It's quite a lovely evening for a social in the hall of Helianthus castle, evident with the number of nobles who've taken the opportunity to attend despite the state of affairs in the Isles. The hostess of the evening is resplendent in a gown of pure white lacy aeterna, a lovely smile on her face, in the center of the hall, greeting any who walk her way with the warmest of greetings.

Anyone with any contact with Ian would probably recognize the centered serenity of his expression as something he normally only shows when he thinks there's a good chance someone's about to try to kill him. Which, given who he is, what House he's the Sword of, and where he presently finds himself... maybe not an unreasonable assumption. And it's really not like 'maybe someone's going to try to kill me' has ever stopped Ian from doing anything, ever. So he's here, and clearly very interested in the proceedings, given the way that he's watching everything around him.

One of the most fortunate things about being the Softest of Whisper House is that it affords one both opportunity and motive to go just about anywhere. To wit: Cesare technically does not need a patron. He has one! And yet, here he is, in the castle at Sungreet, swanning toward the Duchess in a cloud of cashmere. "What a beautiful keep, and so exquisitely decorated," he murmurs, bowing deeply. "But none of it so exquisitely decorated as the Duchess herself. Onyx is one of my favorite stones, and the contrast with all the white - stunning. Thank you for hosting us here. I have been curious about this isle for some time, and its splendor does not disappoint in the slightest."

The ship docked for the night and perhaps a day or so to restock before on to it's next port, Alarissa has found herself within the company of House Helianthus and partaking of the social opportunity. Dressed fit for the affair, diamondplate for her arm and taking respite from the cold that is the Isles in winter. "Duchess Helianthus." Alarissa makes her way to the woman of the night. There's a dip of her head in respect to the woman. "I find myself envious of your dress. Aeterna becomes you. I shall have to ask you for the name of your seamstress."

An Eswynd longship brought Medeia to Sungreet, where the lady now stands and quietly takes in the surroundings of the Helianthus hall. The lady is dressed in black honeysilk of a fairly conservative style with a high neck - though a sheer lace panel at the upper chest does provide a hint of her Lycene origins. After getting a feel for the space, she turns a warm smile to Evelynn and holds out a small gift box in offer. "Duchess, how lovely to see you again. I appreciate your invitation." The box, if taken, contains two polished pieces of Deeplight Coral in glittering bright coral. "A small token, I seem to have chosen the color well." When she steps aside to let other greet the duchess, she finds herself at Cesare's side.

Tucked a ways off to the side is Evander, wrapped tightly in a few layers more than the temperature of the room likely requires. He'd be keeping mostly to himself for now, a few polite bows of the head given to those who wander past him, the occasional lifting of a scarf to cover a cough. His attention seems to drift about the room, studying his fellow faces.

Griffin looks around and smiles at the Castle. When he gets the attention of Duchess Evalynne, he half bows. "Thank you for having me." Short and sweet. Which may seem unusual for him. "Lord Griffin Redreef, at your service."

Among all the glitz and glitter, there is one understated individual! Charcoal grey leather and a duskweave blouse, a few bits of red stones here and there, for colour. She wiggles her fingers in a greeting to Duchess Evelyn, but goes on the hunt for wine rather than joining the orbiting Silks.

Like some of the others, Lore is not necessarily in need of a patron, but a chance to be part of the proceedings is reason enough to pull her away from the city and out into the Isles in the bitter cold. The Lycene woman wears simple seasilk, tailored exquisitely, in an Eurusi style of teal and gold. The iridescite that decorates ears, throat, and wrist are more to the Arvani styles, with aquamarines winking in the settings. Moving forward to greet the Duchess, she dips a sweeping curtsy and offers a warm smile, "My lady, it's a pleasure to meet you. That scent is bewitching." She lingers just a moment to look at the woman curiously before shifting off to the side and over towards where an oddly blissful Ian stands, leaning in to murmur a soft greeting to him.

The duchess doesn't hesitate with any greeting, locking eyes with any who address her and repeating their names as its offered. "Thank you so much for making the time. We won't forget this, I can guarantee." Her gaze drifts to Trevor momentarily before she studies the box Medeia offers her. "A gift?? Wow. That is so generous." Of course she takes it with a beaming smile, opening it to study the item within. "From the sea? Oh this is darling. I'm not much of a diver myself but I have heard those more familiar describe these sorts of stones in detail. It must have been so difficult to get them."

Ian says something brief to Lore when she greets him, accompanying whatever it is that he says with a vague shrug.

There's a glance to the coral that Media offers to Evelyn and an approving nod from Alarissa. "Some of the finest piece I have seen. Eswynd's production has been second to none and the Deeplight memorable."

"Those are indeed beautiful pieces," Cesare agrees with a faint smile. "The white is some of the rarest there is, and large flawless pieces are particularly difficult to obtain. I haven't been diving for coral, but Lady Medeia did sponsor a trip wherein we dove for pearls off the shores of New Hope, in production of one of her fabrics."

The duke of Sungreet smiles winningly at the guests, though he shows a high degree of deference to his wife, allowing her to lead the conversation as he gives a bow to each guest arriving in turn. "Very generous, thank you. Are some of the guests known to you, my lady?" He asks Evelynn with an arched eyebrow, "I'm uncertain how many you have had made the acquaintance of, in your travels to Arx, but hosting an event for proteges is a wonderful way to have people out to Sungreet. A much happier visit than the previous times many from Arx came to our shores."

"That particular coral is unique to the waters off Eswynd Rock, Duchess." Medeia explains softly, her smile bearing a hint of pride for her people. "I, thankfully, had the luck of not having to dive for those pieces myself. Our fisherfolk and divers are quite skilled." She gives a look toward Alarissa, eyes bright with gratitude for the compliment. "Your Highness, I will be sure to pass your words on. It will bring them joy to hear that their efforts make an effect beyond our shores." The lady takes a moment to greet Ian and Lore, giving both a small wave. "Oh! Yes. I did go diving, then," She says in response to Cesare. "That was for the windspun wool, which has a lovely pearlescent sheen even when dyed. Duke Helianthus, how nice to meet you. Lady Medeia Eswynd nee Saik." The introduction is made with a curtsy.Then she spots Griffin and beams. "Lord Griffin! It has been so very long. I hope you have been well?"

"I believe I attended a joint birthday of Lady Medeia and the Whisper." Evelynn says in response to her husband, inching closer to him to rest a hand gently against his arm. "This is the Princess-Consort of Maelstrom. What an /honor/, right?" Her eyes widen as she nods Alarissa's way. "Lord Griffin and Lady Medeia had both expressed interest in becoming my protege. Otherwise I'm as in the dark as you, my lord. A perfect opportunity to get to know our fellow Islanders."

Lore looks up from her quiet conversation with Ian to offer a brief smile and a small wave towards Medeia, "Lady Eswynd, it's always a pleasure to see you. I am forever envious of that lovely coral." She glances towards Trevor when he steps forward, offering a curtsy towards the Duke as well, turning a quick smile his way before looking back to Ian to offer a soft response to something said.

Still hanging out near Lore, and not having really said anything to anyone but her, Ian nods to Medeia. He remains watchful, electric blue eyes moving constantly, taking in details, a mix of general situational awareness and studying individual people with vague interest. At present, he's interested in Trevor, but he'll probably stare at other people too as the night wears on. There's a reason his family usually tries to keep him away from anything diplomacy-adjacent.

"Ah - that was you!" Cesare says, with a flash of sudden realization. "I was simply going to say that you attended the performance of the Thirteen Sorrows recently, which was a truly memorable event, Duchess. But now I realize that we had met before; you assisted in removing some very unpleasant guests from our soiree." He bows to the Duke. "My lord, it is my first time meeting you, however. Thank you again for hosting us in your beautiful home. The art truly is wonderful."

Alas, Griffin had no prior knowledge of the Duchess. He only heard it through the grapevine. He /was/ looking to be a protege, something which he had been trying to ignore. After spending some time in Arx proper, ignoring it wasn't the answer.. "Lady MedEia! I didn't imagine you would be here! How are you? I hear you are trying for the same place as me."

"Duke Helianthus." Alarissa offers to Trevor, another dip of her head but to the man. "I am honoured to be a guest this night in your home and I shall be sure to relay to his Grace the welcome received and your hospitality." The smile on Alarissa's face is sincere. "I have no doubt that when I leave in the morning to continue on my travels, that I will leave with a yearning to return again to your shores." There's a glance to Medeia and Griffen. "Either would learn a great deal at the side of your wife, and benefit greatly from such. Either would be lucky and privileged."

The servers in the room make haste to ensure the noble guests especially have all the sustenance they need. Glasses of rum and wine on hand, held on the trays paired with the mini quiches and crab rolls.

Medeia nods at Evelynn. "You did, yes. Your intervention was..." She pauses as Cesare speaks on the matter. "As he says, your assistance smoothed over what could have been a truly ugly moment." To Griffin, she nods. "It seems so, my lord. I imagine some few others here may be as well. Quite the impressive lot of guests, each as interesting and deserving as the last." She clears her throat gently and listens as Alarissa speaks, giving the princess a bow of her head.

With the initial introductions dying down, Evander would break from his quiet nook in the corner to make his way up to the pair of hosts. "Duke, Duchess." He'd offer with a polite bow, "Count Evander Darkwater. Unfortunately I come bearing no gifts, but it's a pleasure all the same." He'd offer a light smile as he glances to the box that was handed off. After his introductions are made he'd quietly move out of the way, taking up a spot on his cousin Ian's flank, opposite that of Lore.

Lore looks up as Evander approaches, offering a quick smile and a slight bow towards him, "Count Darkwater. I don't believe we've met before. I'm Lore Artiglio. A pleasure."

Auda takes a long sip of the wine she found, and finally makes her way towards the Duke and Duchess of Sungrèt.

Wine. Most definitely wine. Red wine, as a matter of fact. Griffin shrugs with a grin to Medeia. "Well, I don't feel as bad if you beat me." It's hard to tell if he was joking or not. "Do you know what she wants for her protege? I'm curious." After all, if she was looking for, say, sometime like.. Ian.. there was no chance of success for him.

Ian nods to Evander when he comes over and says a few quiet words to him. He's jolted to basic good manners by Lore introducing herself, and remembers (belatedly) that as the person they both know, he should have been introducing them. Except of course now that's done, more or less, so he doesn't have to.

"It is happier. It being in the hall also means less of a chance of seeing the result of the havoc caused /outside/. You know. With the thrall rebellion and all of that." Evelynn's smile remains in place when she says that but there's no shred of warmth in her eyes when she speaks of this. "What I wish in a protege is a way of connecting with other members of the Isles houses. I will warn, I do not have as much to offer by way of fame and notoriety. I prefer the quiet life."

As Lore makes her greetings Evander would quietly return a smile, a soft bow of the head following after. "I don't believe we have. The pleasure's mine. Lore..." He'd quietly utter the last bit, gaze turning in thought as he makes an effort to remember the name. It wouldn't be long though before he's once again whispering something to his cousin before falling quiet, save for a cough that's muffled into that scarf that wraps his neck.

"..That's me out, then," Auda pipes up with a faintly lopsided grin. "..Though I did once work for Princess Coraline Thrax." A little shrug, and the young woman is actually shifting half a step back-- as if to fade back into the others.

"Oh, I don't know, is /everyone/ here as interesting and deserving as the last?" Cesare says with a laugh. "Have you received adequate aid to assist in rebuilding, Duchess, Duke? Lady Medeia has put together a long-term plan to revitalize Eswynd Rock's commercial and agricultural output, and we were both working in support of the rebuilding in Tremorus. It is truly a shame to see how much destruction has been wrought within the chaos of the past few years." His concern for the rebuilding efforts seems genuine in the way only someone who has truly seen the wreck of what Tremorus became in the post-siege days can be.

There's a grimace from Duke Helianthus at the mention of the damage to Sungreet, but it's brief, as a smile blossoms as he looks towards Alarissa, "The honor is ours, to have the Princess-Consort of Maelstrom. You've had an impressive journey from Grayson to Valardin to Thrax, and each of the Houses has been very fortunate to have you, your highness. Truthfully, I believe that his grace chose very wisely." He glances towards Evelynn, "I deeply regret how much my father vexed House Thrax, and many of our vassals still are at best unreliable. Knowing that House Thrax would stand with us if rebel factions sought to recapture Sungreet would be immensely reassuring, and quiet some doubts."

Ian finishes off some brief line of conversation with Evander with a pat on his coughing cousin's shoulder and: "Let's hope." Then he looks up at Evelynn and Trevor, looks at both of them in a way that signals that he's talking to both of them. "I'm bad at politics and no one in my family takes any kind of orders from me, but House Kennex has always been willing to stand by Prince Victus' vassals, and I'm willing to make myself a symbol of such." As a protegee? Just in general? He doesn't give a whole lot of context clues by way of facial expression or vocal inflection and doesn't seem to have realized that more explanation might be necessary.

Ah! So that was it. "Your Grace, there are people here who are better than I, make no doubt about it. But what I would offer would be the form to shape and mold as we learned about each other." Griffin did not know who else would come between him and the position, but he did know one. Of course he looks over to Lady Medeia.

"You flatter me Duke Helianthus. I only strive to be the best wife for his Grace and for the Isles, as I strove to be the best for Valardin and Grayson." The matter of the rebellion and the damage that has endured brings about a seriousness to her own face. "Rest assured your Excellency, House Thrax will come to the aid and stand with House Helianthus should they try. Let none see us falter in the support of our vassals, let none see us forget our oaths to our people and should there be further aid needed to restore Sungreet to it's glory, you'll find us generous in our assistance. For I have seen the might and strength of the people from the Isles and I know that our enemies shall falter in the face of such."

She glances to Evelyn. "I would offer patronage of myself, to you Duchess, should you find yourself willing. To further cement the willingness of House Thrax to support Helianthus in these times. But do not feel required to accept such. It will not taken as insult if you do not." She assures the woman.

Mention of Tremorus brings a sadness to the edges of Medeia's expression. "Strengthening the Compact is important to me, and that means rebuilding, repairing. And taking a chance on something new." Her gaze moves from Cesare to Trevor and Evelynn, studying the ducal pair carefully. "I understand that a closeness with a Prodigal house may cause further unrest among your vassals. However, I can assure you that House Eswynd and House Helianthus have many values in common. Further, our close relationship with Duchess Tyde - she is saltmother to my twins - would provide additional connections throughout the Tydelands. I have been doing extensive diplomatic work with many Tyde vassals." When a servant comes by in offer of a drink, she chooses tea - unsweetened. "The Isles are stronger when we work together, being spread out as we are. And I feel that there could be some hopeful symbolism to bolster morale in us working together, Duchess."

Ian starts suddenly, and then HE'S the one who's suddenly coughing, having possibly inhaled a bug (or maybe coughing really is in the Kennex genome somewhere). While he doesn't LOOK like he's wishing the world would swallow him up for the aforementioned bug (or whatever it was) to have chosen this precise moment to assault his reparatory system but he's suddenly REALLY interested in the flask that he's liberated from an inner pocket of his coat somewhere. It's not water, but whiskey's a liquid, so that's more or less the same thing, right?

"Aid in rebuilding would be most generous. We would take whatever offer is provided." Evelynn's features brighten with warmth at this, a hand resting against her chest as if touched by the offer. "The Eurusi did quite a number on some of the districts in the most populous regions. Any offer of resources will not be rejected." Her smile stays in place, though her grip on her husband's arm grows tighter. She gives Ian a long look and is that a wink she gives him? Nonetheless, her attention drifts to Alarissa even while the Kennex recovers from his coughing. "A Thraxian patron. That would be quite the announcement. What do you think, my lord?" She asks of Trevor.

Lore blinks at Ian's sudden fit of coughing, reaching up to thump lightly at his back with one hand. She halts when he pulls the flask, not wanting to cause further choking and sputtering, leaning in to murmur something gently.

Evander would turn to his cousin with a flash of concern at the sudden coughing fit that for once isn't coming from him. He'd start to raise a hand to return the reassuring pats he received earlier but sees Lore has it covered, so instead he shifts a bit awkwardly, uncertain what to do. Once he's had a moment to drink he too would quietly ask something.

Ian mutters an apology and something that sounds a little bit like 'went down the wrong way' but is too mumbled to make out clearly.

"A Thraxian patron would make a firm statement that one could but welcome." Duke Trevor Helianthus says firmly. "Truthfully, I think many of the less reliable vassals are looking for any signs of hesitation from Thrax, that would let them believe they could retake Sungreet. Close connections are most welcome to dissuade such ambitions."

"Perhaps I'll write you a bit of correspondence, Duchess, and we can discuss the matter a bit further. I'm also interested in these... unreliable vassals, as a servant of the Compact myself, and a diplomat." Cesare laces his fingers together in front of himself. "Sometimes a word from a Whisper can do what intervention from one who is directly involved cannot. Going around a problem rather than through it, if you will."

Medeia's attention shifts to Ian, expression appraising as he coughs to see if actual medical attention is needed. When it seems to be fine, she shifts her focus to Griffin. "My lord, how is work with the Harlequins going? And your poetry?" Her eyes flick to Trevor, a faint nod agreeing with the duke.

"Lord Griffin, from what I've heard of your countess, I have no doubt that a close bond with Redreef would be Prudent." Evelynn says to the man with a warm smile, though Medeia's words have her tilting her head momentarily. "A harlequin?" She ponders this before taking a deep shot from her rum glass. "I think it's a good idea, my husband does." To Alarissa. "So why not?" That seems to be her assent.

"It would demonstrate explicit support." Alarissa looks to Medeia and Griffin. "Redreef, and Eswynd. It is a hard choice. Both making strides within the Isles but for different reasons. Both intriguing options." She muses to the ducal pair. There's a discreet gesture to Medeia. "A tie to the faith, perhaps auspicious and appropriate. Skilled healer. Once upon a time, she was in service to the house as a healer for the family. Married to a prodigal house, but roots through birth to Saik and thus a tie outside the isles" She gestures to Griffin. "A tie to Redreef. A house and lands with interesting history and has done much to build upon what it has and better itself and it's people. Committed to the change and embracing it. Firmly of blood, not a prodigal house. It is a hard choice Duchess. I do not envy you. Both houses serve faithfully to Thrax."

Griffin looks to Ian as well, growing. And with Medeia questions, his frown grows further. "As always the Harlequins are up and down, Lady Medeia. Mostly up. Although I have my own questions with them. Had an interesting talk with the Blackheart." He shrugs. "As for my poetry, it remains dead as ever it was." He catches a bit of Alarissa talking, and that raises his brows, and returns his attention to Medeia. "I've had some talks with various.. people. IT doesn't sound very good from their points."

Auda as Alarissa makes points for each of the three prospectives, Auda fetches not one, but two glasses of rich red wine. One is pressed into Evelynn's hand, if she'll take it. Wordlessly.

"The progressivism of House Redreef, coupled with the Helianthus blood relation there, could make quite the statement and be of benefit to all involved," Medeia says, taking a half step back. "And my previous offer of being a resource to you does not rely upon an offer of patronage, Duchess. It would be an honor to assist the house in the future. My knowledge and skill is shared openly, as I understand the ideals of the Faith to promote such." She glances at Griffin before continuing. "I would hold no resentment for you taking your time with the decision, and certainly none for choosing someone other than myself." With a warmer smile, she addresses Evelynn and Alarissa. "Congratulations on making a match, I look forward to seeing the fruits of this relationship."

Cesare sips his own glass of wine, looking with interest between the attendees of the soiree, particularly as Alarissa discusses the relative merits between Griffin and Medeia. Considering Medeia is his own patron, it's probably a bit gauche to continue talking up her accomplishments. But his presence is reminder enough.

Lore glances around the room, looking at each of the people individually, then tossing a glance to Medeia, "Lady Eswynd! You should tell the Duke and Duchess about Eswynd's collaborative efforts within the Isles and the Saffron Chain. I'm certain they would love to know about what sort of ally they would have in Eswynd, and the steps you and yours are willing to take in defense of the Isles and Compact." She flashes a brief smile towards Medeia, then falling back to glance towards Ian and offers a small shrug.

"It would make that explicit statement. If you can ensure such support from House Thrax, though, there's little reason to turn it down." Evelynn says, glancing from Trevor to Alarissa. "And thank you for your explanation." She adds regarding the prospective proteges. "I assure you, I will think this through before coming to a decision." The amber flecks in her eyes glimmer as she says this, her gaze staring at the princess for far longer than is normal. Then she's shaking her head. "I need to excuse myself alas. To walk my swan."

Ian has taken a decided interest in his flask, another mark in favor of 'embarrassment at entomological assault on resparatory system'. He's probably still listening, but he's not really watching so much as he was.

Evelynn takes the glass of wine from Auda naturally, nonetheless.

"A swan." There's a pause. "Now that, is a companion. I shall have to see it the next time I visit. For now though, I shall avail myself of Helianthus' hospitality. Duchess." Alarissa holds the stare before murmuring something very quietly then looks to Trevor. "Duke. I shall relay your regards to his Grace then when next I am in his presence. The gods blessings and protecctions." And she's moving off and away.

"Oh, the swan walk." Duke Trevor Helianthus seems to understand this perfectly for some reason, "You'll have to forgive me then, I simply must accompany my wife for the walking of the swan. Thank you so much for coming, and thank you Princess Alarissa for your support."

Medeia blushes faintly at Lore's comments, but she has a fond smile on her face. "There is time enough to discuss such things another day..." She tries to brush it off, not wanting to take up more time with what would only look like bragging. No one likes a braggart. "Duke, Duchess, thank you again. It has been wonderful to visit your home."

"Thank you again for having us," Cesare murmurs, bowing to the Duke and Duchess. "It's truly been a joy. I am going to take some time to look around the castle at all the artwork." Because of course he is.

"If you'd like some company, Duchess.." Auda trails off, but she's already stepping back again, as the offer were mostly for politeness' sake. Still, she doesn't go far! Lingering on the fringes, as she is want to do.

Lore's head comes up suddenly at the mention of a swan. "Oh Gods.. Frost. She's outside..." Eyes wide, she offers a hurried curtsy to the Duke and Duchess and offers, "ThankyousoverymuchforhostingmethiseveningitwastrulyapleasureIreallymustgonow!" Then she's racing off through the hall to ensure her cat doesn't attempt to kill and eat the Duchess' swan. Medeia gets a quickly flashed smile before she's disappearing in a swirl of seasilk and legs!

With a final word to the princess of Maelstrom, Evelynn bids the other guests farewell and heads off with her husband. To walk the swan.