Camilla, Luigi, Cambria arrive, following Hadrian.

Adam, A Young Apprentice, 3 Navegant Marines arrive, following Turo.

The halls of the Navegant Redoubt are opened and lit up with torch light. The Navegant Courtyard has been decorated with little lanters lit with small tea lights that are hanging from all the trees. Torches line the path through the Courtyard to the stage and even more light the bridges above where children might go and play. There are turtle decorations everywhere and there is even a small tank where some red eard sliders are being kept so that the few children that are running about can feed them pieces of lettus.

The Marquessa and Marquis of House Mazetti arrive to Navegant Redoubt, together, but separate. Which is to say that though they are announced together, and even enter at the same time, the distance between them is kept at least at arm's length, and that's going by Hadrian's arm. Which is, by virtue of his height, longer than that of his wife's. Cambria herself allows Hadrian to take the lead, following at a stately pace behind him, her hands hidden within the heavy folds of her cloak. Her head does not turn this way and that to take in the scenery, rather, cold blue eyes take note of this and that, her expression largely placid and serene.

Briefly, the Marquessa finds her attention stolen by the grouping of picnic tables, and the various food and drink upon them. Her mouth curves into a smile, and then she continues on anew, neither lengthening her pace to catch up to Hadrian, nor going much slower than she had been before. Once, and only once, she glances back over her shoulder, as if in expectation.


A grouping of picnic tables sits near a long table that is covered in tiny turtle shaped refreshments from cookies to little cakes and gummy sweets. The drinks in the pitchers are labled "Turtle Punch/Green Apple Juice" and the wine bottles are labled "Crisp Winter Apple". Steak, mashed potatoes, corn, and salad are being served for those that are hungry. The firepit by the stage is set ablaze to provide warmth.

Arcelia stands at the front of the couryard to say hello to her guests as they arrive. The woman looks happy enough but carries a tired expression as well. There is a donation bin next to her for anyone who wishes to give to the cause she is presently gathering coin for. No doubt something she would be talking about tonight.

Rohm the Blackguard arrives, following Caelis.

Ezekiel the German Shepherd, Caelis arrive, following Artorius.


    Cesare steps into the party, curious to see exactly what would be happening at this particular Countess' event. A Whisper is rarely unwelcome at such events, particularly one that could be called a party. He doesn't bring much with him, nothing but his unique sense of style- the dark-skinned man like a rangy shadow that moves with a svelte and natural grace. He pauses, quietly, near the entrance- just for a moment, to get a sense of the party.

Carissa, a Malvici bodyguard, Sir Benedict Talonscourge, a golden eagle arrive, following Eirene.

Hadrian's attire of choice for the day appears to be green and black silk. Though the golden buttons which accompany black lacing certainly stand out, shined and gleaming. Some of those very same buttons stamped with quite the peculiar raised surfaces. Hadrian soon leaves Cambria behind with long legs that set a ground-eating pace with each long stride. A stride that has been known to leave many a Duckling scrambling to catch up. A sword cloak draped over his right side conceals his right arm and hand, though his left arm rests tucked away at the small of his back in his approach to the Countess of House Navegant, his very own protege, Arcelia. As he draws closer still, his neutral expression and overall bearing seems to come alive with a brilliantly white grin, charcoal-whitened teeth presented with a look of ecstatic joy at the sight of his protege, "Countess, you look delightfully exquisite, as always!" he remarks with animated features, eyebrows that rise when he speaks, and an exceptionally cheerful tone.

Eirene's here. Surprise surprise. Bundled up in her flame-embroidered leather longcoat with a crimson scarf for extra warmth, the Malvici medic strides purposefully into the courtyard, tugging off her matching leather gloves and tucking them away. She lets her nephew greet the Countess first and hangs back a bit, taking a parcel from her attendant and putting it under her arm.

Parties seem to be all the rage right now and Teela makes her rounds. She's done one in every ward but two so far and now she tips her head into Thrax Ward as she steps into the open public party of the Navegant home. Wrapped in a cloak with her fur and leathers she moves in just past the doorway and then to the side so her large broad frame clears the entry and does not obstruct.

Shortly after the primary Mazetti's arrive, is Valerio, announced as the Marshal of Ostria. No ornate clothes for him, just well policed clean armor, and a massive warhammer on his back. Once just inside the courtyard he stops to turn his head to the left and up and down slightly to take in the sight. "Oh, well done. I like the design." He crosses to the hostess, awaiting his chance to speak. When he has it. "Happy Birthday, Countess Navegant. I believe we have met, once or twice. Erm, Regardless. I think your idea for donations is a good one. As such, I have some silver for such a purpose."

Turo is around, he's just off to the side talking with a pair of Captains, note quite all that really finished with work. But he did want to be present, even if he's talking military matters while doing so.

Artorius entered the party wearing black leather and silk for his attire with Gold trim. With him was Caelis on his right, and his daughter holding his hand on his left. Here for a birthday! He bows before all present. "Greetings and good afternoon, everyone. Where's the birthday Countess?" he looks around for Arcelia. He does seem to have a gift with him, as Serah held it in her offhand. Must have been light! "Thank you for coming with me." he says to Caelis.

Serenity arrives, delivering a message to Valerio before departing.

Unlike Artorius, Caelis more practically dressed. There will be enough finery soon enough. She bows to Arcelia since she's in trousers, smiling to the former Saik. Looking to her brother she shrugs. "It's for Archie, I can put up with you for a night." Her tone is light, teasing her brother as she looks about.

When Teela sees who the people are gathering towards she starts to make her way towards Arcelia, listening to those gathered. "Countess, you have a lovely home. Happy birthday." she says with a soft warm tone before she steps aside so others can get in for their say, making sure not to jostle anyone with the movement.

Estaban has been in the house grabbing something and comes walking back into the court yard he is dressed in green silks except for the shirt under the jacket is white. He looks around smiling as he spots people who have shown up for his sisters party, he moves to put his hands behind his back and walks out into the court yard, first stop Art and Caelis, "Good evening Count Artorius, Lady Caelis." he looks down, "And hello Lady Serah." he squats down in front of her with a smile.

Arcelia is wearing a silvery green dress with black accents tonight and her hair has been braided back tonight. When Hadrian approaches her she ditches formalities and gives the man a friendly hug. "D..." She chuckles at her near mistake in title. "Marquis, it is nice to see you tonight! I am glad you were able to make it." She looks down at herself and then to Hadrian with a smile. "Thank you. You look quite handsom tonight yourself, Hadrian, and you seem to be having a lovely night. She motions to the fire and tables on the far side of the courtyard. "Please, make yourself comfortable."

When Eirene shows up, Arcelia turns her attention to the woman. "Lady Eirene! It is great to see you!" To Teela she nods her head and offers a smile. "Thank you. It is nice to see you here My Lady. I hope you enjoy yourself tonight."

"I think we have met once or twice." Arcelia offers to Valerio. "It has been a while though. Thank you for coming tonight. The..." She looks about at all the turtles. "Design has a purpose, an announcment that will come soon. Please feel free to make yourself at home and enjoy yourself." Caelis, Artorius, and Serah get her attention next but the child mostly. She kneels down to the child's level and gives the girl a smile. "You have yourself a lot of fun tonight." She points up at the network of tree houses and then points to where the ramp up is. "Go on, the boys are up there somewhere." She rises to her feet and looks to the siblings. "Thank you both for coming." She offers them both a hug and laughs at their antics before she hears her brother and throws herself at her older brother, wrapping her arms around him. "And you! You're like a stranger! Never coming to see your little sister!"

Serenity arrives, delivering a message to Valerio before departing.

Rohm the Blackguard leaves, following Caelis.

Teela inclines her head and nods, "I want to give you a warm regard from House Blackram. I am sure my cousin would be here tonight if he could but he was newly appointed to his position and so quite busy." she smiles to Arcelia and then she smiles to Hadrian as he stands near before she steps back now to be certain to make way for others.

There are three boys climbing about in the treehouses above, joyful laughter filling the courtyard.

Eirene gives her other kin, Malvici and Saik alike, a friendly lift of her chin in hello. "Celi," she greets the Countess. "I have a pressie for you and coin for your cause. Happy birthday, kid." She leans in for a quick peck on the cheek, the taller woman stooping a little.

Cambria, after Hadrian has greeted the Countess, steps forward. "Happy birthday, Countess Navegant. I hope you have a truly wonderful evening. As Marshal Valerio has said, House Mazetti is only too happy to donate to the noble cause you are championing." She smiles once, then prepares to leave Arcelia's side, so that others may have her attention.

Dismissing the pair of Captains and getting that part of his workday done, Turo moves after in the nearby area of the treehouse, keeping an eyeball on his pair of nephews who he had brought from Escuma. And he looks pretty content to handle that aspect of things. It is Arcelia's day afterall. He's present, but preferring today to stick in the background.

Artorius smiles faintly to Arcelia and happily gives her a warm hug. "Happy birthday Archie." he says with a brotherly sort of affection, releasing her. As soon as Serah hears that she'll have friends in the treehouses, she looks to her father, who nods approvingly of her intentions, and off she goes to play. Artorius smiles softly as he watches his daughter go have fun. "They grow up so fast." he sighs a moment, looking then to the party itself, though he does spot Hadrian, patting him on the shoulder "Cousin. Good to see you."

Estaban stands up spotting Hadrian and so he moves over in that direction, "Marquis Hadrian." he smiles to the man moving ever so closer to him, "It has been a while, I do hope things are going well for you?" he looks from Hadrian spotting Eirene nodding to her then looking back to the Marquis.

Artorius smiles to Estaban "Lord Estaban. Good to see you."

Serenity arrives, delivering a message to Valerio before departing.


    Like a shadow, Cesare approaches in quiet to the lady of the hour, bowing his head as he comes to Arcelia. "My Lady. I am Cesare Whisper, and on behalf of the Whispers allow me to wish you a most joyous birthday." His voice is almost a thing of magic- even while speaking. A baritone of rich quality- honey, smoke, and silk in equal amounts. "I bring a gift, of course, for your charity fund." he says, as he places a pouch of coin into the appropriate receptacle. "And later, perhaps you will allow me to sing for you and your guests, again, as a gift."

"Thank you Eirene. You didn't need to get me anything but thank you." She offers her aunt a smile and takes the cloak and puts the coin in the donation bin. She turns back to offer Turo a smile as he watches over the children and then returns her attention to her guests. Her eyes shimmer as Cesare wishes her a happy birthday. "Thank you, you may sing, dance, or otherwise enjoy yourself and entertain however you desire." She nods her head to the man. "I am a Disciple of Jayus, I could never refuse such a great gift." She offers Artorius a smile as well. "Thank you and already she has gotten so much bigger over the last year."

Having had several messangers take up his time briefly. Valerio turns back from mingling to the Countess with a bow, trying to limit his interruption of her and her other guests. "Ah, I just recieved word, Lady Navegant. Lady Khanne Halfshav has asked me to wish you a Happy Birthday on her behalf. Unfortunately she was unable to attend. She is about to board a ship."

Eirene grins back at their hostess and then goes to grab a hot toddy, keeping to herself mostly and watching everyone socialize and move about. She's anti-social today, same as usual despite family being about. She leans against a wall, one leg up to prop herself against it.

Hadrian offers a fluid bob of his head in a nod toward Arcelia while he chuckles following her comment about his evening, "The world is a place worth enjoying, Countess. You may as well enjoy every moment of it - the good and the bad. We're well aware of making the best of bad situations...speaking of which," Hadrian's hand slips from beneath his sword cloak. No doubt many an assassin has exercised that precise movement, but it isn't a blade in Hadrian's hand. Instead it is a vividly colored winged insect. Or at least a manufactured version. Hadrian offers out the gift, cupped within two upturned palms for the Countess to accept. He offers a bright grin and a playful wink before he murmurs something back to to the Countess. After that brief, murmured exchange, Hadrian takes a step back and away with a turn. A flourish of green silk as his sword cloak whisks through the air after his sharp turn and the Marquis begins to step away. Only to be intercepted by a ton of buzzards, hawks, and the like.

Hadrian considers the Malvici contingent, then Estaban, and finally the collective whole. He finally offers a reserved smile and a faint dip of his chin, first toward Artorius, "Looo-ount Artorius. You should have been made a Marquis, minimum," he remarks as if ticking off points as his gaze begins to dance across the gathering, "Lord Estaban, have you found love yet? I know that was one of your greater endeavors prior to my departure. It's good to see you, still." Eirene receives a glance, a dip of his chin, and a bright grin, "Aunt Eirene." Then he's onward to consider Caelis, "And Lady Caelis. How's my favorite soldier-who-follows orders?"

Teela wanders to the refreshments and gets something as well. Then she wanders over to Valerio, "And we run into each other again my Lord." she politely greets him as she gives a grin and soft titter to Hadrian addressing the others. She sips her drink holding it with both hands while she looks at those address. Then she looks at Valerio again to see if he responds.

Estaban grins when h is sisters arms fling around him and he hugs her picking her up even, "I am sorry sister, it has been very busy since I was made Admiral and speaker of the house." he chuckles looking to Harald, "I have other things I worry about these days Marquis." he watches Hadrian for a long moment then looks back to his sister. "How are you doing?"

Artorius smiles to Hadrian a small moment "I considered asking if I could be a Marquis...but I decided it would be like asking too much." he shrugs a little bit. "It is of no consequence. I am happy with my blessing." he smiles to him. "Sounds like you're doing well." he teases.

Arcelia nods her head in understanding of Hadrian's words and smiles. "Yes, and today especially! I have an announcement I am going to make here in a minnute." She looks down into his hand when he presents the beautiful hair piece. "Oh Hadrian, that is stunning!" She takes the delicate looking object into her hand and looks it over. "Thank you Hadrian. I love it" She slowly slips it into her hair right then and makes her way over to the stage, proud to wear the gift.

Arcelia's voice carries, well practiced projection making sure everyone can hear her well. "So first, my husband and I have an announcement we would like to make. Something we are both very happy about." Turo makes his way over to stand next to his wife on the stage but is quite, letting her do the talking. "We have confirmation that we have a little one in the making. Navegant's Heir should be here in October." She looks thrilled about this news and she looks to Eirene with a hopeful look.


    "As am I, My Lady. I was raised by the Disciples of Jayus in Setarco. I have lived my life for as long as I can remember in music." Cesare says, before he takes a step away. "However, I am sure you have many guests to greet. Again, a most joyous birthday to you. And a most joyous congratulations on your wonderful news." He steps away then, to enjoy a few refreshments.

It was fashionable to be late in the great city of Arx, wasn't it? At least, that seems to have been what Dianna was told, as she was rather decidedly at least one of the two. Encased in a sheath of burgundy velvet, she moved softly, quietely, into the assembled crowd of unfamiliar faces. Her lips pursed, having caught the last strains of the announcement as it spread across the assembly.

Eirene lifts her glass in toast. "Still not going to birth it," she calls out cheerfully. Head of black and white hair shaking. Nope. She offers a grin and a shrug of condolence. "But congrats, you two. Glad you're doing well." She's about to add more when her attendant approaches and whispers something. "Bye kids," she says to her nieces and nephews. "Have a good time. Don't do anything I wouldn't, which gives you a lot of leeway."

"Hello, Ah, Lady Blackram, yes?" Valerio had to turn to observe Hadrian interacting with family. However that attention returns to Teela. "How are you faring in this gigantic city?" Another messenger and he is scribbling and sends a reply. "I'm still not used to the strangeness of it all here yet, myself." At the announcement, Valerio hastily grabs a glass of wine to salute the expecting mother. "Congratulations! Kids really are a blessing." More quietly he comments. "Something you have to repeat to yourself around age 2... and then when they are nearly full grown so you don't whallop them."

Teela lives her glass with the toast, "To the baby!" she smiles and then she looks back to Valerio, "For a big city it feels small." she admits and then says, "I am settling in well. I am starting to get a city routine and I did not think that would happen. I need to get out and go camping for a few days soon." she sips from her drink and then continues, "There are so many pregnant women it seems."

"If you ever need a babysitter?" Hadrian begins with a glance back toward Arcelia before he inclines his chin and his usual smile persists, "I can assure you that I'd be willing to look after your spawn and...!", he adds a touch excitably as though the next portion were truly the icing on the cake, "...I won't even bring him or her home with a matching tattoo." There's a long pause before Hadrian's chin dips and he mutters quietly, "...probably..."

Then Hadrian's attention drifts back to Artorius and a nod is offered to the Count before the Marquis replies in turn, "Always expect the best for yourself, cousin. Though being happy with what you have? Not a bad philosophy at all." Hadrian's attention drifts back to Estaban then, his fingers snap, and he points in the direction of the Saik lord, "It has been an eventful and busy last few months, to say the least. Thank you for asking." Eirene's departure is met by a raised hand and wiggling fingers in farewell, "Bye bye now, auntie Eirene!", he beams after her.

Then, only after she's either acknowledged the farewell or been on her way, Hadrian's harlequin green gaze drops to the world again and he begins to step off toward other smiling-prone party - Teela.

Eirene just raises a hand in farewell as she walks off, moving with a renewed purpose.

Carissa, a Malvici bodyguard, Sir Benedict Talonscourge, a golden eagle leave, following Eirene.

Arcelia laughs at Eirene's declaration and nods her head to Valerio and his congratulations. "I am looking forward to motherhood. I'm terrified but I'm excited about it!" She smiles at Hadrian and laughs warmly. "I will remember that, Marquis. Thank you." She offers a warm smile to her guests and continues. "The next announcement I have is that a Pilgrimage Path is being built from one end of the Mourning Isles to the other. This is an attempt to help keep The Gyre and the Darkness he serves from devouring our lands and lives. This idea came to a couple of the God Touched, myself among, in vision form. It will help push back against the darkness." She pauses. "Unfortunately, much of the Compacts resources are being devoted to fighting the enemies that surround us at the moment. The project is expensive, needing about 250 writs or 125,000 silver per structure. As such, I am asking for donations of writs tonight in hopes that it will strengthen us against our enemies."

"Hadrian is willing, but that does not mean he is able," Cambria says from where she'd wandered to peer at an array of various drinks, her nose crinkled. "...Spawn," she mutters with a shake of her head. Then, even more lowly, "Is that what you call baby turtles?"

When Hadrian approaches she smiles to him and inclines his head, "Good evening." another sip from her drink double fisted in her hands and she says, "You may not recall but I saw you talking with the King at the wine event hosted by the Igniseri. We did not get to talk then."

Cesare checked charm + performance at difficulty 45, rolling 7 higher.

Once her announcement is made Arcelia bows her head to them all. "Any little amount will be of great help. Even one writ moves us closer to the goal of 3,500. Thank you all for coming tonight. My home is your home tonight and I am glad to have you as part of my Arx family. There is hot steak, sweets, and drinks available and on request a servant will bring you a plate. Please enjoy... I am going to enjoy by... running off and playing with the kids before I get too fat to do so!" And like a large child, the Countess goes to play with the kids in the tree houses above!

"I do recall!", Hadrian remarks with a bright grin and cheerfully optimistic tone as he draws in nearer to Teela. He gestures to the southwest, as if to indicate the Ward of the Lyceum itself before he continues, "As I recall it, you were planning to carry the drunken man off to sleep away his stupor. Yes? Yes." Hadrian nods along with his own words, as though to confirm them. He offers a bright smile back to Teela before he continues, "I see and hear many things. Even when I'm not present! It's a blessing and a curse, more often than not." He explains with a slow, sympathetic nod of his head in regard to his own plight. Though it's likely a joke, judging by the half-smile that decorates his feature.

His fingers snap and he points off to the side without looking in the direction that he points. To Cambria it would seem, judging by the fact that he points off in her direction, "I heard that... but no, I don't know what they're called. Spawn seems applicable. Turtlettes? I don't know..."


    Cesare eventually steps back and away. He'll wait a moment, listening to the crowd- waiting for Arcelia to finish her speech before he'd begin to sing. A song he seems to make up as he goes along, a totally improvised masterpiece that speaks of birthdays, and happy nights. A song friendly for all the children and turtles present, happy and sing-song and light.

    But, extremely beautiful. There is a reason that Cesare is often known as the man with the perfect voice.


"Yes! But he took a carriage home and I did not have to carry him. I think his name was Logan?" Teela says studying Hardian with a polite regard, "Are you often not here when you are here? Or do you find that you must go out to find yourself?"

Estaban noods to people and finds himself slipping back into the house for some reason or another..(Sorry guys I need to slip out for a bit)

1 Saik Guard, Gunther, a Rottweiler leave, following Estaban.

"Small, eh? Well. It's no Walled City. But it has its benefits here and there."His head keeps canting to the left slightly, especially as he looks about the courtyard. "Ah, if its one thing Hadrian can do? It is talk." The one eye observes the snap and poin, but he keeps his mouth shut for the moment. He takes the time to ensure he drops off his donation before he forgets and mutters something to his Niece.

With her fingers curling in the fabric of her dress, Dianna hefted its hem and began to wind her way through the courtyard, searching out familiar faces -- of which there were very few, both here in the Navegant manor and in the city as a whole. Her lips turned down into a faint frown at the realization, before she caught sight of what she thought might be Cambria's profile and moved in the Marquessa's direction -- she hoped.

Ezekiel the German Shepherd leaves, following Artorius.

"You were meant to hear it," Cambria says over her shoulder to Hadrian. She goes back to perusing the fair upon the picnic tables. When she notices Dianna come up beside her, she opines, "No proper wine. I am surely a terrible guest," though one would easily note the dryness of her tone. She glances aside to her cousin. "Your dress is very nice, this evening."

"You win. This time," Hadrian speaks back to Cambria from afar. His arm drops back to his side and his attention returns swiftly to Teela. He watches her like a...hawk. Patiently, but focused on her while he looms large and his head tilts this way and that, with bright green eyes that dance from one point of interest to another.

Then Hadrian spots Dianna. And he smiles. A bright and broad smile. Then, again, turns his focus back to Teela.