Lucita comes onto the beaches, a cloak fluttering in an offshore breeze, sometimes lifting like wings behind her, sometimes twisting around her. She calls out. "I expect more will be coming soon. There was a crowd at the art viewing but think they will likely be drifting this way."

    Merek, since he arrived with the stuff, is here already. He has on a black robe of leather lined with umbra and seems to have his hood up, just watching the people that come about and go. He settles in someplace to observe.

The beach filters in with people from all walks of Arx's citizenry. They filter down the beach, mingle with one another and take their places before the small little shrines that have been placed and scattered. Some of the statuary is small, like you might find on some personal alter in a home. Other is large statuary, as if someone carefully brought it out and laid it there temporarily. Candles, oil lamps, the beach if were to be seen from afar is lit up and glittering in the dusk. Already boats bob and crest with the ebb and make their way out to the sea like little pricks of light against the black of the water.

Alarissa moves quietly along the beach with dark blue eyes flicking here and there to ensure that anything anyone could desire is wanted, stopping from altar to shrine and back again to dip her head and pray.

Lucita checked charm + performance at difficulty 30, rolling 9 higher.

Lucita has held back a little, the natural, prudent caution one would take when approaching a less familiar area with strangers. She walks a little at an angle, squinting as the breeze mischievously blows the tail of her veil across her eyes and she tries to see who is there under the hood. A little smile comes to her lips as she finally recognizes Merek, still just an acquaintence, but at least she has seen him before. She moves over to the shrine for Jayus and on her rebec, begins to play a haunting, eloquent song, evocative of bravery, lost, hope, and trials overcome with grace. The notes are played on an instrument variation that has no frets so that a single drawing of the bow, in a skilled musician's hands can produce a note that rises and falls in a unique sound. Once done she shakes her head. "Damp sea air, affects the strings. The notes could have been clearer."

Merek looks to Lucita and inclines his head, before he moves to the waters and looks at the shrines. He settles at his own place away from anyone else while hye seems to just watch the water for now.

"Nonsense." This comes from Alarissa as she comes to a stop and listens to the melody being played. It's not the first person who has done it around that particular statue and the ground around it populated iwth sketches, little things of personal creation and will still have those who stop and play. "It was lovely. Would that I could hear it over and over. I am sure that Jayus did as well, though I cannot promise. For I am not Jayus." The smile on Alarissa's face is small, corners of her lips turned up. "Of your own creation?" But she spots Merek and dips her head to him in respect.

Lucita nods once. "yes. I've heard so many tales, it just all seemed to come together and want to be expressed. So I tried to create the music. It did not sound right on dulcimer or lute, the notes too short when strings are plucked or tapped, but the rebec can make such sweet sustained and varying sounds, it was just right for that song. I didn't hit any sour notes, just the sea air has an effect on the gut strings.

    Racing down the beach toward the vigil, braids coming unpinned and her cheeks are hectic red from the wind. "Cos," Denica greets Alarissa, panting. It takes her a minute to catch her breath, and once she's calmed her breathing to a degree, she offers a dip to Lucita and Merek. Only then does she drop herself to sit in the sand for a while, lost in the contemplation of the sculptures - and the gods the represent.

Lucita murmurs. "I'm Lady Lucita Igniseri." She introduces herself.

"Princess Denica." The Thrax Princess is greeted with all those braids, watching her take her seat before Alarissa looks back to Lucita. "I shall have to take your word for such, I cannot claim any knowedge of this musical. Lady Lucita Igniseri." She dips her head. "Princess Alarissa Thrax. This is the Princess Denica Thrax. Thank you regardless, you could have sung and I am sure it would be appreciated." She looks to Merek, the umber robes. Deciding if she'll interrupt his quiet moments. "Out there, they are. Fighting, treatying, defending. It's hard to be here is it not Master Merek?"

    Merek looks up after a moment, and then tilts his head a bit, gaze upon Alarissa with its golden dream-like but haunted tone, "The fight is everywhere, be it here or out there. I've debated sailing out to assist when I've finished with a few things here in Arx," he mentions idly.

    "Yes. Denica, it's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Lucita." There's a sort of nod-bow that the flustered little princess offers the Igniseri noble. She wets her lips, opens her mouth to speak, and closes it again. Sitting quietly while she looks over to listen to Merek speak. This isn't a time for too many words, not right now. It's time to think. She traces a finger in the sand, drawing a pattern. "Princess of the Maelstrom, the paintings are to be hung for a month. Then, perhaps, to be auctioned. I can ask if that painting that you appreciated might be given if I were to make a donation. I will save up my writs and will write a letter to ask..." A breath.

Lucita turns so when a curtsy is given, both princesses are included in the gesture of respect. "sometimes when I sing songs that remind of loved ones at risk, I get a little .. choked up when it reminds me of some of the family who were lost. Playing is best when I don't want to falter. Those of us who can't fight, can only try to offer prayers and what help we are able to provide." And she goes quiet, watching the waves, the shrines, and listening to the others.

Alarissa looks to Denica, smiling. "I was going to write after I was done. To make inquiry if I might purchase it. If thrax might purchase it. If it is permissible, we can do so together." Merek's words have not been forgotten. She's taking time to mull over her words. "They have, what they need. Something brews here. Offer your services to Prince Fiachra. He may perhaps have need of aid." But Lucita's words drift close. "Those who remain behind are needed. Their parts are just as necessary as those who take to the waters. Who take to the woods. They need homes to come to, they leave behind family. The world does not stop in their departure. So our duty is to be here. To be here when they return. To comfort those who will need it. To provide aid for those who need it. To give thanks to the gods, all of them." Alarissa offers up, letting her gaze drift further as people are making their way to the tables and the boats.

    Nodding with agreement, Denica offers Lucita a small smile, "Art is expressive. We're supposed to feel and rouse feelings. It's the way." Quietly, as she tucks her knees up beneath her chin, drawing herself into her cloak. "I like you, Lady Lucita. You're insightful." With a dainty little bob of her head to Alarissa, "Of course. We can do so together. I want to help you when you need it. You're family now."

Lucita bowing her head and murmuring 'thank you' to Denica. With a little smile she says. "We all have potential to become friends, and somehow, I expect in time to come, we are going to be needing friends.

1 Grayson Guardsmen, Severa, the Guard Shepherd arrive, following Aiden.

Near the small altar set for Jayus further down the beach from Mangata's shrine, is Denica, Lucita, Alarissa and Merek. Though not expressely standing beside one another, they are in conversation distance with Alarissa and Merek closer to the water. Boats bob with the tide going out, little pinpricks of oil globe laden boats making their way out into the bay. People filter, some staying near brazier to enjoy the warmth and talk, others pray before altars to all the gods spread out.

Lucita seems to be in the process of leaving, her rebec tucked in its carryall, one hand securing her cloak around her and a parting curtsy given. "Thank you for letting me participate in this." She says as she starts the trek back toward the city.

Prince Aiden Grayson is trailed by... animals. The visible one is the shepherd at his side, wandering down with him. The others are up above, one far far above and circling on the winds, the others twittering from tree to tree. The young man is wearing a cloak that hides much of what he wears underneath, the leather enclosed to keep the warmth in. His movements are reverant as he begins on the upper trails, pausing at the various altars that have been constructed, until he comes across the one to Petrichor. His silver eyes flicker across those down the path, settling on Merek and the altar they're near, before his gaze turns back to Petrichor. He digs something out of a backpack that he had slung over his shoulder, before he settles down before the altar and puts the items at the base of it.

    Merek notices Aiden and dips an incline to him, while he looks back to the waters, and seems to continue his quiet supplication for the time being.

    Looking up - up - up, and over, and down, and Denica smiles brightly at the appearance of the Prince with his shepard friend padding at his side.

Aiden gets Brown Bear Paperweight from a heart-shaped puzzle box crafted from exotic woods.

Aiden gets Silent Fox Paperweight from a heart-shaped puzzle box crafted from exotic woods.

Aiden gets Playful Otter Paperweight from a heart-shaped puzzle box crafted from exotic woods.

Aiden drops Playful Otter Paperweight.

Aiden drops Brown Bear Paperweight.

Aiden drops Silent Fox Paperweight.

Cousin by marriage, cousing by blood. Alarissa spots Aiden as he's making his way down with that motley crew of animals. She see's the smile from Denica and offering her arm for the second time that night, Alarissa starts off that way to leave Merek in his quiet contemplation. "Prince Aiden. I am not surprised to see you present."

    An offer which is accepted, as Denica rises to brush the sand off her gown before she hooks her arm into Alarissa's. And down the beach to greet Prince Aiden they good.

    Merek does add aside, "Of course."

Aiden carefully perches a series of little statues, really, paperweights, that he has collected throughtout his time in Arx. It is clear there is hesitation to abandon them and it takes some real effort on his part not to go complete -bird- and steal them back into his bag. He sets them so their eyes are held out to those who visit the altar. Once he has the fox, bear, and otter arranged, his gaze flicks over toward Alarissa and Denica, both of whom move to greet him. "Prince Alarissa... congratulations?" He says nervously, then smiles to Denica, "Hello." Merek is left to his repreive of prayer, as keeps his company polite with the two women, "No... I need guidance. I thought, spending the night under the stars... and surrounded by prayer, would help." He licks his lips, "And... well, there is much we should all pray for, isn't there?"

"Congratulations indeed. I'm going to strangle him when he makes his way back to me. You don't mention these things till a safe amount of time has passed." But Alarissa smiles and looks to the offerings at the shrine. She lets go of Denica's arm so she can lean over and embrace her cousin. "A great deal, that we could and should pray for. Not just the deeps. Turmoil, celebration, serenity and all other things run ramapant and rage. All walks of life. The Palace Seraph asked if I would do this before she made her way to help. It was the least that I could do and gives me something to focus on. There are blankets and braziers, light a globe, put it in a boat and send it off on the ebb tide. I aim to light the bay with prayers and hopes to all the gods, not just Mangata." But then she realizes and looks to Dencia. "Princess Denica Thrax, this is my cousin, Prince Aiden Grayson. He is the resonsible party for the revitalization of the Menagerie and ardent suporter of Petrichor"

    A wiggle of fingers given in a wave toward Aiden, "It's ever so nice to meet you again, your Highness, Prince Aiden." Denica dips slightly, mannered, although she wriggles in place a bit. There is sand in her slippers - and that's itchy. She smiles, "He's done so much for the city and the people. Most importantly, the animal friends. It's an honor."

Aiden looks a little awkward for the topic that he congratulated his cousin for, although when she includes that she wishes to strangle Victus, the Grayson Prince does have the nerve to pop in, "You knew what you were getting." A flicker of a grin, wry, "I think he might enjoy being uh... strangled, might call it fun. That's the impression I get." He can't help but tuck his hands together before him, one going up to touch a knuckle to his mouth to keep him from chuckling too hard. Then his arms spread to encourage the embrace, returning it. He listens with a nod and offers, "It's a needed gesture. Only recently have I become aware of how connected we are to everything, the gods included." Sterling silver eyes dance over to Dencia, introduced once more, "Likewise Princess Denica." The finger wiggle is clearly appreciated by a widening grin, only to turn modest, "It wasn't without help, I assure you." He looks between them, "I am... in a difficult spot. My ship is in the harbor, figuratively speaking, and I'm not sure when to sail or where to sail, but I know I must sail. I thought I could hear the winds speak if I came to pray for direction. And you two? Is there, something that encourages you this night, one way or another?" He peers between them to where Merek is but then lets his gaze revert politely.

Denica says, "... yes, too much." Denica nods, "Worry for cousin Victus, concern for my brother Dagon, the draw of the Isles, the pull of research int subjects that call me. Art." She breathes out, "Praying for guidance. Hoping. Assembling the pieces of both to create something new. Perhaps, maybe." She blinks hard, and tugs on one of her wild braids. "Excuse me, rambling. It's probably time to seek the comfort of home for the evening. Take care, Prince Aiden. To you, Princess Alarissa. We'll speak very soon." And she's off, quickly, to start toward the city gate."

"Life. The fragility of it. Of the compact. Of those I love and those who love me. I also know that while Mangata feel and fields a heavy burden of prayer, there are other gods that can aide." But Denica's taking her leave and Alarissa turns to press a kiss to the womans cheek. 'Send messengers that come, down here. I will stay as long as I can." But then back to Aiden, a glance to Merek and then the people that still filter, and leave. "You still dream of flying?"

Aiden looks woeful toward Denica's departure, though his eyes return to his cousin after murmuring a soft departing word to Denica. "It is... no longer a dream, not really," he turns his gaze to the altars, reflective. Then with a ruffle of cloak as he draws his head back to look upward at the sky, his smile wane, "Echoes of the past are footsteps in the present to clues of our future." His chin drops and he considers Alarissa, "There is much to do before us. I pray for all those who left for the waters and Maelstrom to return safely. We will need everyone to rally together, to have a future." He considers Alarissa at long last and murmurs something to her.

A hand comes up to press a hand to Aiden's upper arm at the murmur and she smiles, a murmur in return before offering her arm for him to take so she can guide him toward the tables with the boats.

Aiden does accept her arm and allows her to guide him toward the table with the boats, his face a quiet mix of reverence and thoughtfulness.

She stops at one of the tables, a servant offering up a boat with the lamp on it's back and she takes it in her hands with a thanks. She waits for Aiden to take one before moving to a torch set near the tables for the purpose of lighting the lamps on the backs of the boats. She stops for a moment, speaking a prayer under her breath before she lights the lamp.

Aiden takes one of the small boats too, following Alarissa's direction to light the lamp on it. He pays careful attention to mimic the ceremony as if not quite sure of his own footing to do so. Her quiet prayer is met with his gaze upward, "You've know me. You've always known who I was... but I need your guidance now, a hint of direction. Fill my sails with wind and help me soar, in your name..." He closes his eyes and then crouches so that he can releases the boat, lit now so that it flickered in amongst the rest. With an inhaled breath, he adds, "Thank you for allowing me to meet your Wolf."

Alarissa with the boat in one hand, lifts her dress and jacket, a fistfull of it so she can toe her slippers off. They're left in the cold sand and she moves forward. Water, icy cold, laps at ehr toes as she goes ankle deep in the water and lays the boat down. "Give clarity, where it is obscured. Protection where there is none. Truth where we deception clouds it. Harmony where there is discord." There is a nudge of it forward, toes digging into the sand as she watches her boat join Aiden's and the others as they start their little journey out. When it's out of reach, she turns to make her way back up onto the beach, dropping skirts when it's safe so she can gather her slippers and gestures toward the braziers.

Aiden doesn't even seem to realize he was in water until the boat is already cast off and the cold sinks into leather boots. With a downward look he tries to make sure the sand doesn't cling too badly to the leather as he follows along Alarissa. He moves toward the braziers and murmurs onward with Alarissa, before he sighs quietly, "Do you think the gods ever answer back?"

"Yes." It is so plainly stated, plainly spoke. "We don't see it sometimes I think. But they answer. When an answer is needed." She may be in conversation with him, but she still watches everything, everyone.

Aiden continues to look upward, his eyes closing as if wishing he could feel their answer now, but he merely has his cheeks beared to the cold of the evening proper, "There is great need from many. I feel selfish for beseeching them, the Gods..." He closes his eyes, then admits, "My father told me once, we get what we deserve. I think, that has stuck with me for a long... time. I am not sure what I deserve," he tilts his face toward her, "I have so much already. I was born a Prince, a Grayson... I have Silas... I have my birds.. I have family and a couple friends... I've been given a chance to influence in small ways..." He looks up at the sky, "Would it be selfish to beseech them now, to ask them how I can help, when so many need help?"

"No Aiden. We don't get what we deserve. If that were true, what did I do to have Vance killed in front of me?" Alarissa shakes her head. "No. I've had many conversations about it." She reaches over, running a hand along his shoulder blades in a way meant to be comforting. "I asked Lagomoa for a child. For a child that would be the bridge between the compact and the mourning isles. Strong enough to bear the burden, before he left." She looks up at teh sky with him. "I asked Mangata to return him to me hale. I besseched Sentinal to do the same. You can ask them, but if you get no answer, do not be disheartened. They still hear."

Aiden turns to look at her, blinking a little and his mouth thinning with a dissatisfied agreement, "It was just, a saying my father had." The comfort in the gesture is appreciated, as he's drawn into a pensive silence to listen to her words. "I hope so... maybe I haven't prayed as much as I should have... I hardly talked at all to anyone, before Arx... birds at the most, you know?" He inhales a breath and murmurs, "The problem is I'm not exactly sure what I'm asking for... Clarity, direction. Everyone seems to know what to do. I feel frozen in time." He looks back over to her and reaches his arm around her, "I do hope you get all that you beseeched them for. The bridge between. Hm. I like that."

"Then pray. A prayer doesn't -have- to have a reason, a specific thing to ask for. A prayer... " Alarissa breaths. "I often pray, just to let them know that I hear -them-. That I know they are there, that I respect them." Alarissa smiles a little. "it's okay to stand still Aiden. To take the time to be quiet, decide your path."

Aiden looks at the sky again, "I know where I should be, but how does one get their feet off the ground." He sighs quietly then smiles over to Alarissa, "Thank you for this. It's a nice gesture." He crosses his arms underneath his cloak and goes quiet.

"You jump really high Aiden." Alarissa whispers. "Come, I have been ordered to eat something. At one of the tables, I have had Wyrmguard chocolate brought out. You can help me ensure things run smoothly until I have to go to the estate to rest. You can watch over things for me till the morning."

Aiden cracks a grin to her whisper, "Have you seen me try the gauntlet? When it comes to jumping, the bar likes to catch me in the gut." For her come, he does move to the tables indicated, eyes brightening at the matter of chocolate. "Oo, you know, I've had more Wyrmguard chocolate in the last weke than I have in the last six months. I shall enjoy it," he plops down at the said table's chairs, and folds the cloak around him. "I can. It would be an honor actually. Thank you for asking me."

"Good. I need a good nights sleep." As she takes a seat beside him, looking out over the beach as far as it reaches sight. The lights that bob in the water, the torches further down and the people milling. "May it give the gods smiles, seeing this all."

"You can count on me. I have a lot of say to the Gods, for all the years I've been quiet..." He puts his hand out across to squeeze her hand, if she lets him, "They will. You put a lot of effort into it. Though, you should rest, because I have a feeling, you'll be far busier than I in the coming days."

"If only you knew Aiden." She murmurs before they turn attention to joining the others at the table and share some of the food that's there with others. The vigil doesn't end, going through the night, through the day. Prayers to all offered up and many voices making noisy the night.

Aiden is overheard praising Alarissa for: For hosting a vigil of faith

As the moring turns into afternoon, Aiden finally ends his vigil and shuffles back toward Arx, blurry eyed but peaceful.

1 Grayson Guardsmen, Severa, the Guard Shepherd leave, following Aiden.

Dash the Guard Corgi, 2 Iron Guardsmen arrive, following Silas.