The great walled city of Pieros dominates the northern coast of the jungle island of Isla Visonsi. Its paraphets fly the blue and steel wrapped gauntlet of House Pravus. The Great House opened the city's port to the Compact forces engaging the invading Skal'dajan fleet. In days recent the dock's throughput has doubled while a harried Harbormaster and city staff juggle arrivals and departures and drink large quantities of rum.

War has not yet come to Pieros. Yes, there have been small troubles, the first reports out of Port Defiance and elsewhere, but the Skal'dajan fleet remains a bogeymonster in the nebulous future. The city hums, anticipatory and yet still largely living life as it always has.

It is early afternoon. A midday thunderstorm broke the unbearable tropical heat. Now everything is wet. The kind of wet that clings to skin and clothes, that tracks underheel, and makes one feel as though breathing through a cloth.

Two such ships ready to depart. Both cogs fly House Pravus colors. Bellows can be heard in the direction of 'Bloodwake' coupled with occasional cheers. At the 'Song of Sighs' things are quieter yet less calm. They are behind; sailors frantically load the remaining supply crates on the docks, each one slippier than the last. Spectators watch the antics, dearly entertainined.

A few spectators also gather around what has become something of a training ground uphill from the docks. A tiny Pierosian officer, hair shorn short, teaches new and green recruits in the basics of self-defense. She is very patient and the recruits are very happy to be HOLDING A SWORD GUYS.

(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: @emit The great walled city of Pieros dominates the northern coast of the jungle island of Isla Visonsi. Its paraphets fly the blue and steel wrapped gauntlet of House Pravus. The Great House opened the city's port to the Compact forces engaging the invading Skal'dajan fleet. In days recent the dock's throughput has doubled while a harried Harbormaster and city staff juggle arrivals and departures and drink large quantities of rum.

War has not yet come to Pieros. Yes, there have been small troubles, the first reports out of Port Defiance and elsewhere, but the Skal'dajan fleet remains a bogeymonster in the nebulous future. The city hums, anticipatory and yet still largely living life as it always has.

It is early afternoon. A midday thunderstorm broke the unbearable tropical heat. Now everything is wet. The kind of wet that clings to skin and clothes, that tracks underheel, and makes one feel as though breathing through a cloth.

Two such ships ready to depart. Both cogs fly House Pravus colors. Bellows can be heard in the direction of 'Bloodwake' coupled with occasional cheers. At the 'Song of Sighs' things are quieter yet less calm. They are behind; sailors frantically load the remaining supply crates on the docks, each one slippier than the last. Spectators watch the antics, dearly entertainined.

A few spectators also gather around what has become something of a training ground uphill from the docks. A tiny Pierosian officer, hair shorn short, teaches new and green recruits in the basics of self-defense. She is very patient and the recruits are very happy to be HOLDING A SWORD GUYS.

(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: The great walled city of Pieros dominates the northern coast of the jungle island of Isla Visonsi. Its paraphets fly the blue and steel wrapped gauntlet of House Pravus. The Great House opened the city's port to the Compact forces engaging the invading Skal'dajan fleet. In days recent the dock's throughput has doubled while a harried Harbormaster and city staff juggle arrivals and departures and drink large quantities of rum.

War has not yet come to Pieros. Yes, there have been small troubles, the first reports out of Port Defiance and elsewhere, but the Skal'dajan fleet remains a bogeymonster in the nebulous future. The city hums, anticipatory and yet still largely living life as it always has.

It is early afternoon. A midday thunderstorm broke the unbearable tropical heat. Now everything is wet. The kind of wet that clings to skin and clothes, that tracks underheel, and makes one feel as though breathing through a cloth.

Two such ships ready to depart. Both cogs fly House Pravus colors. Bellows can be heard in the direction of 'Bloodwake' coupled with occasional cheers. At the 'Song of Sighs' things are quieter yet less calm. They are behind; sailors frantically load the remaining supply crates on the docks, each one slippier than the last. Spectators watch the antics, dearly entertainined.

A few spectators also gather around what has become something of a training ground uphill from the docks. A tiny Pierosian officer, hair shorn short, teaches new and green recruits in the basics of self-defense. She is very patient and the recruits are very happy to be HOLDING A SWORD GUYS.

Orland had been there, for a time before the rest of the world shows up. At present he had the sense to take on some correspondence work ... to get out of the weather, where his newly styled hat would be safe from the rain. It was leather, but the feathers weren't! The hat is hanging off the back of his chair, as he scribbles out a precise letter from a jumble of notes sprawled out to the side. Just another day in Pieros!

Adrienne Pravus watches the training among the small gathered crowd, arms folded and pale eyes narrowed speculatively. She's not an inconspicious figure. Pravus family, of a sort, and clad in steelsilk. Of course, she also has a guard to her side and five others arcing paces behind, watching. It's also extremely likely that she's not really watching the officer but lost in other thoughts.

It's fortunate that steelsilk doesn't wrinkle. Wrapped in his greatcloak in the Pravosi colors, Sebastian is unmistakable -- and unbothered by the heat nor the sudden drenching downpour. He stays well out of the way of the harbormaster and his frantic assistant as they seek to get the Song of Sighs out to sea -- there's other ships undoubtedly waiting impatiently to take her berth. Perhaps he's offering a prayer to Mangata, who knows?

Balnam has been a shadow to Orland in these last few days, and not just because he's found a new drinking buddy, either. The man is clad in Ivory Shield livery, glancing towards the training grounds as he paces past, before he ducks into the tent, water streaming off his armor. "Pissing cats out there. You here for much longer?"

The chatter near the correspondence tent is vibrant. To run messages back and forth to the city proper requires young legs and youth dominates, young men and women waiting for the next news from the front while older diplomats and scholars scribe away.

Regardless of the messenger, however, two words dominate every report: ABANDONED and PIRATES.

A Whisper has many places to be, most of them associated with events and luxuries. Standing in the sweltering tropical heat must not be considered comfortable, and damp cobbles on a dockside do not a natural environment for some of them make. The petite brunette who could probably weave a ballgown from a bit of net and cloth seems not to be overly troubled, partly because she wears a wet linen dress slowly drying out bit by bit. A pair of dark, waxed umbrellas shelter her and her handmaiden in kind. It would be far better to leave the harbourmaster to his concerns, but her path here is something like a swan shedding the curious air of slanting tranquility. People squabbling over a box might be calmed if someone points out the logic of both carrying it instead of fighting over a handcart, for example. Just a thing in passing to offer. But Selene Whisper is a former Radiant, and that gives her some cachet for occasional murmured statements.

Raven watches the eager green men going through their drills, maybe it's the sticky humidity or maybe it's something she's eaten but the expression on her pale face is pinched and pensive as she watches how eager the new recruits are before giving her head as if to shake it off and turns to make her way towards Orland.

What brings the Merchant Prince of Tremorus to Pieros this day? Likely a need to be close enough to the front lines of the looming storm that information will not be received too late to make an impact in his own small way. Giorgio's ship, the Starlit Fortune, is likely somewhere within the docks and is being similarly loaded for its own mission to rescue those sailors who will find themselves in need. Giorgio is currently walking down the docks toward the correspondence tent, outfit in snow white leather armor of an impeccable quality. He certainly stands out as he makes his way.

Nina has been in Pieros for a while as well. She's actually enjoying the tropical weather, being accustomed to the Lycene heat. But with her, she has a fan, one decorated with a butterfly as part of her signature calling card these days. Dressed in loose and flowing silks otherwise, she fans herself now and again to beat some of the heavy, humid island heat. Talks of pirates do intrigue her, so she listens in, hopeful for fun tales she can work into songs later.

The Wanton goes nowhere unremarked so when she sails into Pieros' harbor it's met with the usual mix of fear, speculation, and in-general straightening of spines as word that the Iron Kraken is here. While her crew is infamously non-complaining of the vile humidity the thunderstorm left them, Lucrezia's face shows every inch of her disgust. Barefoot she stalks up and down the Wanton's deck, but makes no move to disembark. Her cabin boy, however, brings her news of pirates and a sinister shark's grin curves across her face.

Juliana Igniseri ne Pravus.. Lady, Physican, Commander of the Isles Canines fleets and in short, twin of Prince Sebastian Pravus, which is why she is here at all, at her brother's request/invitation. She has not been here long, the dark haired Lady is dressed in time and salt worn leathers, sword hanging from her hip as she spots her brother and starts towards him.

Orland fields a bit of the messengers, "Here, what's that? Which part of the Chain?" He waits, then explains to the newbies running messengers, "You lot need to hurry up and catch up with your feet." He looks apologetically at Balnam, before he stands up and shows the greenhorns, to the sorting framework going on in the tents, "The baskets are labelled by location. If the missive is urgent, to any of our commanders, use that one, but if it's coming from a relative location, find the appropriate bin and drop it off there. The aids will sort through as fast as they get it." The Lordling sees that the missives are dropped off in appropriate framework, explaining to Balnam afterward, "And when the aids sort through, they hand it to helpers like me.. who have to puzzle through all the missives and write one to send up the chain... War is fun..." He regards then claps Balnam's shoulder, "You've been keeping busy at least. And to answer you, yes, I'll be here for a while. Until you take on wearing hats like mine - you being the ivory shields." He winks, but spots the incoming Blackheart, "Ahoy Raven!"

It's to the dock, when the Wanton's arrived, that Patrizio's come with his normal escort of centurions. Three's a grim determination to his features as he's watching the ships coming into harbour with their colours flying, that preparation for the trouble that's to be coming in the very near future. It's a good change from the bustle of the camp and the soldiers of the First Legion, but with the heat, his helm's been removed and he has it tucked beneath his arm, his hair blowing faintly in the humid breeze as he's watching.

Whispers and Suspires on the busy pier do have an effect. Selene and Nina are noticed. Some glances are discreet, some are open ogles from men and women alike. At the 'Song of Sighs' this is a bit of a problem as frantic sailors do get distracted from their work to admire artistry in motion. Tips of hat, an approving whistle. On the deck a furious officer bellows over the rail:

"WHAT ARE WE PAYING YOU FOR-" Gulp. He locks eyes with Selene. "- Messere."

What instructions follow next are communicated irritably to the sailors in a gritted undervoice.

Sina is here in Pieros, which is perhaps a surprising place for an Archscholar to be, though looking at her currently, one might not know she is the Archscholar. She is wearing armor of some exotic leather, bearing symbols of the Faith of the Pantheon, as well as a matching tabard. She is not currently wearing her helmet, which is hanging from a hook alongside the pack she has slung over one shoulder. A slim blade hangs at her hip, gleaming alaricite in the glimmering remnants of the storm. Her long hair is braided, and then wound into a rather severe bun at the back of her head, held in place with hairpins of midnight steel. Three Templars accompany her, along with her assistant Jacinthe, who hurries along in the Archscholar's wake as she disembarks from the purposefully nondescript ship that brought her here. Her eyes scan the bustle of activity as she makes her way down the pier, Knights and assistant in tow.

Raven has joined the a silk canopy beneath which aides write correspondence.

Lucrezia has joined the a busy pier where ships are loading and unloading.

Raven stops to sketch a bow when she's greeted, "My lord." She greets, resuming her brisk stride once she straitens up, "Good to see you though I wish it were someplace expecting less trouble. You have a moment or shall I leave you to your..." She looks around and wrinkles her nose "Beauracracy?"

"I'd heard," Sebastian is talking to himself -- no, to Juliana as she approaches, like he knows instinctively when she's there -- "That Lu's been putting the Isles Canines through their paces. I hope Pasquale's faring well," there's a quiet hint of amusement, easily missed, in the look he gives his twin. "General," his attention shifts to Patrizio: he isn't normally so formal with his cousin, but they're on the verge of war, and in public, and it's /expected/. Sort of. "Pat," is offered with a warmer tone. "You remember my twin, Juliana? I think you may have met at my wedding. Was that the Wanton I spotted coming in?" There's a pause, as his gaze settles on Sina. He takes a step, fingers flexing, and stops, letting her approach: no introductions yet. "Archscholar. Good to see you again. I heard you had a message for me?"

Savio has joined the a silk canopy beneath which aides write correspondence.

Sebastian has joined the a busy pier where ships are loading and unloading.

Nina uses her fan to wave at the sailors when she gets some looks of appreciation. She does like a crowd. And, frankly, she likes sailors - their general crass attitudes give them a personable feeling that reminds her of her younger days, before she tried to get all fancy. She asides to Selene, talking behind her fan, "They're a delight, aren't they? I think maybe I'll find one or two to take to the inn later!"

Nina has joined the a busy pier where ships are loading and unloading.

Giorgio has joined the a silk canopy beneath which aides write correspondence.

Adrienne shares muted words with the Pravosi guard at her elbow. Her mouth twitches, amused, and then both he and she glance over their shoulders at the noise of soldiers approaching. Two dozen seeming giants, red haired down to the last.

The North has arrived in Pieros.

They head up the street to, one assumes, find a drink. Sweat drips down scowling faces.

Adrienne shares muted words with the Pravosi guard at her elbow. Her mouth twitches, amused, and then both he and she glance over their shoulders at the noise of soldiers approaching. Two dozen seeming giants, red haired down to the last.

The North has arrived in Pieros.

They head up the street to, one assumes, find a drink. Sweat drips down scowling faces.

"Ahh it's fine," Orland gestures to Raven, "Good to see you joining the party." He leans in, "I think my hats became a hit..." He then notes to the Ivory Shield, "This is Balnam, we've been through it together. Prince Sebastian ..." how does he word this, "Awarded Balnam's good service by making him oversee my scrawny ass. He's been doing a fine job of it, but is bored to tears while I shift through paperwork. Isn't that right Balnam?" He grins, gives a good hearty thump to the man's chest, and clears his throat, "How was your trip down? Stormy?" He plops back down in his seat, turning to finish up his letter, but able to hold a conversation whlie doing so.

The former Valardin shares muted words with the Pravosi guard at her elbow. Her mouth twitches, amused, and then both he and she glance over their shoulders at the noise of soldiers approaching. Two dozen seeming giants, red haired down to the last.

The North has arrived in Pieros.

They head up the street to, one assumes, find a drink. Sweat drips down scowling faces.

"We did, if briefly, yes." Patrizio's formal when he has to be, and there's the definite shift of his body for a moment in that manner that speaks to how seriously he takes his position /as/ the general of the Legion. For a moment, maybe two, before that smile appears, and his head inclines with warmth to both Sebastian and Juliana. "It's good to see you both. And yes, that's the Wanton that's been docking, not that I've yet seen more than a hint of Lu aboard."

His voice is stilled, as he's also inclining his head briefly to Sina in acknowledgement, though he's staying quiet when it's clear there's serious business in the offing. It's a good opportunity for him to watch and listen, and get a good feel for the matter of preparations underway.

The petite brunette with her hair pinned back tilts her head up and then breaks into that deep, elegant curtsey aimed at the sailors up above on the Song of Sighs. She breaks into a brilliant smile to the officer, that fabled mouth the very emblem of her House. Immaculately drawn up, she greets them with that wide sweep of her arm. "It is my singular pleasure to recount how the Song of Sighs was first to sea to face the enemy. Prove me not wrong, messeres! My heart would ache to discover another plucked the claim from history!"

That shining voice rises with elegant, sparkling aplomb before she turns away and finds Nina at arm's reach. "They are a remarkable sight. The Archduchess warned me to be mindful of the glories of Pravus, and she was not understating the case," she enthuses. "We might have to wager a few thousand silver."

"Better you than me, my friend," Balnam replies to Orland, with a look at the many missives, grimacing. "I'd rather chase down some thief in this hot weather than... that." He raps his helmet with a knuckle. "I'll stick to something more protective." He glances towards Raven, nods towards her respectfully, and then ducks back out of the tent to pace to where he can see the training in progress, giving a nod towards Adrienne and the Centurions around her.

The Starlit Fortune has brought not just one Pontelaeus to Pieros, but two! Sometime after Giorgio has disembarked, Savio hits the docks as well, a bounce in his step to be back home -- well, close to home. Back in the Chain at least. The heat? No problem. The tropics are home. This is home. He's missed it so much. But stepping into the fray, he's weaving around people and things at a fast instead of leisurely clip, searching for someone or something with what looks like hope and anxiety.

Lucrezia notes Patrizio for his striking figure. She goes closer to hail him and leans a hand on the railing as she peers over to him. "Did you know there's a running bet in the navy about how much morale will suffer if your hair is out of place in a battle?" She waves to Sebastian, but is busy teasing Patrizio! Priorities! "I hear we got some ball-heavy pirates that need to be taught how to swim." The way she smiles when she says that, though, she isn't planning on survivors of the lesson.

"She can try.. Isles Canines fleet is better trained than most. After all, I don't have to support a populic as well." Juliana points out as she steps to the side of her brother. Sebastian is taller but not by much, in a family of tall females, she isn't an exception. A nod to Patrizio, smile tugging at her lips. "I love how I move out and suddenly Bas thinks he needs to introduce me to family."

As her eyes find Sebastian and Adrienne, Sina shifts the weight of the pack on her shoulder, and angles her path in their direction, approaching at a steady pace until she is a respectable distance, where she offers a dip of her head to Sebastian, and a light smile touches her lips. When he speaks of a message, she tilts her head slightly, then seems to brighten. "Oh yes, I had nearly forgotten with all the preparations." She lowers her voice slightly, whispering something so that only Sebastian and Adrienne might hear. Then, in a more normal tone, she says, "It is quite the gathering of forces."

A few Inverno sailors have been elected to walk through the city of Pieros with their Marquessa. Tyche, in her steelsilk dress which offers its deceptively protective properties, moves through the crowd of soldiers preparing for the oncoming skirmishes, Mercies readying their medical supplies, diplomats discussing strategy. Despite her small size, she manages to command attention as she cuts through in search of a drink of her own, perhaps, or a Northerner to tease, or a Southerner to embrace. Whatever her purposes, she manages to spy Adrienne by her guards, and directs her group that way, joining the former Valardin. "I've decided," she begins speaking before her feet have stopped near the woman, "That there are better reasons to venture to Pieros, but I do quite love seeing the city, the proof of Belladonna's work." She reaches out a hand, briefly squeezing Adrienne's arm in greeting. "Are you well?"

Raven's gaze shifts to the Ivory shield and she sizes the man up without any apology or any attempt to conceal she's taking his measure in full, "They got you a guard. Good. The trip was alright. A storm blew through but you spend enough time at sea you get used to sudden squals." She lowers her voice as Orland's attention turns to his writing.

"I could make something else ache- GAH!" A sailor mutters crudely after Selene's sweet send-off and is promptly elbowed in the gut by his partner.

"Is this how they flirt in Bravura?" the second sailor grumbles with a dismayed shake of her head.

Juliana's comment does get a broader smile from Patrizio, and he's chuckling. "I chalk most things up to stress when we're all buried to our elbows in the current situation," he muses softly. "The gods know that I've found myself reintroducing myself to others in the last weeks. Plus you know the saying, out of sight..." He does wink playfully...

And then there's Lucrezia's shout, and he's turning to face her on the deck of the Wanton. "I thought the running bet was that at least some of them'd die of envy," he shouts back to her. "Sounds like we should have something to drink while the swimming lesson is going on - why should we suffer while they're better acquainted with the subject matter?"

Standing at the correspondence tent with Orland, Raven, and Savio, Giorgio does turn his gaze outward to mark the goings on in the general mayhem that is the war preparations. Spying Sebastian, Giorgio does offer the Prince and Patron a bow of his head in greeting through the swarm of bodies.

Orland checks perception and investigation at normal. Orland is marginally successful.

For a time, all of Sebastian's gaze is on Sina -- something that might be oddly wary in his regard of the Archscholar, until she leans in to murmur her message. Whatever's said appears to ease the Sin's mind, for he seeks to touch fingers briefly to her arm in a clasped welcome. "I wasn't sure if you'd decided to come or not. I'm glad you did. Archscholar: do you know the Lady Juliana Igniseri, the General Patrizio Pravus, and--" His seriousness is put aside in the moment of Sebastian's greeting of Lucrezia, blowing the Admiral of the Black Fleet, Iron Kraken of Setarco an airkiss. The woman's words to her sibling elicit a quiet laugh and glance to Patrizio, and his helm in particular, with a faint amusement. "--and the Admiral Lucrezia Pravus," he picks up the thread with a brilliant smile. "Also: habit, Jules. But yes, it's something. We hadn't been prepared to host the fleets of the Compact, but Princess Allegra and the others have done an excellent job preparing the city for the influx."

Mostly, anyway. The Voice of Pravus doesn't look towards the harried harbormaster. He /does/ catch Giorgio's bow, lifting his hand in distant greeting of his protege.

Orland finishes up the memo and folds it, stamps it, and then bings a little metal bell. A fresh messenger comes over and he notes, "This to the northern outpost." The letters are all jumbled up and he puts a ribbon around it, marking it complete with a seal, before dumping them in a box that shows many many many more piles of this having been accomplished. Something about the Starlit Fortune coming into the docks has him blink a few times. That's followed up with a hopeful look around, "Giorgio! Look at you, what are you wearing!" He laughs a bit, but his mind is already reeling, looking around Giorgio, then over to Raven, "Where's he at?" Then to answer Giorgio, he nods, "Oh sure, we kept the enemy from organizing in Pieros. Hopefully such efforts will bring on going results." But he's bobbing, "Savio?" But he sees.. does he see?! Oh screw it he sees enough, HAT engaged, "Excuse me..." and he's high speed walking around, grabs a fellow by the shoulder, spins..."Nope you're not him."

"They'll get their revenge soon enough," says Adrienne's Pravosi guard of the northerners when his sharp eyes notice Tyche. Not that she's easily missed. He bows after a brief assessment, while Adrienne turns to touch a hand, damp, to Tyche's. "No trouble inbound?" asks Adrienne habitually, while grunts sound from the recruits she's watching as they are put through their drills. Tyche's question is met with a glance and a brief nod. "I'm well." Her gaze tracks over Tyche's head to the activity on the docks. "The Skal'dajans are trying to buy shav'arvani pirates and clans to set against us. Let's hope Belladonna's reputation is in our favor."

Savio checks perception and investigation at easy. Botch! Savio catastrophically fails.

Moonsilver suddenly swoops out of the sky, cackle-cawing in greeting as the large pale raven buzzes the bard.

Nina giggles at the slightly awkward flirting attempts, and ... otherwise, acts rather innocent in the whole situation. She looks at Selene with a wave of her fan. "Oh, what would the wager be?"

Giorgio blinks in surprise at Orland's question of what he is wearing. Looking down at his armor, which is of the purest white the leatherworker could bleach the leather, the Merchant looks up and says, "What? This is my armor. I thought it was quite fetching. I almost could pass for an actual soldier." He has no weapon. He totally isn't a soldier.

Juliana's brow arches up a little higher, those summer blues a mirror of her brother's now holding a wicked sort of glint. "Patrizio, did you just suggest that I am forgettable?" the tone is almost a purr as she waits for him to work his way out of that. But then Bas is introducing her again, the gaze sliding towards the Archscholar. "We have met, good to see you again, Archscholar."

"My journey was clear," Tyche offers her response, dark eyes sliding to the docks to spy out over the water. "But they're out there, and I imagine it is only a matter of time." There's an edge there, but she manages to push it off with a smile, her lashes dipping to spy the hand at her arm and then up to meet Adrienne's golden gaze. "If they do not know of Belladonna's reputation now, they will when we are finished." A promise, a pact. She steps to the side, turning to take a place beside her fellow Voice, to look over the crowds, familiar livery spied here and there. Quiet words are shared with the princess that travel no further than the pair.

Savio has spotted a familiar hat. He's so happy. It's a distinctive hat, right? No one's been starting hat trends or anything down here, that might cause confusion? Naw. He's from the Chain, he knows what people are wearing, right... that's an Arvani hat, and in particular, it belongs to a very dear friend. "Hey!" Savio calls out to the hat wearer, and then leaps towards him to tackle the other man...! WHO IS NOT ORLAND.

So somewhere over yonder there's a small altercation in which some poor messenger is throwing a punch at an unknown assailant who just attacked him and then there's a Saffron-accented voice yelling back "NO WHAT I'M SO SORRY." Hey guys, Savio is in Pieros.

Sina smiles warmly to Sebastian, and returns the arm-clasp in greeting. "I would not back out of a promise made, your Highness," she says solemnly. "I hope that I may be of some aid in the coming efforts." She turns her gaze, then, to Juliana as she is introduced, and Patrizio, and dips her head to them in greeting. "Lady Juliana," she greets pleasantly. "It is good to see you again as well. It has been quite some time." She turns to Patrizio, and dips her head. "General? Well met," she says, before turning to Lucrezia. "Admiral. I have heard your name, even if we have not met. It sounds like you have quite the capable command for the upcoming ventures, your Highness," she says, turning her gaze back to Sebastian.

Patrizio checks composure at normal. Patrizio fails.

Orland checks perception at normal. Orland is successful.

"I could think of a good many possibilities," Selene replies with a merry upturn of a smile. She brushes her fingers against the slope of her collarbone, trailing a curlicue in place of a fan. Better yet for her to regard that ham-fisted attempt to charm her for the playful approach it is, though her dark parasol sweeps down to lend protection from the daring looks of well-wishers or the cruel sky spitting on all who walk by. Mind, she conspires with the weather rather than fights against it. "The first ship out. The most graceful of the sailors, the best kitted out."

The Bloodwake sails. Unmoored, a rowboat tugs the cog slowly away from the pier. On deck are loud cheers as the captain bellows out encouragement to the crew, ending with: "Today, we sail. For your homes. FOR THE GODS AND THE CHAINBREAKER!"

Sebastian checks charm and propaganda at normal. Sebastian is successful.

Expression goes flat. DEADPAN. Orland walks up to the scene that Savio is dealing with, "Welcome to Pieros, Prince Savio..." he says it in a way that the messenger should reconsider that punch. Orland is EYEING HIM.

Raven looks up, "OH for the love of..." she shoves something at Orland. She probabaly meant to say something but she is turning to stride towards Savio and the man turned on the confused Bard with a look that promises VERY bad things should she make it there and things not be remedied.

"For the Chainbreaker!" Nina cries out, and her voice sounds crystal clear and perfectly genuine. She gives those who are sailing out a broad wave with the flutter of her butterfly fan.

Lucrezia rolls her eyes hard. "I don't think that's a bet, that's just brutal truth. Anyone dies of envy, I got special plans for. I'll never say no to--fuck me in the Abyss--" That probably isn't directed at Patrizio, but from Sebastian's airkiss. "Let's start with him!" She points at Sebastian like he's a pirate. "A pirate if I've ever seen one. Say," snapping her attention back to Patrizio, Lucrezia asks, "Do we give the pirates drink to increase the entertainment?" Hello, not the greatest moment for an introduction, but Lucrezia is Lucrezia. Barefeet and all she walks down to the boardwalk so she isn't shouting down at everyone. She grins broadly at Sina, forget she was just swearing and whatever she wants to do to Sebastian! "Yes, we do. Our fleet and navy are ready and eager to prove we can beat them like dogs again." Well, it went *something* like that last time...

While Sebastian only catches the tail end of the cheer on the deck of the departing ship, he knows that cadence. "FOR THE CHAINBREAKER!" he echoes, a fervency in his tone, extending into the brightness of his gaze as he turns it back towards Sina. "And yet a difficult decision, one you should be credited for," his head inclines to her, brightening at her words for their military commanders. "I have every Faith our battle will turn in our favor. Lu and Pat won't let it do otherwise. If I were the Skal'dajans I would run from the Wanton-" is said just as Lucrezia's declaring him a pirate. His laugh is bright, full of delight.

Sina has joined the a busy pier where ships are loading and unloading.

With supplies and weapons stowed, Dio stands on the dock not far from The Osprey and The Runner, issuing commands to a captains and their mates. He places a hand on one's shoulder in a gesture of faith, then turns to walk toward Sina and Sebastian, flanked by Captain Tancred, Anne, Luigi and several other Seraceni sailors. His expression is focused as the crowd cheers, but he thinks he notices Selene Whisper, before shaking his head in disbelief and continuing toward the Archscholar, the prince and his sister, catching only the last part of Lucrezia's speech.

The real problem with being in that moment where he's playing back with Lucrezia is that Juliana's question, even teasing, comes at him out of left field in his mind. There're more than a few blinks of those jade eyes, the tensing of his jaw, before he finds his words. "I think that it'd be a shame for such to be true, but you've not heard such from me," he counters, with that slow, slow play of a smile over his lips. Sina's greeting perhaps gives him an avenue out of that, though, as he inclines his head respectfully. "Well met indeed, though a shame it's not under better circumstances."

Lucrezia's quip gets a shake of his head, when he's on surer terrain. "I was thinking us while watching them, since that might increase our entertainment at their learning to swim." He does, albeit briefly, make sure that he's not digging himself into a new hole with his own weighing the matter, even as he's easing the backpack he carries to one side and opens it, digging within a moment or three...

The unmistakeable cry of "FOR THE CHAINBREAKER!" rises up from the dock in a haunting cacophony.

It's not a real fight, that Savio-induced havoc over there, just some poor guy that got jumped in a case of mistaken identity. When Orland and Raven show up, it's clear that someone has this situation in hand... and he cannot be delayed anyway, there are messages to go out! The messenger 'hmphs' and straightens his hat and glares at Savio, then departs.

The culprit himself turns to look to see who on earth just called him Prince, then grins so brightly at Orland and Raven, and that deadpan welcome-to-Pieros.

He has no shame whatsoever, at all, ever. "Thank you it's great to be here."

A sway of motion has both Selene and her strawberry-blonde handmaiden echoing that cry with striking clarity, bell-bright in its volume: "For the Chainbreaker!" The twirl of those dark blooms over their heads make the pair a bit less colourful than the nobility and commonfolk, but that's not for a lack of interest. She takes that moment to step back and wave off the Bloodwake, though her stature isn't such to really support the likes of a crowd and being seen. How the better to trespass around the fringes with a measured grace instead, watching the assembled aristocracy of Sins and Pirate Lords and Sharks, and all between? Someone has to capture it as a bystander for future days.

Giorgio checks charm and propaganda at normal. Giorgio is marginally successful.

Tyche is quietly whispering with Adrienne, but there is that call, and she turns her head, lifting her voice, "FOR THE CHAINBREAKER!" If she had a drink she'd toast, but she doesn't, so she doesn't. A lifting of her hand is all she can do before returning to her conversation.

As the cries go up, Giorgio turns to view what everyone is yelling for first. Catching on, the merchant cups his hands around his mouth and yells out "For the Chainbreaker!" his voice joining in with the rest.

Raven offers Savio a shoulder clasp, murmurs softly to Savio then steps away to let Savio and Orland say their hellos and she lifts her chin and calles "For the Chainbreaker!"

Juliana checks composure and performance at easy. Juliana is successful.

From over by the training grounds, Balnam sees the momentary commotion. He looks set to ignore it, but then /of course/ he sees Orland heading for it. There might well be a roll of the Ivory Guard's eyes and a muttered imprecation about /trouble following/, but he paces off in the wake of Orland, watching closely once he nears, but otherwise staying out of matters.

Like a wave, the cry passes up the dock, along the pier, past the Mercies at their tent and the aides at their letters to even where soldiers turn and squint to understand what the noise is as it washes over them. Happy. Confident in triumph. For the Chainbreaker.

Sina turns to watch as the ship is unmoored and set out to sea to the sound of cheers. Her lips curve in a slight smile, but she does not join in the cheering, maintaning a calm reserve. She hands her pack off to Jacinthe, and with a murmured word, the tawny-haired Scholar makes for the correspondence tent, presumably to find a place for the Archscholar to settle in until it's time to set sail. Sina, meanwhile, lingers on the peer, to speak with Sebastian and the others. Lucrezia is favored with a reserved smile. "I shall be praying for your success, Admiral. Much depends on it." She looks toward Patrizio then, and she inclines her head to him. "Well, the circumstances of our meeting could be worse," she says lightly. "At least we are meeting on the eve of battle among friends and comrades, rather than in the midst of it among enemies." She gives him a kindly smile.

Orland looks to Raven, to the thing shoved at him that he has to catch otherwise it'll drop to the ground, but as the messenger thinks twice, he nods them back toward the correspondence tent, "Come on... let's go." As the cheers start filling the streets he lifts a brow, but doesn't join in. "I'll tell you what I've been up to..." a beat, "And you can meet Balnam." Reverting the way he came.

Jules arches a brow at Patrizio's reply, for a moment tilting her head. "You can do better." said with a soft smile, then reaches out and pats his arm. "But it's can be hard in these times." before her gaze shifts back to the goings on, as she reaches into the arm of her jacket and pulls a narrow flask free. A sip, then held out to Bas first, as she watches silently. This is Sebastian's circus after all.

Nina absolutely loves a good rallying cry. Once the shouting has started, it will simply spread like pollen on the wind. She looks pleased with the shouts, and keeps waving at the ship. "Shall we start up a song?" She looks at Juliana, seeing a flask passed about. "I believe I'll write another song of triumph soon, something that really speaks to this moment. I feel inspiration on the wind!"

The crew of the Wanton is completely silent while the cheer rises, but then they don't even seem to look up from whatever task they're on to see what is going on. Odd! Lucrezia nods in approval of Sebastian saying the Skal'dajans should run. "Oh, they'll try, but they'll wish they hadn't." She looks almost excited for chasing them down as she does just straight up fighting. Clapping her hands together, she looks excited at Patrizio. "The Arvani Fire! Let's set the sea on fire and have them swim in it! While drunk while we're drinking!" This sounds awful complicated. Upon receiving Sina's promise for prayers her excitement for killing everything doesn't dim at all, but perhaps her face softens just a hair. Only a hair. "Thank you. The gods will surely be on our side, we appreciate all the blessings we can win to our side."

A bell tolls from within the city. A chattering crowd begins to meander near the Mercies' tent. Mostly sailors and soldiers with a few of the white-robed Mercies intermingled.

Adrienne has left the a makeshift training ground on the approach to the city.

Adrienne has joined the a makeshift training ground on the approach to the city.

Adrienne has left the a makeshift training ground on the approach to the city.

Adrienne has joined the a large Mercy tent bearing the sigil of Lagoma's flame.

Tyche has joined the a large Mercy tent bearing the sigil of Lagoma's flame.

There's an energy to the Artist of Pravus in the wake of that cry. "Marquis Dio," it's with a genuine, unfettered delight that Sebastian welcomes the Serceni, reaching out to clasp his shoulder. "I thought you wouldn't be that far behind the Archscholar. How was your trip? We've some accomodations arranged for you and yours -- and that includes yourself, Archscholar. You oughn't leave without admiring the Palace of the Coiled Snake and the gardens around it." He's... looking sidelong at Patrizio, but any suspicion is only as a lingering result of Lucrezia's declaration. He takes the Iron Kraken's assertion without contest, his smile something bordering on indulgent. "Jules," he says, taking the flask she offers reflexively, "Did you have a chance to look through the Mercy tents? Everything look set up well up there?"

Patrizio nods in agreement to Sin'a sentiment, once he's added his voice to the chorus sending off the ship, and... there's that wary smile. Especially as Juliana's distracting him. "I can. Caught me off my game, just a bit." The smile comes more easily when he's taking a breath and letting it free, even as he turns to let his gaze wash over the pier and the other soldiers milling about. That hand working in his bag comes free with a bottle, before he's pressing it over to Lucrezia. "I'd rather save the Arvum Fire for those who're coming to our shores, more vicious than these pirates well teach to swim. But this should put some fire in your belly."

Patrizio takes a bottle of Setarco Fire from a leather backpack stamped with the seal of House Pravus.

Patrizio takes a bottle of Sin's Spice Dark Rum Reserve from a leather backpack stamped with the seal of House Pravus.

Patrizio puts a bottle of Setarco Fire in a leather backpack stamped with the seal of House Pravus.

Sina turns toward Dio as her attention is drawn toward him, and she offers him a solemn nod of the head in greeting. "Marquis," she greets pleasantly alongside Sebastian when the Sereceni reaches them. She nods to Sebastian then, giving him an appreciative smile as he offers the hospitality of the palace. "That is very much appreciated, your Highness. I have long hoped to look upon the Saffron Isles. I look forward to seeing it all," she says pleasantly. She glances over toward the Mercy tents as the bell begins to toll and people begin to gather, then back to Dio and Sebastian. To Dio she asks, "Was your voyage as choppy as mine?" she asks, with a hint of humor in her silvery eyes.

The bell, a squint at the sky, has Adrienne offering Tyche her arm with Oathlandish chivalry. "It's Journal Day. Shall we?" She meanders that way with the Inverno Marquessa, while continuing her conversation with a typically serious frown.

As Bas passes back her flask, Jules takes a nip of the Fire withing before closing it again and slipping the flask back into the holder within her sleeve. Patrizio gets a wink but it's Sebastian that Juliana answers. "No, I haven't. I tend to trust those with a job to do the job as it is suppose to be done. Though.. if you think that I should, I can."

Tyche looks down at the proffered arm, one she's already grabbed twice tonight, and there's something so amusing in the way it is offered that she laughs. "Yes. We shall," she agrees to their movement, slipping her hand onto Adrienne's arm and moving toward the newest tent with her escort, while talking war and strategy in quiet murmurs.

Lucrezia accepts the bottle from Patrizio, but shockingly doesn't immediately drink, instead she hugs it to her chest, sulking. "Stingy, Zio! Just think if we set the *entire* sea on fire! But, made it like the whirlpool so only we could sail through it! And fish and stuff can survive. And..." She opts for taking a drink in all the excitement of her plans. "This is good." So good she takes another guzzle.

Dio comes to stand at Sina's side. "The voyage was not the most pleasant, Your Highness," he says in reply to Sebastian. He offers a salute to the prince, Lucrezia and Patrizo. "It is good to see you in Pieros, Archscholar," says the marquis with a brief smile. Anne offers Dio a bottle, and he accepts it, and takes a swig, before passing it to Tancred. A grin flashes across his features as Lucrezia speaks, and when Sebastian mentions the palace, Dio says, "We appreciate the accommodations, it's far better than our typical camps." And there are many vigorous nods form the other Seraceni sailors.

Raven has left the a silk canopy beneath which aides write correspondence.

Raven steps out from the silk canopy and makes her way towards where Sebastian and Lucrezia are.

Sebastian gives Lucrezia a look. Or, no, he's eyeing the bottle she claims from Patrizio for a moment. "If I could offer accomodation to everyone, I would. But we make do," he says to Dio. When Sina glances to the source of the bell, the Pravosi Prince says, "I believe the Seraph of Pieros will be offering a benediction outside the Mercies tents soon to honor Journal Day, Archscholar, if you're interested?" His glance at Juliana is weighted, smile faint. "I trust them to do their job. But you've done this in more wars than I... we can count." He slips his arm through Juliana's, clearly with the intent to accompany his twin in that direction.

Not ignorant of Nina, Selene goes quiet for a time and gestures briefly to her handmaiden. She isn't without some consideration of her peers, though the Whisper holds still. Her fingers tap against the wooden handle of the parasol with the unmistakeable suggestion of someone measuring a beat, finding a meter from the lilting cascade between snapping canvas and bustling people, ships on the move and crowds ever caught up. Something's already in the churning, there.

Patrizio takes a bottle of Setarco Fire from a leather backpack stamped with the seal of House Pravus.

Patrizio takes a bottle of Sin's Spice Dark Rum Reserve from a leather backpack stamped with the seal of House Pravus.

Sina gives Dio a nod and a smile. "I would not miss the opportunity to witness history unfold," she says with a quiet passion for her role as a Scholar, first and foremost. "And to offer what aid I can in the form of knowledge." She glances at Sebastian briefly, then back to Dio and his Seraceni sailors. "It looks like they are gathering for prayer," she says with a nod in agreement with Sebastian. "I am most eager to meet the Seraph of Pieros." To Dio, she says, "Will you join me, Marquis?" she asks, as she begins to move in that direction.

Raven has joined the a busy pier where ships are loading and unloading.

Patrizio notices the look that Sebastian's giving the bottle he's handed over to Lucrezia, before he's fishing into the bag and pulling another forth, offering it up to him as well. "Since you didn't get to the rum contest the other day before we all left," he says, seriously. "No sense in leaving it all behind in Arx, where we can't enjoy it." The faint turn of a smile when he's noticing Dio's approach for those moments, before he's nodding. "Marquis. Good to see you again."

Down the street comes a small entourage. From windows above spectators call out greetings. "Brother Stilio! Brother Stilio! Give us a song Seraph!" The Seraph of Pieros is a man who looks most suited to lugging crates on the docks. Of average height and broad shouldered, he is bald and his long beard is braided a dozen times over. Woven into the braids are beads and serpentine-looking jewelery. His brown eyes have a jolly glint. "Fuck you!" he hollars up to the woman asking for a song. Laughter rings. The entourage heads for the Mercy's tent, where a white-robed sister, her hair gray, greets the Seraph with a punch to the arm.

Giorgio has left the a silk canopy beneath which aides write correspondence.

Dio nods solemnly to Sina, and moves to follow the archscholar and the prince. Anne sighs loudly, and Dio casts her a glance as cold as the Abyss. "Thank you, General," he replies, turning to Patrizo when the prince addresses him, and resumes his stride. Dio glances over his shoulder at Selene. "I would swear that is Selene Whisper there with Nina," mutters the marquis to Sebastian.

Sina has left the a busy pier where ships are loading and unloading.

Sina has joined the a large Mercy tent bearing the sigil of Lagoma's flame.

Dio has joined the a large Mercy tent bearing the sigil of Lagoma's flame.

Lucrezia blithely ignores Sebastian's look, but then she's the one drinking the rum of envy. Not sharing! As Dio arrives, she grins at him. "You should try this!" But, doesn't offer it to share. She is counting on Patrizio to be a rum dispenser! "You, too!" She yells towards Raven, seeing her come down the dock. "To setting the sea on fire!" Patrizio didn't say no! She lifts her rum and drinks again, happily severely unhinged today. "Oh...wait, do we have to act all religious now?" She pouts as people start trickling away to go watch. As for Lucrezia, she drinks instead.

Nina sees booze being passed around, and that distracts her. "Prince Patrizio, your rum is my favorite concoction. Can we take a break for it? I wouldn't pass up a drink for all of the world!" she cheerfully exclaims.

Arm slid into Sebastian's easily, Jules falls in step without really giving it any thought. "If it would make you comfortable, I can walk through and make suggestions, yes. I am going to be escorting the hospital ship however, so it's not normally my place to tell other's how to set up their work enviroment."

There's a genuine delight in Sebastian as Patrizio hands him a bottle. He turns it over in one hand, admiring the color and label. "Thanks, Pat. I promise to open this just after the Black Fleet smashes the Skal'dajans. A fitting toast." He tucks it under one arm. As he walks, he glances in the direction Dio looks, towards Selene and Nina. "Indeed it is. She's contracted to House Pravus to assist with some diplomatic matters within the Chain. We're fortunate to have the Radiant Emeritus with us."

Sebastian has left the a busy pier where ships are loading and unloading.

Sebastian has joined the a large Mercy tent bearing the sigil of Lagoma's flame.

Savio has left the a silk canopy beneath which aides write correspondence.

Sina glances to Dio, then toward the woman indicated as he points out Selene. A smile lights her features in the famous Whisper's direction. Her attention turns, then, toward the procession heading down with the apparent Seraph at its head. She observes the way the people interact with him, and the way he interacts with them, with a somewhat amused expression. "They do seem fond of him," she murmurs to her companions. As they arrive at the Mercy tents, Sina finds a position where she can observe the Journal Day benediction with ease.

Raven steps out from the silk canopy and makes her way towards the peir, though she apparently misses Sebastian but continues on towards Lucrezia and Nina.

Giorgio leaves, then Savio tries to follow, but the Amadeo lord catches his hand. Then with a nod to Balnam, "I'm going straight to the inn." No more needs to be said. Then with a quick urgency, Orland is dragging Savio out the correspondence tent, with a bit of a smirk... before they start running quickly through the crowd.. there might be boyish whoots and hollars, but as Duarte would say, grown ass men whoots and hollars.

The warm and humid air weighs like a blanket over the docks. A salty sea breeze offers precious little respite.

Dio is not one to turn down a challenge. Before he is completely swept away to the Mercy tents, he snatches Lucrezia's bottle, grinning at her, before taking a long pull. "I'm looking forward to sailing with you, Admiral," he says, handing her back the bottle, before quickening his step to catch up to Sina and Sebastian.

"You could not have asked someone better from what I understand, Your Highness," replies Dio to Sebastian. He walks with the prince and the archscholar, watching the Seraph of Pieros before his flock. "Aye, they do," he says in agreement with Sina.

Orland has left the a silk canopy beneath which aides write correspondence.

Juliana has joined the a large Mercy tent bearing the sigil of Lagoma's flame.

If a Seraph won't sing, then too bad for him. Brother Stilio's refusal to take up a tune or toss someone into the sea seems only like the appropriate moment for a Mirrormask to take up the task instead. Or perchance the verses align with vague predilection for a beat struck on wood, and soon enough the stitchery of verse comes around where the swearing, ease-mannered Brother Stilio gets a challenge of a kind. Selene doesn't need much to go off of. No accompaniment will come, other than the first wordless chord meant to give an audience the refrain for their own sake.

"And waves, and sails snapping; for the march
Of the Compact's glory takes to the wine-dark sea.
Dancers poised on the decks raise their hands
From the rails and catch the cry,

Stilled, as one prays in a shrine,
As purpose filled their bodies and shines
Silvered with the first shaft of sunlight,
Beautiful and more compelling with each breath.

Silence pulls apart at the seams, smote;
We halt, trembling, where water churns
And proclaims the splintering of chains
To the lofty vault of the sky.

Light cleaves tempered steel walls,
And those powerful lands that were once
Vibrant with untrameled hopes--
Rise to the unheralded show of strength."


There's a smile threatening to tug at Balnam's features, the Ivory Shield heading off in Orland's wake, looking wistfully up at the Inn's sign as he heads inside.

Patrizio is clearly watching with delight how the bottles are received, and he's breathing out as if perhaps he's thinking this helps to salve things. "I seriously hope that we don't have to be all religious now, because then I'd feel bad about the fact that I'm sharing rum so much," he points out to Lucrezia, and there's a chuckle from him. The backpack slides back onto his shoulder, when he's looking in the direction of the training camp, and he's contemplating the matter. But it's Selene's song that has him turning his considerations back closer and...

"Wow." The word slides from his lips when he's not possessed of any better reaction to the song.

Of course, Sebastian looks. He can't help but to be drawn by the Selene's refrain, quelling the otherwise energetic Sin to stillness for the length of the song, like a spell. In the breath of silence afterwards, his exhale is loud, and then he claps. "Radiant Emeritus, you honor us all with your song," the Pravus Prince calls out.

Nina listens, happy as Selene takes the lead on the song. She sways back and forth, gesturing for accompanyment from those at the docks, and clapping her hands in time. Two verses in, she finds the chords to harmonize, but as Selene takes the lead she only accompanies, and then applauds. "Marvelous! Perfect for the occasion."

At Sina's side, Dio gawks when Selene sings, and a strange expression moves across his features - some religious sentiment, that makes him willing to die for the cause, because it means that much.

At first Selene's song is hard to hear. The docks are noisy. Gulls sound. People banter. Carts rock. Little by little, much as with the cry earlier, a sort of reverence passes over the gathering crowd with Selene at its epicenter. Conversations quiet. Friends lean on shoulders. Music - pure, soul-spoken music - a balm to frenetic energy.

Seraph Stilio waits until the last of Selene's words, of Nina's harmony, vanish into the air before scaling a supply crate outside of the dock. Jolly eyes travel from Whisper Selene to Prince Sebastian. "Jayus's tears are joyful, Radiant Whisper, and so are ours." He looks out over the dazed and solemn crowd. "Applaud you scamps. The rest of the gods can wait their turn."

The Archscholar turns at the first notes of the chanted song, her eyes riveting on the Whisper. Her eyebrows lift in an emotive expression with each word. After a moment, she closes her eyes, and lets the words wash over her with such purpose. By the end of it, there's a straightening of her shoulders, a sense of resolve settling over her features, as if the song has turned her spine to iron, and her lifted her hopes in the face of certain danger. Her eyes open at last, and she calls out, "Well done!" She joins in the applause, fervently and heartfelt.

Juliana listens silently to the song, whatever her thoughts are kept behind a carefully held mask. Though she does let go of her hold on Sebastian to applaud before raising her voice along with others. "Well sung.. beautiful as always." falling silent again, gaze slowly sweeping over those that gather.

Raven retreats, leaving the important to do the important things. Her arms cross and her jade gaze sweeping across the wide staging site.

"No such thing as sharing rum too much. If there is, we're using Arvani Fire on it." Lucrezia declares with a nod and another drink. "Me too, Marquiss Dio, me too." She waves as he heads off to go listen to the benediction. She makes no move in that direction. While everyone else focuses on Selene's song, she half turns to the Wanton, cocking her head, though the crew members on board still have not said a thing.

Sebastian's gaze meets the Seraph's without hesitation -- with a hint of a smile, even. "Indeed, Seraph Stilio." It might be swallowed by the applause in the wake of the Seraph's encouragement. He looks wholly at ease -- wholly at home -- with one arm tugged through his twin's and the other cradling a bottle of Setarcan-spawned rum.

Height doesn't account for much when Selene wants to be heard, cajoling an audience from a stage being not a great deal different from putting hooks into a working audience and metaphorically snagging the line to see what surfaces. She draws her hand out to the assembled Pravosi, a showman (woman?)'s flourish executed precise and neat. Then she sinks into that equally gracious curtsey since the tight column of the dress would never permit anything remotely like a stageshow bow with all the swagger it commands. That's how you end up facedown in the dirt. She holds the deep genuflection a beat or two longer than necessary. "To House Pravus, and its allies, and all the brave men and women safeguarding our freedoms. I commend you all." She wiggles her fingers then, not utterly serious. "I assure you all a feast of celebration for your deeds done today."

Patrizio comes along with the press, with his helm tucked beneath his arm - his supply of rum's hidden safely away for the moment, not that he's worried about the matter of looking sacrilegious for doing so. No, more important to him is being there for that moment, listening to the words of the benediction as it's being given to the troops.

Raven has left the a busy pier where ships are loading and unloading.

Seraph Stilio raises his hands over the faithful waiting for his benediction. The sleeves of his robe slide down his forearms, revealing the colorful serpentine tattoos covering every inch of skin. "Today we gather-" he looks up to the sky "-in the wake of Mangata's blessing to thank the gods.

When evil gathers, Gloria reminds us to fight.
When fear grips us, Vellichor reminds us to think.
When we dream about peaceful days of yore, Lagoma reminds us to grow.
When we despair, Jayus reminds us to sing."

The Seraph grins cheekily before continuing.

"We pray to do our duty as Limerance commands. To remember the promise of the Wheel and Elysium at the Queen's side. May Gild, Petrichor, and Mangata bless us with their bounties. And when all is done, may the Sentinel look down at our works and find them sufficient.

"And above all, on this wet and important day, as Aion dreams the infinite dream, the First Choice grants us the freedom to live. Each of you today has made that choice. Go forth. Be blessed."

Nina fans herself again and then, reaches out to get a bit of rum, which she takes in hand and sips before taking a step back from the pier.

Seraceni sailors are used to the dread of Dio and a thirst for coin to motivate them, not the eloquence of Selene and an earthy, unaffected Seraph. Wild, drunken cheers fill the air - and Dio lends his voice, shouting with the rest. Whatever virulent liquor Lucrezia got him to drink is clearly affecting him, but glancing at Sina, a slight flush of color rises to the pirate lords cheeks, and he attempts to look slightly more decorous and less piratical.

Orland forget something... clearly, but his armor was already looking a little unbuttoned. He struts across the street.

Sina turns her attention to the Seraph once the cheering for Selene's song has died down somewhat, and she studies him with his serpentine tattoos as he lifts his arms, before she bows her head to pray along silently. A light smile curves her lips by the time he is finished, and she lifts her head again, opening her eyes, giving him an inclination of the head, even as the cheers rise up again. She glances briefly at Dio, and she gives him a little grin. She murmurs something more softly to him.

Balnam trails behind Orland, looking kind of baffled. Looking at Orland, kind of baffled. He just doesn't get fashion.

Being the one bearing the rum, it's easy for Patrizio to be stealing more than a nip - from a cup that he's conveniently brought with him, and not straight from the bottle like some shav - as he's listening to the benediction. It's a good and holy thing for him to be finding things to relax him.

Raven has drifted away from the group, watching over the staging area as a whole, Moonsilver perched somewhere up high.

There's a little peacock strut on the streets, between the correspondence tent and back to the Inn. Orland grabs whatever he left behind, winks to Balnam and suave struts back to the Inn, as if there's a little beat he's walking too.

The crowd outside the Mercy tent for the Seraph's benediction is eclectic. Royalty and beggars. Pirates. Diplomats. Whispers. Alcohol is chugged with abandon. Some people whisper prayers. Some hollar drunkenly with delight.

Seraph Stilio makes a laughing 'settle down people' gesture with his hands. Then he points at Sina with a furrowed brow. Is that? IT IS. He waves. A few others cast Sina askance looks.

Dio smiles at Sina. He places a hand lightly on the archscholar's shoulder if she should allow it, and turns to Anne, Tancred and the other Seraceni sailors. "You carry with you the blessings of the gods! You sail with the Wanton and the Iron Kraken! You are the pirates of Ischia and this is your time to /take everything!/" There is much louder shouting and roaring from the Seraceni pirates, who seem to feeling the wondrous blend of destiny and drunkenness that one can only experience at the cusp of a legendary battle.

Balnam just shakes his head, and follows after the peacock.

Nina has left the a busy pier where ships are loading and unloading.

Nina has joined the a large Mercy tent bearing the sigil of Lagoma's flame.

Glancing around at the celebratory crowd, Sina smiles and then turns to Dio. She rests a hand on his in turn, as he places his on her shoulder. A look of understanding maybe passes between them, before he turns to encourage his sailors, while she turns toward Seraph Stilio as he points at her. She tilts her head, then glances aorund when others start glancing at her. She clears her throat, seeming a little uncomfortable at the sudden attention. But after a moment, she disengages from Dio, and makes her way toward the Seraph of Pieros. "Seraph Stilio," she greets him. "I am Sina, Archscholar of Vellichor. That was a lovely benediction on this Journal Day. Vellichor surely smiles upon our devotions this day. May I offer a few words as well?"

"It's the Golddigger!" A boy cries with delight as he points to the harbor, where a fat and goods laden ship is being tugged to dock. Two larger ships flank it and anchor offshore.

A few others in the vicinity look, study the ship's profile, and agree that yes, she is the Golddigger. One of the harbormaster's staff waits with damp shoes at the mooring, while carts and porters gather to unload it.

Nina inv

Sebastian looks utterly content, and... way less tired and plain exhausted than he's been seen at various points over the past few weeks in Arx. Perhaps it was the break in Setarco on the way here, just as likely it's the mood and sentiment of a city that feels almost as much home as the Silken City does, surrounded by family, friends and allies. He even looks pleased with the Seraph's words, though his gaze is on the crowds, flickering from individual to individual, then to Sina as she asks to speak.

Dio turns from the sailors to stand near Sebastian, and listen to the words of the Archscholar of Vellichor. Anne takes a long sip from her rum bottle.

The Seraph jumps down from the crate. For Sina, he is all collegial reverence and clasps her hand in a firm grip. The scales on the snake tattoos on his arm ripple with the twitch of muscle. "We'll take every word you have, Archscholar. And when you're done here, come find me at the Shrine-" Presumably, Vellichor. Journal Day! "- I'll get you a decent dinner."

Raven remains not far removed from the training grounds keeping a close eye on the comings and goings and general activities, content to lurk quietly like somehow her watchefulness is necessary.

Nina steps back from the dock for bit, just to get out of the heat. She's fanning herself again, and ready to have a bit of time to sit. "I enjoy the music, but the common folk, you know, sometimes we sing the most simple of words. Hey nonny nonny and such other things. Easier to remember when you're drunk you know!"

Juliana is content to stand at Sebastian's side and watch as the evening folds out in front of them. Gone is that gregarious girl of the past, years having taught the Lady how much information more observation afforded her. Her flask again at hand, takes another sip, offering it again to Bas, though he seems to be passed a bottle already.

Patrizio draws in closer to where his cousins are standing, with a tuck of his bottle into his bag to make sure that it's kept safe, rather than hidden. Jade eyes are turned forward when he' listening, and he breathes out slowly, deeply. "May the gods favour us in what's to come, and may they watch over us," he murmurs, to add in his own prayers in case the higher powers are listening for once.

Patrizio has joined the a large Mercy tent bearing the sigil of Lagoma's flame.

Sina checks charm and performance at normal. Critical Success! Sina is spectacularly successful.

Sina clasps the Seraph's hand in turn, inclining her head toward him, a smile blooming on her lips at his invitation. "I would be most honored to do so. I will look forward to making your acquaintance, and visiting the shrine while I am here. Dinner, too, will not go amiss," she says, with a sparkle in her eyes. Then she releases his hand, and turns to greet Adrienne. "Your Highness," she greets warmly. "It was a little choppy on the voyage, but we made it."

She grins, and then she jumps up on the crate numbly, turning to face the crowd before attention wanders. She is resplendant in the armor of the Faith, her shoulders straight as she casts a gaze to the faces before her.

"Today, we stand on the precipice of the unknown. Forces that we do not fully understand threaten our shores, and our Compact. Storms brew in the east, and darken the horizon. But together, we stand firm in the face of it. May Vellichor grant us the wisdom to enlarge our understanding of this world. May he steady us as we stand in the face of the unknown. Let us receive his truth, and open our ears, eyes, and hearts to receive his wisdom," she says, her voice rising as she lifts her own hands in a benediction of her own. "Let our wits be quickened, our hearts made steadfast. Let us honor the First Choice with our actions, and may the Sentinel guide us in righteousness, and may Mangata bring our ships to safe harbor when we are done. May Gloria lead us forward with honor, and, perhaps most importantly, may Limerance strengthen our hearts, to honor our oaths and our vows to liege, Faith and Compact. In these things, we stand together. May our blessed Pantheon watch over us, as we step forward into the unknown."

Her own benediction seems particularly focused, and when she is finished, she lowers her hands once more, bowing her head. Once she is done, she lifts her head again, and smiles.

Within the shade of the tent, Sebastian murmurs quietly to the grouping of family, friends and allies alike, though his words cease as Sina speaks. He's drawn by her calm and certain demeanor, and bright blue gaze tracks her movement. "Well spoken, Archscholar, and a sentiment we wholeheartedly echo." He lifts the bottle of rum as if in toast, though he doesn't drink because... it's Victory Rum.

There's a snort, playfully, from Patrizio when such is mentioned, and he's shaking his head. "It's just some of the bottles that I've thought to bring with me," he points out to Adrienne. "Someone has to keep your husband off the straight and narrow, since Pravusi don't do that." The jade eyes playfully dance when he's shifting the bag again, and he murmurs, "Though we had enough entries from our House in the contest, so we ought all have enough to float everyone." He smiles, a mite amused. "I was simply lucky enough to come away with the top prize."

The whispers can be heard before Sina speaks. "It's the Archlector. It's Sina Godsworn." Not often does an Archlector of the Faith appear in distant Pieros.

Her words, this holy knight of Vellichor, are enough to stir even a stone-hardened heart.

A man missing an arm calls up to Sina, "Bless you, Archlector. Bless you."

"Watch over us," a woman prays, a young child asleep at her hip.

"Shit I-forgot-to-do-my-journals," calls a last who scurries out of the gathering and up the street.

Seraph Stilio sighs. "There is always one." He smiles toothily to Sina. "Thank you."

Nina looks up, with some surprise, a bit of awe, as Sina arrives and gives her holy words. Nina claps, then, happily, at the speech, excitement overflowing efferveciently through her whole being.

There's a certain resolve in the silvery gray gaze of the Archscholar as she gazes out across those who speak when she is done. "The Gods watch over us, always," she says serenely. "But it is for us to act. It is for us to Choose our place within the Dream." Her gaze shifts toward the one who runs off to do their journals, and a sparkle of amusement touches her eyes. She turns to Seraph Stilio then, and bows her head toward him, before giving him a cheeky grin. She smiles toward Sebastian, and to Nina, dipping her head toward them. Then she steps down off the crate, and moves toward the woman with the child, a compassionate look on her features. She speaks quietly with the woman, seeking to soothe her fears, offering a blessing for the child if she wishes it, before drifting back to Dio's side.

Dio meets Adrienne's glance, but the words of Sina draw his attention, and he listens to the prayers, breathing easier with a sense of purpose. Anne offers him her bottle, and he takes a deep drink, watching as the archscholar speak to the people.

At the pier the Golddigger comes to a stop while sailors aboard wave delightedly to those soaked and unlucky peers at awaiting them. "What is your cargo?" calls the harbormaster's assistant.

"Iron, beans, and grain!" is the answer. The three foodgroups of the war.

Sina is overheard praising Selene: A jewel of the Compact.

Patrizio takes a bottle of Sin's Spice Dark Rum Reserve from a leather backpack stamped with the seal of House Pravus.

Patrizio takes a bottle of Sin's Spice Dark Rum Reserve from a leather backpack stamped with the seal of House Pravus.

Dio glances at Nina. "It's bloody good," he says of Patrizio's rum. As the Golddigger comes to port, Tancred and his quartermaster Luigi speak, and the latter moves off with several Seraceni sailors towards the ships. Dio remains by Sina's side. "When you speak, we feel we are not alone," he says to the priestess.

Dio has left the a large Mercy tent bearing the sigil of Lagoma's flame.

Juliana is overheard praising Adrienne.

Juliana is overheard praising Adrienne.

Sebastian is overheard praising Adrienne.

With a soft murmur towards his twin, Sebastian gives a nod towards across the tent, and quietly leads Juliana away to talk with a pair of the tent's mercies.

A rumble of thunder far off in the distance shakes the skies while the clouds shifts from gray to pink to red. /"Red sky at night, Mangata's alright."/

And finally... finally... does the Song of Sighs push back from the dock, its cargo loaded and the blessing of Whisper and Suspire to carry with them.

Juliana has left the a large Mercy tent bearing the sigil of Lagoma's flame.

Sina is overheard praising Adrienne.

Sina is overheard praising Sebastian.

Sina has left the a large Mercy tent bearing the sigil of Lagoma's flame.

Lucrezia sails away to go hunt pirates. Of course!

Lucrezia has left the a busy pier where ships are loading and unloading.