Out <O> is now locked.

Out <O> is now unlocked.

Carissa, a Southport bodyguard, Planchet the Lycene maggiordome arrive, following Eirene.

Merek makes a way along and into the great cathedral to take part in Silver Day, although he doesn't really say anything and finds a quiet place!

Earlier on in the evening, Silver Day involved a bunch of prayers! They were almost assuredly very serious while also uplifting and everyone speaking knew what they were talking about. Now that it's over, the evening has transitioned to a more quiet time. The lights are lower and people are gathering around in smaller clusters to discuss the holiday while also enjoying some desserts that are being passed around. Porter is seated at the pews to the front of the church, his feet stretched out in front of him. If anyone is going to be sleeping here overnight, it's him.

Where is the fun in Silver Day if you don't have the sleepover part!? Azova has been diligently working to convince Reve that of course it will be fun to sleep overnight in the Cathedral. Look, there's even snacks! Her animated face no doubt amusing to all who happen to spy it when she makes a great huge deal out of eating some dessert. "Here. This pastry alone - totally worth it." she holds out a piece of Reve. "We still hanging out chocolate coins for good Stories, Porter? If not, I have no problem eating all the coins myself."

Eirene has never been known to be religious, but she brought her three children - two six year olds and a napping one year old. Figure they may as well get some proper civlization into them. The twins are sleeping as the hour grows late, curled up next to one another and bundled in their little silken cloaks even if it's warm in the summer air. Eirene is helping herself to dessert and nibbling on little bits of cake and drinking wine. "Chocolate coins? Don't tell those two, they might wake up for that," she jokes to Azova.

Reve, well behaved. Perhaps married life is agreeing with him, or perhaps even _he_ recognizes the importance of certain moments. He spent his time of prayer with his bowed head, his eyes closed, and his hands held together before him. Very, very quiet. This allows him the energy to perk up as the evening gets later and go to browse the desserts that are available. "Very well done," he compliments Porter before snaring a cream filled pastry, squeezing it and then deciding that the chocolate one that Azova is offering is better. He totally takes them both however. The cream filled one is slid Azova-wards. "To go with the chocolate."

A flock of ladies-in-waiting, 3 Thrax Guards, 2 Thrax Elite Guards, Advocate Robert, a fastidious well dressed assistant arrive, following Alarissa.

Alarissa arrives, following Titus.

"We are! We're definitely handing out these coins for people telling good stories," Porter replies quickly as he shifts forward on the pew and takes up a position that is full of significantly less lounging. "Do you have any good stories about life changes?" he asks Eirene, holding up one of the coins. Is this a bribe for participation? Yes, yes it is. The cathedral at this point is much quieter as the hour grows late and visitors are exchanging stories and eating dessert.

Eirene snorts in amusement. "My life is full of changes. Good ones." She glances at the six year olds and then the baby slung in a carrier over her shoulder. "I loved my first husband without ever realizing it was love. Not until I lost him." She smiles, softly and sadly. "It was a hard thing for me to find love again, and even harder to tell him how I felt- before it was too late. Now... my children have a loving father, I have a new son to help the future of my husband's house, and I have a man I know can hold his own in the 'good fight' against the darkness." She glances at the stained glass and finds Lagoma's image before looking back at Porter.. "So I'm thankful to Her for all the good things my life has brought me lately."

There's the clinking of armour and the swoosh of ornate fabric as a little group enter the cathedral. Titus is at Alarissa's side, and when they enter he gives a dip to his knee before standing back up in a rather southern show of respect to the holiness of the repaired cathedral to celebrate Silver Day as evening has come. Giving a gesture, he takes Alarissa towards where the group is more or less at, listening to one of the first stories of change by Eirene.

Azova doesn't even hesitate before taking a nice chomp of the cream filled pastry, and making an indecent sound to go with it - sorry, not sorry. "Good choice." she mutters to Reve, before her attention turns to Eirene and she slips a coin to Porter to hand out if the story is deemed worthy by the Archlector. "I'm so happy for you Lady Eirene. Those changes that are the most difficult are hopefully the most rewarding." she encourages, smiling at the children who can be awoken by the words 'chocolate coins'; fortunately, she tries not to utter them again.

Reve, his pastry in hand, seems very taken with vanquishing his hunger - or his sweet tooth. That said, when Eirene starts to speak, his focus shifts politely to her and he lowers the pastry. The children that are pointed out are regarded, curiously, and somewhere in the middle of Eirene's words his expression actually softens dramatically. He nods politely in the wake of Azova's words, to emphasize them by way of agreement.

"This is a family establishment," Porter remarks off-handedly to Azova when she makes *indecent* noises! But it doesn't sound or look like he's really upset, more like he enjoys saying something that might cause the Mercy to squint at him. Then he flashes her a broad grin and finds another coin in his hand. "Thanks!" He leans forward to try and hand the coin or coins off to Eirene while saying in a low conspiratorial voice, "Here, take them. Hide them. I won't let them know they're on your person."

Alongside the prodigal lord, Alarissa's walk. A change of pace from the Thrax ward and any excuse to visit the cathedral and bask in the new splendor of it. There's a dip of her head to those present when arriving where the hosts of the day are. The retinue of her own splits up and off to tend to their own ablutions and prayers.

Eirene bobs her head hello for the visit from Alarissa and Titus before grinning back at the Archlector. She takes the coin(s) and slips them into a pocket of her duster. "I just better not forget and let those melt. I think I'll place them under the twin's pillows when we get home as a gift from Gild for being so good today. Usually they run rampant, and I tend to let them wear themselves out, but they behaved for the prayer session surprisingly. I guess Whisper lessons are paying off for my monsters." She smiles at the two mini-Malvici with motherly pride. "So. Who wants to be next?" Reve is given a questioning look, she's tossing it to him.

3 Thrax Guards, 1 Thrax Elite Guards arrive, following Cassima.

Azova drops a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Azova drops a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Azova drops a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Azova drops a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Azova drops a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

"Whenever I see children running rampant, I wonder how they can possibly have that much energy in them. And then I recall how often we forget to eat and sleep and remember that children /never/ forget to eat, at least." Azova drawls, looking at least mildly amused before her eyes settle on the man now in the spotlight.

Titus glances over towards Reve who is invited to speak about a change.

"I have nannies who can affirm such Lady Azova. Astrid never stops eating, nor Danse and you've seen both. One small and the other built broad like his father." Alarissa shakes her head. "Food to fuel the mischief."

When Eirene is giving him a questioning look, Reve actually laughs. "Fair," he says to the woman with a flash of a toothy, perfect sort of grin. "Recent changes. Is it really fair for me to take the lowest hanging fruit?" His brows move up and he pivots cleanly, setting his pastry aside nearby - worry not, it will be fetched later. With his newly freed hand, he is snaring Azova's so he can pull her out in the center in front of the slowly amassing crowd, spinning her in fact in a most dramatic fashion. Let's hope that she does not shy easily! He certainly is not one. "I came wearing the colors of Halfshav, and while it was every intention to see our marriage contract signed after the battle, instead we saw it before. So here I stand in the colors of House Darkwater, pleased not only to see to the strengthening of both Houses of our birth, but also in new colors, with new visions, and new goals and aspirations. I admit, it was a change I was _most_ reluctant to undertake - no, not because of Azova - and one that still I have conflicting feelings about about - because entirely too much time at sea - but I recognize that it is to be embraced. To grow as a person, as a noble, a husband, and a member of House Darkwater." He re-acquires his pastry, spins, and bows exceptionally low and deep to Alarissa with a flourish. "And Thrax." The pastry is wiggled a little, too.

"And Thrax is delighted to see you in our waters as well." Alarissa adds on with a smile to Reve.

"You hitched?" Eirene looks from Reve to Azova and grins. "Well I'll be dam--- darned." She's not about to curse in the Cathedral in front of Porter, no... "My congratulations to you both. I had no idea. That's a da-- very good change in ones' life."

Cassima enters the Cathedral quietly, curious eyes taking in the newly rebuilt structure. Even her normally chatterbox assistant is struck mute by the building. Tucking her hands behind her, at the small of her back, she moves forward, dipping a quick curtsy towards those gathered and murmuring a soft, "Good evening. I hope I'm not too late?"

Azova gives a solemn nod to Alarissa, looking quite about to say something that is no doubt incredibly witty when she is suddenly lifted and spun in such daring fashion. Far from embarrassment, the Mercy laughs freely at his antics. "And I swear I am not trying out all of the anti-seasickness remedies on him as an experiment." she promises, with just a hint of mischief before she is set down onto her feet. "I would repeat what my dashing spouse here as said about recent changes, but that feels like it would be cheating." she laments. So instead, she just squeezes his hand before first bowing her head towards Eirene. "Thank you, Lady Eirene. Just before the recent battles; we had a small ceremony officiated by at the time Sir Porter and Dame Bree. And then a celebratory dinner." But wait, there is more. "For other changes - the biggest so far has been accepting a place as a Voice for Mother Mercy. It has taught me to have more confidence and that I am capable of speaking for the Mercies of Arx."

Titus is overheard praising Reve: Putting priorities in the right place, may that match be blessed.

"I told him that he was going to have to work really hard to /not/ get married the first night that we met. Maybe they'd have been married earlier if I didn't try to scare him off of the entire notion," Porter reaches for more of these coins and tosses one over to Reve. He'll either catch it or... it'll smack him right in the face. Think quick! "Thank you joining us, your highness," he relays to Alarissa quickly. Then his eyes shift to Titus and he has a half smile for him. "I don't believe that I know you. Archlector Porter Kennex. Do you have a tory of change to tell us tonight?" Azova is also giving her story, so he takes another coin and tosses it. MORE QUICK THINKING. "Princess Cassima, good to see you."

Eirene nods firmly to the Mercy. "Well deserved, and Soph couldn't ask for a more capable Voice," she says. The children start to stir a little. "I better get them into bed before they wake up and get a second wind." She motions to their nurse to grab one, and her aide Planchet to take the other. "Gild and Lagoma be good to y'all, and be good to them," she says, her way of saying goodbye.

Reve dips his head briefly in response to Alarissa, with a flash of a grin to go with it. That being said, Eirene's comment has him laugh and remark, "Indeed. This one here thought I should die a Darkwater." He is clearly teasing, what with his arm looping back around Azova's shoulders to pull her in close. More seriously, he adds, "Thank you." He smiles as he listens to his wife speak, content. More content with the coin that he catches (albeit with a fumble) and this is grandly given to Azova without any hesitation. To Porter, he adds, "And I really _did_ think I would remain unwed." He shrugs, evidently unconcerned.

Carissa, a Southport bodyguard have been dismissed.

Planchet the Lycene maggiordome have been dismissed.

"You are too kind, Lady Eirene. Good luck with the kids!" Azova whisper-calls to Eirene when she gathers up her young ones to leave. Though to Porter she makes a face, knowing she might actually be able to get away with it. And then to Reve she gives a playful arm shove. "You just can't resist my hair." she teases, holding up some of the fiery red strands to wave at him like a shiny toy. But hey, extra chocolate! He knows how to keep her distracted too. Those just arriving are greeted with warm smiles and a cheerful wave.

Titus says with a voice that sounds like it comes from decayed lungs "I am lord Titus Vaevici, Warmonger of the Red City. We've similar celebrations like this, although slightly different at the altar of change. You can tell the change of seasons by the scents in the air as we burn in bright fires various offerings of fruits, incense, crops and such. As the smoke billows upwards with our prayers, we remember those who passed before us and make statements to honour them as well as remembering our promises to Sangris as we ask to continue to evolve and change to become stronger. I do have a story of change."

"Before I came to this city, I viewed all others as enemies whether they were to be fought today or another day in the future and throughout the region in the south I'm known for what I do. And the walls of Sangris, older than even Arx, have never been breached in our entire history. When we joined the Compact, I of course was pleased because of how the list of enemies would grow to meet upon the battlefields. But I learned something that wasn't truly sought out by me. While our walls have kept invaders out, they also have kept friends and allies away too. I've come to find that while we may have very different cultures, some differing strong-held beliefs, we have more in common should we hold a hand out to embrace friendship and open ourselves to the possibility of letting others in."

"Before the Siege of Sangris, I had allies such as the Graysons, Pravus and Proscipi send supplies that were very much needed. And I sought out others in the Caldera who needed to be protected and brought them to the city. This isn't to say any god looked down at my actions and rewarded them, no. But the victory I earned and the glory I took reinforce other aspects which bring us together rather than split us apart." The skeletal pale face looks to those around before adding, "That is all I have to say about this."

"And a pleasure to see you, too, Blessed Porter." Cassima dips a nod towards him and following up with, "Am I too late to share a story?" She darts a glance between the gathered, back to Porter, then around to the group once more. She offers a curtsy specifically to Alarissa and murmurs, "Your Highness." She wears a placid expression, but the fingers at her back are tightly clenched and she seems to be either eager or nervous to spill her story.

All that idle play, the teasing and lightheartedness? It fades away from Reve when he turns toward Titus, squinting at him, at his initial words. That this is an assessment is an unmistakable thing, a typical once-over made, though it is not actively hostile. No, this is the mark of curiosity, his chin lifting a bit more, shoulders squaring as well as he peers at the man. Wait, there is Azova's hair. His eyes cut back toward her, the dangling strand and his nose twitches once before he turns back to regard the Vaevici lord. In the very end? He tips his head, a swift albeit deep thing, in response to the tale offered.

Bree is late! Quite late. She's pink-cheeked because she ran from her duties to get here and is still not on time late! She's fully armored, a bit of dust coating the otherwise Gild-shining gear, because she was very much handling things for the Knights of Solace. But she's here now, and as she races up the steps of the Great Cathedral, she slows just before the large doors. Her hands try to make herself move presentable, but she's too far gone. Still, that doesn't erase her piety when she steps into the newly renovated building, her gaze to the altar, a smile blossoming bright. And then she's scanning over all the people with delight at seeing so many come to celebrate Silver Day. "This is one of the best days of the year!" she exclaims, and then coughs, quiets herself and moves on in more fully.

"It sounds like you have definitely experienced some worthwhile changes in your life since you've joined the Compact with your people," Porter replies after Titus concludes his tale. Then he fumbles around for a coin on the bench and flips it toward the man. "Welcome, it was good to hear your tale." He goes for another one, gesturing to Cassima. "Please, go right on ahead. No need to stand on ceremony tonight. The official prayers and such are over." Bree's entrance is much louder than the general quiet atmosphere of the cathedral currently and he leeeeans forward to get a look at her entering. His smile curves his lips and he waves her over, "It is!" he agrees full-heartedly.

Azova listens, quiet and intent when Titus offers his story. There are words of blessing no doubt on her lips, but instead she smiles with empathy and inclines her head in respect for his story. And how could Bree fail to being more cheer to her face? Honestly. "Dame Bree!" She wavewavewave's the Knight over to a nearby spot. "It IS one of the best days of the year. And now even better because you are here to celebrate with us." When she asides, it is audibly to suggest which are the best pastries to try. The chocolate and the cream filled. One bite of each at a time.

Alarissa leans away from being on Titus's arm so she can offer a kiss to Cassima's cheek in greeting before she settles back at Titus' side.

Bree is wavewavewave'd, no hesitation in moving to join the group more fully, or to find herself by Azova's side. She does try to be more quiet this time, however, in respect of the stories, especially as Cassima ahs been invited to share. She's all smiles as she settles near the Mercy, the talk of pastries having her nod. Oooh! Sweets! The only thing more appealing at the moment is Porter, because she pauses from her reaching to claim some of the treats to munch on while she listens to smile at him, a little wave just for the newly minted Archlector. "Blessed Porter."

It is indisputable that the curiosity remains on Reve's features as he studies Titus, considering the man, but eventually there is the arrival of Bree, the cheer of his wife, and that pastry he has yet to manage to defeat. So he tips his head kindly toward the knight, flashes a smile to Azova, and promptly goes back to his food. Before he actually finishes his pastry though he is deftly acquiring another that is rumored to be spectacular.

Titus is simply by Alarissa's side. He's looking to see who will be the next person to share a story of change.

Cassima looks towards the clattering of Bree's entrance, a thin sliver of teeth showing between lips, the barest hint of a smile as she watches the Butterfly Knight. "Dame Bree. Its certainly made the better for your presence." Nodding to Porter, she shifts slightly, weight moving from one foot to the other, then back again. The woman staring towards the floor as she determines where to begin. The beginning is forestalled by the cheek-kiss from Alarissa, which she gladly returns. She pauses, nodding to something the HIgh Princess says and offering soft reply. Blinkblink. RIght. Story.

"I was raised, eldest of four sisters, under the rule of Donrai Thrax. Of all my sisters, it seemed the responsibility of becoming a 'proper' Isles lady fell to me. I did not buck convention as some of my other siblings did. I followed the path that was set for me, allowed myself to be.. indoctrinated.. by the propaganda being spouted. All in the name of being a 'good, proper Isles Princess'. This carried over into my adult life, after Donrai's unmasking and His Grace's ascension to the throne of High Lord. I had been so.. immersed... so stuck in it, that I found myself at odds with my own family." She pauses and glances towards Alarissa, offering a wry twist of a too-wide mouth. Cassima draws breath and looks back to the others.

Her hands unclasp from behind her back as she speaks again, "I thought the only way to escape was to marry out. I managed to have the honor of being betrothed to Gareth Grayson. Many may not think it an honor.. but he was a good man. And.. I came to care for him. About him." She blinks, gaze dropping to the floor, "He died. In defense of the Lodge, discharging his duty to King and Compact."

Cassima clears her throat and lifts her chin, "I shattered. I didn't know what to do or how to feel or what to think. I returned to Maelstrom for a time. Perhaps too long. I spent time mourning his loss. And hiding. I was lost. Still estranged from my family and unsure of myself. And then war came to the Compact, in the form of Eurus. And the House of Helianthus turned traitor. Scales were forcibly stripped from my eyes and I was made to see what I had been doing, saying, -thinking-. And how -wrong- it all was." Her gaze drifts back to Alarissa.

"It is by the grace and charity of my family that I was forgiven. Reconciled. And able to start anew. It is that grace and charity that moves me now to seek out ways to pass along and share the gift I've been given. I find myself making new friends, finding new ways to help, new means to be useful and contribute." She pauses, then drops her gaze and murmurs, "Ah.. that is all. Thank you."

Azova tucks an arm through the one of Reve's that is closest, resting her temple against his shoulder as she listens to Cassima's tale. There is much of sympathy in her expression as she listens, which changes to hopeful optimism by the time the Princess is done speaking. "Well done, Your Highness. Such changes are so difficult; I hope you feel Lagoma's love around you as you navigate your newest circumstances."

"Garett was a good man. He was a favored cousin. He would have been a good husband had he not perished. Time has a way too, of revealing truth, of ushering us through a change of view."

Reve is overheard praising Porter.

Alarissa offers to Cassima.

Alarissa is overheard praising Porter.

Bree is overheard praising Porter.

Reve is overheard praising Azova.

Cassima is overheard praising Porter.

Bree gets a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Cassima is overheard praising Azova.

Porter is overheard praising Azova.

Merek gets a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Merek drops a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Merek gets a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Merek drops a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Azova drops a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Merek gets a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Azova drops a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Azova drops a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Azova drops a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Azova drops a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Azova drops a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Azova drops a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Azova drops a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Cassima takes a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Cassima puts a remarkably decadent chocolate coin in a leather thigh purse bound with umbra ribbons.

Reve takes a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.

Bree listens to Cassima's story, hanging on the words of the Thrax princess. She nods along with Azova's assessment, a hand gesture as if to say, 'Yeah. All of that!' The event seems to be winding, and when it does, she finds herself at Porter's side, intent on walking with him wherever he's going - whether to his priestly offices, or back to the ship they both live on.

As the night goes on and more stories are shared, priests move along through the pews handing out the occasional blank or such to those who plan on /really/ staying until the morning hours in the Cathedral. Templars move around as well, not really needing to keep the peace, but definitely keeping a presence.

Titus is overheard praising Cassima: It takes humility to seek forgiveness and courage to change.

Azova is overheard praising Porter: Yay for Gild's Archlector! Silver Day was awesome.

Porter takes a remarkably decadent chocolate coin.