Costas silently curses himself for arriving after the noble guests. He quickly ducks out of the main thoroughfare, finding a place at the edge of the courtyard to blend in with the rest of the house servants.

There are a handful of reasons why Princess Sophie may be here. Although the Thirteenth is typically invoked in the funerary rites of the Lyceum, it is to blessed Lagoma whom countless others pray for safe passage to the Shining Lands and Elysia. As a Valaradin, the sudden, unexpected death of a loved one is not unfamiliar, nor is the keenness of such a loss. And then there is friendship for the likes of Saedrus and, daresay, Orazio -- and, perhaps, to demonstrate that the condolences sent to Eos some time ago were not mere word. Nonetheless unfamiliar with the practices of the Saikland Greens, she merely offers a respectful nod to the aforementioned men, and politely smiles to the others assembled, before she takes a position suitable for someone here to pay their respects.

Victus is here. He wears his usual attire of drab grays and dark blues, sealskin coat over a tunic. There's a sword belted over the coat, plain and workmanlike. For once his somber and brooding features fit darn perfectly into the setting at hand. No inappropriate smiles from the Thraxian. He stands to relaxed attention, feet squared off and his hands folded behind his back. They're holding a bottle of quite the expensive booze. He doesn't pay attention to the other guests, or or mourners, or whatever one might call the group gathered before the memorial. Certainly he doesn't look like he has any personal attachment to the man here to be remembered; no tears in these eyes. He's there here, on the outskirts.

Appropriate to this moment in time, Saedrus is dressed in all black silks. It is a modest, simple design with full sleeves and tall collar up his throat; robe nor trousers don splits, and even his hands are covered by black leather gloves. Colour is not forsaken in his ensemble with ribbons of green and white can be seen dashing colour amongst shades, weaved into the intricate braid holding brunette hair back from his face. His steps are light on the gravel path, and faultless poise he walks along the edge of the gardens to end a few paces from the half circle of wooden benches eyes cast up to the marble image of Sadoletto. He doesn't sit though, and merely remains silent with hands folded at his front apparently in his own mind and yet to notice anyone else about him.

As a new Velenosa, Jaenelle is here in a more supportive role rather than one of first hand knowledge of the person the memorial is being held for. As she moves towards the fringe of the gathering crowd, Eos and Kime are given nods and a soft smile in greeting before she moves to stand beside Victus. There might be a slight bump of her hip against the casually standing wall of man, but she doesn't look at him, nor does she speak and interrupt his silence with words. Instead of gazing towards her cousin, she keeps her attention forward and her hands clasped before her.

Natalia arrives in black silks and there is no bright smiles and waves to people. She also doesn't order or bring tea with her. In fact, the Princess is rather subdue today. Her deep blue eyes scan the crowd and then she moves to watch the others. A few nods of her head and she moves towards... Victus. Yep that just happened. She moves and stands on his other side, because Victus' frown brings the girls around.

Orazio is wearing a shining white and gold longcoat, with his formal robes beneath. Under one arm is a large box. He nods a few times to those he knows, with a brief smile for Sophie, before moving up to the memorial. The Archlector shows few signs of outward grief, but perhaps the very businesslike fashion in which he sets up what turns out to be a portable altar, with an arrangement of four small, silver braziers - connected in the middle by a polished mirror - placed on top. The braziers are carefully filled with bits of wood from four different bags, and a tapering, wooden wand of some sort is set to one side. Once he's set those things up, he moves towards the Saiks, clear-eyed but solemn.

Eirene is a Malvici. Somberly dressed in elegant black and grey wool, she mars whatever lines of fashion her high waisted gown might provided by wearing a sword belt. As the representative of her family, she stands with the Saiks. Her long dark hair is worn down for once, with the silver white strands braided into their own elegant loops. She carries herself with a regal air that most never see; Eirene the lady as opposed to Eirene the medic.

Eos has been nearby while attendees have gathered, keeping the company of his young son and a lazing lion. When it comes time to begin, Eos sends the boy to the small crowd. He finds a place to sit on the benches, head bowed and red around the eyes and nose. Eos takes a few secods longer to gather himself before striding to stand before the statue, trailed by the lion watching the mourners. Eos looks up over the carved countenance for a long, solemn moment, then turns fully to the gathered.

He stands tall and square through the shoulders, his hands at his back and his jaw lifted. When he speaks, his voice lifts out of the usual quiet to carry full and resounding across the courtyard.

"Let me thank you all, first and foremost, for coming to join our family in remembering our fallen baron. We speak often of coming together, of unity within the Compact, and I am struck with pride in the people of Arvum to see you gathering, rallying, to the support us and stand with us as we remember our father, our brother, our grandfather, our ally, our friend, and our baron. Your words of comfort and help have meant much to us. I would also like to thank Lady Juliet for the gift of flowers today from the Fidante gardens."

"Archlector Orazio...if you will please lead us in prayer," he finishes after a short pause, stepping aside to give Orazio the floor.

Having heard of the memorial for Baron Sadoletto Saik, Lazarus Mercier makes his way toward the Lyceum ward to pay his respect. Accompanying his brother, Sir Silas, he says to him, "What a beautiful place." In a hushed tone before turning to the doors and introducing himself as Lazarus Mercier towards Eos with a polite bow, "Baron, my condolences. My name is Lazarus Mercier, head of the Mercier household a humble and local winery." He motions to Silas, "This is my brother and voice of House Mercier, Sir Silas. We wanted to show our condolences with a bottle of our specialty crafted wine, The Saik Lion. I hope it serves as a reminder of both your home across the sea and the one you have here." He presents the Baron with a beautiful red bottle and a polite smile on his face as his head bows low for the man.


Eos turns his attention to Lazarus' introductions while Orazio is preparing, accepting the bottle with a small smile and a dip of his head. He turns the bottle over in his hands and studies the color through the glass when he says, "Thank you, Master Lazarus, and your family as well."

Silas isn't dressed in anything out of the ordinary: he's clad from head-to-toe in his usual set of steel armor, but to his credit the steel was considerably darkened to begin with and could easily blend in the sea of assorted black fabric. He enters the hall a pace behind his older brother, alert but solemn. The statue catches his attention first, interested in the deceased's likeness in "life", so to speak. Sensing the mood wasn't one for a festive conversation, he merely nods his agreement with his brother on the decor. He does arch a brow when Lazarus steps forward and introduces them both; he -probably- should have notified him that the two knew each other already. He beckons Lazarus to step back after gifting the bottle of wine, so Eos may continue with the ceremony.

Orazio bows in Eos’ direction, and murmurs, “By your leave, Baron.” For a moment, he watches Eos, then turns away to return to the portable altar. The breath he takes is held for a moment, then released. "Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family, and all of those who remember Sadoletto Saik. Please, pray with me."

Using a small device, he sets the tapering length of wood aflame, and uses this to light the first brazier. The flame springs up, green and bright from treatments in the wood. "Lagoma, we come to you in spring, and you encourage us to rise, to grow, and to bloom. We taste of everything the world has to offer for the first time: first love, first pain, first triumph, first failures. In spring, we praise you for our birth." He lights the second brazier, and this flame is crimson. "Lagoma, we come to you in summer, and we stand tall beneath the summer sun. We praise our dominion over the earth, we walk at the height of our power, we learn what it is to stand and to build, not just to grow. In summer, we praise you for our strength." Now the third, and the flames crackle gold. "Lagoma, we come to you in autumn, stooped over, grown heavy with age. We step aside for the younger generations," his gaze sidesteps briefly to Eos and Kima and Vomas, "and give them what wisdom they will accept. We harvest the fruits of our lives, knowing that too soon, they will pass into dust. In autumn, we thank you for our legacies." He stops, then, and if the Archlector blinks a bit too rapidly, surely it's just the trickle of smoke from the braziers. His voice is as steady and as strong as ever as he continues, "Lagoma, we come to you in winter, at the end of our lives, however long or short those may be. All things must pass through the final Reflection, and it is your hand that closes our eyes the final time, that takes our final breath in a gentle kiss. We thank you for granting us the time we had with Baron Sadoletto Saik, for all of the seasons of his life. Know that as we weep and regret, we also understand that the winter is necessary. In winter are born the seeds of spring, and as Sadoletto has passed, so his son, his daughter, and his grandson live on, to carry his legacy and to carry your flame in all the seasons of their lives." He touches the smoldering stick to the final brazier, and a white flame sputters to life. "Lagoma, in winter, we thank you for our peace. Sadoletto Saik, beloved brother, father, grandfather, Baron - may your passage through the final Reflection and its keeper be marked not by pain, by sorrow, or by regret, and may you find eternal peace and joy in the bright Fields beyond."

"So let it be said by all," he adds, in a hushed voice.

Saedrus shifts through the small gathering of people to take a place behind the bench where Vomas sits, with a glance to the boy for the briefest moment before the courtesan's attention returns to Eos. And in a beat, to Orazio with a small lift of his head. Through the prayer Saedrus brows his head, eyes closed and a soft sigh by the end of it. An echo of the Archlector's last words mouthed, though likely not heard.

Victus doesn't seem to react to either Jaenelle or Natalia's approach. He might've grunted, or perhaps he was just clearing his throat. He keeps mum as he watches and he listens, quietly and broodingly attentive. It takes Lazarus to drag a reaction out of his stony features, a slight and skeptic squint of his dark eyes. But a moment later he's back to listening to Orazio take them into prayer. His head dips, dark long hair falling obscuringly about his scarred features, respectful to the ritual of prayer.

Prayer given, Orazio bows his head for a moment, his shoulders following suit. Then it's gone, and he looks to Kima. "I believe Lady Kima will next share some words about the Baron." The slightest of smiles, before the Archlector steps away, clears his throat, and moves to find his own pew, letting the flames in the braziers burn down in their own time.

There is a small hmming sound from Jaenelle after Victus does or doesn't grunt. Perhaps that is how they communicate in the Thrax ward. Clicks, whistles, and grunts. She listens to Eos, looking towards the beautiful flowers a moment as they are mentioned, but when Lazarus steps forward just as the memorial is about to begin, her brows lift in question, head tilting ever so slightly before she once more focuses on Orazio, head bowing politely in a meek fashion as the prayer begins.

    There's a slight tilt of the head as Orazio offers the prayer, but the Mirrormask says nothing, remaining in quiet meditation. Her lips move in silent benediction, but does not move to interrupt.

Natalia is also silent. In fact, her long lashes almost seem to touch her cheeks as her attention is upon the speakers as they come up. If someone was very aware, they would see that she's watching people and following movements from beneath the fall of her lashes.

Silas bows his head respectfully as he listens to the prayer and inclines his head slightly to give his brother a sympathetic glance, but otherwise remains still.

Lazarus steps back with his brother. Victus' attention is met with his own gaze and a respectful nod before it turns back to Silas to listen to him but turns to listen to the prayer. A clearing of his throat and a subtle rubbing of his eyes. The young merchant stands attentive next to his brother, matching the soldier's posture.


Eirene bows her head as the prayer is invoked. There may be a tiny smile for the young Vomas when his eyes catche her warm blue ones but otherwise she is a stoic figure. Her hands clasp at the small of her back as she stands in observation.

The utmost reverently, the Mercy of Lagoma prays. Seemingly suspended, Sophie's head remains bowed, her eyes closed, and her hands fervently clasped.

Eos stood quietly through Orazio's prayer, little conveyed on the lines of his face. He watched each flame as they rose from the braziers, and curled his hand a little tighter around his own wrist at his back. When Orazio yields to Kima's eulogy, Eos turns his attention to his sister. If it looks as though he was bracing himself a little bit for the impending trip down memory road, well, he was.

Once the praying is done and over with, not that Victus' lips ever move, his head lifts back up from its respectful dip. The weight of his stare shifts from the men of Saik to the lone woman. The rest of him doesn't move at all, though, frozen in the same martial at-ease posture, the kind that is relaxed yet still vaguely suggestive of a spring that might explode into violent action at any moment anyway.

Saedrus lifts his head from the respectful bow, following Orazio's leave a few paces with gaze alone then turns his head to see Kima. Every so often he does seem to consider young Vomas on the bench in front of him. The courtesan never moves to speaks but remains a quiet presence not far aside from the little lion.

Orazio takes a stance on the outskirts of the Saik family's cluster, settling into an easy parade rest, his expression once more controlled. Although he meets Saedrus' look, offers a nod, and then smiles briefly to see Eirene and Sophie. His attention finally comes to rest on Kima.

Lazarus relaxes his posture and raises his head once the praying is over. He excuses himself from his brother and takes a seat. A polite glance is given towards those nobles he knew, Natalia, Sophie, and Saedrus but he does not interrupt them and rather keeps a respectful distance. His attention switches between Eos and his sister. A frown forming on his face. His own father is very sick and this would need to be something he would have to do if the old man does not get well. With a deep sigh, Lazarus regain his composure.


Kima is standing near the statue depicting her late father, blonde hair standing out in stark contrast to the black attire she's donned for the evening. She watches the Archlector of Sentinel lead them in prayer. Her expression is a neutral mask, eyes bright and blue, which only lower when Orazio draws the prayer to a close.

It's then that she moves, striding to where the Archlector had stood previously, taking his place and looking out amongst those gathered, impassive.

"It is my belief that the soul can know no greater anguish than to take a breath that begins in love and ends in grief," she pauses momentarily, taking a breath, feeling herself begin to frown. "That is what it is to be born, and to watch your parent depart without you. It is a natural order...mostly." Except when it isn't. When it wasn't.

"I recall him telling me, while I was still small, that every decision you make can change the world. That the best life is the one the gods don't notice. If I wanted to live free, that I should live quietly." Kima allowed herself a rueful smile. "Then I told him that I wanted to be a hero. First he asked the gods, rather frustratedly, that I be allowed to grow out of it, and then he told me just how a hero should be. They were words shared between father and daughter, and I hold them to my heart even now. I never could grow out of wanting to be larger than life, but I can still try to follow his advice." She takes a final pause, another breath.

"Some of what he told me was this: we must stand firm, and gird ourselves for all manner of adversity."

And like that, she was done. A faint bow of her head, and Kima stepped away.

When Kima finishes speaking, Eos steps forward again. He takes the ribbon on the wreath bearing the house words into his fingers and brushes his thumb across the words as it slides through his grip. Letting it fall fully away, he turns back towards the group.

"In the past, Saik has made its way quietly. Our way has been to work hard without notice, to answer those calls made of us, to take pride in who we are and what we stand for without drawing attention." Eos looks to the lion beside him then, contemplating the proud symbol of the family line, before returning his attention to the gathered and his own words, his voice growing louder and firmer with restrained passion.

"We are moving into a new era of our history, however. Now is not a time to be unknown. Now is a time to roar and let those who would challenge us, that would use us as pawns, know that we will not yield to being puppets any longer. We will not accept being used to carry out their schemes. We will continue to take action, we will continue to be committed to the fight, but we will do so with thought. Our own thoughts."

"While preparing this memorial, our mother sent some of our father's journals. Reading through them, we found him to know this to be true as well. With the title of Baron falling to me, to see our small corner of Arvum into and through the trials that face us, I am putting to rest the words that have served our house this far. I am taking a piece of wisdom from my father's words to serve us now: To act without thought is to be a slave."

There is another short pause before he steps back, gesturing to the ground before the statue. "If anyone else would like to speak, please, come forward and say your piece."


A throaty voice, one mellow with years of alcohol stripping away linings and cold night's laughter. Eirene speaks in her easy rasp of a voice without really having to project to be heard. She carries it to the whole gathering as she stands before the marble figure. "The relationship between vassal and lord can be simple or complex, or a woven blend of the two- layers of trust and support and efficiency. My house has always been faithfully supported by the Saiks and they by ours. We have shared blood and tears, laughter and friendship. We trust them with not only their duties, we trust them with our lives. And they trust us with their lives. Literally in my case," she jokes, cracking a smile.

"Baron Sadoletto Saik was a friend. A loyal, trusted, damned good friend on top of being a damn good Baron. And we know for a fact his son will serve with no less dignity, strength, and trustworthiness. And friendship." Eirene salutes then statue smartly, her heels clicking together under the graceful expanse of gown. She then offers a more gentle gesture to Eos, and an even more subtle nod to the others of the house. But she approaches Eos and rests a hand on his shoulder, whispering words to him alone.

Orazio smiles at Kima's recollections, his head bobbing briefly, recognizing his brother in the words. He clears his throat again, and wipes at some suspicious, treacherous dust under his eyes. When Eos mentions changing the words of the house, however, there's the slightest of frowns on the Archlector's face. He considers the new Baron for a moment or two, before turning his attention to Eirene. "Well said, Lady Eirene."

Saedrus' attention never wavers from Kima from the moment she lifted her head from the end of the pray to the steps she took away from the centre piece of the memorial. The courtesan did smiles a touch for something in the eulogy but otherwise remained stoic. Even his faint smile was lacking. As Kima stepped aside Saedrus took a moment to consider the people about him, a smile to Lazarus, Sophie and Jaenelle, though small and brief as it was the expression was genuine. As Eos takes up place to speak again Saedrus looks back. There is a brightness in his eyes, and the lacking smile fills his lips a touch for the Baron's speech. By the end of it the courtesan has dropped his eyes and head again. A nod, and warm expression turned up for Eirene's words.

It is the sound of Kima's voice that finally draws Sophie out of her reverie, and it is to the Voice of the Saiks that she attentively listens. Respectfully, the Mercy inclines her head at the speech's end, gaze drifting to the grieving family and their household, the compassionate curve of her mouth compassionate reflected in her kindly eyes, which alight upon Orazio long enough to acknowledge his regard with a mild nod. Then, she is back to being a polite observer, watching and listening, attention undivided for each who speaks.

Eos bows his head to Eirene's words, and when it lifts again, he straightens up fully and presses his fist to his chest in sharp Southport salute in return to the old friend and fellow of the battlefield.

Victus' expression doesn't change through out Kima's eulogy, and then Eos' combative words to follow. He stands there and he listens, but there are no reactions. Like he's a particularly lifelike statue himself. As the call to speak up comes out, he remains just the observer, instead just listening to others who might actually have known the now late Baron.

Lazarus listens attentively to the Saik sibling after waking from his thoughts. His frown forever fixed on his face as his gaze goes from Kima to Eos and then Eirene.

    Stepping forward, Isolde makes her way to the Saiks, gently touching Kima's cheek if she'll allow, then Eos', murmuring words to each, then speaking more formally. "May the Thirteenth give your father a place of honor beyond the Reflection. I did not know him, but I see his children before me, whom I claim as friend. I see your strength. I see your passion, and your father will have a legacy everlasting in the both of you." Isolde nods, to Eos then. "Baron Eos Saik, Velenosa honors you, and your place in the Lyceum. Be welcome in our hall. May you lead your people wisely." She lifts her hand then, drawing a symbol with her thumb on his forehead, then bowing her own, folding her hands back in her robes. "May He The Guides the Reflection of us all, and favored of the Lycene, bless thee, use thy grief to strengthen your resolve. In strength, to you both." She turns then, quietly returning to her place on the outskirts of the gathered.

Eirene goes to stand by Kima, leaning in to offer a few private words for her as well.

Natalia is silent as the proceedings continue. She will give a slight nod to those that do so to her. However, she seems to be watching the speakers as they talk about the man. One she did not know. As it is annoying with most Graysons, there is not an outward show of how she is feeling or a reaction.

Eos stood quietly watching those who come up, listening to each, offering quiet thanks as they file out again. When Isolde comes to speak to them more personally, he bows his head to the quiet words, and then a little further when it's clear she is reaching or his brow. He clears his throat a little when he straightens once more, offering a quiet, steady, "Thank you, your Highness."

Orazio steps forward, inclining his head briefly to Isolde in acknowledgement of her prayer. "If I could share a small remembrance. Of an era which only I still remember, unfortunately." He looks at the statue of his brother, and his mask cracks, revealing grief and affection both. "When we were both quite young, we decided to go hunting Saik cats. I don't remember how it started, but we eventually worked each other up into a mutual pact. We would hunt and bring down a cat, and bring its head back to our father. Proof of our mutual manhood, and ability to stay up past the curfew imposed on us, you see." He smiles, gaze far away. "We needed bait, so we snuck into the kitchen, after the gamesmaster had delivered the day's fowl. Of course, neither of us had ever seen a chicken in its, uh, 'natural state'. Cue an hour later, when the cooks woke up and came to prepare the day's breakfast. We had attempted to dress the birds." An anticipatory pause, his eyes still on the statue. "Both 'letto and I were covered in blood, feathers, and...ah, various organs. Pieces of chicken were strewn everywhere. Some were even hanging from the ceiling, the victim of our attempts at innovation in the process of game handling. The cooks screamed. We screamed. Then our parents came running in and," he pauses, to chuckle, "we screamed quite a bit more. But...Sadoletto was a man, even at that age, who never let a setback get him down. He trapped his first cat less than three years later. As soon as he could persuade Father to teach him, really."

Though it seemed the speeches had settled some, Saedrus takes in a small breath and circles about the wooden bench he'd been standing behind and gingerly moves to the place where others as stood to speak - a few words from and for the commoners. The courtesan's voice is soft, but he carries it well enough to be heard, "I cannot say I knew Baron Sadoletto Saik like many present did. I cannot feign to have known him as a friend, or father, or brother. I had seen the Baron during many festivals or fetes long before I ever actually met him, and remember his laugh more than anything else. Iin the brief acquaintances I had made with him he was a presence not to be forgotten. Never conceited, nor yielding. Baron Sadoletto always looked out for the good of his people, and in doing so earnt their trust, loyalty and love. And he is missed by his people." With that Saedrus bows delicately and steps aside.

Kima offers Isolde the lightest kiss to her cheek, and murmurs something soft to the Mirrormask before her attention shifts to Eirene. The lady knight grips the medic by her forearm, firmly, and gives the woman a curt nod, eyes moist, but mouth set in determination.

She then listens to Orazio and Saedrus, a small, sad smile now playing upon her lips.

With the official side of the memorial seemingly come to an end, Victus finally stirs from his post. He brings the bottle he'd held behind his back forth, a brandy of Lycene make, from at least around the Southport region, expensive and long aged and smooth and complex in flavor. Its probably one Kima's nudged him to drink in the past. He uses his teeth to draw the cork out, then spits it out. The first swallow he takes is long, and burns like a son-of-a-bitch, and he gives just a hint at a cough at the end. The good cough, that's mostly pleasure. Then an equal measure spills onto the ground, too, splashing. Afterwards he offers it in the direction of the blonde Saik knight, with her sad smile and threats of tears.

There is something wistful is Sophie's expression when Orazio recollects Chickengate, turning tender at his own emotional display. It grows more fond when she regards Saedrus. Then, finally, she steps forward enough to be more readily seen, but maintains a respectful distance. When she speaks, there is a lambency to her voice, and a surety despite the softness. "I did not know the late Baron Saik, but from what I have learned of him from those who knew and loved him best, and based on what I have come to know of his son, I do not doubt that the Lions shall thrive in the hard times ahead." Respectfully, she inclines her head, bowing a little. "Baron Eos, I believe that the thoughts you mentioned will be sound and just, and I tell you now that the Oathlands will readily hear what it is you come to conclude. May we move forward in unity and friendship." That said, the Valardin princess falls back.

Kima accepts the bottle from Victus, taking a drink herself before tipping it in something of a salute to the statue of the late Sadoletto. She then passes it to her brother - with the intention that all in attendance should at least get a sip.

Eirene gives Victus an approving nod. A good choice of liquor and a good gesture of farewell

Eos looks gratefully to Orazio for the humored story, even finds himself quietly laughing one of those sad laughs imagining the tale play out in the familiar kitchens. The smile might have faded but then Saedrus steps forward to remember the man's laugh. He looks to the gathering then, gauging if there are any others coming to speak, to find Victus' gesture to the departed. When the bottle comes to him, he raises the bottle to the statue, then to the Thrax lord and takes a deep, wincing swallow himself. Clearing his throat on the burn, he passes the bottle on to make the rounds.

Jaenelle watches as her cousin leaves her side as he approaches Kima. She smiles slightly, though it is nothing like her normal expression. Jae does not move forward herself, remaining towards the back for now.

Orazio nods to Sophie as she comes forward. And when the bottle makes it around to him, the Archlector seems to have no problem holding the neck of the bottle and taking a small but healthy swig. Then he passes it on to the next with a bow and a rustle of robes.

Natalia watches Victus move and then towards her own feet where the drink was upended in a goodbye. Her eyes then slide to follow the bottle through the gathering of people. She doesn't move either and she's silent in the back for now. It is only her eyes that seem to move.

Lazarus sits politely watching the ceremony. His attention turning to Orazio whos story brings a polite smile that allows him to save face. He sits and stays in the back, unsecured about intruding. This seemed like the polite thing to do.

Eos nods to Sophie's words and as personal stories, gestures, and words seem to be coming to an end, he steps forward once more. "I would like to thank you all once more for coming to pay our final respects. I know I speak for all of us when I say it makes dark days brighter for your support."

Saedrus skirts the edges of the gathering, deftly moving aside to avoid brushing anyone as he does. The courtesan slips away quietly only after one last glimpse back to the gathered Saiks, and the statue of the late Baron.

Isolde passes on the drink, though Jaxon takes a sip. She offers a quiet nod as it passes though, and dips her head in a reverent prayer. She slips out soon after with little ceremony.

As things start to break up, Orazio moves. First, to Vomas, kneeling before the boy and giving him a hug, whispering something in his year. Then he rises, ruffles Vomas' hair, and moves towards the other Saiks. After a moment of hesitation, it is Kima he goes to, first. Offering her a hug, as well.

Eirene doesn't even blink at the 'harsh' liquor. She also tips some on the ground at the statue's feet, scowling grimly for her own purposes.

After Eos speaks, Jaenelle moves forward. She takes the man's hands and squeezes them before repeating the movement with Kima. "You will both be in my thoughts, it has been too long and it is times like this which make you treasure those you love. We will meet soon" this to both again. Then she slips away.

Vomas is quick to hug the Archlector tightly around the shoulders, little hands takin fistfuls of the man's clothes at his back, though he releases them easy enough when the older man pulls away. Eos squeezes Jaenelle's hands in hers and nods in return. "Soon. I've not had anything strange in my diet lately. I suppose it is overdue," with a small twist of humor. When she moves on, he turns to Orazio, considering the man for a long quiet moment before offering out a hand when he'd finished with Kima, and if it were taken, leans in to hug the man with one arm about the shoulders.

Kima accepts Orazio's hug with gusto, squeezing the taller man tightly before releasing him in order to allow Jaenelle to take her hands. The Sword offers the princess a polite, if melancholy smile. There's a look of approval when she notes Eos reaching out to Orazio.

Natalia watches for a moment and then she moves to take her place in those that wish to offer support to Eos, Kima and Vomas. She does easily wait her turn though.

Orazio whispers something in Kima's ear, then leaves her to move on to others. And there's Eos, with a hand outstretched. The Archlector stares at it for a moment, like he's never seen one of those before. He takes it, and when the hug is offered, it is enthusiastically accepted, pulling the new Baron in for a fierce, if brief, embrace.

As the Saiks trade hugs and words between them, Victus makes a quiet sound in the back of his throat, and turns away from them. He hasn't said a word so far, doesn't say any now as he starts to pad his way towards the exit, long strides carrying him away with speed even when he's not actually hurrying anywhere. Of course now he's out of a bottle. But this is the Lycene district. There has to be (poison) wine holes everywhere to slake a man's thirst.

Soon enough he's departed.

Eirene manages to smile when she turns back, kneeling to greet Vomas. "You are gonna be taller than me," she promises. "Come sneak off to the kitchens with me and we can have some tiramisu. Let you dad and aunt do the social thing.."

Lazarus stands up as people begin to depart and takes leave after summoning his brother. He bows politely to Eos and Kima before leaving their hall to go back to work.

What kid couldn't be made a little happier for sweets? Vomas eagerly nods to Eirene and hops up from the bench to follow her into the Malvici Hall. Meanwhile, Eos steps back from the moment with Orazio to nod to Lazarus' depature and turn towards Natalia waiting patiently by. He extends a hand to the woman. "Thank you, Princess Natalia, for coming tonight."

Natalia moves towards Eos and takes his hand as it is offered. She will lean in and attempt to brush her lips to his cheek. Her words offered softly. Then more out loud. "It was a wonderful service." She'll squeeze his hand and then attempt to move over towards Kima; so that others might be able to greet and offer their thoughts.

Once hugs are done, Orazio moves instead to the statue of his brother, looking up at it for one long, quiet moment. And then it's all business again, the Archlector quietly packing up the portable altar and its braziers, after making sure all the coals are completely snuffed out.