Owen, a meticulous Seraceni scholar arrives, following Dio.

Jaq, a solemn looking assistant, 4 Redoubt Buccaneers arrive, following Evander.

To signal the beginning of that evening's festivities, Aedric rises slowly from his seat and gently rasps a spoon against his empty wineglass. Though uncomfortably pale and with a heavy dressing wrapped secured around the entirety of his neck, the sailor appears in good spirits. "Thank you all for joining us this evening. I would be remiss to refrain from making introductions. We have, of course, my brother Cornelius -- and with him his sons, Dycard and Romulius," he lists, gesturing with his gauntlet to signify their positions about the table. "Their intelligence and affinity for statecraft is matched only by their desire to build and sail the ships that will ensure Thraxian hegemony for countless generations to come. Also present are some of the newest additions to the estate, Lord Castinus and Lady Sivana Blackshore, who have agreed to assist our family in the coming military action against the Dune Kingdoms. From my understanding, Lady Sivana is an exceptional artist with a flair for the macabre and her husband, Lord Castinus is more than proficient with a quill and blade."

After a brief pause, the mariner turns his attention to the remainder of those assembled. "With me is Lady Ophira Seraceni, to whom I will be wed this time tomorrow evening. Her brother, Marquis Dio Seraceni, has also graced us with his presence. I have nothing but pleasant things to say about the March of Ischia and am fortunate that they have agreed to accept my proposal." Gaze then shifts to others. "Baroness Ember Redreef, the head of our sister vassal, is present as well. A brilliant warrior and determined to see her shores as secured and prosperous as our own," he asserts quietly, offering a small smile. "But I ramble. If I have not mentioned you, it is because we have not met -- or my vision is fading. Please, eat and converse. We will discuss more pressing matters once everyone has made themselves comfortable."

Dio, seated beside his sister, and dressed in umbra and bone-white silk, bows his head to Aedric at his introduction. The marquis allows his dark eyes to pass from face to face as the host introduces the rest of the company.

Evander can be heard before he appears in the room, muffled coughing and soft thanks to the guard as he hands over his cloak. Directed to a place at the table, the thin man inclines his head after Aedric's introduction to his extended family. His voice is soft, "Lord Aedric. Count-Consort Evander Darkwater. Thank you for extending an invitation. It's a pleasure to be amongst you." A brief smile appears. "And congratulations on your impending wedding," the tip of his head includes Ophira. "It's always positive to see two Houses unite."

Gehenna is immaculate as ever at public functions, having arrived right on time and paying close attention to Aedric's introductions. She gestures to one of the waiting staff with a tilt of her head for a drink, but her attention remains on the guests at table. "Thank you," she says, "Lords and Ladies Blackshore, for having us. My Baroness and I are always happy to come closer to our fellow vassals." She smiles. "Your house staff is exceptionally prompt, and efficient. I certainly appreciate that."

She glances across the rest of the table, taking in faces with high interest. "My name is Gehenna Redrief," she adds for politeness sake. "I haven't met most of you. I hope to fix that soon enough."

Rising from his own seat, the elder of Cornelius's sons offers a polite bow to the assembly. He is dressed in black leathers, with equally dark hair free to fall past his shoulders in a barely-tamed mane. "I will introduce those my uncle did not, and haven't done so themselves." He indicates to the woman beside him, a nod of deference offered. "Her Highness, Princess Natasha Thrax, Inquisitor, Magistrate, and a host of other accomplishments, the least of which is her friendship to my family." His eyes scan the table for the next introduction, another polite nod and gesture of his hand towards Leena. "The Lady Leena Igniseri, who has been kind enough to offer her brilliance to assist my father and I in a number of engineering projects." Then, towards Scylla. "And Admiral Scylla, commander of Blackshore's Second Fleet."

The Siren of Setarco and Voice of Ischia had arrived in a splash of silks the color of a seascape skyline at dusk, hair a collection of pinned waves that caused inky tendrils to tease against jawline and dusky cheeks. Beautiful features were marred however by a florid bruise at jawline and those eloquent hands were bandaged from defensive wounds. All in all, the ocean foam decadence of her brother seemed to provide stability as Ophira watched with polite and demure graces all those that arrived, "Thank you, Count Darkwater." Lush lips curled into a decadent smile.


Ember is stood next to Gehenna. When introduced by Aedric, she nods deeply as if in gratitude; Gehenna receives another nod, as though Ember is content with letting her cousin the diplomat handle such a diplomatic introduction. She has a typically sullen, faintly agitated expression; this is normal for Ember, even with a drink in her hand.

Leena steps in offering a curtsy "Thank you Lord Romulius. I have been working with Lord Cornelius and Lord Romulius on an advanced deployable harpoon, an advanced targeting system, and a advanced boarding bridge. I have brought briefs and provided micro versions of prototypes for examples. Make sure you see them before Scylla has a chance to get her hands on them." A smile towards her as she gets a 'ooo wine!' moment, heading over to pour herself some. As more people come in, she becomes perhaps a little more nervous. Stepping over towards Romilius she smiles "Natasha, it's been forever. It's so lovely to see you!" And to Romulius "I've information on people interested in working with you financially to complete a naval refit if you should be interested."

It's said that the Princess Natasha, Highlord Victus Thrax's only sibling, had actually arrived about an hour or so early prior to the official start of the festivities to have a quiet discussion with Lord Romulius Blackshore before attending the dinner table as his guest. Through the course of Aedric's introductions, eyes like dark embers have flitted from one face to another as each face is matched with a name, already entering the sundry of present details deep within the expansive cerebral galleries of her memories. Incisive attentiveness moves over the collective with each greeting given, from a face as if cast from fine marble; just as pale, just as luminous, but touched with her family's touted severity, however softened by apparent femininity and accentuated by sharp elegance. Dressed in a high-necked gown donned with darker shades of House Thrax's colors, she is seated by Romulius, and once introduced, her dark-haired head dips towards her company. "I'm pleased to meet all of you, to those who I've yet to exchange a word, and to see you again, the ones I have." Leena's enthusiastic greeting garners a slightly wider smile. To Aedric, she adds, "Thank you very much for hosting, my lord, and for welcoming me to your table."

Cornelius at the introduction, was made to rise from his seat at a far end of the table, raising his glass into the air with a cordial bow to Aedric at the introduction. He was donned in rather comfortable dinnerware, sans ironwool longcoat, and the vagaries of time seemed to dissipate from his features albeit for a moment in the evening, "A warm welcome to you all, my lords and ladies. I can share sentiments that we are delighted to host you all within our home. Do enjoy the libations and meal that has been prepared this evening with the utmost of care; we are honored to share this precious moment with you all, on the eve of such monumentous occasion." The lord glanced to Aedric and Ophira both, bowing his head, "Such congratulations on impending nuptials for it warms my heart that my brother has found such a pillar of strength to wright Blackshore upon a well-faring tide."

Anyone paying any semblance of attention to Scylla would note she originally and deliberately planted herself in the most inconspicuous of seats at the far end of the table. Now, however, she finds herself rubbing elbows with Lady Ophira near the head. The admiral passes a brief, mock look of exasperation to the Seraceni noblewoman for insisting on this new arrangement, but then lapses into a good-natured attitude thereafter, going so far as to smile minutely to each of those introduced. When Lord Romulius graciously introduces her to the ever-increasing crowd of peers, she has the good grace to gently slide her chair out, stand and curtsey with practiced elegance. It would be noted that the woman has washed and combed her hair for the occasion, which is fully visible seeing as how she has arrived sans hat, but did not think to do more than clean and buff her usual leathers for the occasion.

At the eloquent congratulations spoken by Cornelius, Dio raises his wine glass nodding in agreement. "Congratulations, sister," he says to Ophira, allowing a smile to touch his lips. "And congratulations, Lord Aedric. May our houses sail to ever greater prosperity."

Maxene, the steadfast ladies maid, 3 Thrax Guards, 2 Thrax Elite Guards, boop arrive, following Alarissa.


Ember tuts softly as one of her handmaidens approaches and whispers something to both the so-called Bloody Baroness and Gehenna. There's further, inaudible conversation, before Ember nods to Gehenna, and Gehenna and the handmaiden move to depart. "My most sincere apologies," Ember says, in the tone of voice usually heard when someone is about to sentence someone else to death. "There is a matter related to Lady Gehenna's Ministerial position that requires her attention." Ember moves to sit down, and as she does, she exchanges some kind of Look with Cornelius.

"Count Darkwater, Lady Redreef -- it is an honor to host you. If not already made clear, your families are always welcome. Through our unity comes considerable strength, and I sincerely hope such an alliance endures well beyond our lifetimes," Aedric replies, dipping gaze respectfully. Head then cants in the direction of Natasha, who is offered a pleasant smile. "Thank /you/, Your Highness. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. The same, of course, can be said for Lady Igniseri. Unfamiliar faces, but nonetheless pleasant additions to an uneventful spring evening spent with good company," he continues, seconding Dio's proclamation with a raise of his empty glass. "On the subject of allies and diplomacy, I suppose now would be as good of a time as any to discuss developments regarding Eurus. I understand that Cornelius, Romulius, and Lady Leena have been brainstorming potential technologies to utilize against our enemies. The floor, otherwise, is open for subjects -- ah, a late addition. Princess Alarissa Thrax, Princess Consort of the Maelstrom," he says quickly, again rising to his feet.

Ballard, a Blackshore Servant have been dismissed.

A pack of giggling and gossiping Redreef handmaidens have been dismissed.

A pit bull that Ember never bothered to name have been dismissed.

Leena finds a seat near Romulius and takes a long drink from her wine. With this many people...she somehow thought it would be a much smaller meeting. She certainly has that 'caught unawares' look on her face.

When Aedric introduces Alarissa, Dio sets aside his glass. Rising from his seat, the marquis touches a hand to his heart, and bows in unhurried, graceful Lycene fashion. "It is good to see you, Your Highness."

At the mention of Eurus, Dio resumes his chair and his wine, turning his attention to Aedric, and any who might suggest some means of shifting the balance of power with the Skal'dajans.

A quick look somewhere between curiosity and concern is sent Ember's way, before a new arrival prompts Romulius to immediately join his uncle in rising, a polite bow offered towards Alarissa. "Your Highness" Returning to his seat, his eyes look about the assembly. "I had best open on the matter of the Skal'dajans. I've concerns with recent reports that their count of caravels serving in a military capacity numbers as high as twenty. The vessels are fast enough that it is functionally impossible for the majority of our ships to perform a boarding action with any reliability. To that end, Lady Igniseri has helped to design new armaments that might allow us to cripple their mobility and properly engage them. That said, it is far from likely that we can have the weapons complete and outfitted onto a significant number of our ships before any conflict in the Saffron. There are a number of accomplished sailors and captains at this table - are there any thoughts on how we might close the gap?"

Late indeed. In a simpler seasilk with sea serpents at play about the skirts, entourage left elsewhere, Alarissa's making her way in to find a spot, waving off Aedric's rise with her right hand.

Evander inclines his head towards Aedric in response. "And that same hospitality is, naturally, extended to you, and all here, Lord Aedric. Such unity is important, especially in the face of the changes and challenges that I'm all sure we're very aware we face." He turns his head, coughing softly into his scarf briefly, before he catches Ember's gaze and nods her way. "Baroness Ember," he greets. "Your Highness. My Lady." Further nods are given to Natasha and Leena. "The Sea Fortresses can be used to relay sightings of the foriegn fleet, but I'm not aware of any sightings of them in the Mourning Seas." He isn't any sort of tactician, but he does listen with interest to the words of Romulius. The Darkwater Count rises at Alarissa's arrival, nodding towards the Princess before he sits down again with a murmur, "Your Highness."

Cornelius was in the midst of sitting down upon his place as Alarissa entered, raising his glass to her entry and moved to settle down as he glanced to Romulius as he spoke. Quickly he caught Lady Igniseri in view, giving a nod of acknowledgement as his hand brought two sets of portfolios from the corner he had been sitting, settling them in front of him before his attention turned back to the conversations at hand; imbibing his wine quietly but not before sharing a curious brow toward Baroness Redreef.

Her sister-in-law's introduction coaxes Natasha to tilt a warmer smile towards the new arrival, moving to stand from her chair to deliver a proper greeting to Alarissa. "Sister, it's good to see you," she murmurs, easing her chair sideways in an effort to make room for the Princess Consort once she's made her way in. With Romulius posing the problem to the group, she listens intently, though her slight smile diverts to Leena's direction when she takes a seat somewhere near her and her inviter.

There is a dip of head gratefully towards her sibling, eyes flitting to his own with a tender spark before they fall to her plate and sidelong does Ophira spy Scylla as the Admiral makes her way to settle at her unattended side. At the arrival of Alarissa, there is a serpentine sweep of curvature to stand with a dip of her head but the flicker of that right hand caused brow to check. Settling down once more, attention does go towards those with planned suggestion on Skal'dajan thwarting.

Eyes danced with interest however, leaning in towards Dio to utter something quietly that would also allow Scylla to hear.

Dio listens to Romulius, then glances into his wine. A brief look of sorrow passes over his features. He drinks, but a word from Ophira brings a smile and soft reply. His eyes then pass to Aedric.

"If a prototype can be built and demonstrate, beyond any shadow of doubt, that the harpoons will successfully slow or incapacitate a caravel, I do not see why we could not emergently requisition the ships necessary to accomplish this objective," Aedric reasons, returning to his seat after Alarissa waves her palm dismissively. "It would be costly feat, of course, but far from impossible. The sooner a working sample can be produced, the better. Are there any objections to this technology being shared amongst our immediate allies?"

Scylla leans in a little to whisper briefly back to Ophira, her eyes remaining ever focused upon the audible conversation taking place at the table. For a brief moment, they absently pause upon Lady Igniseri. When the private conversation ceases, Scylla decides to offer her opinion on the matter of his new technology. "If we are going to win this war, we have to outfit as many ships with these weapons as possible. But it means nothing if they aren't constructed in time. It is my understanding that further funding may be necessary to construct a working prototype. I have already begun to solicit those I believe may be interested in supporting the venture, but I'm not nearly as well-connected as most everyone else present at the table." The admiral smiles wanly at the jest she makes at her expense, however steeped in truth. "Investors are the key."

"It seems a sound method and worth putting to demonstration," says Dio in response to Aedric, nodding to Scylla as she speaks of construction. "My council is to deeply consider the moment of deployment. Caravels themselves are less dangerous than the Anointed Masters that are likely to be onboard. Their powers are . . . " He seems at a loss for words, and decides perhaps that is the enough.

Ophira checks charm and performance at normal. Ophira is successful.

The Voice of Ischia offered a smile that was affectionately warm towards Dio and Scylla, Ophira's voice reaching out to all those in attendance with eloquent charm that paints fatigued features in a dreamy light of languid suggestion as kohl lined eyes rest with intimate perusal on each person as if drawing in a crowd, "In the meantime, while we wait for such ingenious technologies to be crafted and our fleets outfitted, I propose an underwater blockade armed with sea sealed pots of Arvani Fire." A pause as she glances to the Thraxian brood, "It is a brilliant alchemical creation and I'd love to see it used." Is given with no sheer amount of respect, "It could be hidden beneath drifting beds of seaweed to help avoid detection should we wish them to barrel into it or until we choose to ignite it."

"How much is needed to see the prototype created? And then to outfit the leviathan?" Alarissa inquires from where she has settled beside Natasha. "Could these sealed pot methods be used if it comes to blows in the isles themselves due to the unrest?"

Cornelius sipped lightly at his wine glass, peering back and forth to those that spoke before he himself settled the glass down, content with his imbibing, before speaking up a bit over the din and clamor of the room, "From what we understand and have drafted, these mechanisms will need ample time to develop and, most notably, may simply be unfeasible to settle within the bowels of or atop a caravel. An entirely," he glanced to Romulius, nodding, "New venture is required for this. A new artillery platform altogether. One which may have these contraptions and designs nestled within the bottom decks of the ship. The craftsmanship of these Hullbreakers need to yield maximum impact whilst proving to have little resistance to our own vessel's mobility. We have opted to outfit decks of the caravels or other ships in our harbors with mounted arbalest perches and deployable boarding apparatuses that may tilt boarding enemy vessels in our favor." He paused then as Ophira added, tilting his head a bit with some intrigue, "...hm, very interesting. We can corral our quarry inward with a wall of flame. Not too unlike an earlier design I had surmised on ejected barrels out of port and starboard hatches to ignite, as well. A more direct and more defensive ideal, but this one you pose, my Lady Seraceni, is intriguing."

"And probably full scale production if the prototype works," Natasha opines, dark eyes falling on Scylla when she speaks, recognizing her from a prior meeting. Her midnight gaze drifts towards Ophira after that, nodding once. "Some would say that carrying Arvani fire on any ship would be a risk on its own, but containers have been developed to store them properly," she remarks, leaving the question of money to her more well-funded sister-in-law. "But I think, for what little my fledgling knowledge of naval warfare is worth, that the Lady Seraceni's proposal is sound - not just to corral the approaching line, but as a failsafe in the event that the Skal'daja manage to breach our lines with their faster, more maneuverable ships. But like the development of these new technologies, producing Arvani fire will also be expensive - the costs will mount on both ends." A glance to Alarissa at that.

"The Lady Igniseri has expressed that it is possible to perhaps have a working version complete before His Grace orders the Mourning Fleet to sail. As the Admiral says, we work to garner the support and funding necessary to accelerate the finalization of a design and begin production proper. It will be a significant investment, but we are too early in the process to confidently offer any specific numbers." Dio's statement draws a surprised flash of brow and a nod of affirmation from Romulius. "Precisely. The caravels themselves don't carry enough armaments to present a danger to the fleet at large, but their use as a command vessel can't be understated." His gaze shifts about the table at mention of Arvani Fire. "It would be a shock to the Eurusi, certainly. If we can direct what waters they may or may not sail through, we'd be able to ensure every engagement was a favorable one. If they were to prolong the war, though, I am not sure how we could go about retrieving our deployed Fire to prevent an accidental ignition by our own ships."

Cornelius nodded lightly, chiming in, "To what Romulius echoed, if anyone would like a draft of the preliminary and working designs we three had concocted, I will work on transcribing them for those parties deeply invested and see messengers to your estates promptly when each report is compiled."

"When you know, then, send me word. Thrax will ensure that it will be funded. even if it's from my own pockets and investments." Alarissa smiles. "ever are my pockets deep for the safety and security of our vassals and our people."

Evander tips his head towards Cornelius. "I would appreciate a copy, my lord. While I won't personally benefit from it, I'll ensure a copy gets into the right hands in Darkwater." He's otherwise silent on the subject of tactics, sipping tea.

Dio listens to Ophira, and smiles. He takes a sip of his wine and turns his attention to Romulius, Natasha and Cornelius speaking of logistics and construction. When Cornelius offers to share designs, the Pirate Lord quirks an eyebrow, and raises his glass in gratitude.

Dio is overheard praising Cornelius.

"Let us not forget the chaotic nature of flames. Fire is dispassionate and relentless. If the sea is ignited, there will be casualties," Aedric asserts softly, stuck somewhere between recognizing the power of such a weapon and fearing the destruction it could wreck upon allied forces. He stares at Scylla for several long moments before shaking his head and reaching forward to fill his glass with chilled water. "Proceed as you intend, Romulius. Both of these instruments will be useful against our enemies. Should you require financial assistance, please petition Princess Alarissa. And wonderful work -- all of you," the mariner adds, this comment directed to all who had participated in the investigation and conversation. "We can speak more of this at the war council. In the mean time, a lighter subject: political marriage. It is no secret that Romulius and Dycard are eligible bachelors and in search of suitors."

The change in subject prompts Romulius to reach for his glass of wine and bring it up for a drink - one that is probably longer than would strictly be considered polite in this environment. "An exciting prospect, to be sure. I think I preferred the talk of war."

"Yes, nothing quite like putting you and your brother on the spot." There is a twinkle in sights as Ophira reaches for her own glass, "We could certainly fill our coffers by starting a bidding war for your hand, Lord Romulius."

Leena leans in to tell quietly to Romulius "The point of Arvani Fire being a detriment to our fleet is an excellent point. There may also be issues with ignition in this method. Realistically a fired form where...something like a system that sprays by air and chemical before or during impact may cause more chaos and damage, fired from an arbalest or something witih resolute power to deliver the payload I imagine would be more effective, however I only know the basics. If such a delivery system was introduced the mortality rate would be likely extremely high." When the conversation moves on she hushes immediately, ooh tasty wine, she'll sip that now.

Scylla reaches out with leather-bound fingertips to pluck her own glass of wine from the table. Pale gray irises sweep the room, then, curious perhaps how this next topic might be taken not just by the attendees, but the lords seeking wives, as well. She does her very best not to laugh when jests are made aloud, lest she spill the crimson drink all over.

"I think to completely harness its full effectiveness that it is not the tool itself upon which our hopes should rely, but the methodology in how it's deployed," Natasha replies to Aedric and Leena with an acknowledging nod towards their concerns. "And *when* it's deployed, and where, depending on the experience of our formidable seafarers, but I trust that Admiral Scylla and Lady Seraceni have more knowledge and creativity with respect to both than most of us." With subjects switching out to comparatively lighter matters, Romulius' quiet mutter threatens to prompt a wider smile in a blatant tease towards her childhood friend - one that doesn't reach its full potential, as these expressions almost never do. Instead, she suffocates it with a well-timed sip of.....water. She's already had her one glass of alcohol today.

"Count Evander, Marquis Dio, Princess Alarissa -- have you any recommendations for a pairing? Barring, of course, any objections from Princess Natasha or Lady Igniseri," the sailor continues, teasing tone dampened by gaunt pallor.

Evander looks briefly caught off guard. "That's not normally a thing I monitor, but I can inquire." He lowers his tea as he thinks. "It might be worth looking at alliances outside of the fealty," with a nod towards Ophira, "To strengthen ties across the Compact."

Cornelius teased a smile from over the rim of his glass, glancing to Romulius every now and then as they discussed what seemed to be an imminent future. His gaze settled off to Evander as he brought up a new prospect, brow taking a hike as he turned his head to peer toward Aedric, "It was not outside the realm of possibilities but I wonder what you think would be a great boon to Thrax overall in such a union?"

Called out by the master of ceremonies, there's a slow blink from the Thraxian princess, followed by a slight incline of her dark-haired head. "I would be remiss to opine on such matters when I, myself, don't intend to consider matrimony at this time," Natasha replies with a faint smile that would be almost sweet were it not for the obvious flare of mischief as she returns banter for banter. "I'm afraid I've not managed to get past one glass of whiskey per day as of yet, and from what I understand, the capability to down at least three is practically a necessary requirement in a wife, these days."

Dio laughs when Ophira speaks of filling coffers. "There will never be doubts you're Seraceni," he mutters softly, finishing his glass of wine.

"None, my lord," Dio says to Aedric when he asks of unions. "But if I hear of any potential matches, I will send word." The marquis rises from his seat and says to Aedric "Thank you for your hospitality. I must make my way home." He kisses the top of Ophira's head, and offers a brief, respectful bow. "Fair winds," he says to the company, before turning to depart.

A dramatic frown offered to Natasha beside him, Romulius takes another sip of his wine before he speaks. "I hardly think that I am so intolerable. In the interest of being sporting about it - I am dedicated to the furthering of Blackshore, and if it is through a well-advised match in our out of the Isles I am of course open to the prospect. I fear, however, that the Lady Ophira's bidding war is unlikely to come to pass at this table." His eyes scan the dining room, looking to confirm his assertion. To Dio, a nod is offered. "Fare well, Marquis Seraceni."

Owen, a meticulous Seraceni scholar leaves, following Dio.

Alarissa listens and sips at her drink, little done in the way of eating.

Leena cheeks completely redden, making her freckling stand out a bit more. "Uherm..." Oh, she's going to need more wine. "As an Igniseri woman, such things are left to my sister, the Marquessa Quenia Igniseri. I would hate to leave her house as the Igniseri family shipyards are also a second home to me. So any inquiry of such is not mine to field I'm afraid." She reaches for a drink, grabbing Romulius's and downs it. Oh, burning!

"Well, as I was explaining to Lord Romulius the other evening there is quite a bit of time to choose and I've made my suggestions known. Perhaps looking towards Velenosa, Pravus, or Redrain houses. While the Oathlands is very astute, I wasn't sure he'd find much in common with someone from such a place unless he's looking for someone who loves hunting like Keaton and Wyvernheart or buzzing about like bees as highlighted in Laurent." As Dio departs there is a sorrow that lines just a fraction but it is quickly masked with a smile before she glances towards the others in attendance, "As for Lord Dycard, I haven't spoken with him on the subject and therefore don't know what expectations he might have for a spouse he'll be bound contractually to."

Seemingly pleased with Natasha's quick wit and sense of humor, Aedric smiles again. "There is truth to the Count's observations. A marriage outside of Thrax would solidify alliances and certainly boost our family's image. But Romulius and Dycard nonetheless retain their agency in such matters. And Lady Ophira is right -- there must be some foundation of compatibility before commitments are made. They should not marry until they are ready, and only if marriage is truly their heart's desire," the sailor reasons, gaze returning to his empty plate. "Still, I am happy to forward proposals to either of the pair for review should external parties express an interest. The final subject for this evening, before we adjourn and distribute what's left of the food and liquor to the staff and soldiers posted outside, is one of some significance. When the war with Eurus is over, we will need to shift our efforts into other ventures. I seek input on the direction we would like to steer the House from that moment forward."

"One should at least marry politically if the other is tolerable and as the Duchess Margot relayed to me, ensure that one at least is tolerable in the bedchamber too. or else little will proceed or be worth it" Alarissa offers.

"Well, I at least put forth my best effort in both regards. I suppose that I will continue the search." It's delivered with a good bit of mirth and grinning white teeth, but there's obvious relief that the subject is being passed over for another. He reaches for his wine, but finds only an empty glass, eliciting a shrug before he continues. "Our preeminent concern, I think, should be working to gain more land holdings. New Hope will only house so many, and if we intend to grow our domain, expansion is necessary."

Leena cheeks remain quite red after hearing the Princess Consort's comment. She coughs a few times as her inexperience in any such matters shines completely through.

Appreciation plays over the undercurrents of her subtler expressions at Aedic's decisive remarks about the matter. "It would be an affront to Limerance, otherwise, were they to lose their ability to choose," Natasha agrees, mezzo-soprano touched with a softer bent; probably an expected response, from one who also holds a discipleship in the Faith. Alarissa's straightforward view on the topic and Romulius' subsequent retort does inspire another threatened grin that she manages to hide behind another nursing sip of her water. To the subject of land: "Have you looked at other holdings that may be conducive to those aims, or is the thought a relatively nascent one, still?"

The talk of marriage seemed to set off an alarm in the Seraceni who was in fact to be wedded tomorrow and on the eve of her nuptials she was discussing war and possible marriage opportunities for Blackshore! In response to Aedric's next agenda item, "We're currently working with Duke Grimhall in order to seek out and secure other holdings. Plus, should a certain venture in the Southeastern Saffron Chain prove fruitful there might be more for Blackshore to explore there." With stated gaze flew to bandaged hands for a moment before in a graceful sweep of form, "Given I've a rather big day tomorrow and the hour itself is getting late, I'd like to make sure I'm fresh faced for the ceremony and reception." Head dips into a nod, curls brushing against cheeks with the gesture, "I hope to see all of you there wishing us well."

A dip of head towards the Voice of Blackshore, "Lord Aedric." Then to everyone else there is a smile flashed before the Siren of Setarco is away.

After Evander receives a message, he stands with a bow of his head to those gathered. "Unfortunately my attentions are needed back at the tower. Thank you for the invitation. And congratulations to the newly weds for tomorrow," he nods to Aedric and Ophira, before he steps outside.

Jaq, a solemn looking assistant, 4 Redoubt Buccaneers leave, following Evander.

Nox, a kitten black as pitch with star-dappled fur leaves, following Ophira.

Scylla leans forward some in her chair, if only so that she might drink in the faces of those seated around the expansive table as she elects to speak on this topic. "While expanding territory certainly deserves to be at the forefront of the agenda, I would like to put forth the idea of bolstering trade negotiations. With all due respect to her Highness, who has graciously funded Blackshore's pursuits thus far" she says, inclining her head cautiously to Alarissa, "it may also be prudent to begin funding our own projects and reinvesting funds back into infrastructure we already have." The admiral leans back and falls silent, then, and turns her eyes upon Lord Aedric.

"I find blackshore until she is at the point where she can be self sufficient. I trust that Blackshore will tell me the day when such is no longer needed. the offer has always stood to other houses in the isles as it is needed. to weather these uncertain economic times and ensure the stability of our people"

Leena cheeks have finally regained color and she rises. "My apologies, I..am not particuarly good around large social gatherings of people. I can handle a few, however..usually I would just leave, but this seemed too important, and I had to make a good impression for house Igniseri. Though I should be going soon, and have little knowledge of holdings, and such things I'm afraid beyond base economics."

"Perhaps there is a way to combine these objectives. While new holdings would likely come at a significant cost, if the lands were discovered or claimed in an area of strategic economic interest, the investment would create dividends," the sailor reasons, folding arms across breastplate. "New Hope's growth is inevitable. Between the demand for wine and our burgeoning whaling industry, I do not expect to remain dependent upon external investors, including the generosity of Princess Alarissa, for much longer." A hand raises to stifle a yawn. "Unless there is another subject any of you wish to discuss, I believe I will conclude our meeting and retire for the evening. It has been a great pleasure to meet you, Princess Natasha and Lady Igniseri. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me should you require any assistance -- personal or otherwise."

"I think it's only natural to worry about finances especially in the midst of a war," the Magistrate-Princess replies from her end of the table, in both agreement and acknowledgment to the Admiral's remarks. "That's where most of the economic risk and uncertainties tend to rest, and a period where returns would fluctuate more severely as others become more cautious and conservative in their investments. If there is a surplus of funds available anywhere, perhaps move them into an interest-bearing scheme, and perform valuations on whatever debt instruments House Blackshore might have to have a better overall picture." But with Aedric's wan visage already exhibiting exhaustion, there's a warmer smile directed to the Voice. "Of course, my lord. Again, thank you for the invitations and the welcome, and it was a pleasure to meet you and all of your guests as well."

"Your support of our House is as appreciated as ever, Your Highness." A nod of gratitude is offered to Alarissa before Romulius offers the same to Leena. "Lady Igniseri - thank you for your attendance, and for your continued assistance." At Aedric's comments, a hand comes up to push a bit of hair from his eyes before echoing his uncle, "You are correct, of course - Blackshore must eventually stand without being propped up by Maelstrom, and I believe that we are well equipped to see ourselves to a future where that's the case." Natasha's recommendations are acknowledged with a nod, but there is little that the Sword of New Hope might have to offer on the intricacies of stewardship.

When Princess Alarissa speaks her piece on the topic of finances, Scylla trains her full, undivided attention toward her. A simple inclination of the head is all that is returned, properly deferential. Then the meeting is adjourned by Lord Aedric. With everything said and done, war weaponry, marriage prospects, and economics fully explored, Scylla pushes her chair back from the table a final time and rises to her feet. With both Seracenis retired for the evening, she turns to speak her private farewells to others nearby who yet remain. Before passing through the doors to the entrance hall, a bee-line is made for Lord Aedric so that she might take the opportunity to draw him aside and whisper something privately to him in a low tone of voice.