space once again to its rightful purpose: communion with Jayus, Prince of Stories, god of dreams and inspiration. I ask you all to join me," the priestess says, extending a hand towards the baskets of paper and the writing stations. "Record a message to the god, whether it is a dream you've had or a source of inspiration you've found in life. There are acolytes who will show you how to fold them afterward, and help you hang them on Jayus' tree. When all of our messages are recorded and ready, we will begin the prayers and send our offerings to the god, to reclaim the shrine and show him the love he's due."

Gisele takes Bern's hand and steps down from the box, smile growing steadier. Speech concluded! Now, to mingle!

Reese hmmms. "I will be right back." She says, maybe going out to get something to offering. "The one day I leave all my bling behind." She then is off.

    Merek nods over to Gisele, and makes sure his sacrifice offering, the fox sculpture, is placed in a nice little place. He then takes his time to adjust his cloak and moves to find a place to stand for now, as he looks from beneath his hood at the folk around.

Lydia puts A Dark Silk Gown That Weighs The Wearer Down in a bonfire constructed of oiled logs with a tree centerpiece.

Turo picks up 99 books.

Aleksei's brows lift at Merek's response, and then turns his gaze to Orazio to listen to the Legate as he educates. His gaze lifts to Gisele when she steps up onto the box, offering her a fiercely encouraging smile as she starts. He listens to her little speech, gaze lighting with interest when she mentions recording messages for the offering. "Oh, neat," he says brightly, rising to his feet to make his way over to where the paper is.

Turo drops 98 books.

Ferrando troops in, escorting Larissa in like it's his actual job to provide physical security to the Whispers or something. Towards one of the stations for writing they go, then. "Hmm. This seems like it will be interesting! I wonder what I'll come up with to write," he observes to Larissa.

Orazio abuses his privilege to sneak a position at the writing stations in one of the first bits. At least he doesn't linger over it? The Legate closes his eyes, murmurs something briefly to himself, and then writes something quickly but elegantly on the offered paper. He takes this up, moving aside for the next person as he waves it dry.

Magpie gets Brand the Herald of Silence Figurine from Magpie's Sack.

Lydia picks up 98 books.

Armel keeps his seat for now, plucking away at his food as he speaks quietly with Eirene, offering the occasional grunt or two before listening to the speech and considering for a moment. But he still rises eventually and adds his bit of paper to the pile, his hands shaking only a little as he moves slowly over to place the folded bits on the tree.

Lydia puts folded paper Jayus bird in a bonfire constructed of oiled logs with a tree centerpiece.

Lydia drops 97 books.

Arcelia picks up 97 books.

Eirene finds a place to sit next to the Grandmaster and chats quietly, stealing some of his food with a smirk. She seems reserved and not as animated or as profane as usual.

Magpie wanders into the shrine, looking around curiously at the crowd gathered here. The man is looking very cleaned up, even having shaved. Though, there's an ugly splotchy bruising across his nose and he has a very impressive scabbed lump on his temple. He's walking alright, though. He wanders over to Aleksei, "Hey... I came looking for a key to the house, was going to crash there. What's going on here?"

Armel does not, for the record, seem to notice. Damn lack of peripheral vision!

Ilvin seems to have arrived just in time to see and hear Gisele's speech, and he *beams* at her from his spot near where the birbs are being made, looking all kinds of proud of her.

Arcelia drops 97 books.

Ilvin picks up 97 books.

With more people filtering in, Thena yields her spot near the door and moves further into the shrine. Once Gisele is finished speaking, she swallows hard and steps forward to take a piece of paper and a writing instrument before retreating to a seat and looking down at the blank sheet.

Ilvin drops 96 books.

Gisele brightens as Ferrando is spied in the crowd. And who could miss the Whispers' own bouncer! Not she. Through the crowd she winds, approaching Ferrando and Larissa with her smile at the ready. "Gods bless," she repeats for the both of them, individual blessings. "And welcome! Let me know if you need any help with the folding. The design is clever, really. If you pull the tail, the wings flap." What novelty! Such cheer! It leaves her capable of lifting her hand, a flagrant wave directed towards Ilvin when Limerance's Blessed is spied.

Lydia enters the shrine, and the Nightgold Duchess appears fierce and brightly determined as she adds a heavy bundle of black silk into the bonfire pile. After that, a folded paper bird dedicated to Jayus follows suit. Lydia brushes her hands off and withdraws to a respectful distance so that she can watch the fire, smiling with cheer.

Arcelia puts folded paper Jayus bird in a bonfire constructed of oiled logs with a tree centerpiece.

Turo puts folded paper Jayus bird in a bonfire constructed of oiled logs with a tree centerpiece.

Orazio puts folded paper Jayus bird in a bonfire constructed of oiled logs with a tree centerpiece.

Larissa arrives with her very own living and breathing guard! Fancy. She smiles to Ferrando and listens to Gisele as she speaks "Oh lovely." she murmurs

Ilvin waves back quite cheerfully to Gisele, before turning to take one of the bits of paper and a quill. He pauses, considering, before taking the time to scribble out several sentences in a neat, careful hand. He then starts making his way to the bonfire tree to tie it, humming contentedly.

Aleksei is hanging out in the line for the writing station when Magpie approaches him, and then his brown furrows when he sees the sailor's face. "What in the world happened to you?" he asks, reaching to touch his finger lightly under the man's chin to get a better look. "Gisele's doing a burnt offering to resanctify the shrine."

For those who prove to be virtuosos of paper folding, there is a fully laden table of edibles and spirits, prepared by those devoted to Jayus' more culinary arts. Ample time to fortify body and spirit, before the fiery portion of the festivities break out. Acrobats circulate too, and dancers trailing ribbons, all moving to the notes produced by the musicians in their corner.

Larissa picks up 96 books.

Orazio folds his bird with only a small bit of aid from one of the acolytes, and places on the shrine, before moving back to let others do the same. The Legate nods at those arriving, but is quiet. He moves over to where Armel and Eirene have settled, coming to stand beside the latter. A soft remark is addressed towards her.

Still carrying his case with him, Turo does makes sure to put one of the folded birds into the bonfire, tossing it at the fire and taking a long, introspective moment to watch it burn. Turning, he sighs, then catching Armel and Eirene, heading over in that direction. "Hey, you two. How goes?"

Reese returns with various artistic treasures that were of course made by other people and not Reese. She moves over to Orazio and tries to whisper to him.

Armel glances up from a somewhat-intense conversation with Eirene, but smiling slightly and immediately as Turo approaches. "Oh hey, Seal-herder. How goes?" He leans back a bit, letting the other two speak as he scoots to make room for the admiral on their little section of bench.

Arcelia takes her paper bird and brings it up to the bonfire. She offers Orazio a clearly half-felt smile right before she closes her eyes. After a moment of silent prayer to Jayus she drops the bird into the fire and moves to stand off to the side once again.

Ferrando bows cheerfully to Gisele and observes the animated origami bird contraption with a completely clueless smile. "Ah, thank you very much Sister Gisele. I'd probably waste a terrible amount of paper before I had the proper folding technique down," he replies appreciatively as Larissa gets to work writing.

Magpie patiently endures Aleksei's examination of his face. "Got in a fight with Estardes. Don't worry, he got far worse." The man says with a snicker. Then he shoves a hand into a bag strung from his belt and pulls out a Brand figurine. "I suppose I could burn this. What would make a god feel better than a burned up Herald? I'll put his body on the pile and hang his head from the tree." He reaches for some string from the table.

Larissa drops 95 books.

    Merek looks over to Magpie, and frowns upon hearing those words, but instead his gaze turns to the tree. He adjusts his cloak and slinks back a bit to somewhere he can settle in and just observe for the time being.

Larissa puts folded paper Jayus bird in a bonfire constructed of oiled logs with a tree centerpiece.

Eirene gives a quiet reply to the Archlector before motioning a tray of food and drink over, grabbing a bit of both to enjoy that form of art. "The fuck were you two smoking the other day anyhow," ah says to Turo and Armel, more of her usual bravado returning. "Arceli," she calls out, raising her mug of beer.

Gisele just so happens to have a sheet of paper handy, with which to demonstrate. Because of course the Scholar would! "It's really quite simple, which is part of its cleverness," she remarks. "But I don't think practicing it counts as wasting it, Master Ferrando. Any god of creativity understands the necessity of practice to master something. There." Slowly, carefully, she demonstrates the specific folds required and produces: one bird.

"Grandmaster Hammer." Turo grins slightly at the mention of Seal-herder. "Don't worry, I washed the fertilizer off me before I arrived." A nod at getting a space made for him at the bench, taking a seat and right away withdrawing his flask from the inside of his long-coat, setting the old leather-bound carrying case between his feet. "Got some clothes ordered. Figured I needed a new set. Still looking for someone to make me a new long-coat, this one has seen better days. Brought my inking kit, but I doubt anyone is going to want a tattoo." Taking a draw form his flask, it's offered to Armel first. "Who? Us?" A look over towards the other Armel. "You know what she's talking about? I haven't the foggiest." Oh, go ahead and play dumb.

Magpie might realizes that Reese has some treasures sold at his store, including a glass parrot. She gives him a sheepish smile that is tinged with a touch of guilt. She has other treasures too jewelry and a crown of roses and so forth. She whispered to Orazio and was possibly asking the Legate for advice. Should she drop down her Grayson treasures or make something? Probably something along those lines. She then listens to Gisele. "Oh.." She says watching her fold the bird carefully, very carefully. She do this! Maybe. She picks up some paper.

"Oh, Mags." Aleksei reaches to clasp Magpie's shoulder. "I'm sure Jayus would love a burnt offering of a Herald." He steps up to the writing station to take his page, considering for a moment before he writes down something.

Acolytes begin to circulate, passing out candles to those who move themselves off to the side and out of the way. Each is lit from a taper and instructions are murmured: after the priestess has spoken the prayer and tossed in the first torch, everyone may toss their candle into the bonfire as well. But for the moment, these are only candles instead of offerings, and they come with little hand-guards of stiff paper to ensure no one's scalded by dripping wax.

Armel shrugs to Turo, taking the flask and giving it a little smell before a tiny taste, letting it sit for a minute before he shrugs and slugs a bigger quantity of it. "Oh, I haven't smoked anything in months, I don't know /what/ she's talking about, Seal-boy. Maybe she means us having a little fun with each other on the journals? Acting like we don't have a sense of humor, right?" He then offers the flask to Eirene, of course.

Reese picks up 95 books.

Lydia approaches the refreshment table with light, dancing step. She proceeds to fill a plate with tidbits to nibble on, briefly distracted with the brightly trailing ribbons on an acrobat's costume - too caught up with the beauty, dazzled. Until she remembers she has food. She tucks herself into a corner so as not to be too obvious in her appreciation of the refreshments.

Having placed his birb onto the bonfire tree, Ilvin moves away, drifting towards the food and drink, not seeming to be trying to head into anyone's particular group, just... happy to be here. He does take a candle, with a murmured 'thank you!', when one of the acolytes offers it.

Ferrando watches Gisele's paper folding with a good approximation of comprehension. "Well, I'm given to understand that some talent also helps in that regard," he admits only a trace meekly. "But thank you! I think I'll be able to achieve some sort of passably bird-like result at the very least," he concludes confidently.

Armel also takes a little candle with a blink and a listen to the instructions, grunting and nodding as he makes ready to give it a good chuck. That'll go well.

"I aim to please." Magpie says with a wide grin, then gazes down at his hands, carefully tying the string around the head of the figure. Once it's attached, he goes up to the tree and pulls the head from the figurine and ties it to a nice, low-hanging branch in front. Then he sets 'Brand's' body down on the wood pile beneath. He steps back and studies it, then nods in satisfaction and wanders off to find a good place to sit, covering a yawn. He does look rather tired.

Reese drops 94 books.

Larissa had a bit of trouble folding her paper into a crane, and rather she ended up folding an ugly duckling. But it was a precious ugly duckling "Don't copy me" she warned Ferrando when she saw him eyeing up her... creation. "Jayus will love it" she whispers and offers Gisele a sweet smile. She's moving over to the bonfire when she catches sight of Magpie and frowns at his face. "I hope you kicked his a-" she stops herself in time and clears her throat "I'm glad you aren't too badly hurt."

Magpie puts Brand the Herald of Silence Figurine in a bonfire constructed of oiled logs with a tree centerpiece.

Ferrando picks up 94 books.

Reese puts folded paper Jayus bird in a bonfire constructed of oiled logs with a tree centerpiece.

It takes an acolyte at her side, but Thena follows the actions in folding the paper with careful precision and eventually ends up with a fairly recognizeable paperbirb that is consigned to a tree branch with a few words murmured under her breath. Then she turns and drifts towards the table, snagging a glass of something and settling herself near Armel and Co.

Thena puts folded paper Jayus bird in a bonfire constructed of oiled logs with a tree centerpiece.

Aleksei puts folded paper Jayus bird in a bonfire constructed of oiled logs with a tree centerpiece.

Gisele tilts her head and grins at Ferrando. She /grins/. It must have been the meek. "Jayus will love it," she says to bolster Larissa's whisper, with every confidence that this is so. She turns then, once more into the crowd, looking for anyone who might need a little extra assistance before the real fun begins.

Ferrando drops 93 books.

Eirene pulls off her glove so she can play the traditional game of 'how long can you hold your hand over the candle'. She also has a flask to sip from, which is passed back around. Alcohol fire and food. Good party so far.

Reese listens to Orazio's whispered answer. She gives him a smile and then goes to try and make a bird. It takes her a bit, but finally she gets it and adds such to the bonfire.

Acolytes continue to circulate. Lydia is offered a candle, and Magpie, and Thena. Orazio and Aleksei and Arcelia and Turo! On and on. So many candles, so many tiny little flames.

"The rumors about the death of my sense of humor have been greatly exaggerated." Turo remarks. "Mostly it stays asleep until the right time to rear its head. And I can't say I haven't smoked anything in some time." A vague chuckle at the mention of journals. "Ah, right. *That*. Hammer might've sent me a message by mistake. What happened to that messenger?" he takes the flask back, turning to Armel. "Don't hurt'em, Hammer."

Tiny Tom arrives, following Sparte.

Turo will also take his turn seeing how long he can hold his hand over a candle's flame.

Orazio takes his candle in both hands, and smiles down at the little flame. So cute! So tiny! He moves over to Arcelia, and after moving the candle in one hand, gently reaches out to touch her shoulder and say something quiet to her.

    Merek takes a candle in hand and holds it, with a small smile on his face. He seems to just be waiting for now.

"Oh, nothing /too/ awful. Just a stern talking-to and a lot of time on latrine-cleaning duty way out in one of our more remote shrines," Armel quips to Turo, sipping his drink and grinning as he does /not/ play the fire-game. In fact, he holds his candle a little ways away from himself, as if a touch leery. Not staring at it, but not fond of it, and obviously so.

Ferrando glances from Larissa to Gisele and seems to accept it. "Of course. Then I'll do my best," he says resolutely and begins to very deliberately construct a hopefully bird-like end product through an only slightly improvised process of successive folds. It doesn't help out his guarding all that much, as somebody could probably throw Larissa over their shoulder and be halfway to Sanctum before he'd notice, but still.

Sparte is late to arrive, taking a spot near the edge of the gathering to watch it take place.

And right around the time people start deciding it's fun to play with fire, the musicians finish their song. The acrobats retreat, and the dancers too. Acolytes continue to assist with those who need a little extra help with their paper birds, but the growing hush makes it evident it's time for the ritual proper.

Gisele takes the torch held for her by an acolyte. She steps forward-- and this time, when her voice lifts in prayer, there is no hesitation, or shyness. She speaks clearly. "If everyone will gather around the bonfire, please. We begin."

Ilvin has just lit his candle when the announcement comes, and he grins, moving with quick, light steps to join the crowd around the bonfire.

Thena takes her candle carefully and makes no effort whatsoever to burn one of her limbs off. "Do we all get to call you 'Hammer' now?," she asides quietly to Armel, the first crack in her quietly pious mien since her arrival.

Arcelia takes the candle and offers a thank you before turning her attention to Orazio. She nods her head and offers him as good a smile as she can and speaks softly back.

Eirene has rolled a critical success!
Eirene checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 31 higher.

Larissa does not hold her hand over the flame, her game with candles is entirely different and inappropriate for religious rites. She might smirk at Eirene though, it was just her general 'Eirene inspired' expression. She hovers over Ferrando's shoulder as she watches him make his bird - and if he was honestly afraid anyone would throw her over their shoulder why he was nearby well. That would be fun. But also inappropriate for a religious rite. When the hush of serious time settled over them she straightened her spine and turned her attention to sister Gisele.

Aleksei manages to get his paper folded and set on the tree with the others before Gisele steps forward to clearly begin proceedings. He offers her another flash of a smile. Go Gisele!

Lydia accepts a candle, smile threatening to ovetake the tiny flame in degree of brightness. She just studies the little shadowy shapes that dance up the sides of the paper. That smile evolves into a small grin.

    Merek steps over to where the bonfire is, candle in hand, while he makes a small prayer and then awaits for the next step!

Eirene is able to keep a straight face as she stands, though the gleam in her eyes indicates she has comments. Oh the comments. She goes to the bonfire, pausing to see if Arcelia needs someone beside her other than Razi.

"Hey, that's *my* name for him. Get your own." Turo asides lightly to Eirene, then grinning a bit at Armel. "Poor lad. But well, at least it'll be a reminder to not get names crossed up. For a moment, I thought myself special, like I was included in a bit of gossip." He raises when the Malvici stands.

Armel snorts a little at Thena and shoves her as he he stands. Not hard, but enough to jostle as he makes his way to stand before the tree. he grimaces at it, as if not entirely looking forward to this, but bracing himself all the same.

Orazio whispers back to Arcelia, and offers his arm, a gallant sort of gesture. Whether she takes it or not, the Legate will move closer to the bonfire, although careful to keep his robes outside of any thrown sparks.

Oh wait, everyone is getting up. Something must be going on. So Turo rises up to his feet too. He does have a candle that might have something to do with it.

Eirene casually comments to Turo, "Southport is a port, well yeah. So Mangata and Gloria both are revered by our kin. Lagoma and the Forgotten Lady are more my gods." She keeps that straight face though, very temple proper.

Gisele's prayer is simple and has a cadence to match, a singsong of earnest devotion. She holds the torch high as she faces the bonfire and maybe, /maybe/ she sneaks a peek at the faces of those gathered around. her smile is small and quick, before deepening with genuinely joyous sentiment. As she said, it begins.

"We gather here with open hearts and open minds to reclaim this sacred ground. We claim it in Petrichor's name, who has granted us dominion over the land. We cleanse it with Lagoma's fire, who has promised us healing. We record the act of consecration with Vellichor's wisdom, who has taught us to remember. For Gild, we give freely of ourselves, to make this shrine whole. For Gloria, we honour our gods, who give of themselves to guide us through life. For Limerance, we show our love and fidelity to the Pantheon through this consecrated rite. For Mangata, whose currents carry us all forward, and for the Sentinel, who will judge our intentions here and know our true hearts. For Skald, we have chosen to gather with one hope, and for Death, we pray a new beginning in this place. For Aion, in whose dream we all dwell. Pay witness, Thirteenth, and know we act for our better selves this day.

"For you, Jayus, we celebrate," Gisele says, voice lifting for the finale, certain and sure and /committed/ to this ritual. "Here, in your shrine, we find the light and colour of a life lived with hope and inspiration. This shrine is yours, these offerings are yours, and tonight, we are yours. Thank you, Prince of Stories, for the blessing of your dreams and your craft."

So saying, she tilts the torch forward and gives it a little toss, upending it into the collection of offerings. The oiled logs sizzle, pop, and then begin to catch. "And now your candles!" the priestess urges brightly. "Let's send Jayus our best."

Ferrando puts folded paper Jayus bird in a bonfire constructed of oiled logs with a tree centerpiece.

Armel flicks his candle away as swiftly as he can, almost indecently so. He does seem to relax even as the bonfire begins to catch and the fires start to grow fairly close to where he stands. He peers aside to Eirene and nudges her at some private joke that goes unreplied on his part.

Thena blinks a couple of times when Armel pinballs her, but merely sets her glass on a nearby surface and drifts towards the bonfire. Once the initial flames are lit, she leans forward and flicks her candle into the conflagration.

Merek checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 8 lower.

Arcelia takes Orazio's offered arm and moves closer to the bonfire with him. She follows his example and ensures she stays out of the way of sparks.

Ilvin watches Gisele give her speech with an expression of deepest fondness and admiration, whispering his own quiet benediction in Limerance's name and Jayus' honor, before he lightly tosses his candle into the the bonfire.

Turo has never been a part of something like this. Rituals on Mangata he has a much better idea about, the others? Not so much. So he decides it's best to just follow suit with the others, tossing his candles as the rest do the same with perhaps a touch more reverence that people are usually used to seeing from the Navegant Adrmial.

Orazio smiles. "Beautifully said, Sister," he says, with a nod to Gisele, and tosses his candle into the catching fire with what almost seems joy in his stern features.

    Merek takes a moment and then shifts to place his candle towards the tree to light it, then he allows it to settle within, and backs up a step, watching from beneath the hood of his cloak. "GLORY TO JAYUS!" he calls after Gisele makes her words, like, really loud. He then nods a bit. "Surely, this offering shall cleanse the place..."

Magpie has a candle, and looked like he was starting to nod off a bit from all the melded voices and music, but he shakes it off when things go quiet and Gisele starts talking again. The man drags himself to his feet again and belatedly joins the others around the fire, grinning. He tosses his own candle into the pile, then steps back again to watch the show.

Eirene is more used to funeral pyres so this is a pleasant change. Just burning stuff. Not people. "Lagoma grant that her Change come to this place, for Jayus' sake," she say somberly, humor gone from her husky voice. Her candle is tossed to the pyre. "And may the flame burn away the sadness and sorrow done to harm those who hold Jayus in their hearts."

EIRENE IS BEING MATURE. Truly a miracle.

Lydia skips forward to quickly throw her candle into the blaze, mouthing something beneath her breath. She draws back, nodding a little to herself.

Aleksei startles just the slightest bit at Merek's outbrust, but then he just smiles and tosses his candle into the bonfire with the rest of them.

Armel murmurs a quiet prayer to Jayus, bowing his head as he moves back to his seat, pausing to whisper something encouraging-sounding to Gisele and squeeze her arm for just a moment before he reclaims his seat.

Turo glances at Eirene out of the corner of his eye. He says nothing, but maybe a little surprised by the sudden display of being so solemn. As for himself, he whispers some kind of quiet prayer that's hard to hear save for anyone standing near him.

The fire goes up up up, the most cheerful of crackling ensuing as the offerings begin to catch and spark. Gisele inclines her head-- a last silent benediction given, just between her and Jayus-- but she's positively glowing when she lifts her head again. And not just from the dance of firelight reflecting on everyone. "Thank you," she says, her voice lifted with a hint of unreleased laughter. "Thank you and may Jayus bless you this day and night. The shrine is his again. Gods bless you all. And now, please... enjoy the music, enjoy the food and drink. We celebrate Him today." Still beaming, she turns to flash that radiant smile at those offering their encouragement-- and indulges in a bit of playful pantomime, wiping her wrist over her brow. Whew. Made it.

The candle in Arcelia's hand is lifted and she gracefully lets the candle slip from her hand and into the fire. Her other arm remains looped in Orazio's as she slightly leans against the man and silently listens to Gisele.

Tiger, the clever mechanical bird arrives, delivering a message to Armel before departing.

Sparte smiles as the ritual comes to a close. He glances around a moment before slipping back off again.

Tiny Tom leaves, following Sparte.

Ferrando's semi-laborious bird construction manages to conclude just in time, and he adds it to all the others and watches the bonfire for a few moments in a generally 'I like the part of the ceremonies when things are lite up because it's visually arresting' sort of way before transitioning to the candle phase of the operations and tossing that into the fire as well. He turns to Larissa. "That was a rather pretty spectacle all around," he says agreeably. "Shall I fetch you something to drink?"

Lydia skips out again.

Gisele picks up 93 books.

Aleksei makes his way back over near Magpie, wine still in hand. He sets the other hand on the sailor's shoulder in an idly familiar sort of way, voice lowering to a quieter, conversational level as he speaks to him.

Thena spends a few extra moments in the warmth of the flames, pulling a string of pale green beads from her pocket and sliding them through her fingers, brow furrowed and lips moving silently. When she steps away, it's to track down Gisele and tell her, "That was lovely."

Orazio considers Gisele thoughtfully for a long moment, before echoing, "May the blessings of the Prince of Stories find us all." He looks to Arcelia, patting her arm once, and trying to study her expression.

Armel peers at the strangest bird in the history of birds coming to bring him a message. He squints at the message, murmurs, "Well shit..." Under his breath, then pens out a response before /very/ carefully placing it back on...Whatever the crap that thing once before it takes off again. He then shrugs, looking to Eirene and Turo once more.

Gisele angles herself to approach Orazio and Arcelia. It's the latter she dips her head to, her smile losing none of its radiance but certainly growing more gentle as she addresses the young woman. "My lady. I hope it's as the Father says, and you find His blessings, or the start of them, here with this," she murmurs. Some of that sentiment lingers with Thena's approach. "I was so glad to see you slip in, Mistress Thena. You're doing better, I hope?" She studies the guardswoman in much the same way that Orazio studies the lady.

Moving back towards Armel, he raises a brow at the Grandmaster. "I take it you just got some bad news?" he asks curiously, taking his flask back in hand. "Dare I ask or is it better just not knowing?"

Reese is quietly here, very quietly here at this point. She put her candle in at the right time and draw close with the others when called to. She takes a seat.

Eirene just raises her eyebrows at Armel, head tilting in silent question. She spares Turo a shrug. Damn if she knows.

Tiger, the clever mechanical bird arrives, delivering a message to Armel before departing.

Ilvin hangs out quietly near the bonfire, the flames reflecting in his cognac eyes as he contemplates it thoughtfully.

Arcelia offers Gisele a thankful smile. "Thank you both." She looks to Orazio. "I am going to step out for just a few minutes but I will be right back in." She releases Orazio and heads otu of the Shrine.

Orazio nods. "Take the time you need," he tells Arcelia, with concern in his eyes as he watches her walk away. After that, though, he turns back to the rest, and his smile reappears. "Sister Gisele, it was a beautiful ceremony. Thank you for it," he says, with an inclination of his head.

Magpie turns sleepy eyes on Aleksei, frowning for a moment as he considers the words murmured to him. "Yeah, it's about that. It smells really bad." He answers quietly, then sighs and lowers his voice to whisper in the paladin's ear.

Armel chuckles at Turo and Eirene and shakes his head quickly. "No, not bad, just...Surprising. One doesn't expect people like /that/ to answer when you send them a letter. Maybe I should have tried to send one to Gild after all?" He then waves away the thought.

Thena wraps her prayer beads tightly around one hand and offers a brief, but warm smile to Gisele. "In some ways, yes, thank you." There's a slightly awkward moment when the woman seems like she's about to say more, but with a little glance around she says only, "I'm glad I was able to attend this." She lapses into silence when Orazio speaks.

"People like...who?" Turo asks, sounding just a touch uncertain. "Sorry, you answer like that and that just opens up more questions than it answers, yeah?" But the Admiral looks willing to drop the matter, taking a drink and offering it over to Eirene.

Eirene snorts in amusement at Armel. "Fuck, the way they like you? You'd get one." She watches the weird messenger and shakes her head slowly. "Well. Yeah." She takes the drink from Turo and gives a thankful little nod. "I should get back to work..."

Reese quietly slips out.

Charlemagne the Unicorn have been dismissed.

Gisele's eyes are drawn to Arcelia as she takes her leave, with Orazio's remark drawing her focus back to the Legate. Her smile is smaller now, though no less touched. "I can't begin to tell you what it means to hear you say so, Father. Thank you. I'll consider it Jayus' special blessing to me that I didn't trip or stutter. Do you know Mistress Thena? She serves with the Iron Guard, and I've been fortunate enough to make her acquaintance." Her haze shifts to the woman in question. "I know you wanted a moment to speak privately, Thena. We could do that this evening, if it's pressing?"

Armel grunts, rising to his feet as he rolls his shoulders and snorts, nodding to Eirene at something she mumurs. "Never know. And yeah, I should get my happy ass back to the House of Solace, right? If anyone feels like drinks, I'll be in my office." And he turns, rumbling out another disbelieving chuckle as he stares at the letter in his hand.

Orazio smiles at Thena. "I have not had the pleasure, I believe. It is good to meet you, Mistress Thena." He offers his hand for a brief, but firm, shake.

Turo just shrugs. "If you want to throw a game together at some point, Hammer, let me know. Haven't had a good round in awhile." he offers when the larger man turns to make his way out. Then back to Eirene. "More people to stitch back together, I'm going to guess. Or another meeting that you feel obligated to appear at?"

"I'll come by later," the Malvici promises him before nodding to the Admiral. "Outside a moment then? The hospital isn't far..." she waves at Giselle and says, "Hope Jayus likes his presents! Was lovely..."

Armel calls over to Orazio helpfully as he begins to head out, "Oh Legate? Thena is the one wanting to take her vows, by the way. Feel free to grill her on all that fun stuff while I go and try and rest this off." He bobs his head to Eirene as he steps out.

Thena inclines her head when Gisele introduces her to Orazio. "We've not met, though I was at the duel." She offers her hand in return, similarly brief but confident. Until Armel tosses that out behind her, at which point she inhales a little and holds it before tacking on, "Yes. What the Grandmaster said." She offers a faintly apologetic smile, then adds to Gisele, "I don't think it's terribly urgent, but I would like to discuss it if you have the time. And if I do." This last is added with a little glance slid back to the Legate, wondering if he is in fact going to grill her right this moment.

Aleksei jerks his head up from where he's speaking quietly with Magpie, staring across over at Thena. "You're going Godsworn?" All the Grayhopes, man.

Magpie gives Aleksei a nod, smiling faintly, but then a scowl pulls at his features and he grumbles more loudly, "He had no business gettting into it in the first place. I wasn't even doing anything. I was just having it out with someone that was trying to snag part of one of my shipments for himself. I-" He trails off, hearing Thena's name and something about vows. He looks sharply in his cousin's direction. "What?!"

"It isn't /really/ a process of grilling you," says Gisele, ever the optimist. "But it is important to... ah..." She trails off and sneaks a peek at the lookyloos nearby. "It's /wonderful/ she's considering it," is a quick defense of Thena. Because of course she'd think so.

Eirene shrugs. "Eh. Whatever works," she replies to Turo. She grabs a few small bites of passed snacks to nibble as she heads out.

Ilvin eventually pulls his attention away from the merrily burning fire, a quiet and pleased smile on his lips, and looks around. Noticing everyone else speaking and enjoying themselves, the smile widens even more, and he nods in approval before he starts to drift towards the door... perhaps snagging a few snacks on the way.

Carissa, a Malvici bodyguard leaves, following Eirene.

Orazio chuckles. "No, there will be no grilling. If this is what you wish to do, then I can hardly imagine anyone objecting. And the Grandmaster seems to think you'd be a good fit." He considers her, thoughtfully. "If you should wish to speak of your desire, later on, I'd be happy to hear and discuss it with you. But I believe the Grandmaster was, ah, having a small jest at your expense. I'm not /that/ terrible." A glance at the others, to ensure no one contradicts him. Legate is watching!

Merek sidles on.

Aneka, 3 Iron Guardsmen, Meeka leave, following Merek.

"I object to it!" Magpie protests on the tail of Orazio's words to Thena, swiftly crossing over to where this conversation is taking place, staring at the other Grayhope rather incredulously.

Arcelia makes her way back in after a handful of minutes and crosses back over to Orazio where, if he doesn't object, she slips her arm back into his.

Orazio gives Magpie a /look/. "I don't believe objections were called for, Master Magpie." He doesn't object at all, and makes room at his side for Arcelia, with a smile. "How are you feeling now, Lady Arcelia?"

"Well that's what I wanted to talk to you about, Mags," Thena says with a hint of apology, mostly for the circumstances than the plans themselves. Orazio gets a tentative smile. "I do think later might be best, given, the, ah...timing. And yes...the Grandmaster has many jests at my expense." Then, in a sort of hissed aside to Magpie, "You don't get to /object/."

Aleksei winces a bit at Magpie's objection, trailing after him with a somewhat apologetic look for Thena. (Although it's not like it's /his/ fault.) "Mags, if it's what she wants, that's her path and all," he tries to tell the sailor. "It's not like you lost Aureth when he took his vows! He's still there."

Magpie checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

"Well enough, its just that I've never seen so much blood before and the memory is a bit overwhelming." Arcelia offers Orazio a warm smile. She nods her head to Magpie. "Good evening."

Gisele gives Magpie an unabashedly horrified look. "It isn't your choice to make," matches tone to expression. "And this is not the time or place, Magpie. Please. Mistress Thena, if I could borrow you for a moment?" Yes, yes, Gisele fully intends to steer the woman away, casting a look over her shoulder-- lit by bonfire!-- that pleas with the senior godsworn to keep the birdy one busy.

"I'll fight with you about this later, yeah?" Thena tells Magpie, actually looking a little flustered as Gisele draws her away.

Magpie presses his lips together, hard. Very hard. He looks from Orazio to Thena, then to Aleksei, his face hardening. Poor Arcelia doesn't even get consideration and usually he's all about giving ladies greeting him plenty of that. He sucks in a breath at Thena's words, an injured expression briefly crossing his face before he turns away to stare into the fire instead as he fights down his temper.

"Master Magpie," Orazio says, his voice gentling as the other man turns away. "Would you like to speak of your concerns? I know that it can be difficult, when one chooses the vows, for their families. My own family was...less than pleased with my choice, and I won't say that they did not have reason to be." He glances at Arcelia, then back to Magpie.

Aleksei opens his mouth to say something else, and then just shuts it. He shoots an apologetic look to Orazio and Arcelia now, stepping with Magpie to try and offer his shoulder a squeeze.