Gia the peregrine falcon, 3 Rubino and Zaffria guards, 2 Armed Confessors, Rary the Lycene beauty arrive, following Grazia.

Golden, an Oakhaven bloodhound, Gunther, a Rottweiler, 1 Saik Guard, Micana arrive, following Lucita.

Octavian, a silken spaniel, an aid in Kennex livery, 2 Kennex corsairs arrive, following Zoey.

(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: The room is set up for dinner, with tables arranged for optimum seating. For appetizers there is choice between a fruit and cheese tray or split pea soup. Dinner is a choice between fresh sea bass or roasted duck, with zucchini, peas & carrots, and potatoes as a choice for vegetables. Delicate pastries of cream puffs, with a side chocolate sauce that can be dribbled over the puffs, is what's for dessert.

Dinner is set up on the table and servants stand ready to pass out food or pour drinks if needed. Quenia is seated at the large table in the room, having abandoned the places by the fireside with the warmer weather now firmly in place. Servants wave people in, letting them know that dinner is ready, and Quenia greets each person, one by one, from her seated position.

Wash arrives without Catalana. They haven't been seen together in quite some time actually. He is sober-ish. Enough that he doesn't have to lean on anything to get from point A to point B.

Ian comes in with his wife, probably walking with her, but he never really looks like he's walking WITH anyone because of the amount of attention he normally gives to his own footsteps. But they're together, whichever direction he's looking.

Zoey is at Ian's side when they arrive, and she leaves the rest of her entourage at the the door upon entering. Her smile is bright when she greets their hostess, "Marquessa, lovely to see you as always!"

Lucita leaves her dogs in the atrium as she proceeds in toward the family dinner. She gives a long glance around the room and on spotting Quenia approaches her and gives a hug before finding a seat and smiling toward the Kennex group. "Good to see all of you! I am not sure can stay the whole dinner, I have a pending appointment and will be getting a messenger letting me to know when to come. It is not something I can postpone or reschedule, unfortunately." As if an afterthought she mentions very vaguely. "Music stuff."

Grazia makes her way in silently, carrying herself with a regal bearing. She nods deeply to the hostess and says softly, "Marquessa, it is good to see you."

She really doesn't have far to walk. Not at all. After time in the hospital and trainings, Thea makes her way over. In a gown. No leathers! The whole thing is designed to keep cool, with the appearence of the Malvici looking tanner. "Marquessa Quenia, good evening. How are you,"she asks, a smile appearing. She sees the Kennexes as well, bowing her head,"And to you too. How are you?"as she goes to make her way to the table. Thea looks her about, lifting her eyebrow,"I swear Eirene said she was coming, but wedding things and such--I swear she's drinking more and there's--,"a laugh is heard as she says,"there's a lot more swearing going on.

Flutter, a lovely passerine bird, Joan arrive, following Videl.

Ian adds his silent greeting to Zoey's more gracious one, a single nod to Quenia.

Thea has joined the a walnut wooden table stained a red-brown.

Zoey has joined the a walnut wooden table stained a red-brown.

Ian has joined the a walnut wooden table stained a red-brown.

Videl has joined the a walnut wooden table stained a red-brown.

Quenia has left the a walnut wooden table stained a red-brown.

Quenia has joined the a walnut wooden table stained a red-brown.

Videl gets Ring of waves pewter accented with blue topaz from a mysterious oyster shell.

Grazia has joined the a walnut wooden table stained a red-brown.

Lucita has joined the a walnut wooden table stained a red-brown.

Quenia raises a brow and tilts her head in Thea's features. "I know what it's like to plan a wedding. She's probably having issues with the vendors." Yes, for those not in the know, Quenia was once almost married. "I wish her well in her new endeavors. Hopefully she has an. . . er . . . longer honeymoon this time." She tries to be tactful there but there's no glossing over just how long Eirene was married the first time. She gives warm smiles to Ian, Zoey, Catalana, and Wash. "Kennexes! I'm so glad to see you. Of course, with Zoey, it hasn't been that long ago that we were back at Caer Morien, fighting off yet more cultists." She grins in Zoey's direction, then inclines her head to Grazia as she arrives. "Duchess. Welcome. It's been sometime since you've been to Domus Igniseri," she remarks. And, of course, Lucita gets a hug and a kiss. "Cousin, glad to see you, and yes, of course, music stuff."

Videl enters, slowly; gracefully by her standards and makes her way over to Quenia, finding her seat next to the Marquessa. "Quenia." She greets, "Lucita." Next, then "Duchess Grazia, Lady Thea, Lady Zoey, Lord Ian, Lord Wash." While addressing the various Kennexes, she flashes the ring she got from the event Zoey helped host. Back to her cousins, "Duchess Calypso had a suggestion that I wasn't entirely comfortable agreeing to on behalf of Igniseri without your support, Quenia; it would also need Lucita's support but she wasn't asking me for Lucita's support, so I hope she's already contacted you, Lucita?"

Leana, an Igniseri Guard, Tamsin, 1 Scarlet Phoenix Guard, a stoic Ostrian gelding arrive, following Luis.

Zoey smiles at Videl when she greets them and flashes the ring. Quenia gets a nod and a reply of, "Indeed! But be it a month, a week, or a day, the sentiment remains the same." She finds seats at the table for herself and Ian."

"Oh?" Quenia queries to Videl, raising both brows. "What suggestion was that?" With the food already piled on the table, she reaches out to pull some fruit and cheese onto her plate even as she glances to Videl every now and again in a curious fashion. "And that is quite a pretty ring," she adds.

Thea greets Grazia with a smile as well,"Duchess Grazia, it's been awhile. You've been well, yes? I haven't heard otherwise." Not that she would hear otherwise. Oh Videl! Thea's nods in her direction, her pleseasant at her friend. Then there's that thing. Again. Taking a drink, Thea looks at Zoey and Quenia, asking,"How was the villiage? I'm afraid I didn't get--to talk to anyone after I left the woods. I wasn't feeling well."

Wash dips his head instead of attempting a bow when he is recognized. He settles an arm along the back of a chair, making sure he isn't impinging on someone else's seat before pulling it out and being seated. "How is Caer Morien going?" He asks. "Is it Malvici territory now?"

Wash has joined the a walnut wooden table stained a red-brown.

Lucita says, "Not as yet. We have exchanged messages about meeting but have not yet managed to find a free time together. I admit to being quite interested." She gives a little smile, her words and glance including the others."

"I have been a bit out of the loop with matters, I admit. I have been looking at the financial situation with the Stormstorm business closely. I am seeking qualified economists, negotiators, and hagglers," Grazia explains to Quenia mildly. "And also I had my third daughter, and that sort of thing requires far more work than one realizes."

Ian takes a seat beside Zoey and pours himself a drink. It's dinner, so at least he's having wine right now.

"It's Magnotta lands," Quenia explains to Wash. "They only hold part of the Island though. That part we went to months ago? That's still unclaimed territory that I'm aware. I believe Archduchess Jaenelle was going to look into building a port there for Velenosa." She glances over at Thea, tilting her head. "Things in the village had an interesting turn fo events. An Inquisitor there decided to take someone captive, and walked away with the prisoner. I'm still uncertain if she turned him over to Count Domonico as is custom, since ti is the Lord of the land who reigns over any crimes in their territory." She glances over to Grazia, offering her another smile. "Congratulations on the addition to your family, Duchess." She does listen to the rest, and hms softly.

"Slightly singed and newly free of cultists, but in otherwise good condition," Zoey answers Thea with a smile. Grazia gets a nod. "Even with a small army of nurses and nannies it is still work," she agrees.

"Really? I'll send the Duchess some design ideas to take advantage of the tidal canal." Wash says, looking about for a glass to empty.

Lucita says, "Oh, it is indeed, quite a bit of work, and though the type of work changes, there is still much needing to be done as they grow older." She listens to the flow of conversation, taking a sip of wine now and then, a bright interest showing."

Rogue, a black falcon arrives, delivering a message to Lucita before departing.

Videl nods. "Well, when her Grace invited us to come join her for some plotting to do with the future of the Lyceum, at a time when both you and Luis were occupied." Videl begins to explain, "And I accidentally sat at the wrong bench, so I ended up next to Duchess Malvici." By her tone, it was not an accident she sat at the bench for duchesses and their voices, "And when it was broadly agreed upon that we should aim to solidify our hold over our territory when it comes to the abandoned; she made a proposal." She lowers her voice then, to offer the details of the proposal to just Lucita and Quenia, glancing to Thea and offering a cheeky grin after she's done explaining.

"It's--,"but Quenia has it, so Thea doesn't have to anything. When Zoey and Quenia answer her as well, Thea exhales and smiles a bit,"That's good. We had--I"m not sure how much was real or not as they were burning something that was like haze. So I mean--,"she explains. "I got attacked a bit since I was remembered for my last visit." OOPS! "Congratulations,"the Malvici offers to Grazia. But then Videl--she she! GASP! Thea eyes hers, with THOSE eyes. The gold flecks large. She just shakes her head as she drinks, picking at her bass.

Lucita leans forward to hear what Videl says though with the arrival of messengers, it is clear she has been notified the meeting is now and she is in the process of having to leave. Apologetic glances are given each.

Leana, an Igniseri Guard have been dismissed.

Tamsin have been dismissed.

1 Scarlet Phoenix Guard have been dismissed.

a stoic Ostrian gelding have been dismissed.

Lucita murmurs back a quiet reply and starts to head out. "I hope to see you all again soon, but unfortunately must leave.

Rogue, a black falcon arrives, delivering a message to Lucita before departing.

Lucita has left the a walnut wooden table stained a red-brown.

Golden, an Oakhaven bloodhound, Gunther, a Rottweiler, 1 Saik Guard, Micana leave, following Lucita.

Zoey pouts at Videl when she leans in to whisper. "Really now, must I get a walking stick like blessed Brigida?" she asks, though she cannot make it through the question with a straight face.

Videl nods to both of them, and then adds another whisper; speaking up more loudly near the end, "... and it would provide a good reason for one of my friends to finally come visit Granato, so I'm personally inclined to say yes." She's smiling at Thea again; before rolling her eyes at Zoey. "Igniseri business, sorry. I normally wouldn't, but I don't want to leave this hanging too long."

Quenia gives Videl a considering look at the proposal, and watches after Lucita as she leaves, then turns a winning smile on her guests. "Sorry. Tonight is not about business generally speaking. Though if you have something you want help with, House Igniseri is willing to provide as best we can. I find my hands idle of late, and I'm itching to do more, and get out into the world more. Both trips to Caer Morien have been a bit eye opening, so has the issue with the Metallic Traitor and everything surrounding that situation. So much so that I've had a long chat with the Mirrorguard about projects they should be undertaking over the next few months, and have mobilized them to do so." She glances around the table then settles on Wash. "Lord Wash, what have you been up to of late? And once you tell us, choose someone else to tell the same." She claps her hands together, grinning, seemingly liking this idea.

"Let's see. I have two ships, and both of them are stuck in the harbor. I am raising funds to have the Candlelight completely disassembled and reassembled outside the city." Wash says. "Which will cost approximately three million silver. And until then, I am drinking everything I can find." Case in point he finishes his first glass. "Which is why I have no minders tonight, they are all tattletales."

Ian raises his eyebrows, and serves himself some of the duck and a pile of vegetables. He takes a sip of wine.

If Thea was home or something, she would be throwing a roll or something at Videl. Instead, she pictures it. Giving her again, THE EYES! She smiles at Videl anyway, nodding,"Yes. Visiting."

"Oh! That's horrible about the ships!" Quenia gives Wash a comforting look. "Who should go next?" she asks him.

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

"I can go next," Zoey volunteers. "We finalized plans on the refugee center, and construction has begun. I am expecting reports back in the near future to update us on progress and provide firmer estimates on what labor and materials are going to cost." She glances around. "Lady Thea? Would you like to share next?"

Videl smiles brightly at Thea, "You look like you want to say something, my friend." She offers cheerfully, clearly well aware that she's being infuriating at the moment.

Wash is in the middle of his second drink, he's being 'sociable' which is an excuse for drinking in public.

Quenia inclines her head at Zoey. "Good projects, all around. I look forward to hearing about the results of your efforts." She glances over at Thea when Zoey tags her to go next.

Thea looks up and mid sip as Zoey announces her name. Lowering her glass, she grins over at Zoey. "Well--I've had little projects everywhere,"looking at the Kennex. "Like Lady Zoey's refugee center. I've also offered assistance in Brighthold's expansion of their port. Malvici is also holding a auction of black pearl and mammoth ivory I donated. So,"she smiles at the others,"Get your bids in if you'd like. My expedition for the plant I had been researching was successful and I managed to get my own cog, not to mention the cultists.."Thea exhales--that's plenty for now. Really. She looks over at Videl, nodding."Care to share?"

Catalana is fashionably late for dinner. A breathless gush of air as she walks in, apologizing to Quenia specifically "My Apologies Marquessa. I was caught up in research and lost track of the time." Everyone else gets a warm smile. Everyone except Wash. "Good evening." Before she sits down near Ian.

Wash just stares at the table refusing to make eye contact with anyone, not even Catalana.

"A black pearl?" Zoey asks Thea. "Oh, do send me the details!"

Quenia inclines her head to Thea. "Busy, busy!" she tells her, then looks to Catalana while they wait for Videl to give some updates on things she's been doing. "No worries, Lady Catalana. You're welcome to arrive any time, just so long as you get a chance to grace us with your presence." She winks in Catalana's direction, then looks back to her cousin. "Outside of Duchess Malvici's proposal, of course, cousin."

Ian looks between Catalana and Wash and finishes off his wine. "Let's go get a drink," he says to Wash.

Videl smiles at Thea, "Well I've been working on a secret art project commissioned by some friends of mine. I hope to have the initial drafts done soon, though it seems I misplaced my notes. I will need them to send me some reminders of the details they requested soon." She offers initially, smiling cheerfully. "I've been in talks with Duchess Malvici about a potential project; which hopefully I can explain--" She gets cut off by Quenia's comment there and nods, "Finally, I've been on the lookout for a protege. It's not much, compared to what some of you have been up to, but it's something." She glances to Catalana, "Lady Catalana, we've been talking about what all we've been up to. Your husband's tale was fascinating, what have you been up to?

"Lady Catalana, good evening,"Thea greets the Kennex. She flashes a smile at her as well, as she asks,"How are you? I haven't seen you in--well awhile. I assume busy?" There's that proposal again, looking at Quenia and Videl. She twitches her lips, not being able to help the curiosity in her eyes. Hide it with a moutful of food! Though she does flick her gaze briefly to Wash. Swallowing, Thea dips her chin to Zoey,"Absolutely. I'll send you the information as soon as I get home."

Catalana smiles at one of the servants as a plate of food and wine is slid in front of her. "I have been up to nothing too interesting. I have been planning some defenses for Stormward and expansion plans. I could use some help, if you're so inclined Marquessa. I believe you had success with some Shav tribes recently?" She takes a bite of food and shares with a note of clear brightness. "I am also planning an experdition to the saffron chain. I think I may of found an old Nefer'khat kingdom and that has been destroyed over time. Marquis Cadern believes that the island is sunk deep into the sea."

Her gaze slides to Wash and her smile freezes. "Oh. Did he? Lord Wash always has the most interesting stories doesn't he?"

Wash stands up abruptly, eyes still downcast. "Wasn't much of a story. Just whining about being landlocked. Again." His voice is tinged with regret. "If you'll excuse me." He doesn't wait for permission, heading for the door.

Ian braces on the table and pushes to his feet. He nods to Quenia one last time, then heads for the door with Wash.

Quenia gives Wash a concerned look, and nods to Ian. NO explanation needed. She turns her attention back to Catalana. "I'd be glad to help wherever I can, of course," she tells her friend, giving her a supportive look. She also notes to Grazia. "And, I believe I might be able to help with the issues Rubino-Zaffria are facing, at least economically."

Wash has left the a walnut wooden table stained a red-brown.

Ian has left the a walnut wooden table stained a red-brown.

Ian leaves, following Wash.

Thea watches Ian and Wash leave, quiet for a moment. Looking over at Catalana, she tells her,"I--can offer my help if you need it. I'm usually always up for--something these days." Most seem to know that these days.

Catalana looks at the retreating back of Wash and her gaze shifts to one of concern. She looks down at her food as she regains her composure. Smiling again she thanks Quenia. "I would love it. We're looking at expanding into the saffron chain, try to stall the bloodshed and stop the slavers there moving east to Stormward. A massive undertaking you can understand." Her gaze flit curiously to Grazia, "What issues are you facing Duchess? Is there a way we can aid too?"

Quenia inclines her head lightly at Catalana. "I can definitely understand." A messenger calls her attention and leans over to whisper something to her. She lets out a sigh then nods. "Pardon. Apparently Sorenello has gotten into things again, and with Ennettia back in Granato. . . " Ennettia's son gets up to the craziest things!

Quenia has left the a walnut wooden table stained a red-brown.

Captain Curls, an attentive, ebony guard poodle leaves, following Quenia.

Videl sighs as Wash and Ian leave, looking quite like she feels bad. "I was hoping to lighten the mood..." She murmers to herself, nodding to Quenia when her cousin leaves.

Zoey nods to something Catalana says to her, then waves to Quenia as she departs. "Have a good evening, Marquessa."

Catalana apologizes to Videl, "It's my fault. Wash and I don't see eye to eye over the whirlpool. Likely thought I came along to watch what he was drinking or something." She pushes the food around her plate. "My apologies for ruining the night."

Thea considers for a moment, looking at the table. Leaning back, she starts to talk,"So I learned that Domonico's lands are known for cocoa. Which--chocolate." A brief smile appearing,"Im trying to get him to give me a lifetime supply." Taking a drink,"He made need a portrait done for his home. Of him riding a whale in a sea of chocolate..."

Videl ponders the suggested painting. "With Lord Martino's face as the face of the whale?" She suggests, clearly getting a mental image working in her head.

Zoey chuckles at the brainstorming of this new work of art. "I may need to see if I can get some of that chocolate too, for us back at home," she says, smiling to Thea and then Catalana.

Catalana smiles faintly at Thea's story, her gaze is mostly out the window though.

Thea watches Catalana with thought. The Malvici doesn't say much except,"I owe you a drink, Lady Catalana. Just let me know when you're free." Or her. When she's home. When Videl mentions face on a whale, Thea chokes laughing,"Yes! Perfect!" To Zoey, Thea agrees,"I did promise to visit more often..Best I can do for now,"a lips still curved up in a smile.

"When you two go to collect that chocolate, bring some back for me." Videl asks next, and she smiles at her friends, "And I wasn't joking about losing my notes I'm sure they're somewhere in my pile of paperwork but I don't know which one, if some reminders could be sent I can get back to sketch that would be lovely." She glances to Catalana, "I hope this whole maelstrom thing gets resolved soon." She offers in a tone clearly intended to be sympathetic.

"We are learning more about it all the time," says Zoey. "Granted, a lot of what we are learning is what it is *not*, but just like chiseling a block to carve out the statue inside, we will get to the solution in time."

Catalana hasn't eaten a thing. She's just pushing the food around her plate "I imagine it will dissolve soon enough. It can't last forever." She finally puts her fork down. "I should likely get going. I am sorry for ruining the dinner."

Videl gestures to some servants to get ready to pack up Catalana's dinner into a box so she can take it with her; or if she doesn't want it, so it can be donated to the poor. "It's weird, that thing, I've even heard some people suggest it might be magical." She shakes her head at the notion, "Some people have too much imagination."

Thea shakes her head at Catlana, assuring her,"You didn't,"before asking Zoey,"Perhaps you can tell me about it at some point. I know Eirene is curious too..." Looking to Videl, Thea chuckles,"I will, I promise. Though I should home soon too. Work to catch up on and such.."

"I would be happy to share what we know so far, if you would like," Zoey offers to Videl. She nods to Thea. "Much success then! Sorry I was not able to get me resources together for you in time."

Videl shrugs. "I don't see what good knowing anything would do to me, I have neither the skills nor the knowledge to do anything with such knowledge, so I'll leave this to the capable hands of those who do." She answers Zoey, smiling wanly. Then, to Thea, "Work, the eternal demon."

Thea climbs to her feet, nodding to Zoey,"It's alright. I know there are bigger things to be worried about at the moment." Waving to Videl and Zoey, Thea heads out, calling over to Videl,"It really never ends!"a smile appearing.

Thea has left the a walnut wooden table stained a red-brown.

Finn the large Northern hunting dog with icy blue eyes, Scratchers the red-tailed hawk leave, following Thea.

"Well, it seems the party has drawn to a close," Zoey notes. "Shall we call it a night?"

Videl nods. "Seems like a good idea, thank you for coming." She smiles, "And I'll see you soon, I'm sure.'