(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: Drinks, snacks, and little craft kits are set up under the cool oak tree.

The tall cool oak tree provides shade for a semicircle of chairs, tray tables, and a liquor trolly. There's snacks as well, of the light nosh type. Eirene has a seated frame with an embroidery project on it, of a heroic looking woman carrying a sword. She waits for her guests to trickle in.

Raymesin makes his way down from the house, apparently heading for the little gathering. He doesn't seem to have brought anything with him, at first glance at least; he greets Eirene with a polite nod, and, "Eirene. I 'eard as you was makin' stuff wi'a natter, an' figured I might as well come up an' join yer, if yer don't mind me bein' 'ere."

The used to be tall Lady Laurent, before the changed the system but is now using heels, walks into the garden with a somewhat Lycene dress for summer, considering its bare backed and tan lines that formed about it. "Good day, Lady Riven", she greets Eirene, "Messere Raymesin", she smiles, "I've heard its something to do with needles. I stitch clothes, I stitch flesh, what else can you do with it?", she wonders, finding a strategic location to seat where she can reach both food and supplies.

Eirene says, "Mabelle, call me Eirene." She smirks a little and adds, "You can make shit pretty with it. See tapestries, or embroider, or knit, or crochet." She greets the lanky man with a grin and motions him over. "Yeah, you're welcome, everyone can come hang out. It's cool and shady, we have booze and lemonade."

Raymesin offers a polite nod to Mabelle, even as he makes his way over at Eirene's invitation. He settles into a seat, but only stretches one long leg out; the other he brings in close, so that he can unbuckle his boot. "Shade an' lemonade," he says, "Sounds like a perfect way ter spend mendin' day."

Mabelle lifts her hand to her girl, "Can you please mix some booze with the lemonade?", her time in the Lyceum is showing. "I've never tried to crochet or knit before, I confess. Petal has been teaching me to sew so I can honor Jayus with my clothes". Her eyes land upon Raymesin curiously, "Are you going to knit?", her lips twitch as she teases him, winking to Eirene.

Eirene says, "Darn socks is my guess." She chuckles at Mabelle's question. "And if you want booze lemonade, I recommend bourbon. Sweet and a little bit tart all at once." She adds, "I can't knit. I can sew shit or embroidery it. I like making my kids clothes a little neat. You should see their skull cloaks. This is a needlepoint tapestry of Alarice for Iris' bedroom. I haven't decided what to make Idris yet. Probably something with Platinum."

"Yer both wrong," says Raymesin, peeling off his boot. His sock does appear to be in good repair, it's true, and the smell is mostly warm leather rather than foot. "Knittin' I tend ter keep for later in th'year, it's just too 'ot when yer got wool in yer lap in summer." He reaches into his cuirass and pulls out a needlecase, then settles back, arranging the boot in his lap so he can get to the tongue of it.

Mabelle opts for that bourbon lemonade and while waiting for it begins to collect some yarn, "See, last time I made a gown for the Twins of the Fortiers, I was... neatly advised not to put so many diamonds on babies in the future", she laughs, "So perhaps I should refrain from stitching for children".

The hostess rolls her eyes in amusement at Mabelle. "Oh gods, yeah. Nothing they can choke on, or lose. Pearls may look nice but damn if they won't find a way to try to swallow one. I go more for the artwork designs. Iris has a dress with bats on it," she tells Raymesin. "And spiders. She loves the Queen's little friends."

"I 'ave ter say, I ain't never been accused'a puttin' too many diamonds on babies," says Raymesin drily. "Nor pearls, neither." And then a smile. "She does? Oh, that's grand, that is."

Mabelle pouts a little, steady in her resolve, "But Kierlys looked so pretty", she sighs, "Laurents are not very ... fashionably inclined to sacrifice as I am."

Eirene says, "Children wreck the fuck out of clothes too. Get them dirty, torn, or just plain LOST." She laughs and starts to run color through the woman's billowing white and gold dress with embroidery floss. "So what're you making then, Raymesin?"

The corners of Raymesin's lips twitch. "An' if a kid's wearin' diamonds, well, someone might figure as they want them gems," he says wryly. He pulls the tongue of the boot out, then sets the needle in the line of stitching. "I ain't makin', I'm mendin'. Fix this now an' it'll never be a problem, leave it an' I'll need new boots in a couple'a months, an' Oak'ide don't grow on trees."

Mabelle sips her drink, "I would not know for I keep them far from my clothes", she grins, "I was suggested to take a ward if I am so kin to dress a child, but alas, I've no time for that". She looks toward Raymesin, sighing a little, "No, it does not. In normal days I would just toss hides at you, but devoting everything to the reconstruction of Artshall certainly makes me.. stingy. I hate that".

"As a silk - nob - whatever we are, our duty is to our people. Putting them first ain't just RIGHT, it's our fuckin' job," Eirene says with a faint grin. "How are the efforts coming along, Belle? Would it help if the Physicians provided some money or assistance?" She grunts at Raymesin, "Yeah, better to keep that shit in good repair versus having to replace. I lost my favorite hat at the last battle I was in, and I'm bummed."

Raymesin hehs. "Leathers're good for midwifin' in, yer can wipe 'em clean again after," he admits, then shrugs. "I got a pair'a boots as'll stay perfectly good fer a lot more years yet, if'n I look after 'em. Got no need for more." And then a nod to Eirene. "Sorry to 'ear that. I'm guessin' it were a good 'at."

Mabelle looks amusedly at Raymesin, "Remind me not to let you see my shoe racks, you will dislike me even more", she grins and then looks at Eirene with a sigh, "I shall never take funds from the physicians, risk anyone's life for another wall. We manage, I've collected some of the sum but the estimates for rebuilding the city are extremely high. Master Ripley and Archlector Felix are designing articles for me to auction".

4 Silvershields, Elexa the reliable apprentice dressmaker, Buxby the mediocre apprentice dressmaker arrive, following Sira.

Eirene says, "Leathers are good for doctoring too. I get too much blood on me to wear anything else. But my doctors coat is Aeterna so it at least is stain resistant." She's working on a needlepoint of Alarice on a seated stand, there's nosh, craft supplies, booze, and lemonade under a massive oak tree. "If it helps improve the lives and health of your people, Mabelle, it's our obligation to help."

Sira arrives suddenly, collects a drink, and then moves close to the needlepoint project to inspect it. There is some definite hovering happening, but she's careful not to block Eirene's light or impede her work. "You really /are/ deft with a needle, Doctor." The words come out with murmured appreciation.

"Yer a silk," says Raymesin mildly to Mabelle. "Yer supposed to 'ave lots'a shoes, or somethin's gone wrong. But let's not start talkin' about that stuff on a nice summer's day in Eirene's garden, or she'll kick me out." He offers the arriving Sira a nod, then looks to Eirene. "Aeterna. Yeah, nice stuff if yer can afford it," he agrees. "Still." He has one of his boots in his lap, and appears to be reinforcing the stitching on the tongue.

Mabelle inclines her head toward Eirene, abandoning her stubborn pride, "Perhaps I should feel more comfortable, if the healers were to assist when we reconstruct the hospital. It shall be one of the first public buildings to be rebuilt. Much work has been put into it upon initial introduction, I pray for the knowledge of others to restore it", she frowns a moment but then diverts, "My doctor's robe is silk. I really ought to invest in better robes and yet, I do not get bloodied as often as I ought to, given my expertise, its a shame", she chides herself mostly. Her head is inclined toward the new, unfamiliar arrival before looking back to Raymesin, regaining her smile, "I thought we had that talk before", she shakes her head, looking amused.

Eirene says, "That's high praise coming from you," as she grins at Sira. "Most people forget my mother was Duchess of Malvici. So I got a silk education as well as a soldier. I learned how to sew before I learned how to patch people up so it was a natural progression. Nowadays I mostly use it to patch up things," she says with a nod at Raymesin, "or people. Or sew shit for my kids because they will just wreck nice stuff. But this is for a wall hanging so it can be fancier." There's a hand gestured at Mabelle, "See? That's a good middle ground. Send me the bills for the reconstruction and I'll see it's done."

Sira offers a small smile in response to Eirene's grin. There's a nod to Raymesin and Mabelle each before she introduces herself, "Master Sira Illuso, Voice of the Silver Consortium, acclaimed seamstress, and so on." Her head tilts as talk of hospital restoration is made. "That I have no input on, other than recommending the hospital be outfitted with aeterna bedding." Her shoulders lift in a shrug before she glances at Raymesin's shoe repair.

"'Arlequin Raymesin," the man himself offers. And with that accent, he's very definitely from the Lowers. The boot he's mending is Oakhide, though, with plates of metal, and can't have been cheap. He looks over to Mabelle with a shrug. "I 'ave that talk ten times a week," he says. "I kinda forget who I 'ad it with."

Mabelle twitches her lips a moment and looks toward Eirene, "Can I get that in writing? See, the estimations for the reconstruction of Artshall are currently at 100 million silver. How much do you estimate the hospital to be?", she almost laughs, but its just amusement mixed with exhaustion, frustration and long nights spent with ledgers. "A pleasure, Master Illuso", her response to Sira comes after, "Lady Mabelle Laurent. Aeterna is lovely to keeping stains off the staff indeed, but not as breathable, I lament". A faux pout creeps upon Mabelle's lips for the sake of Raymesin, "Are you saying I'm so unforgetable? Woe is me", she teases him.

Eirene grimaces at the numbers. "I would have to get an idea of the size, materials to use, beds anticipated, any special wings or additional features... There's also stocking supplies and staffing." She sighs, clearly no stranger to ledgers herself. "But I can probably contribute a quarter to a half million plus work contracts to cover the staffing from the Guild."

Eirene adds to Sira, "Probably can't afford aeterna sheets," as she grins.

"A Harlequin?" Sira's brow furrows at Raymesin's introduction. It isn't clear what she's feeling about that, but surprise might part of it. Then she's looking at Mabelle a touch more closely. "Ah, Lady Laurent, I've been meaning to reach out to your House regarding the efforts in Artshall. As a Bastion refugee, I am well aware of the horrors your people faced. And as a seamstress and merchant? Well. I think I could assist in getting your fabric weavers set back up. Or the Consortium could." Aside to Eirene, she notes, "No, but I could." It's not an attempt at bragging, just a statement of fact.

Raymesin shrugs to Mabelle. "I'd apologise, but I kinda ain't sorry," he admits. "B'sides, if I kept a list'a who I'd 'ad that conversation with, an' 'ow it went, I'd still be readin' it by th'next dawn." Closer up, Raymesin's leathers are marked with a spider-and-knife sigil, all except the boots he's currently mending.

Mabelle admits, "Luckily as the hospital was only constructed four years ago", she grimaces at that, "I still have the plans. I will not however strip the guild from its funds. Truly, I would much prefer the training and help of the professionals within it to teach new doctors and help set things up. Whatever you think you are able to contribute, be it 10 silver or 10 dukes, will be appreciated". Grateful for the offer, Mabelle smiles to Sira, "Our weavers are luckily outside the city, but once the House of Fashion is to be rebuilt, I'm sure your assistance will be more than welcome. I'm afraid I'm leaving the nicities to the end though. Housing, farms and facilities first. The castle Last. The District right before last". She bows her head to Raymesin in understanding. She did not expect him to actually remember her.

Eirene stands up to make herself a fresh mint julep. Lots of liquor, little mint and sugar. "Still, we'll help however we can. We rebuilt Astrea, we can help Artshall, Belle. I have plans in place for a new crazy fundraiser too." She grins at Raymesin. "No Nox," she adds with a teasing wink to the man.

Finally finding a seat, Sira lounges and sips her drink as the others speak. There's a quirk of her lips, amusement perhaps, at Raymesin's demeanor. As for Artshall? "Of course. Do let me know of we at the Consortium can assist with the import needs for all of that, hm? I suspect you'll need more than your usual trade partners for such a large undertaking." There's a flash of curiosity about why 'no Nox,' but she instead sinks further into her seat and tips her head back to enjoy the summer sun.

Raymesin eyes Mabelle thoughtfully. "Yer might want ter step up th'plans for th'castle," he says. "I mean, you gotta 'ave somewhere ter retreat to. An' for yer folks ter retreat to, too." He nods to Eirene. "Thanks," he says, but doesn't elaborate for anyone else's benefit. And then he finds his glass and drinks, though there's no alcohol in his brew.

Mabelle perks now, "See, that would be lovely. A fundraiser. I wish to hold an auction as well. I would most appreciate help with hosting said benefits", she smiles to Eirene. "Perhaps I should finally open the powder salon at the back of the Dire Bee, it has been ready, profits from it may help our coffers". Her fingers continue to crochet whatever it is she is working it. Is it a coaster? She bows her head to Sira's offer, "Indeed, it is a grand undertaking. I suppose we ought to be lucky our main industry is actually slate and stone", she laughs, "Most people do not know that. They know of the bees. But, we have some groups going out soon to begin the ground work, clear the old structures, plant. I am hopeful". Mabelle then assures Raymesin, "The Laurent family's comfort is not a priority. We can stay in the city or hosted by our lovely subjects. The castle is costly and unimportant at the moment".

Sira's eyes have closed as she listens. "The castle is also a symbol," She notes. "As Raymesin noted, it is a point of retreat... And also a point of /pride/." Her head tilts up again, then, her attention on Mabelle. "You can stay where you like. But few things will serve as a beacon of success in the rebuilding process as the castle."

Raymesin grimaces ever so slightly. "Seems noble, ter share yer people's 'ardships, but if th'shavs come back an' you ain't got nowhere ter retreat to, yer screwed," he says bluntly. "An' yer people along with yer."

Mabelle purses her lips and considers. "The waystation stands as a fort right outside the city, so everyone can retreat there, family included, however..", she considers Sira's words, "It is a symbol, but I cannot on my concious build it before the homes and livelyhood of our people. Perhaps... before the district then. Right after their needs are met. I cannot bare the thought of our subject robbed of his home seeing me furnish my room which could have served as 20 housings instead. A bump then. In priority".

Sira gives a curt nod and resumes her head-back lounging. "It's lucky you spread out your projects throughout the villages." Then, seemingly aimed at Raymesin, she asks, "How have the Lowrrs managed digging out from the storm?"

Raymesin nods to Mabelle. "Better," he says, sounding approving. He finishes his stitching, holding the thread taught; he pulls a knife from somewhere and cuts that thread flush with the leather, then tucks the knife away again. The needle goes in his shirt collar, and he bends down to pull the boot back on. "Lowers ain't been too bad," he replies. "River didn't flood, so it were mostly just th'low-lyin' spots as got soggy. Soggier'n usual, but not so bad."

Eirene says, "The storm could have been far worse. As it was, we opened the hospital. We had a few trip falls in the rain but nothing severe, thank the gods." She lifts her julep in toast to that fact. "I can't remember a spring storm that bad though. One for the Archives, for sure. I, glad nobody drowned.""

Sira's mood seems to instantly sour at the mention of no one drowning. "Praise be," She mutters before downing the rest of her drink. She stands sets the cup aside, a sad look dampening her her features. "If you'll pardon me... It was nice meeting you." That said in parting to Raymesin and Mabelle. Then she's away almost as suddenly as she arrived.

4 Silvershields, Elexa the reliable apprentice dressmaker, Buxby the mediocre apprentice dressmaker leave, following Sira.

Mabelle looks amused at the direction of the approving Raymesin and raises her glass of lemonade in cheers, "Are any books lost? It is not as if we can afford any more loss of knowledge". She bids Sira goodbye just as she turns to leave.

Raymesin nods. "Never seen anythin' like it afore, at least not in Arx," he says. "Storms that 'eavy usually blow out long afore that one did." He inclines his head to Sira. "Nice ter meet yer," he says. The buckles on one boot done up, he sets about unbuckling the other boot.

Eirene says, "We get some wild ragers in Southport in the summer, occasionally hurricanes. But not torrential downpours " she shrugs as she settles back into her chair and drinking. "I think the Archives were on high enough ground as so not to be affected. I don't know though, is there a library in the Lowers?"

Mabelle supposes, "There is the Archlector Sina's Memorial one but I've never been in it"

"That's well away from th'arbour," Raymesin assures the other two. "Th'Lowers ain't all at water level. Otherwise th'river'd empty inter th'Pit, an' then where would we be."

Mabelle finishes her crochet coaster and rises, "Well. I am pleased it is not so. If there is anything I can help with, do let me know, I am quite focused now and tend to not look to the sides. That being said, I should likely get back to work. Thank you for this lovely afternoon".

Eirene smiles at Mabelle, "Well, thanks for stopping in. Don't forget to send me something about the Guild funding for the hospital."

Mabelle nod certainly, "I shall. Be well"

3 Laurent trained guards, Cupcake, a cookie girl, Taffy, a sweet and gentle Mistward Labrador, 1 Laurent veteran guards leave, following Mabelle.