Natasha takes a rum-glazed musical note shaped cookie with strawberry jam inside from a wooden box crafted especially to hold cookies.

Matteo arrives, delivering a message to Cesare before departing.

Thea takes a rum-glazed musical note shaped cookie with strawberry jam inside from a wooden box crafted especially to hold cookies.

Zoey gets a rum-glazed musical note shaped cookie with strawberry jam inside from a wooden box crafted especially to hold cookies.

At first glance the stage is set simply with a painted background and a few easily moved pieces of furniture stored in the wings until needed. As one might expect, players of unnamed background characters help move the furniture as the scene changes from one location to another, but the more fascinating part to watch is the hand painted backdrop. Two large cylinders sit on either end of it, and throughout the play they gradually rotate from shoreline, to city, to fire, ashen gray.

Rather than bringing actors from Arx, those familiar with the performers in Maelstrom recognize that all of the actors are in fact local talent.

Lady Zoey herself, heavily pregnant and dressed in flowing indigo silk, is backstage during the event to help manage the production.

Sira takes a rum-glazed musical note shaped cookie with strawberry jam inside from a wooden box crafted especially to hold cookies.

Ian's impatience with sitting through theatrical performances is pretty well known, but here he is anyway, being a good husband. Or something. Probably that's why he's here. He slouches in his chair, looking curiously, even excessively calm. Serene, even. His coat's buttoned like a reasonable person, and he's even wearing a few bits of shiny things. He's even not sitting way in the back, having picked a seat fairly near the stage!

Samantha takes a few minutes to look around the Fortress, taking in the incredible details of the sights to be seen. More tourist than anything else, she pauses frequently to admire a particular view, making slow progress towards the venue itself. Upon arriving for the show, she casts her gaze about for a few moments to see if there is anyone already arrived with whom she is acquainted.

Maelstrom, even when serving as host to a festival of the arts, is a fortress known for its bleak architecture and the foreboding sense of dread that it represents.

It shouldn't be much surprise, then, that a pair of House Thrax's scions have found themselves seated high in the theatre, occupying one of the more private viewing areas in the balconies. Romulius and Natasha Thrax have been present at the isle of Maelstrom through the whole of the festival, but tonight they watch from on high as spectators to the performance being put on by the princess's protege. The Sword of New Hope has seemingly been convinced to doff the second skin of diamondplate that has covered his form in public for *months*, though it isn't to give way to the styles of the capital or south - he is dressed, like his wife, in the austere manner the Isles are famous for, high collars and midnight-black leathers and silks in full display. They could very well be missed, by the viewing public, motion only coming in the way of an occasional aside to one another or an attending by the fortress's servants as they wait for the operetta to begin.

Ryhalt takes a seat. Settling back into it, he smiles and relaxes, anticipating the show to come.

Dessert AND drinks? For free? That's an offer that is too good to refuse for Ethan. Yes there's art involved and yes he was invited by a Princess, but free food and drinks is something a former street urchin can't pass up. The Steward of Blackshore settles himself inconspicuously in the back row of the audience, perhaps attempting not to be noticed. He busies himself with scribbling a missive to someone while waiting for the play to start.

Thea as promised, is HERE! "Denica,"she greets as she plucks a glass of wine from a passing server. "I can get used to my rooms here,"a smile spreading on her face. "Lady Zoey. Uh--you're looking nice. Kennex must sound like a musical these days." Meaning a loud. She means it nicely, honest! "I'm excited to see what this is,"as she goes to find herself a seat."

The play itself focuses on three generations of men from a noble Isles family; a grandfather, a father, and two sons. The play begins with the brothers returning from separate expeditions to find that the grandfather intends to relinquish his seat as Count. Because the father is not a well man himself and unlikely to live more than a few short years, one of the brothers will be named the grandfather's successor.

A rift swiftly forms between the two brothers. The elder believes that he should rule because his expeditions helped expand and defend the family's territory. The younger believes that he is more deserving because his own efforts have helped their people prosper like no generation in recent memory has. Tensions rise as each recruits family members, friends, and trusted servants to help convince the grandfather of his worthiness.

Violence erupts between the merchants supporting the younger brother and young naval recruits supporting the elder. The city is set ablaze as people take to the streets, and the audience is clued into the fact that enemies from outside of the territory are using their schism as a cover to weaken them. There comes a moment though when their sister, who refused to choose a side, comes to both brothers and convinces them to come together to save the city before there is nothing left to fight over.

The play ends when the elder brother, ever the defender, dies protecting his younger brother from the invaders. The younger promises to do right by his brother, that he will see the the city rebuilt and the county made both strong and prosperous. In an epilogue a narrator speaks of how the younger brother made good on his promise, drove back the enemy, and gave his brother's name to his own son and heir so that both of their legacies would go on.

Having been here earlier, spending time backstage, the Thrax Princess is all smiles tonight. The princess is sitting up to the front, so she can see everything. The young woman is dressed in a black velvet gown, with just a peak of colour to provide contrast. Something that Denica Thrax seemed to enjoy doing, be it with her outfits or her personality. Taking a program from an attendant, she hands it off to one of her staff, seeming to murmur something about a memento. There is a look of anticipation on her face, seeming to be excited for tonight's performance. Settling in her chair, she makes room for Thea as soon as she hears her, should the woman want to sit in the same row as her, which might be a good thing. They are both loud ones.

Respendent in gold and green, the Softest Whisper is attending the operetta tonight to not only support his fellow member of the Bard's College, but to see what sort of impressive spectacle the theatre scene of Maelstrom can support. Indeed, perhaps if any of the performers catch his eye, perhaps they'll find themselves whisked away to an apprenticeship with Whisper House. He's taken a seat giving him a perfect view of the stage and waits attentively as the operetta begins.

Arriving in their usual style, the Crown Minister of Coin and his protege, the DiFidante Minister of Coin, make their way into the Fortress, intent upon finding good seats for the performance. Rook offers a pleasant nod and smile as he walks along with Sira, saving most of the conversation for the merriment after the performance. He spots Denica from a distance and offers a nod of his head to his own patron, but knows as a host she is busy greetings others, and so he does not bother her just yet.

After the final curtain the performers return to the stage to bow for the audience. The last to bow are the brothers, who walk out onto the stage with Zoey between them. After the trio bow, or in Zoey's case carefully curtsey, the curtain closes once more. After that the players come out to mingle with the guests.

Having taken up a former seat near the front of the stage, Yuri Tessere seemed to have been up and abound from his seat for the first few moments when guests and attendees were making their entrances. Soon after, the lord emerged yet again, taking a moment to unbutton the elegant high-collared coat he wore as he began to slide into aisle with some fellow pardons to those in the row he was to share. He soon ended next to Denica with a smile, bowing his head gently before he took his seat beside the princess. There was a small aside remark he made to her before glancing forward, blue eyes darting across the stage during the trial of the performance.

High collars and silhouettes devoid of ostentation are all that fills Natasha Thrax's closet, each gown more full-coverage than the last and perhaps dooming Victus Thrax's only sister and sibling to the torture chambers of Arvum's hottest seasons, ever-so-stubborn in leaving her nest looking like a sartorial vault. Tonight, however, detracts only slightly from the habit - today, her dress is sleeveless, though that isn't to say that her arms have managed to escape her usual layers; gauntlets spun from silk are looped through the middle digit of each hand, their hems pulled up past her elbows. While not particularly known to be an aesthete of any stripe - Denica seems to have inherited the lion's share of the artistic talent and eye in the family - the faintly satisfied look on the Thraxian princess' face is evidence enough that the young woman *does* like music, and may prefer it over all other mediums of expression available. Situated next to her husband's broader and more imposing form, occasionally engaged in quiet asides with him, the shadow he casts layers over the ones already present in the balcony, practically hiding her presence save for a flew flashes; a sliver of luminous skin whenever a hand lifts to gesticulate, or the glimmer of the twin serpent bands that dominate her leftmost appendage.

Ryhalt looks thoughtful during the play. He applauds heartily at the end of the play and again for the actors' final bow.

Sira is quiet and unsmiling at Rook's side, though she does give polite nods to those in the audience she recognizes if she makes eye contact. Denica is given a more formal but still silent acknowledgment. With her patron's ready ear, she murmurs the occasional positive comment about the play to him throughout the performance, but the woman seems well absorbed in the production.

Cesare applauds with enthusiasm as the stars of the performance emerge with the opera's writer and composer between them. "Bravo," he calls, his voice carrying easily, rings clicking together as the sound of his applause echoes. Not just for the quality of the performance but the message behind the writing as well. And probably Zoey's dress, too.

Rook purses his lips in thought at the conclusion of the play, applauding the performances thoroughly. He rises up to provide a standing ovation, although in so doing he murmurs to Sira at his side. "Perhaps it ought to have been the sister, representing common sense, to reign at the end, no?"

Thea cheers from her seat, murmuring something to Denica after. There's a smile on her lips, as she takes a drink.

The princess is fully taken by the performance, watching it play out across the stage. The depths of her empathy is apparent as she listens to the tale as it is told. Emotions flash in her vivid blue eyes, she hangs off every word, taking in the details, the costumes, the sounds of people's voices, the music itself. There is a soft look of introspection from the over all story that is shown. Her fingers remain clasped, placed carefully in her lap. Denica can easily loose herself in the arts of others, seeming to appreciate all she sees. A small smile crosses her lips at the end, though it is bittersweet, brows knit together. As others applaud, she is quick to stand up, making a loud show of her enthusiasm for the play. "Brava!," she exclaims, hands pressing together, making the sounds of a job well done.

When Zoey descends from the stage at last she goes first to Ian's side, whispering something to him with a smile and an affectionate squeeze on his arm before turning to great other audience members. Many familiar faces are greeted with a fluttering wave. She catches Rook's commentary and says to him, "This is the Mourning Isles, Minister. Leadership roles are traditionally held by men."

Ultimately, there is pride; perhaps nothing so visible as to make its stamp on Natasha's relatively unchanging marble facade, but the cadence of her applause once the opera ends is emphatic enough of her approval of her protege's latest work. Whatever her husband imparts to her by her side prompts a faint lift of the corners of her mouth. "Something you can agree with, I think," she teases the Sword quietly; there are more words, there, but presently unheard.

Ian braces on his cane and rises to greet his wife when she comes to join him. He nods to whatever she says to him.

Inclining his head towards Zoey, Rook offers a warm smile. "Not a commentary on the piece, milady, in the slightest. It was simply wonderful - I merely thought that may have been the moral lesson it was intended to provoke." He places both hands together in front of him and bows deeply to her. "I apologize if my comment causes offense, it was not intended as such."

Natasha's comment prompts the quirk of a smile from her husband, but Romulius's attention is drawn towards the stage and the front rows of the theatre, cerulean regarding the interactions there with faint amusement. Gaze eventually returns to the chiaroscuro of their balcony seating and the princess at his side, carrying on whatever conversation might be taking place beyond the soft din of the broader chamber.

Standing to give a rousing ovation towards the performers, Samantha lingers in her seat long after the conclusion, even as others may seem to file about from their seats and the chamber.

"The Mourning Isles..." Sira bites her lip as Zoey appears and answers, She offers no further comment on the play, nor the Isles' traditions. Instead, a soft, "The costumes were nicely done." is offered.

"Oh, there is no offense taken," Zoey insists. "Simply explaining the choice. Were this a story about a House in the Crownlands, that may well have been the direction I took instead." The nods to Sira. "I will make sure to pass along your compliment to the seamstress." Finally, she spots Denica and signals her with a wave. "Shall we move from the theater to the party?"

The play ends. He claps. Ethan then goes in search of food and drink, the whole point of this entire excursion out into public when he could be doing lawyer things, or accounting, or cooking the books of various nobles. He stands, stretches, and then starts out into the room proper, slipping by the hoi oligoi as he does so.

Denica sees Zoey's wave and she gives a nod to one of the Ushers who starts to gather the others.

@emit Ushers move through the room, providing whispered details about an after party held in the Fortress Art Gallery. People are welcomed to come and enjoy the rest of the night in cozier quarters, where they can talk about Lady Zoey Kennex's Operetta in-depth. There is talk of fine liquors on offer and brilliant art on display from notable collections such as the Emporium of Curiosity, and the works of Samira Culler and Denica Thrax.


(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to:
The gallery is designed with one purpose. To display art. It is wide and open with partitions to create space specifically for displays and installations. The walls are stark white and the floor is made from black marble. A bar is stocked with bartenders serving drinks, while different seating areas allow people quiet spaces to talk in hushed tones. Servers dressed in black and white, move through the room with trays holding flutes of sparkling wine. There is a stringer quartet in the far corner, providing some light music for added ambiance.


Denica drops a roped off area with silk couches and a well stocked bar.

Denica drops a shocking scarlet silk divan with overstuffed pillows.

Denica drops a spacious and tufted maroon silk divan.

Denica drops an overstuffed burgundy silk divan with gold pillows.

Romulius drops a private seating area adorned with mauve silks.

Denica drops Crashing waves, battle beneath waters.

Denica drops a sculpture of a paintbrush sparing with a sword titled 'Art is War'.

Romulius has joined the a private seating area adorned with mauve silks.

Denica drops a massive artistic depiction titled 'Victory at Sea'.

Denica drops an art instillation titled 'The Birth of Perseverance'.

Denica drops a painting of personal sacrifice.

Cesare rises to his feet and drifts in Zoey's direction, laying a gentle hand on her arm. "You look lovely, and the operetta was most excellent - with a very appropriate theme, if I do say so myself. The only thing which would have made it lovelier is if your voice had been a part of it."

Bowing once more as Zoey offers the explanation, Rook smiles towards her. "Of coruse. Thank you." Turning his attention towards Sira, he smiles. "Drink first, or art?" He glances around for a few moments to see who he should greet, as he awaits Sira's response.

Natasha has joined the a private seating area adorned with mauve silks.

As people are ushered through the Fortress towards the Art Gallery, Denica Thrax is there to greet people as they enter. Her head curator, a Lyceum with platinum blonde hair stands next to her, ready to answer questions. The party is low-key, with drinks on offer and quiet music playing in the background. "Welcome to the after party! Please come and enjoy yourselves. There are drinks available and plenty of space for you to enjoy the final night in our cultural festival."

Denica is in a cheerful mood, her energy and enthusiasm apparent. Dressed in classic black velvet, she moves with all the ease of a hostess. "Unique pieces of art from the festival's other events has been carefully combined for tonight, I think the pieces each tell their own unique stories and together, create a broad interpretation on this years theme."

A beat, "thank you again to Lady Zoey Kennex for spearheading tonight's entertainment, I am sure it's provided ample fodder for conversation." And with that, the afterparty begins.

Now that the time to migrate to the party has fully arrived, Samantha heads in the directions of the drinks and festivities. She pauses as she reaches Denica, curtseying before the artist and host. "Thank you for the invitation, and for providing the artwork. I cannot wait explore the gallery."

Ian is mostly drinking vodka these days, something which he has in hand but isn't really drinking from very often while he follows Zoey around like not particularly delicious arm candy.

Glug glug glug goes the wine. Chomp chomp chomp goes the pastries. Ethan seems to be enjoying himself, and indulging in the promised punch and pie. He's also looking at some neat art. All in all a very educational evening for the lawyer.

It takes no time at all for Sira to answer Rook decisively: "Drink." She had given a nods of gratitude to Zoey, but when the lady became occupied with others, she easily fell back into a state of quiet beside her patron. "The art is important, but what else would I do with my hands if not for swirling a glass of wine?"

"Ah, Cesare, with this little one here --" Zoey pats the swell at her middle. "My breath does not come properly for that. Especially when I am kicked!"

She walks with Ian as they are ushered to the after party, finding a comfortable place to sit in short order. A glass of sparkling wine finds its way to her hand, and she holds it aloft when Denica thanks her. "And thank *you* for the opportunity to participate in your event, your Highness! It has been a pleasure."

Zoey has joined the a private seating area adorned with mauve silks.

Ian has joined the a private seating area adorned with mauve silks.

Ryhalt strolls through the gallery, viewing the art, but soon disappears off somewhere.

While not known to be particularly sociable - between the two of them, it's Romulius who's the party animal; a fact that's already saying something - the onset of her physical infirmities has made Natasha even more reclusive, if that is to be believed, only darkening the doorways of those whom she needs to speak with, or summoning them to her lair whenever there is a need. For someone who seems to be doing her best to keep an ogre's social calendar, however, she is all (barely visible) smiles today, her fingers curled lightly on Romulius' elbow as she moves towards Denica's position now that the opening remarks for the afterparty have concluded. "With the cultural project drawing to a close by tonight, I think you've outdone yourself, cousin. Would it be too self-interested to wonder whether we'll see a repeat of at least the regatta next year?" Dark eyes drift sidelong towards Samantha, greeting the Marquessa with a dip of her head.

This is not something Cesare would ever have thought of, but looking at how much of Zoey is pregnant belly, it makes a great deal of sense to him. He nods, eyebrows raised, and drifts over to look at the art with tremendous fascination. "You always come up with the cleverest uses of unconventional materials, your highness," he offers to Denica. "I really should have taken you up on your offer to paint me sometime. Perhaps I still will!" He bows to Natasha and Romulius as they approach, as well. "I agree, these events have been absolutely second-to-none."

Yuri settled in past the initial burst of guests with a smile, glancing around a moment before he meandered closest to where the beverages were beginning to be served. A few appreciative glances to the artwork was taken for a moment before he wandered along; drink in hand, toward a sitting area where he could spy Prince and Princesses familiar and all. He bid a nod and cordial smile to Natasha and Romulius as the lord settled in toward Denica, "Your Highnesses, good evening to you all."

'Party animal' is, surely, a dramatic overexaggeration of the Sword of New Hope's tolerance for socializing, but the world is a place viewed through the lens of relativity. There's a pleasant smile offered to his cousin-by-marriage as he leads towards Denica, a dip of head given to echo his wife's praise, "I'm pleased to have played what small part in it I was able - you'll forgive, I hope, that I've already assured Natasha that it will be an excuse to return to Maelstrom next summer." No small amount of insistence in his tone, there, before cerulean gaze shifts over to Yuri, something between amusement and curiosity reading in his eyes, "Lord Tessere. I trust all has been well? It's been some time."

Zoey has left the a private seating area adorned with mauve silks.

And with that, Ethan slips out into the night. He's had his fill of art and free food and drink. Back to fixing the affairs of Blackshore and studiously ignoring everything else around him if at all possible.

The smile that Denica offers to Zoey is full of appreciation, "you out did yourself Lady Kennex, it was an impactful, I am honoured that you would do this." Denica's eyes flicker with sincerity, a brief word before the woman takes a much needed seat. A nod of her head given to Ian, seeming him not far behind. Once announcements have been made, she finds Yuri and murmurs something to him, before her attention drifts. With many familiar faces in the group, the princess sets out to make the rounds and mingle. A wave is given to Rook and Sira, "Minister and Minister," she says with a quirky smile. "I'm glad you could both make it, thank you for coming." Eyes scan the room, then she sees Ethan and she waves at him, "Mister Merari, you came. I'm glad to see you here and I hope you enjoy the night!" Samantha is met with both brows lifted and a quick smile, "welcome. I hope you enjoy it." Her eyes linger briefly, contemplating silently. Denica continues on, navigating her dress as she speaks to people along the way. Natasha is met with pause, reaching out to touch the other woman's arm lightly in greeting. "Thank you. This was something I needed to do and I am better for it. I learnt a lot along way, about myself and I think I learnt more about who we all are. I learnt what I want to become," she smiles and then it shifts into a full grin. "I enjoy competition with others, but the person I seek to compete with is myself. To grow and achieve new things. I think I will take the best of this year and combine it with the promise of the next."

Ian sits down a little after Zoey does and half-slouches, after an absent touch to the middle of his chest. He doesn't seem to have much to say, but is, as ever, alert.

"Softest, once again your return to Maelstrom is both a boon and a pleasure," Natasha tells Cesare as he joins the collective surrounding Denica. "Though what my dear cousin isn't telling you is that these events are clever attempts to lure you into staying permanently, and perhaps be the family Whisper." Lowering her voice, she murmurs a rejoinder to him there, but with mischief dancing like its own demon within dark eyes, it's clear enough that the princess is joking. Yuri's arrival teases more ambient warmth from her pale features. "My lord Tessere, as always, it's good to see you." Espying the Kennexes nearby, an elegant hand lifts to wave in their direction - undoubtedly a signal that she'll be moving her way there shortly, after her greetings have been made.

Zoey rests where she sits a moment, admiring the art from a distance as she sips her drink. "Some of the displays are truly fascinating," she says. "Such raw emotion! We should take a closer look in a bit." She returns Natasha's wave with a nod.

Cesare checks composure at hard. Cesare is successful.

Natasha is overheard praising Thrax.

Natasha is overheard praising Zoey.

"Drink it is," replies Rook, as he heads off in search of refreshment. Reviewing the available options, he considers a few choices, pursing his lips in thought. Eventually, he relents on making the decision himself. "Two glasses of something dark, please," he orders, glancing over towards Sira for a moment before looking back to the attendant. Glasses procured, he thanks the attendant and hands one to Sira. "Now, let us go review some artwork!"

"Perhaps if you all wore more color," Cesare suggests lightly, "although the fact that Princess Denica somehow managed to convince Prince Jasher not only to wear /a/ color but also to dance in the same night speaks volumes to her powers of persuasion." Leaning in to catch the princess's soft aside, he offers only a slight squint in return. "I am too tall," he counters with a slightly mournful tone.

Yuri leaned inward to see what Denica had to say, lending his ear to the quiet musings before his blue eyes cut across and along to spy Natasha with a welcomed wave, "Your Highness, it is always a grand pleasure. How is everything been? Has it come time for me to whip up another care package for you and yours from La Rosa? You know I would be honored for the opportunity." He paused yet again, glancing to Denica as he offered her a cordial nod.

A glass of sparkling wine makes it into her hand at just the right time. It is passed off by her opulently dressed curator, Sivas on his walk over. He has one for himself, too. The Lyceum wanders off to chat with people about art, colour and idea. He is in his element and so is Denica. Her attention drifts to Cesare, making her way towards the Whisper. "You are always welcome at my studio, Softest Whisper. We can throw paint!," she exclaims and no doubt means that literally. To Romulius, Denica's lips quirk into a little smirk, "I will be sure to think of things you can help with, during that summer visit," she winks and then shifts to something more sincere. "It was truly a joy working with you on the regatta. You get things done. I respect that. I am not surprised," her attention drifts with admiration to Natasha. A grin forms at the mention of Jasher and the dance, "now Jasher and I performing has to be a yearly thing!," it's been said, cast in stone. No one here to object.

Cesare is overheard praising Denica.

Cesare is overheard praising Zoey.

Cesare is overheard praising Thrax.

"I suspect, Cousin, that your humility is practiced. The work was yours - I am grateful for your kind words, either way, and I will gladly lend myself to whatever efforts you might make in the future." On throwing paint, Romulius is notably silent, though Cesare is offered a dip of head in greeting before the Sword makes to lead his wife away from the center of the festivities around Denica - no doubt the princess has plenty of work to do, hosting. Not before Yuri is offered a last, "Take care, my lord - I am afraid your last was intercepted, in part. I would double the recipe, if you mean to send another."

Withstanding the initial press of people moving from theatre to art gallery by migrating off to the side, Samantha makes her way over towards Natasha and Romulius, lingering off to the side as they engage in conversation with others. She snags a glass of wine from one of the passing servers, and sips slowly at it.

Probably Romulius is leading Natasha away from Cesare because Cesare, in all his color and visible skin, is /clearly/ trouble. Clearly. And he's probably right, because Cesare is, at that very moment, intimating something to Denica about kidnapping Jasher by stealing his cog, to keep him on his toes. And it would be wise to have Denica in on such a scheme, because Denica's participation would at least ensure that Jasher would probably speak to /one/ of the perpetrators of said scheme, afterwards. Probably.

"I think perhaps this is my favorite," states Rook, waving his free hand at "The Birth of Perseverance" as he stands with Sira. "I think it truly captures the essence of the struggle in a way that few other pieces I have seen even come close." He takes a long sip from his glass.

Sira takes the glass from Rook and then tucks a hand in the crook of his arm. "Come, I'll educate you on artwork." Finally, a smile settles on her face as she leads her patron toward a work to admire. The pair slip into husged conversation as they move slowly from piece to piece, discussing each at length. Drinks are refilled throughout the art walk, keeping them well engaged in the activity for the rest of the night.

Cesare's mournful remark threatens to loosen the rare laugh from Natasha's lips, but it stubbornly remains within her gaze, visible, however, along with the amber shards that fragment each iris. "That you are," she tells the Softest Whisper with a nod, after a look up and down on him - as if to visually verify that yes, indeed, he is quite tall. Yuri's words on a care package brighten her expression further, a cant of her head drawn up to meet the Lycene lord's eyes. "Only if you insist - I intend to confine myself in Maelstrom in the last month of my pregnancy, and your tokens, as always, would be most welcome. Gods only know that means I'm only determined to work even harder while I'm away and your packages are inherently grand and delicious reminders that I need to indulge myself now and then before my candle's snuffed, and leave me devoid of the looks my capable cousin gives me now and then regarding my ridiculous work ethic." She must have caught the look flashed to her by Denica, for she's clearly teasing her, free hand lifting to pat lightly on the hand the younger princess has rested on her wrist. "We'll have to make a few things official, while we're here, but that can wait until after I've put my feet up." With a dip of her head to her cousin and acquaintances, she's led away.

Rook takes a rum-glazed musical note shaped cookie with strawberry jam inside from a wooden box crafted especially to hold cookies.

Cesare takes a rum-glazed musical note shaped cookie with strawberry jam inside from a wooden box crafted especially to hold cookies.

Rook takes a rum-glazed musical note shaped cookie with strawberry jam inside from a wooden box crafted especially to hold cookies.

Samantha takes a rum-glazed musical note shaped cookie with strawberry jam inside from a wooden box crafted especially to hold cookies.

"Your Highness, I will ensure there is extra, if that is the case. I would hate to be caught with not having enough within our curated packages and baskets. Though, I should find a means to take a few more liberties with making sure the perishables are kept safe for the elements, and all." Yuri nodded along toward Romulius with a smile, glancing off to Natasha with a warm one of his own, "Indulgence is good, now and again. And you are certainly eating for two, now. I will need to be sure, like your husband suggests, that the curated package need be fit to perfection. For you all." His attention snapped over to Denica in the midst of the conversation, just in case he had missed something she had uttered to him.

It seems that stealing her cousin's boat is a conversation that Denica favours, her eyes light up at the idea. The princess seems rather quick to offer suggestions on the how-to... It's hard for the princess to hid that mischievous look in her eyes, it's always there. A little wicked. Cesare's suggestions are met with an encouraging nod, before Denica looks back at Natasha. A warm smiles and she grins at her, at the mention she is staying in Maelstrom, the princess gives an understanding look. "I will send you letters! But not work ones, jokes to tell Romulius," she cannot help but grin at that idea. The aforementioned cousin-in-law is given a smile, "it was a team effort and a delight," she says finally. When Rook and Sira leave, Denica is waving to them, giving them a parting and happy smile.

Sivas the Lyceum curator approaches Samantha and offers the woman a guided tour and a glass of champagne as the man makes his rounds through the exhibits.

Romulius makes his lead towards the orchestrator of the operetta, coming to lead Natasha towards the pair of Kennexes, making as much of a show of a bow towards Zoey as he can with Natasha on his arm, "Lady Zoey - an inspired production, to be sure. I'm grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to see it." To Ian, then, there's a dip of head, "Lord Ian. I pray you'll forgive that I couldn't escape duty long enough to visit you when you were recovering. I hope you've found enough vigor to carry on as circumstance demands?"

Nodding in appreciation, Samantha accepts the offer of a tour from Sivas. She sips happily at the champagne as she regards the various works over the course of the tour. She pauses frequently, opting to stare for an extended period of time at a few of the works.

"The performance and production were well done," Natasha adds, both approval and admiration in her eyes as she fixes them upon her protege. "I was remarking to Romulius in the box that most of the operas I've known were often poignantly tragic ones, but that you elected to end yours with a hopeful note in yours is telling, and much needed in these times. Congratulations, my lady, I hope you can look upon what you've wrought with pride, because you should." To Ian, relief suffuses her features. "I'm also glad to see you out and about, my lord."

"Thank you. Thank you both," Zoey says, her smile brightening again. "I am glad you enjoyed it. It was my goal to spread a message of hope and unity, and I pray that it succeeds. I am glad that you made it!"

With the appropriate praises and pleasantries dispense, there's a muttered aside offered by Romulius to Natasha before attention returns to the Kennexes, "I trust you'll excuse our early departure. We've made an attempt to escape the demands of the capital, by coming here, but the missives found their way eventually. There's work that requires attention, and Lady Azova insists upon sleep." The reason for it would be obvious, given the princess's physical state, but it's just moments after that the Sword of New Hope makes to lead his wife out of the gallery, towards some other chamber in the bowels of Maelstrom.

Natasha has left the a private seating area adorned with mauve silks.

Romulius is overheard praising Denica.

Romulius is overheard praising Zoey.

Romulius is overheard praising Thrax.

Romulius has left the a private seating area adorned with mauve silks.

Drifting back from the art gallery, Samantha approaches Zoey and offers comment from a polite distance. "I felt a considerable sense of unity from your conclusion." She continues her approach until she can speak at a slightly more polite volume. "I think it did a wonderful job of showing how ruin can be averted with common sense and understanding."

Miri, a skillful appraiser arrives, delivering a message to Cesare before departing.

Zoey gestures to Samantha, inviting her to come closer. "And laying aside differences for the sake of a better tomorrow. Those were all goals of mine. I hope it was not too preachy!"

The young and somewhat short Thrax princess looks around and there is a pause. Her eyes swell with emotions, something striking her that she can't quite put in words. It starts out heavy and then it becomes light. "Maelstrom looks better with colour," she murmurs, though there are words hidden in that statement, she closes her eyes as though paying respect to something or someone. Her lip trembles for a split second, but a Thrax she remains stoic. And while there is certainly no dance floor, it's an art gallery, Denica nudges Yuri suddenly. "Dance with me!," she says to the man, her lips erupting into a sudden smile.

Cesare will deny all of this, if asked, but he will definitely participate in stealing boats. Especially if they can somehow manage to dress Jasher in a full outfit of bright color while doing so. A rainbow. He must become a rainbow. Yes. Such a worthy cause. Maybe not as worthy as the cause of this gala, but to each their own.

"Speaking as one who is /well/ aware of how preachy one can be, rest assured, you were not." Samantha offers a rare grin, knowing herself and her reputation, as she approaches Zoey more closely. "I think you delivered it with clarity, and the lesson did not require much of a stretch to achieve."

Ian's intense electric blue eyes follow Samantha as she approaches. He nods to her, but doesn't seem to have a lot to say, today.

"I would have to agree, your Highness." Yuri glanced over to Denica with a smile, paying a few respects to the artwork that was hanging up within the gallery. There were even a few pieces that were familiar to some degree. This elicited more repose as he glanced from piece to piece before he took a moment to grab forth a roaming glass of wine that he spied sitting upon a wandering tray. The glass was plucked, before downing the red, and settling the glass back down again. For a solitary moment, the lord glanced off to Denica's expression before his brow upticked rather quickly, "Ah...here? It's more a--alright. Do the musicians know, exactly?"

"Excellent. Thank you, Marquessa," Zoey says to Samantha. "Now I just have to hope the message reaches the right ears and hearts."

"A dance needs no introduction!," Denica says to Yuri, the musicians can catch up. The princess has decided to dance, and so she is going to do so. The art provides a backdrop, expression. "Everyone is a rainbow!," she says to Cesare, he is of course invited to the dancing. Except, the Thrax need no partners, and Denica is twirling in the gallery, and Maelstrom, a smile on her face. Bright. Defiant.