Atramentous, The Highhill War Puppy arrives, following Tesha.

Khanne stands beneath the trees with others as people begin to make their way to the beach. She is in quiet conversation with them, wearing silks as dark as night, twinkling with chips of 'starlight' while in her hair, pins of polished steel shine like the night sky as well.

Arik is resting against a small tree near where Khanne in standing. Leaning on a cane and seeming generally worse for the wear. There is an aside for Lucita while awaiting the start of the memorial.

Banners that feature the three-headed hydra of House Mazetti gently flap with the seabreeze and in other moments snap angrily in response to the windy assault. Pavilions dot the beach, clustered near and spreading out from the statue of Mangata that stands upon the shore. Combing the sands (they ain't found shit) many servants of House Mazetti move about, delivering drinks and other refreshments to the guests; both arriving and established. The alcohol can be found in abundance, even free of those same servants because that is what the memorial has called for! The scent of roasting meats (and other... delicacies) wafts up and down the length of the beach. A group of minstrels play a number of jaunty tunes, keeping the atmosphere as upbeat and positive as possible given the circumstances.

So it is that Hadrian Mazetti, Marquis-Consort and Voice of the hosting household, moves to stand a few yards ahead of the statue of Mangata as though utilizing it as the rallying point for his words to carry to the area. If not natural, then at least an exceptionally well trained orator, Hadrian's voice carries loud and clear across the beach even against the backdrop of music and sloshing waves on the shoreline, "Welcome guests of House Mazetti! Friends, compatriots, family, lovers, not-lovers-but-saw-him-naked-once of Lord Valerio Mazetti! It is my honor to welcome each of you here..."

Hadrian shifts in order to gesture a hand behind himself to the statue of Mangata, "...before the statue of the goddess Mangata. A place that Lord Valerio was fond of because of his love for the sea. His reasons were his, but he had developed a love for it. It's only fitting that we remember such an exceptionally brave individual before her, in view of the sea, and share libations in his memory. I invite anyone who wishes to offer words of rememberance about Valerio to step forward, take the non-existent stage, and let your memories be heard!"


The Duke of Westrock Reach and the head of House Farshaw is present, dressed in somber dark grey attire with black leather boots and gloves, the house sigil of Farshaw in blue and white thread stitched upon the left breast of his tunic, a black dyed fine linen shirt underneath the grey tunic. The only brightness about the normally more jovial and charming noble is the gold chain about his neck holding his symbol of his title as a duke and higher noble of the land. Tied about his left arm is a swath of black mouning silk.

Vitalis has joined the line.

Vanora Grimhall arrives arm in arm with her husband Valdemar, the pair speaking softly as they approached the beach but falling into silence as they reach those gathered here. "Beautiful words, Marquis Hadrian. I did not know him, but I mourn the loss for those who loved him." She steps towards the status of Mangata then, placing a small offering on the altar.

Vanora puts an iron choker sporting a sea green glass kraken in a lovingly crafted offering altar.

Atramentous, The Highhill War Puppy leaves, following Tesha.

6 House Velenosa Guards, Jiacomo, the Velenosa seneschal, Chianti, a majestic black Ostrian horse arrive, following Talen.

Talen has joined the Quiet Strand.

Talen has joined the line.

Arik has joined the line.

Pasquale arrives quietly, in a sweep of dark umbra, and takes up a place to wait the memorial respectfully. He speaks not, but listens with an air of quiet sobriety as Hadrian and the others get up to speak.

Vitalis stands looking out over the water, thoughts flying out over the waves, skimming like a seabird. He turns back to the assemblage, shadowed eyes going wide at how large the gathering has become while he inattended. Called to attend, now, he listens to Hadrian's introduction with an expression hard to pin down to any one emotion, the ebb and flow of them rather like the waves. Wearing a long black open-fronted robe over white trousers and shirt, he begins to tread up the beach, making for the Shrine. He bows his head at Vanora for her words and in acknowledgment of her offering. He begins to speak, a hand lifted, then chokes up, waving the next speaker forward.

Giulio has joined the line.

Felicia can't help but quirk a smile at the alcohol on offer. A wry thing that she does elect to take advantage of with a small salute in the vague direction of the water, and (for her) demure sips of it as she finds a place to stand. Her green eyes roam the gathering, perhaps in search of something, that from the flicker of her expression isn't found.

Khanne has joined the line.

Sasha is quietly standing under the trees and watching the memorial service. Sorrow beginning to set in upon her though she keeps her composure.

Felicia has joined the Northern Dunes.

Valdemar remains at his wife's side as she approaches Hadrian. "It is good to see you again, Marquis, in spite of the circumstances. I did not know the Marshall either, but this is a gathering to be proud of," he greets as well, offering a solemn bow of his head, before following Vanora to the statue as she makes her offering. For his part, he murmurs a prayer before Mangata's likeness while waiting for her to finish.

Jerome, a bodyguard arrives, following Isabeau.

They are both finished quickly with Vanora hadn't quite intending to jump the line, and thus leading her husband back away so they don't gum up the works. She smiles at Vitalis politely.

There is little emotion on Giulio's face, his features, as usual, a mask of bland pleasantry. He bows his head towards Cambria, to Vitalis, to Hadrian and to Alessia. Talen too, receives a nod of recognition. Those cool eyes flit from person to person, before he moves to join those that would speak. A look is shot to Theron and the man offers a last bow of his head. Elstwise, the slender fellow remains silent.

Ryhalt is overheard praising Gwenna.

Talen rides down towards the dunes, leaving his horse with his retinue as he tromps through the sand, and finds a place amongst those who seem prepared to say their farewells, pay their respects, so on and so forth. As Vitalis chokes up, Talen's in the midst of removing his helmet, tucking it under his arm. As he's waved forward, he moves to speak, his greetings to the Mazetti family as a whole far less notable due to familiarity. "In the Lyceum, mourning is something we do by celebration of a life, because we have far more enjoyment that awaits us than strife to endure. People die every day, but with every death they return to the Wheel, and they'll come back to us. Nonetheless, each life we life, it has a value and a purpose. Some days I think the Lord Marshal's was to test me. I didn't know him well, but the few interactions I did have could be considered 'eventful'. The first time I ever met him at length, we spoke on how he had admired my wife, the Archduchess. In fact, there was even reference to a canvas he had of her, to which I took offense to. So, we settled it, by a duel. We settled it and the stakes were that if he lost, Ostria would rid every copy of any profile of my wife by fire. Outside of this little conflict, however, I am aware he was a martial man, and a good one at that. I have a respect for strength-- not just in matters of war-- and I could see it in him from the very first day. The South mourns for the passing of the warrior was in this life. We would be so lucky to see him return to us in the flesh once more, no matter where in the Comapct he arrives."

Alessia Mazetti drifts along the sands, silently, arms folded as she glances around her. A dark blue wool cloak is draped around her shoulders, lined with fur, under which she's dressed simply in a black tunic, breeches and long boots. She quietly approaches her kinsmen, joining the line with them, smiling faintly as she regards them. The winds blow the ends of her dark hair, tied up in a single pony tail with dark blue wool.

Khanne accepts a drink from one of the servants who works to pass them out. She holds up a finger to him, a silent request for him to wait. She lifts the glass up towards the see and says quietly, "to you," then tosses it back, draining the glass in swallow after swallow. She sets the now empty glass on the tray and accepts a new, full glass in its stead as she turns to listen to those speaking of and honoring Valerio.

Faruq has left the Southern Dunes.

Hadrian's hand reaches out to pluck a bottle from the tray of a passing servant; Third Wall by the looks of it. Cherry brandy. His bare feet shift and his toes wiggle in the sand before Hadrian slips around to regard Vanora and Valdemar, with their words Hadrian's smile blossoms to life and he offers a polite bow, "Thank you for coming, Lord Valdemar and Lady Vanora. One needn't know someone to respect their life. To celebrate their life. So please, for the Marshal of Ostria, enjoy yourselves. Laugh, cheer, drink, be merry. It is precisely what Lord Valerio would want. He wouldn't want moping and blubbering on his behalf, do believe that." Hadrian turns his attention around to regard the statue of Mangata and those that begin to approach it, as he lifts his bottle to pour the contents into a glass that is lifted from another passing tray. Even as the speakers begin to move to their place to offer their rememberance, Hadrian begins to move amongst the gathered in order to make small-talk. The words of Talen reach the Mazetti's Marquis-Consort though and he only offers up a knowing grin toward the Archduke-Consort as he lifts his bottle in a suddenly too-bright white grin.

Vitalis shakes his head, and waves the next speaker forward. He gives Talen a tight smile, offering the man an extended arm when he passes.

Giulio history

Felicia has joined the line.

Hadrian has joined the line.

After Prince Talen's words Arik departs from the space of the small tree and his escort to hobble along with the help of a cane. The man looks to be still covered in bandages beneath his clothing, weeks after the fact. As he gets nearer to the altar and shrine of Mangata he makes a croaked noise and then clears his throat before rumbling, "As some of you know, Lord Valerio Mazetti died saving me." there is a pause as he looks over to Hadrian and then over the rest of the crowd. "I did not know him. We had met only once and I will not take your time guessing at the stories and person of a Great Man whom I wish wrote one or two more white's so I might have known him better." and another pause. "I will say thank you to his family, his friends. I know many of you wish he stood here now instead of me but I can only say he did not save me for my sake. He saved me because he was a hero and a good man. I had not the chance to call for help or show fear before Lord Valerio pushed me to safety and stood against the abyss. May we all be as true of heart and action as the Marshal of Ostria." then he's hobbling back off to the tree and the crowd he came in with.

Rowenova shows up somewhere from the back without drawing attention too much, simply accepting the alcoholic beverage with the softest thanks to those who are apparently serving before lingering somewhere between Khanne and Sasha whilst listening to Arik.

Talen says his words, and just like that, he walks away and towards the quieter areas. On his way, he meets Vitalis' arm with a clasp, the taloned steel gauntlets he wears making the exchange loud and uncomfortable for bare skin. Nonetheless, it has no malice, and soon he's by Alaarissa and listening to her complaint. "I don't know, but I doubt anyone here means anything in disrespect. If I am proved wrong, I will make sure that is corrected. Let it be, hm?" Then, with a nudge to Alarissa, he gestures permission to sit all the same.

Vitalis watches Arik move off, eyes keen, before giving himself a shake and focusing again his thoughts.

Having arrived on time time, Theron found himself pausing on the approach to the beach. His eyes are looking from face to face, and the volume of those here already. There is a brief thoughtful look. Clad in silk with a hydra on the collar, Theron steps forward once more. Stapped to his back are two greatswords. Once he is within the embrace of the main throng gathering, there is another pause and his gaze goes towards Vitalis. He heads deeper into the crowd, plucking a glass of Ostrian Brandy on the way. Cambria and Hadrian recieves a low incline of the head. A sharp nod for Alessia. Giulio also recieving an incline of the head. For the moment, he holds himself from the line, choosing instead to listen.

Alessia has joined the line.

Hadrian begins to approach Arik, his bottle held off to the side in his barefoot approach. Sand kicks up with his steps as the umbra and aeterna that he wears shifts and flaps with the wind. A polite bow of the head is cast toward Arik Halfshav and a smile soon follows it as the bottle is passed from one hand to the other, so that Hadrian may extend a hand it greeting to the Halfshav lord. He works to close the gap between himself and Arik, should such prove fruitful, Hadrian's voice rises up, "Well said, my lord. House Mazetti does not blame you, or anyone else, but the enemies that felled him for what took place. He went into the matter knowing the dangers, warned us of them, and knew the risks. It is not your fault, it is not the fault of any of his compatriots. I can not speak for him in death, but I can leverage a guess as to what he would say if he could: 'spend the time well'. I have no doubts that you will."

"My cousin, Lord Valerio. Marshal of House Mazetti. There are few ways in which we were not opposites. He was like a whirlwind. Easy to anger... and easy to peace. Easy to wroth and easy to forgive. A man of great honor and great strength. A man of valor. One of the few things we shared, however, was great conviction." The smile on Giulio's lips is a faint thing, his eyes tracking towards the statue of Mangata. "And it is with devotion, with conviction and with valor, that he gave the last, final breath of his duty."

Giulio's dark-eyed gaze tracks from person to person. "So raise a glass to such a man. Arvum is poorer for his loss... and greater for his sacrifice."

And then the former Mazetti is stepping back, claiming a glass to raise in Valerio's honor.

12 Thrax Elite Guards, Crow - Thraxian Steward, Lilybelle - The Claw of Arx, Matilda - Shaggy Wolfhound arrive, following Victus.

Arik is not moving quickly anywhere and so Hadrian catches the Halfshav Lord who pauses with a slow blink and then a wane grin to the man as he reaches out to clasp Hadrian's arm with his own grip. "I intend too and know that should House Mazetti ever have a need. The Sword of Whitehold is happy to aid. Thank you again." he rumbles in a quieter voice before leaning in to murmur something to Hadrian.

Victus quietly makes his ways onto the dunes, his coat pulled up high against his neck as he takes one quick glance all about. His eyes settle on his wife and Talen who he makes a beeline for. He's without fanfare nor much bravado at all, merely stalking across the sands. "Hey."

Princess Isabeau Valardin had arrived in the company of her solitary bodyguard and traveled down to the wake on the beaches at a leisurely pace. She does so, however, sans shoes or slippers, although that much may not be obvious until she's much closer to the crowd and begins to mingle.

Quenia has left the Beneath Trees.

"We of Ostria thank you, Lord Arik," Hadrian says with a bow of his head. That lowering of his head brings him carefully close to Arik so that Hadrian may listen to the murmur. Still their arms remain gripped, with Hadrian listen and then withdrawing with a solemn nod of his head and a thankful smile. "Please, go and indulge, Lord Arik. Enjoy a glass of Third Wall - one of Lord Valerio's favorites - a cherry brandy. The bull balls should be circulating any time, oh, there they are."

A table that stands empty on the beach soon finds itself occupied when a servant approaches with a large tray, piled high with fist-sized orbs skewered on thick wooden sticks. "Lord Valerio loooooooved him some balls, so enjoy them in honor of the Marshal! He claimed that they brought many, many, MANY health benefits!"

As Victus nears, Alarissa stops talking quietly to reach out and rest a hand against his forearm for a moment or two, a dip of her head to him and then a gesture of her head to the gathering speakers.

After a moment, Giulio goes to offer a whispered word to Cambria, draining his glass and then moving to depart.

Talen looks up at Victus from where he's sat by Alarissa, giving the High Lord a resolute nod, and replying, "Hey." Quieter conversation ensues at their seat, while he watches the ceremony.

Vitalis steps to the fore, pausing a moment, "I don't know what to say. My mother, some of you may have known Mirabel, died when I was very young. I don't recall much about her, save the scent of her perfume and the peal of her laughter-" he cuts off, head bowing, throat working, a hand lifts, begging forbearance while he composes himself. He swallows and lifts his chin, "I remember her laughter. Father made her laugh. When she died..." his brow furrows, "Those were frightening times. But I don't remember being afraid for long." He smiles, it's tight, fierce. "My father was there. He was always there." He his eyes drift to Arik. He swallows, and lifts a hand, arc of fingers describing a distant swath, "No matter how far my journeys have taken me, he was there. Home. A rock and a beacon. And now, without him, I find myself adrift unexpectedly." He pauses and clears his throat, "But by his example, I will raise, not a glass," he grins at Giulio, "But a lamp to the beacon he was. And as many of you know, who knew him well or only even a little, his light was laughter." This, as a servant trundles through bearing a tray of meatballs. 'Meatballs.' It's perfect, really.

Victus has joined the line.

5 House Mazetti Guardians have been dismissed.

Possum have been dismissed.

Arik looks from Hadrian towards the bull balls on skewers and without missing a beat begins to hobble his way in that direction. "I will my Lord." he rumbles and then he's off and then Vitalis is speaking causing him to pause and look in that direction. There is a blink at the lantern and then a silent nod before he claims a trio of bull balls and takes the long shaky walk with his cane back to the small tree.

Turn in line: Vitalis

Turn in line: Talen

Turn in line: Khanne

Rowenova can eat anything. She picks up her own skewer of the special oysters upon which she hungrily gnaws before eventually chasing those down with the cherry brandy. She backs up a tiny bit to make room for the approaching Arik.

Alarissa has left the Quiet Strand.

Khanne raises her glass when Giulio calls for it, again looking to the sea as she takes a drink. Hadrian's words about Valerio's love of balls has her smiling with a chuckle. She quiets in order to listen to Vitalis speak of his father, his family, paying him respect and attention. She smiles and nods, murmuring to those near her, "his light was laughter... so true."

Khanne leaves the spot beneath the trees then, stepping carefully over the arc of shells she had placed there earlier, to make her way to stand before the statue of Mangata. She looks up at the statue and lifts her glass to it as well, taking another sip for Mangata herself before turning to face the crowd. "Valerio... was one of my closest friends, and someone I trusted completely. I have many, many fond memories of him, and even thinking of them now makes my cheeks hurt in memory of how much he made me smile." She smiles now, brightly, even if there is still sorrow in her eyes. "I have mourned and will feel the loss of him for a long time.... but tonight, tonight is about celebrating his life and the man that he was. I wear this tonight," she says, gesturing to her outfit, "in honor of him, based on a conversation we once had about the stars... He was a brilliant man, one of the most charming I have ever known... and witty. Oh Spirits was he witty... He also enjoyed when a woman wore leather leggings." She chuckles softly then, taking a sip of the cherry brandy to wet her whistle.

"One of my fondest memories of him, and I spoke of it in my journal, was at my birthday party where I not only saw him without armor for the first time... but also... " A small laugh begins to rise up. "Got to see him ride Kael, hard, to victory. Everything that man did.... he did with absolute gusto." She has to take a breath then and nods to herself before taking another drink. "There will be no match to you, Valerio. Until next we meet..." She lifts her glass again and says, "To Valerio!" before drinking from it heavily and stepping away from the statue.

Victus has joined the Quiet Strand.

Hadrian lifts his bottle in salute to Vitalis' words. He doesn't speak to the son of Lord Valerio, he simply offers a few understanding nods of his head in recognition of the Mazetti lord's words. Arik's parting words are met by a brief bow from Hadrian along with a parting smile. Hadrian's attention soon snaps abruptly back around to regard Vitalis. Hadrian speaks up in answer to Vitalis' words, only after it's clear that his piece has concluded, "Your father was always proud of you. Whether you were visiting or off doing what it is you do? I'm not sure if your father realized it, but when he knew you would be arriving, he had just a little greater spring in his step. Excited, really. He was always eager to see you. It was always obvious that he was very proud of the man that you've grown to be."

Hadrian then turns to watch and listen to Khanne as she assumes the speaker's place and Hadrian's bottle lowers to his side. He listens on with a smile that comes and goes, yet he never appears somber. It would seem that when the Marquis spoke of the memorial being a celebration rather than an opportunity to mourn, he meant it. A grin slashes across his sharp features as Khanne speaks of leather leggings and riding Marquis Kael. Laughter rises up from Hadrian as he lifts his bottle in salute to Lady Khanne's tales, "To Valerio!"

Turn in line: Felicia

Alarissa presses a kiss to Victus' cheek, making way for him to join Talen as she starts to move away and head back towards the city with her little retinue.

Maxene, Pellinor, 4 Thrax Guards, Honey Snuggle, a Velenosian Angora cat leave, following Alarissa.

"To Valerio!" Felicia echoes as she drains her own glass. Stepping forward with a ghost of a smile,"I barely knew him, compared to many here. He reached out to me in a letter after I'd complained in the whites about having to learn a new weapons style... asking whether or not I'd spar with him. And I admittedly, did not fully grasp what I'd signed up for when we arranged a time." she gives a small smile,"He impressed me. And left a not-figurative impression of his war-hammer on my ribs where I wasn't fast enough to move. He also gave me quite a fright, when the blow in exchange knocked him briefly senseless."

She casts her eyes briefly at the sands and then back up,"From that moment, he was not far from my thoughts. He'd send me letters pretending to be an indolent layabout and vow that he was going to beat me the next time we met. It was a challenge... I was looking forward to. He was... profound, even when he was being funny, and had a sharp eye for the truth." her face screws up for a moment as she falls silent and takes a moment to swallow before adding,"And gone, entirely too soon. I'm certain, though, that the Mother will be suitably entertained until his next turn on the Wheel."

Lucita says, "To Valerio." She listens, lifts her glass in the toast and stays respectfully quiet to listen to the others."

Vanora nods to her husband, offering her arm.

Taking his wife's arm when she offers it, Valdemar inclines his head to the Mazettis and then leads Vanora back toward the city.

Seryna, a charming Lycene handmaiden, 6 Grimhall House Guards leave, following Vanora.

2 Grimhall House Guards, Gustav, a gruff Islander advisor, Vanora leave, following Valdemar.

Theron has joined the line.

Pasquale gets himself a glass, lifting it as the tributes are offered to drink a toast to the fallen Mazetti lord.


Ryhalt takes a glass as well. The normally glib and talkative noble is not so much this evening. He raises it in silent salute to the fallen marshal, and takes a drink in toast with others.

Vitalis has joined the Beneath Trees.

Hadrian moves again to stand a few yards before the statue of Mangata. He takes in a deep breath and inclines his chin as he begins to chuckle, "Valerio is... was... the uncle of my wife, Marquessa Cambria Mazetti, who is..." Hadrian lifts a hand to gesture around the beach, "... mingling somewhere. He was so determined to ensure that Cambria and I had children. He enjoyed being a father and I think, in his own way, he wanted me to experience what brought him such great joy. He's the one that suggested I begin eating bull balls. Yep," Hadrian begins to nod a few times before he gestures vaguely around himself, "Cambria and I were having a quiet little dinner. Valerio strolled in to make some report or another... he really did love to give reports. 'This is the current battle readiness of the Legions. Blah blah blah. I want grand-niblings. Eat bull balls and I'll have grand-nieces and nephews in no time. Goodbye.' and off he went. Meanwhile I just stared after him, stuck somewhere between disbelief and awe."

Hadrian glances around himself before his smile begins to grow again, beginning subdued it only grows further and further as he seems to silently reflect on a memory, "I remember when my wrist was broken," and his tone takes on a softer element, as though he were suddenly becoming a touch more serious, "he was furious. He didn't even like me at that point. That was only a few short months after I was married into his family's House. I was still an outsider to him. Yet, he knew that I had taken on his family's name and therefore when someone caused me harm, he knew it could not go unanswered. He was fierce, he was loyal. I will miss him."

"To Lord Valerio Mazetti, Marshal of Ostria, Guardian of Ostria. One of the finer men I've had the honor of ever knowing," Hadrian proclaims loudly as he lifts his bottle of brandy high. When it lowers again, Hadrian helps himself to another pull and begins to move away from the statue.

Turn in line: Hadrian

Turn in line: Alessia

When she finds herself in easy reach of the alcohol on offer, Isabeau snags a glass of whatever appears to be the strongest stuff on the table. Or, you know, whatever's just immediately available. She drifts nearer the small assembly so that she can more easily listen to the stories and tales being told about the fallen Mazetti marshal. "To Lord Valerio," she echoes, not so much shouting as speaking in an audible tone with her new glass lifted shortly after Hadrian's stories.

A chuckle at the mention of her uncle's diet, Alessia lifts the glass of rum in her hand and murmurs. "To Valerio." Sipping quietly until it is her turn to step forward and speak. She gives the crowd of people a quick scan before her amber eyes drift to the liquid in her cup. "I-- we -- loved our uncle Valerio very much. My sister, Dianna, and I. He was bold, entertaining and he always seemed pleased to see us."

Inhaling to keep her composure, she manages to raise her eyes once more. "He died a hero, saving a fellow warrior in the field." An incline of the head to Arik. "Without hesitation. My family - especially his son - and I will always be comforted with the knowledge that he was a good man and a brave soul in his final moments." With a bittersweet smile for Vitalis, she raises her cup. "To Valerio." She says once again, louder this time, before retreating from view.

Turn in line: Victus

Khanne lifts her third glass high in the air and calls out loudly towards Hadrian when he lifts his own, "To Lord Valerio Mazetti! Marshal and Guardian of Ost-...." She hiccups and lifts her other hand to cover her mouth as she quiets then to listen to Alessia, nodding along before she sips again, "to Valerio."

Felicia's content to find another glass of alcohol. Or... well, two, actually, one for each hand. The redheaded knight raising her glass as more memories are shared and taking the opportunity to knock back a few, sobriety be damned.

Victus steps out from the quiet strand long enough to stand before the rest of the procession. "I knew dick-all about Valerio personally, but I got to share two good moments with that one-eyed elf-lover that only come a few times in any lifetime. The first was setting foot on Mardomun and standing shoulder to shoulder as we ascended to the top of the spire. We shot the shit easily and he weren't hard in the least to get along with. When I proclaimed myself a mighty sea-rooster, he didn't even blink. He definitely winked a few times though. But he kept a stone-face. He had a mean stone-face. Meaner than most, but better than most too. He was a man I felt safe having at my back, and a man I could've seen myself sharing a drink with. A rare kind. A good kind."

He draws in a deeper breath. "Then we stood shoulder to shoulder again, this time to form a wall against the Abyss on the floor of the sea. Ya' know, when a hundred screamin' monsters came rushing through the darkness at ya', most would probably balk. Not Valerio though, nah. Nah nah. This one-eyed fucker stood his ground with all his missin' pieces and said 'Come at me big boy'. I mean it, that's really what he said, he looked a shark dead in the face and screamed 'COME AT ME BIG BOY' like he was gonna wine and dine it before he slaughtered the thing. Even then though, with all the little monsters comin' to chip away at our defenses, the man had the foresight to throw his life in front of another. You'd be damn hard-pressed to find a soldier worth his salt that can do the same. Harder still knowing what was on the line and seein' what we seen out there. Lord Valerio, a fucking hero and a man I'll sing about when I'm on the waves." Victus lifts a hand up. "To Valerio."

As Victus mentions Valerio winking a lot, Hadrian outright loses it. The Marquis-Consort walks away. Laughing. Hard. Loud.

Khanne lifts her glass again and though her voice may be cracked slightly from too much drink (surely, just too much drink... no other reason), she shouts, "to Valeio!" And another swallow is taken of the cherry brandy.

Talen, at some point after Victus has gone up to speak, risen from his seat as he listens. A short time later, he gives a remote salute to the Mazetti crew upon his chest and then heads on off, back to the city.

Talen has left the Quiet Strand.

Turn in line: Theron

Nodding at each speech in appreciation, clearly thinking of his own on the fly. Then there is Victus' speech, and Theron laments. "How the fuck do I follow that up?!" Shaking his head as he steps forwards, Theron takes a moment to look back at the statue of Mangata. "You know he walked on the floor of the sea once to help Mangata?" Turning back he speaks up. "Valerio and I had our differences. I thought he was inflexible. He thought me brash and irresponsible." Theron laughs softly. "We verbally sparred often. As it is cousins often get into fights over the dumbest things. So it was with Valerio as well. He once accosted me over my taste in cheese." Theron spreads hands out to show some confusion. "I never did get the story behind Valerio and cheese, other than Acilius told me he had a great nose for it, and it was a staple field ration." Theron looks out to the others and then to his glass of brandy in thought."

"I can say this. As much as a mystery as he was to many of us. He did have a sense of humor. He was not kidding when he told people he slept in his armor. I know he was very pleased with the idea of being able to teach at the Academy of War. Valerio loved to instruct, he was not always the best teacher though. He was sneaky about that missing eye though, he's try to sucker you in with it." A shake of the head and Theron's gaze seeks out Vitalis'. "Vitalis, I've not been as close to you as I should, but you are a damn good scout. I can say with conviction, he was very proud of you. In fact if you got him on the topic of you, it was hard to shut him up. I know his loss pains you, but as I heard it told. He is with Mirabel now." Raising his glass, Theron calls out. "Hadrian is not kidding! Eat! Drink up! He may have been a pain in the ass." Looking to Cambria and Hadrian. "But he was our pain in the ass. To Marshal Valerio Mazetti."

Vitalis has left the Beneath Trees.

The line has been dismissed by Hadrian.

Vitalis moves from group to group, listening to stories told to few or many, laughing his share, the burden of grief lighter, lightening. He ends the route at the Marquessa and Marquis. "Thank you for this." He lifts his head to survey the merriment, "I had my doubts." He drains his glass, by the sheen on his eyes, it's not his first, "I feel better." He looks to Arik, to Victus, a nod to each and then back to Hadrian and Cambria, "I think Mazetti must have neutered all of Arvum's cattle. Did you save at least some for breeding?"

Hadrian moves off toward Victus and offers a polite bow of his head toward the Highlord of the Mourning Isles, "Thank you, Prince Victus. As another of his companions on that tragic journey? Your words bring a sense of conclusion to Lord Valerio's story. You have our assurance that he will be welcomed as a hero in Ostria, he's earned his statue here in Arx, and many more in Ostria. It's not every day that the Marshal of the Legions falls, so it'll be a reception to be remembered in the Walled City. Thank you for your kind and, frankly inspiring, words." Hadrian offers a bow toward Victus before he withdraws in order to hear out Theron's words. A few solemn nods are given to the Sword of House Mazetti and again Hadrian lifts his bottle up so that he may claim a drink from it.

As the speakers begin to thin and disperse, Hadrian lifts a hand into the air, "Thank you, again, every last one of you, friends and strangers alike, for attending this memorial for Lord Valerio! Stay, drink, dance, enjoy yourselves, find someone to keep you company tonight, find a new friend tonight... it doesn't matter what you choose to do with it, just live your life and indulge in it - even if just for a night." Hadrian's hand lowers heavily to his side. The minstrels pick up again after the loud testimonials and experiences are concludes. Drums thump and other instruments join them in a upbeat and cheerful tune.

Hadrian turns about, sending sand spraying away from his feet with the sudden turn to face Vitalis as he offers up a cheerful bit of bubbling laughter, "Only what was needed, dear Vitalis! I am heartened though to know that it has provided you some relief from what I can only imagine is a great deal of inner turmoil. Now, go, have fun. Find a friend, find two friends. If you're feeling really adventurous? Find three friends! And a donkey!" Hadrian offers a playful wink toward Vitalis before the Marquis-Consort begins to move off to meet-and-greet that attendees that had not stepped up to speak.

Rowenova also chimed 'To Lord Valerio!' with a grateful tone. She perks up after having heard that magical word (scout), and the young lass looks forth toward Vitalis with inquisitive curiosity, but she does not really interrupt and instead gnaws the meaty bits off the metal skewer before another swig of the cherry alcohol soon after. She continually scans for any potential chance to do something helpful if there is actually anything to do.

Arik has left the Beneath Trees.

Lucita has left the Beneath Trees.