The luncheon was a last minute thing but since the Palace offered to cater it is provided with a large spread of various meats and cheeses and fruits. Anything one might wish to graze on for a light lunch or to overindulge upon for a bloated afternoon nap is here spread out on the conference room table. Observers have already begun to arrive. One is the newly arrive Lilith in her green and white dress. She stands surrounded by various Junior Envoys picking their brains about different situations around the realm.

Perhaps an odd arrival, Fecundo steps into the council chambers, but a little wary and a little limited in movement. He is not in finery, but something a little more utilitarian. His steps are careful and one hand holds his side. There is a certain curiosity in his gaze and, for a moment, he steps aside of the entry way and takes stock of those here and how they might be interacting.

Luigi, 5 House Mazetti Guardians, Mario arrive, following Hadrian.

Katarina steps in, her palm tipping upward in soft wave toward familiar faces amongst the Crown Observers. "It's been a long time since we've had something to draw us together," she opines softly toward Lilith, spying the junior envoy amongst several others on her way to the generous spread provided by the palace staff.

Titania comes walking into the chamber looking around her ocean blue eyes taking everything in, she wears a cloak about her but there is a pin showing that she is a junior envoy on her cloak. She nods to those present moving to the spread to get a couple of things to nibble on then moves to find herself a sear.

Lilith perks up when addressed by Katarina, giving her a warm smile. "Is that right?" she asks with a small cock of her head. "I'm Lady Lilith Melaeris," she says in her soft, melodious voice with her Mourning Isles accent, her Rs rolling around in her mouth. She steps out of her little group to step next to Katarina at the table.

Not far behind Katarina, Simone enters as she converses quietly with her assistant. She motions her to wait for her as she makes her way over to Katarina to give her a kiss on the cheek in greeting, "Hello, Princess Katarina." She turns and nods politely to the others gathered there, "I am Marquessa Simone Greenmarch. A pleasure to be meet you. I confess curiosity as to what the purpose of this is." She offers a warm smile to Lilith.

With his hands clasped together at the small of his back, Marquis Hadrian Mazetti makes his way into the Council Chamber with long, purposeful strides. He makes a few idle comments to the entourage that follows, though they're left abandoned at the doorway with Luigi and Mario standing in the company of the masked and robed Guardians of Ostria. As Hadrian moves onward and inward, his hands slip away from the small of his back and a charcoal-whitened smile seems to flash into existence on his features as he offers a nod to this person or that, pausing long enough to comment to Katarina, "Princess Katarina, lovely to see you as always!", he relays with a touch of enthusiasm and energy bubbling up from him. He then shifts his attention around to regard both Simone and Lilith, offering each a flourish of a bow as one arm curls around to cradle his midsection, while the other flares out to the side within his bow, "And Marquessa Simone of House Greemarch and Lady Lilith of House Malaeris, a please too."

"I cannot speak for the others, but it has been some time since I've personally interacted with Duchess Tyde or Marquis Wyrmguard myself," Katarina addresses to Lilith, the corners of her mouth uptilted in a faint smile. Golden eyes are inevitably drawn toward those who greet her afterward, her smile brightening with pleasant surprise at the sight of Simon and Hadrian respectively. "Marquessa Greenmarch. Marquis Mazetti, it's good to see the both of you," she welcomes them with ease.

"Princess Katarina," Lilith says, repeating the name she heard, as if cementing it into her mind. "Marquessa Simone," she says in kind. "A pleasure to meet you both. I've been to Arx many times but this will be the first time for an extended stay. I wished to get to know my fellow Observers better so made a suggestion to the Palace that we have an informal luncheon and it was granted," she says with a small smile. She turns toward Hadrian and Titania and smiles toward both of them, not leaving them out of the conversation.

After a moment or two of observing who might know whom, the steps that bring Fecundo closer to the other are slow, and if his expression is any indication, somewhat pained. Once within a polite distance, he offers a partial bow with a wince, ""Lord Fecundo Rubino. I am not sure that I have yet met anyone in the room, but I am a somewhat recent arrival to Arx." He rights himself, but it seems to take a bit of an effort for the man to do so.

Simply dressed and with a generally deferential demeanor, it's clear from the moment that Bethany walks in that she's aware of her place in the social order with regards to the good and the great who surround her. Aware, but not uncomfortable. She moves into the room with a brisk, confident step, all efficiency.

"I've had an interest in the Knights-Herald for some time," Hadrian reveals with a nod toward Lilith, "so thank you for opening the door for those with an interest in potentially serving an opportunity to meet some of those who work within the Crown's Observers and learn more about their function." Hadrian's smile persists for a time, though it does begin to fade away into something much more routine and casual as his attention dances across the gathering. Though after the silence begins to persist, Hadrian's smile returns vibrantly and and he offers to Lilith, "And welcome to your extended stay in Arx. It's a fine city filled with the finest people. Or, at least, that's what they've told themselves. I do hope that you enjoy yourself and find it fulfilling."

Titania nods her head to them all cleaning her hands she introduces herself, "Greetings, I am Countess Titania Fireviper, Disciple of Mangata and Junior envoy of the Knights-Herald." she smiles softly nodding to everyone.

"Nice to meet you, Lord Fecundo," Lilith says with a small bow of her head. "It is good to meet another newly arrive Arxian. I was just at the Shrine of the Queen of Endings yesterday, paying my respects to the Goddess of Arx. This is her city, did you know? I thought it only right to make nice with the locals if I'm going to be living her," she says with a smile. She turns back to Hadrian and nods, "Thank you kindly for the welcome. I've always enjoyed my stays before. Welcome to our luncheon. We could always use new Knights-Heralds. As far as our function, we are the eyes and ears of the Crown. We report back on the various situations through out the realm and help with crises affecting it." She turns to Titania. "A pleasure, Countess Titania. Lady Lilith."

Drawing out a seat for herself, Katarina tips a close-lipped smile toward Titania. "Lady Titania, it's been quite some time since I've last had an opportunity to speak with you. I trust everything has been well in your part of the realm?" she asks in way of soft-spoken small talk, fingers threaded beneath her chin as she takes a more reserved stance, watching with keen interest in how Lilith comports herself amongst the others. "Mistress Bethany," a call is aimed to Bethany, gently motioning the Mercier to join her in a seat. "I was hoping I might encounter you again. Would you care to join me?" Her legs cross demurely at the ankles.

Simone smiles politely and nods to the others around the room as they introduce themselves as well, "It is lovely to meet you all." She makes her way over and sits in a chair next to Katarina, then turns to her and says softly, "I did meet with Duchess Tyde a few months ago. However, I have not heard from her since." She smiles over to Lilith as she speaks, listening quietly.

Bethany curtsies to Katarina when addressed; she's smiling as she lifts her head from the graceful bow, a pleasant smile, just a little bit reserved. The perfect mix of warm and polite. But as always, her steel blue eyes remain untouched. She settles in the seat Katarina indicates, and her long, graceful hands smooth her skirts twice, twitching and arranging fabric. It looks more like instinct than something intentional. "Princess Katarina. How have you been?"

Gradually Hadrian moves to claim a seat, brushing his sword cloak aside with a flick of his hand and wrist. As he settles into his seat, one leg crosses over the other at the knee and his long, spindly fingers curl over the arms of his chair. He goes still, save for the energetic bouncing of his booted foot while he continues to observe the conversations that begin to unfold around himself. He doesn't speak, he doesn't interject. He simply watches and listens, taking in bits and pieces of information as they're discussed aloud. Throughout that casual observance, Hadrian's lips twitch ever so slightly upward at the corners in a subdued smile.

Titania smiles, "Princess Katarina, it has been some time and they are going well thank you and yourself?" she asks sitting back down in her sear smiling over at Bethany.

Katarina shifts her chair marginally to make room to accommodate Simone's seat beside her own. "I imagine our senior most Observers have been busy with duties all of their own," she recounts. "The First Observer did recently marry and Duchess Tyde has been busy with her own matters, I presume. Regardless, there are a few situations that have been cropping up here in Arx alone that bear some delicate handling with to see what might truly come of it that comes to mind." A slight tilt of the head sees her replying toward Bethany and Titania, "Well enough by all accounts, mercifully so. I'm keenly interested to see what will come of this meeting and if there's anything I can do to contribute towards it. And of course, there's the Salon."

For his part, Fecundo remains standing. He has not partaken of the luncheon just yet, keen to watch the other here. When he sees Bethany Mercier, he nods and offers a smile, "Mistress Mercier, a pleasure to see you again." He nods to Katarina, "Highness." He nods to Lilith, "I have not visited the shrines as of yet, but they are on my list of things to do once settled, Lady Malaeris" He looks to the others, "Lord Mazetti, Lady Greenmarch." He finishes with, "And Lady Titania." He takes a breath, steps back with a twinge of pain and watches.

Bethany returns Titania's smile, and Fecundo's, before shifting attention to Katarina when the Valardin Princess speaks. She bobs her head from time to time, the nod of someone projecting a sense of listening. "It sounds like you keep yourself busy, Your Highness."

Lilith takes up a glass of water to wet her whistle after talking so much. Her voice is soft and pleasant but she can tend to ramble on. "It is good, yes, to make all of your acquaintances," she says finally. She nods to the mentions of the First Observer and the Duchess. "I'm a bit of a self-starter, as can be readily -- observed," she says with a smile. "So my interest in the Crown's efforts are tempered only slightly by lack of direction. If instructed to otherwise, I'd obey, but I'd rather be the type that gets things done than the type that waits around."

Titania looks to Fecundo, "Hello, please sit you seem to be in some pain." she looks to him with a bit of a concerned look, "Are you in need of healing?" she asks the man softly as to not interupt anyone.

Simone nods quietly to Katarina to acknowledge that she heard, but doesn't say anything in response. Her eyes turn to Lilith to study her with a faint smile, "I would suppose the need, or lack thereof, of our services would depend upon what the King or his Ministers wished of us. We serve our liege in this endeavor after all." She folds her hands in her lap as she listens to the conversation flow around her.

Fecundo offers a warm smile to Titania, "I fear, my lady, if I do sit down, that I will have some difficulty returning to an upright position. My last attempt was...entertianing for those watching, I'm sure." He shrugs, "My price for entering the free for all melee at the Grayson Tournament of Swords, I'm afraid....and I have seen three healers so far...the wounds are being...stubborn. I do expect to see another this evening. Temporary pain, but worth it. I do appreciate the concern."

"Let me have some tea sent to you, Lord Fecundo," Bethany urges gently from where she sits. "Something to ease the pain a little bit."

"Better to ease your discomfort and have Goodwoman Mercier have tea sent to soothe away the pain for the time being, mi'lord. It does not sit well with me to see another in your position," Katarina delicately poses toward Fecundo, rising quickly to vacate her own chair for his benefit. "I find the position of this one will make the eventual stand more tolerable, I would hope."

Hadrian's foot continues to bounce, his fingers drum rhythmically on the arms of his chair, and he watches with harlequin eyes the conversations unfold around him. Lord Fecundo's commentary about his injuries earn a smile from the Marquis of House Mazetti as he nods toward the man, "You simply need to see the right physician. Dr. Magic Fingers, for example," Hadrian remarks with a somber nod of his head, though his broad grin remains in full effect. He exhales a quiet sigh as he glances up and around the room, to the banners that hang, and then promptly rises up from his seat with a faint swish of silk. Quickly he ascends to his full height and offers a polite bow of his head, "A most interesting lunch, thank you. It has left me with a great deal to consider about the future. Ladies, Lords, others? It has been my distinct pleasure to share in your company. Thank you." A bow and with that, Hadrian's long strides return as he begins to make his way from the chamber. Bound for his entourage of assistants and Guardians, Hadrian soon merges with them and continues onward.

Bethany doesn't push the issue with Fecundo beyond the offer to send tea. "Offer". It's not really an offer. Projected in her understated confidence is the stubbornness of someone who's going to send it no matter what she's told. But she DOES have the manners to couch it as an offer, at least.

Now Bethany is offered a broad smile, "I would not dare refuse tea, Mistress Mercier. Indeed, your shop has become one of my new favorite places to relax and spend time. Thank you." Fecundo nods to Katarina, "Highness...I would never turn away such an offer. What I am experiencing is temporary and a good lesson in what not to do next time, I assure you." He laughs at Hadrian, "I watched the same ones with other wounds some worse than mine. It must be me...w e will find out soon."

Bethany dips her head in acknowledgement of Fecundo's compliment, and smiles to him.

Simone studies Fecundo quietly, "I hope you recover quickly, my lord. Those tournaments can be quite hazardous at times." She gives Hadrian a polite nod as he moves to leave, "I hope you have a pleasant day, Marquis Mazetti." Turning toward Katarina she smiles warmly, "I am afraid I must go as well. I have errands to attend to and I promised to meet Baron Clement this afternoon." Bowing her head to the others politely she also rises to leave, saying softly, "If there is anything you need of me, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for the lovely lunch, Lady Lilith." She pauses to give Kat a squeeze on the shoulder, saying very softly, "I will speak with you again soon, Kat." Making her way over to the entrance, she collects her cloak from her assistant and departs.

Luigi, 5 House Mazetti Guardians, Mario leave, following Hadrian.

"Now that we've got some introductions out of the way," Lilith says to the Observers still present, "maybe we can each go around the room and let us know a little more about ourselves." She steps a few feet to the side and then clears her throat. "I can begin?" she says as she looks around. She waves good-bye to Hadrian and Simone and then continues. "I'm from Maelstrom. I was born a Thrax princess, but I warded in Sanctum with the Valardins. I learned to be a diplomat, as is often the case for young noble women in the Mourning Isles. I took to it decently, though. I eventually married Marquis Raviv Melaeris but, unfortunately, he died in the Pirate War. After a period of mourning I've come to Arx to attend my new liege."

Georgette, 1 Greenmarch Guard leave, following Simone.

Bethany's expression turns to something more appropriately somber when Lilith speaks of the pirate war. "There has been too much death, these last few years." She shakes her head.

Quiet, a Valardin champion have been dismissed.

Pawn, the courtier's apprentice have been dismissed.

Fecundo nods to Simone and Hadrian as they leave and then does move gingerly to take a seat, though his smile doesn't leave, it does lessen at the talk of death of her spouse. He shakes his head to Lillith, "My condolences, Lady Lillith." He hmms a little, "I am a new arrival to Arx, myself. Spent a gooddeal of time among the knights of Gemecitta for a tour to Setarco. Also a member of the Chmpions and Scholars here in Arx." He nods to bethany, "And a self-proclained lover of tea."

Bethany smiles across the table to Fecundo, and her voice takes on a slightly playful lilt. "Which speaks very much in your favor, my lord."

Lilith smiles and bows her head to Bethany and Fecundo, "Thank you both." She takes a sip of water and then walks over closer to them. "If you are looking for a new friend, I'm always looking for people to show me around Arx and to introduce me to new people. The Champions sounds like an interesting organization, for instance!" she says.

Fecundo nods to Bethany, "Thank you, Mistress Mercier." He then looks to Lilith, "Well, my lady..once I am getting around better, I will certainly take you up on that, though I fear I am still exploring the city, myself for the most part."

Bethany sits quietly and listens while she finishes the last of her lunch. She eats slowly, always with tiny pieces that don't have to be chewed too much, and her table manners are exquisite.