Arcelia checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 35 higher.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Aiden before departing.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Aiden before departing.

The Countess, Arcelia Navegant, is seated up on the stage. She has a violin in her hand and is playing a rather haunting violin duet that is accompanied by a pianist. Her long hair is down and loose around her shoulders, which are covered by a white lacy fabric in the patterns of leaves that allows the eyes to see through to flesh beneath. Just below the bust level black lace begins to mingle with the white fabric and at her hip level takes over entirely, dropping down to the ground in a shimmering black wave. The fire pit before the stage is lit and the mushroom chairs around it are available for people to take a seat on.

Aiden checked dexterity + performance at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

Eirene has only one outfit. Or appears to. There are rumors she's worn silk gowns before and a lucky few have seen that sight. Or regret said sight. The leather-clad Voice of Malvici makes her way in with a scowl and a start on the night's drinking. Hearing pretty music, she pauses and keens her head, stopping to watch.

Lethe arrives wearing a simple dress and her hair up. She seems very intrigued by the music as she stops a moment to listen.

The pianist, was none nother than the tall frame of a young man with mocha skin and silver eyes, letting his fingers cross the ivory keys with a little flourish to counter and then work with the violin, creating together, a haunting melody with various transitions that spark interest. Aiden keeps his gaze lifted toward Arcelia from time to time, to watch her but as every musician must guess, he's keeping time with her, so that his additional sounds work in unison to the overall piece.

As people begin to arrive Arcelia offers a smile to let them know they are seen. She keeps playing however and when the song comes to a close she sets her violin aside and looks to Aiden. "Thank you, Your Highness." She inclines her head to him and steps off the small stage to come and say hello to Eirene and Lethe. "Welcome back Eirene." She offers Lethe a smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you, I am Countess Arcelia. Please, both of you make yourselves comfortable. There are refreshments if either of you would like a drink. Eirene, can I get you some wine, rum, whiskey, scotch, gin, tequila, or something else this evening?"

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

Arcelia history

Lethe smiles as Arcelia speaks to her. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Lady Lethe Tyde." She notices Aiden and Eirene and smiles to them as well. "There are refreshments?" She looks around. "Some wine does sound good."

Aiden played a strong accompanyment though his part was in addition and to back the violin in chorus, together, the piece was exceptionally haunting and sad. There is a part of the piece that he plays a little solo, prior to the finale of the violin. It's a soft outtro and once Arcelia puts down the violin, his hands settle back from the keys, "It was my pleasure, Countess." He slips from the piano bench, rising up from it to greet those who are coming in, catching names, "Hello there, Eirene." His gaze runs to Lethe, and includes both when he offers, "I'm Prince Aiden Grayson. May I get you a drink as well?"

"Lady Tyde," he includes.

Estaban comes walking out into the court yard, his hands at his side except for one that rests on his sword, his guard is slightly behind him and his dog at his side. His blue eyes look around seeing who is present.

Eirene says, "Well, isn't that fancy. Prince Piano. M'lady Tyde." She gives Aiden a grin and nods, already scented of her choice of "Rum, please. So what's the deal, Celi? You're getting visions?" She sounds very skeptical but there's free beer and a little decent if sad music. Estaban is given a raised hand in hello. "Admiral, heya."

Arcelia inclines her head in Lethe and Eirene and beckons over one of the house thralls. She is very polite to the thrall, like she is talking to a dear friend that happens to be helping her out rather than someone who's life she has control over. "Rum for Lady Eirene, Wine for Lady Lethe, chamomile tea for myself, and..." She looks to Aiden and then spots Estaban. "What would the Lord Admiral and Prince like for a drink?" While she speaks her hand sits gently on the elbow of the thrall. Her blue eyes turn back to Eirene then. "Yes, more visions. The Gods have requested assistance but it is something that I cannot do on my own." She motions around to the candle lit sketches. "They are people we have lost in the recent fights, people I met and watched die at the hands of our enemies. Enemies that the God's need help stopping." She motions to the mushroom chairs that sit around the fire.. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. It is a beautiful night, let's enjoy it while I tell you all more?"

Lethe nods once to Aiden. "It's nice meeting you. I really enjoyed the music." She looks to Eirene and Arcelia as she talks about her visions. As she motions to the chairs she goes to find a seat.

Estaban smiles, "Aunt Eirene, Sister." he smiles ahh and there is a Aiden, "Prince Grayson." he bows his head to him, "I will take Whiskey please sister." he moves in further to find a seat.

Aiden tilts his head and quirks his lips into a mirthful grin at Eirene, while his attention swings to Lethe, waiting for her drink order as well so that he might assist Arcelia in serving them. Sterling silver eyes mark Estaban coming in, "Hey Est," his eyes on the thralls that come to serve instead and he shrugs his shoulders to Arcelia, "I'll have rum as well, thank you." For the matter of visions, he looks carefully toward Arcelia, brow lifting and then makes his way toward one of the chairs, smirking at Estaban's order. "I shall be very curious about your visions, thank you for sharing them-" he notes as he settles down, nodding to Lethe, "I enjoy playing the piano. I don't often get the opportunity to."

Arcelia has joined the Mushroom Chairs.

Aiden has joined the Mushroom Chairs.

Lethe has joined the Mushroom Chairs.

Estaban has joined the Mushroom Chairs.

Eirene has joined the Mushroom Chairs.

Eirene has her booze and a seat, subsequently. She looses her sword-belt and adjusts it to sit comfortably in the chairs. "So the dead. They're not getting to the Queen of Ends and shit, or something else?" She turns her Malvici blue eyes over to the sketches as she frowns to herself.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Estaban before departing.

Estaban gets handed a message and he opens it and grins looking it over then folds it up and replies sending the messanger away. His attention then turns to his sister as he sits next to Aiden.

The Prince turns to consider the Admiral for the messenger that he takes, his chin lifting up with a brow arched in a questioning gaze given over to his friend, "Anything important?" He asks in an amiable tone, while waiting for Arcelia to go further into depth about her visions. He pops one of his knees up onto the other, with a tugging of his trousers upward to allow himself to do as much.

Lethe takes her wine that the friend brings her. She turns her attention to Aiden. "You do play very well. I'm glad I got to hear it." As Eirene speaks she seems concerned. "Has that happened? That would be terrible." She takes a sip of her wine.

Arcelia nods to the Thrall who leaves and comes back with the drinks requested. She politely thanks the man and he goes back to standing by in case he is needed again. Arcelia returns her attention to her guests, eyes on Eirene at her question. "I am not aware of them not making their way to the Queen of Endings but it felt right to honor their losses by making their faces known."

The Countess pauses and gets right down to business. "Lady Titania Kennex and I both had a vision given to us by the Gods. Lady Eirene, you already know about this one, you donated some silver to the cause during my birthday a couple weeks ago." She pauses, presses her hair back over her shoulder, and continues. "The Gods have requested a Pilgrimage Path be built throughout the Mourning Isles. I saw many different places from the northern most parts and down to the southern. A representation for each of the 13 Gods and Goddesses. A Hospital for Lagoma, a University for Vellichor, and other such places have been permitted to be built by all but Darkwater as I cannot seem to get ahold of the Countess."

Just then two boys that are both fairly young... perhaps one at age two or three and the other at four or five runs up to Arcelia and start talking all at once to her. Something about one boy taking a toy from the others. She blinks a couple times at the two boys and in a firm tone she tells them to both stop talking and so they do. She tells them to say hello to the guests and they do. She turns and introduces the pair. She looks to the boys and then to the thrall. She has the thrall take the boys to get some dinner. "These are my nephews, my adopted children, forgive the intrusion."

Eirene looks relieved that it's -not- as bad as she feared and takes a nice long drink of her rum. "Dodged that arrow," she mutters to herself, glancing sideeye at the boys.

Aiden considers Lethe with a quiet appreciation, "Thank you. I'm glad that the Countess allowed me to play along with her, she is wonderful, wasn't she?" His gray eyes turning to retrieve the rum offered by the thrall, a curious look extended, then settled upon Arcelia. "Why just in the Mourning Isles?" He questions. He sips at the rum, before he looks thoughtful, "Shouldn't perhaps these buildings be raised all across the Arvum? And what does the Faith think about this?"

Estaban shakes his head, "A friend was letting me know she was back in Arx and was wishing to take up her Archery lessons." he smiles and then looks to Arcelia and blinks tilting his head to the side."I know many houses have done so already, U know rescently the Lord Commander did some as well."

Lethe nods and smiles as she looks to Arcelia. "Of course she was." She relaxes more as she listens to what the vision actually is. "I like that." She listens to Aiden's questions and looks to see what Arcelia says.

Arcelia laughs at Eirene's statement and lets her eyes look after the boys as they go. "They are not that bad. They just have so much energy and with my own baby on the way I often feel like I can't keep up with them." She takes a sip of her tea and looks between Aiden, Estaban., and Lethe. "Thank you, I enjoy playing." She pauses briefly and presses forward. "The Faith is aware of the project and supports it. Likewise, the King is aware and supports it. Legate Orazio and Sereph Ailith are involved but the truth is... the project is very large. Very expensive, running at about 3800 writs worth of silver. I presently have about 1400 of that goal." She smiles then. "I cannot explain why the Gods had the Pilgrimage Path throughout the Mourning Isles and not elsewhere but I did include Crovane and Arx in the project since they are so close. My guess, however, is that it has to do with pushing back against Leviathan and The Gyre who are both thought to be in The Darkwater Deeps."

Ever the skeptic, Eirene asks, "How do we know this is a vision from the Gods, and not their Reflections? How do we know this isn't a trap to waste resources and manpower on something they can corrupt?" She arches her greying eyebrows as she takes a long drink.

Estaban has left the Mushroom Chairs.

1 Saik Guard have been dismissed.

Gunther, a Rottweiler have been dismissed.

Aiden sideglances to Estaban, "Is she pretty?" He says with a complete and utter immaturity that still marks him in the cusp of youth, grinning impishly with a quick wink spared to the man before he rights his attention forward, or tries to. The grin stays sort of etched as his mind is diverted, for a time, with a nod granted to the Lord Commander's part to play in the shrines. Lethe gets a swift look but his gaze travels back to Arcelia, expressions turning polite once he's back on board with the topic. Or the baby thing scared the smile off his face. One or the other, he chooses to comment laconically, "That is grandiose. Have you approached the Golden Hart on the matter? They may have writs to spare or be willing to sponsor an event. The Menagerie is also at your disposal to raise funds." He turns to Eirene, hmming thoughtfully, "That is a valid point, though, at the same time, we're fighting against the Eater, so in establishing these places of Faith, where pilgrims can go, more people have the ability to learn. I like the idea, regardless."

Arcelia nods her head to Eirene. "That is a good question but then... how do we know that any of the visions people have been having are or are not from the Gods?" She takes another sip of her chamomile tea. "We do, however, know that building and repairing shrines has been an effective way to bolster worship to the Gods and assuming that this act empowers the Gods... why would the Dark Reflections seek to have their enemies empowered?" She smiles to Eirene. "The answer though is quite a bit more simple then that; faith. I have faith."

Bright blue eyes shift to Aiden and he is given a smile by the Countess. "I have tentatively arranged to speak with the Princess but I have not yet had the opportunity to speak with her in private. She has said she might be willing to aid me in raising awareness, however." Her smile brightens. "I would be very thankful if you would aid in raising the writs, Your Highness. It is why both I called to have people come today and also why I called people to come on my birthday. I need assistance, I cannot raise the funds for this with just Lady Titania and I. Not in time."

Lethe drinks her wine and continues to listen to everyone. "I'm not sure that I have any big ideas, but I'm willing to help however I'm able to."

Eirene gives a casual shrug at the issue of faith. The doctor takes another drink and motions to a servant/thrall for another, nodding in appreciation of it. "I'll help if I can, but my numbers lie in people not economics. I'd be happy to help however I can, Celi."

Ashe, the studious Stormward paralegal, 2 Kennex corsairs arrive, following Octavia.

Aiden meets Arcelia's gaze with a nod of his chin, "The organization is fairly large and certainly she might have the connections if not the ability to assist." Aiden taps his fingers against the glass in his hand, "I could see what I can do. The Rare Plushies... could get some interest. I could even have a new one made, in time for it." He considers, "You're almost half way there though, so it shouldn't be a terrible effort to succeed." He hms thoughtfully, "I'll come up with some ideas."

Ashe, the studious Stormward paralegal, 2 Kennex corsairs leave, following Octavia.

Eirene arches her eyebrows at Plushies, giving Aiden a look. "You're, what, an eight year old," she asks incredulously. "I never get the concept of people and stuffed toys."

Aiden glances aside to Eirene, smirking quietly, "The menagerie sells them, among other products, to keep the Menagerie's upkeep costs managed. If people like them, then let them like them. I imagine some are buying for their children." He lifts his shoulders, "People like what they like, or they don't. Hardly my place to define that for them, now is it?"

Estaban oh look Eirene does not like plushies he looks away from her and smirks whistling slightly looking to his sister sipping his drink.

Lethe looks with amusement as they talk about the plushies. "I've never had much use for them, but I suppose I can see the appeal, and if they help it's a good thing."

To both Lethe and Eirene, Arcelia smiles brightly. "People. That is just it." She settles her tea cup on its saucer and they clink together as the cup settles. "Talking to people, getting other people to assist in raising the writs... that is what I need people to help me do." She nods her head to Aiden. "People love plushies. I am sure that would go very well and I could use your understanding of how to raise money... I'm terrible at it." She laughs softly and then a bit more comes at Eirene's talk of plushies. "I made Turo a Sea Turtle plushie as a decoration for the bedroom when I helped decorate it. He loves it."

Snorting in amusement, Eirene almost does a spit take into her drink. "Bwahaha. Oh wait, not surprising. He bought me a little corgie dog," she says with a bark of a laugh. "So talk then, sure. And I can always help lecture if you need someone for educators."

"I'm pleased to note you are aware of my prowess, Countess, but, there are many people looking for easy means to writs and more causes than we can add up on two hands. I think, it will require some... incentive in return," Aiden decides to offer, once he's sure that Eirene was no longer interested in calling him an eight year old. Lethe's commentary above and beyond has him murmur, "The plushie wouldn't be the main attraction, merely, a bonus of course." He flicks his gaze back to Arcelia, "As I was saying, an incentive is needed. Prizes. Not... cheap ones, ones of merit and worth, of value. I envision a tournament, with thirteen winners. You might have to sacrifice a lot into the event, but if we charge fees for entry and then have other incentives to donate along the way, you'll make back twice as much."

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Aiden before departing.

Eirene suggests, "Why not 13 different challenges then? Like for Lagoma you give one object and see how an artist might change it into another. Or writing essays for Vellechor? Brewing for Mangata or maybe a swimming contest," she piggybacks off Aiden, nodding at an idea better than plush animals.

Lethe nods in agreement. "I'm willing to talk to people and tell them about it." She looks to Aiden. "So the prizes would be what? It would have to be something good like you said." She smiles as she hears Eirene. "I do think I like that idea a little more."

Aiden seems flexible and willing to brainstorm with other people, the piggybacking earning some approval from him with a nod, "That'd give an opportunity for a larger swathe of people to be able to participate. Make it a true... Pilgrimage."

Estaban Looks to Arcelia, "Celia, how do you wish me to help?" he watches his sister and listes to the others speak, he has no talents really.

"It could very well be that the man loves me." Arcelia points out to Eirene. "Maybe he hates it and just says he loves it to make me smile. People do that sort of time." Then to Aiden and Lethe she turns her eyes and is silent for a moment, eyes shifting to Eirene as well. "Hmmm, I personally have donated all of my writs to the cause already so I have nothing but my time to put into the effort until I get some additional return..." She considers for a moment. "Bottles of wine and plushies won't do for such an event... For my beach party we did jewlery... perhaps that would work? I don't have much silver myself, about 15,000, but I could use it to help." Only a noble woman would say that wasn't a lot of silver but for what Aiden was talking about... it really wasn't.

Aiden considers Lethe, hmming softly, as he turns back with a suggestion, "Have you asked your High Lord?" Aiden says pointedly, "He might be able to supply some funding from the coffers of the fealty, or perhaps, would donate the remaining amount of writs for your need? Though I'm quite aware of the significant losses that Thrax has suffered... and not at all aware of where their finances stand." He considers then offers, "Or you could go directly to the Minister of Coin, suggest that you are intending to host events to raise the morale of the city." He folds his hands, "And there is of course, asking for prizes to be donated, if you present a solid plan of why you need them." He sips from the rum, looks over to Estaban, then nudges him, "She needs you to help us to plan out a convincing way to get people to donate. There's five of us here right now?" He hms, "That's two or three events each, for thirteen."

Estaban grins at Aiden watching him as he nudges her and looks to Arcelia, "I could speak with his Majesty perhaps see if he can help us, how much more do you need sister?" he rests his hands in his lap holding his drink he seems to be a little lost in thought.

Eirene says, "Southport will happily sponsor the tourney for Gloria." She happily volunteers her family's money, but that's what being a Voice can do for you. "Whatever that might cost, really. Since we're the City of Swords."

Aiden glances toward Eirene, "I thought the tourney of Gloria would be the most... attractive one to host..." His brow raises, "Why don't you make a sword for the prize? And mount it high above a structure that they'll have to fight eachother to get to... Rather than just another normal swing at eachother until it nearly kills them... but something that includes the use of thought and strategy as well."

Lethe seems to consider. "I'm not sure I know anything about planning a tournament, but I wonder what would be good for the Queen of Endings."

Eirene keens her head at Lethe, "Maybe write obituaries for the dead?"

Aiden offers, "Spider races."

Arcelia does some quick math. "About 2,500 more writs, Estaban." She smiles at Eirene and nods her head. "Lovely, and a sword for it would be nice. Theme of the event." She doesn't seem to know what to do for the Queen of Endings but hey! Ideas are being thrown out there!

Lethe nods to Aiden with a grin. "I thought about that. People could bet on which spider would win."

Aiden grins, "Call the tournament Pilgrim's Progress... or something," he offers as a side note to Eirene, "I'm not just a pretty face, am I?" He grins to show he's in a good mood, looking over to Lethe, "Right. If they'd cooperate. Who knows if they would, or if that would be an offense. We should get the Faith to give us a nod on these events, too." He grins to Lethe, "I do like the idea of it. Maybe the artists can paint them, if they'd hold still long enough."

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

Aiden adds, "And Gloria's part of it can be called, the Mountain Climb. The theme would be... elements of a pilgrimmage and such, so that people know it's to support the real thing."

Eirene sends her guard off to tell Calypso they're paying for this. Mirari's name is also mentioned.

Lethe drinks some more wine. "I do agree with that. They should be spoken too. They would know better than anyone if something is appropriate or not."

Aiden does cross his arms loosely in his lap, "As Officiator of the Menagerie, I could certainly see an event in Petrichor's name hosted there. I've been meaning to do something like that for a while now and this would tie in nicely. Either something with falconry, riding, or an agility course for canines."

Eirene says, "What about riding at rings?" She motions idly while she drinks her refilled rum. "Not so much a joust as a horseback contest, which anyone can really enter as opposed to trained knights."

Aiden nods ot Eirene, "It'd be good to keep these events simple, since there will be so many. Riding would be easy enough and most people know how to. Not everyone knows how the ins and outs of falconry or canine training..." He nods, "And I can see about putting forth a horse for that event, as a prize."

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

Estaban comes back in to sit down a grin from ear to ear, "House Saik will donate a chunk to this progect Arcelia." he moves to take his seat back up again and his drink sipping it.

Eirene says, "So this is... well. A nice start. And all the proceeds will go towards this Pilgrim's Trail, eh?"

Aiden checked dexterity + all at difficulty 9, rolling 4 higher.

Aiden drops Pilgrim's Progress - A Tournament of Faith.

Lethe looks around. "I'll try to think of some ideas, but I should be going. I've liked what we've talked about."

Aiden is already writing a bunch of stuff down in his notebook... and his gaze lifts up when Lethe moves to leave, "Great. I hope you can contribute, even if you yourself, end up participating in the events! It was nice to meet you, Lady Tyde." He stands up and rises from the couch, nodding his head politely toward her.

Eirene lifts her glass towards Lethe. "Nice to meet you," she says casually, brainstorming more.

Lethe smiles before she goes. "It was nice to meet all of you."

Lethe has left the Mushroom Chairs.

Ryder the falcon arrives, delivering a message to Eirene before departing.

Ryder the falcon arrives, delivering a message to Eirene before departing.

Ryder the falcon arrives, delivering a message to Estaban before departing.

Ryder the falcon arrives, delivering a message to Eirene before departing.

Aiden finishes off his notes, "Arcelia, meet with me in a few days time. I've ideas ready to go." And with that he looks around, "Unfortunately I do need to get on with my day. It was a pleasure to speak with you all. Good day." And he's striding out.

Eirene has left the Mushroom Chairs.

Aiden has left the Mushroom Chairs.

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