As the afternoon settles in the city, Mabelle can be found in the Dire Bee Lounge, eager to answer the questions of those who volunteered to help her. "Good evening everyone please find your seat and we shall begin shortly". The tables are filled with sweets and drinks courtsey of the lounge as well as savory for those of a lesser sweet-tooth.

Hadrian has joined the an intimate corner booth with plushy seats.

There he is. Duke Hadrian Mazetti. Tucked away into the back of an intimate corner booth. His intimate company? Why, a stocky bald man with a great mustache and a trio of guards, too. None of them are technically seated with the Duke, but they're in the area. Which in turn means that Hadrian has spread himself - some would say intimately - across much of the booth that he may occupy it. Intimately. He lays on his side atop the table, his head cradled within an upturned palm while he watches back toward the rest of the establishment and, perhaps more specifically, Lady Mabelle Laurent. No refreshments for him. Not yet, anyway. He hasn't worked up an appetite or a thirst during his intimate booth dwelling it would seem.

Caprice Clad in spring colors and with a ledger tucked under one arm, Caprice arrives a bit early for no purpose other than to not miss anything while she's setting up her ink and such at a table. It's whiskey for her to sip while she watches others coming in - raising her quill in a friendly wave to faces familiar.

Pirate, a calico kitten, Bosun Orrick, a looming Blackshore mariner arrive, following Dycard.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Caprice before departing.

Georgette, 1 Greenmarch Guard, Trouble, a small ferret arrive, following Simone.

Zyxthylum just arrives before Mabelle asks for questions. He leans heavily on his cane as he makes his way to the bar, careful not to interrupt. He snags something sweet along the way as well as some of the Arx famous mead. Once settled he raises a knobby fingered hand and offers, "Do you know what kind of help you might need yet?" Not quite sure how to help, the goblin faced man is more than eager to do something.

Mabelle's eyes trail to Mazetti Duke as Hadrian sprawls himself upon the booth of the table, twitching her lips, "Duke Mazetti, nice of you to join us", she greets him and notices Caprice, "Oh hello Mistress, its a pleasure to see you as well. Master Zyxthylym, hello".

"This evening I would like to express my gratitude, at first for all of you offering your help in the project - it is a grand one this time, far larger than I am capable to complete on my own. As discussed the District will include and Art Gallery, Museum, Library, Shrine to Jayus, Theatre for the performing arts, and Art school, shops and coffee places and one more project I am working on exclusively. The Nightingale Gianna will also open a chapter of the bard's college".

Mabelle further explains, "As so, I have assigned or am attempting to finish assigning 'Captains' for each mission. Duke Hadrian will be in charge of the scholars with regards to collecting books, Mistress Caprice will be in charge of the Artists and the Gallery as well as another little job I have for her. Princess Cassima volunteered to help curate the Museum. So what I want to hear is ideas you might have for how you want to see it done and what can fit you to assure you are helping and enjoying it".

Mabelle peeks, "Oh yes, Master Jareth will cover theatre"

Only but a few days back in the capital and already Marquessa Simone Greenmarch is getting herself involved in various social and philanthropical affairs. It takes but a moment to traverse the city when her driver brings her to the Dire Bee lounge. There, along with her most trusted maid, Georgette (and apparently a furry messenger named Trouble), Simone enters the salon mere moments into Lady Mabelle's greeting. Not fashionably late at all it seems. Not a familiar face in the room, or at least none that she spots right away. Wait, Mistress Caprice? If she's not seen the woman's face she has certainly heard her name being praised. Resplendent in verdant shades of Spring, the noblewoman slips into a seat with ease and raises her hand almost immediately. "Greetings, I am Marquessa Simone Greenmarch, recently returned from a sojourn to Greenhaven. I would be most honored to assist your endeavors, Lady Mabelle. I would be delighted to assist in the scholarly areas or with the curating of the Museum. Both of those are my area of expertise."

Patrizio makes his way in, from beneath the sunny skies outside, the faint contemplation of who might be within as he's making himself at home, as it were. He's just in time, definitely, for him to b hearing a little bit about the plans for the district, which draws the arch of one of those well-plucked brows. He's quiet for a few moments to figure out what's what, the turn of his head towards Simone when she speaks, and then that attention of his strays back to Mabelle. "I'm not at all certain that I, myself, would be fit to be a 'captain' for one of these efforts, but one would love to know how one could be a supporter for this worthy effort," he says, the play of a smile finding his lips. "For those of us who'd like to be involved beyond what may well be necessary offerings of silver to help. And speaking for myself on this matter, obviously, since I can't speak for my cousins."

When he is mentioned by name, Hadrian makes it a point to sit up and collect himself. He offers a wave to the gathering, but does not immediately speak. He instead turns his attention back to Mabelle when she continues with explanation of who these other 'captains' will be. Idly his fingers drum at the caps of his knees, some little song tucked away within his mind and finding its way to his fingers to express itself. Eventually his silence comes to an end and Hadrian shifts forward, allowing his feet to come to rest upon the floor, before he finally stands up to his full height and is no longer sprawled out on a table, "While the scholar's endeavor may be with the intellectual in mind? We may still have a place for those who can wield a sword or act as protectors for the team of curious seekers. All those old tall tales of high adventure always seem to have danger and suspense, so it may be fruitful to have people such as those around". He's said his part and finally the Duke of House Mazetti settles himself back down into the booth - this time on the seat itself - as he seeks out a drink with his empty hand. A drink that is not there. Which in turn results in a harlequin eyed glance cast toward Luigi.

Surprise is shown upon her face when Simone enters, "Marquessa, lovely to see you back in the city. I would be happy to have someone help Princess Cassima with the Museum, if such is your area of expertise, not something I can easily pass on, yes?". To Patrizio, she assures, "No offering is required, honestly, Laurent are definately capable to funding this endevour. I need you all for the details and the actually logsitics, consultations, curating and the like." Mabelle then directs Patrizio toward Hadrian, "See? Duke Mazetti clearly means to put the scholars in danger and they will need a sword to protect them", she grins at the Duke, "But yes expeditions can easily go sideways".

Zyxthylum has joined the a private table under the window with a honeysilk tablecloth.

Sweeping into the Dire Bee, Dycard flashes a grin about at faces here and there as he passes off his cat to Orrick and waves the man off to his own affairs. His head lists to the side curiously as he listens to Mabelle's explanation of things, and as he makes his way to lean against the bar he quietly observes the goings ons of those offering their various services. At a lull, after having received his drink with a nod, Dycard piped up while tussling his hair about. "I don't think anyone would accuse me of being a great artist or the like, but i'm certain I can be of service moving things about. I may be biased, but The Intrepid is the finest caravel to plough the seas and if things need moving somewhere... not landlocked... i'd be more than happy to help. At the very least, anyway."

Caprice lifts her plume to indicate herself as she's mentioned, for those who may not be familiar yet. Simone's introduction earns her delighted attention, the copper-haired clothier's bright gaze shifting to each individual in turn as they speak. "We might be able to put our heads together better if we're not all staking out places of our own," she notes to the gathering, mouth curving up at the corners.

After the introduction is over, Zyxthylum seems to have trouble figuring out which way to go. He is drawn to much of what Mabelle said, of course, why else would he be here? "I'd love to donate some artwork. Do you have a particular theme or emotion you are trying to convey?" He makes his way to where Caprice is seated but also mentions to Hadrian, "And I'd love to donate some books. Are either of you attempting a fund raiser yet? We could use my showroom to stage it." He offers.

"A fundraiser? Is a wonderful idea," Hadrian answers with a dip of his chin toward Zyxthylum, before he continues on, "My intention is to turn my eye away from Arx. So I've not considered a fundraiser until now, personally," the Duke explains as he casually settles one leg over the other at the knee. Still his fingers drum away at his kneecap and his eyes sweep to and fro throughout the Dire Bee Lounge. Only a moment of silence passes before Hadrian remarks again at Zyxthylum, "If you," then his attention turns around the room, "or anyone decides to pursue that? Please reach out to me. I've an item or two that I may provide for auction, along with some funding."

Mabelle thanks Dycard, "Transportation will be immensely important indeed, and certainly, I shall make ure we will have a way to process Informaiton", Mabelle promises Caprice. Something Zyxthylum says, perks her curiously, "Book - raiser you mean? That could be nice. It is not exactly a charitable cause that will require funds raised. But a nice showing of donated art with a ball, that could be lovely", she tags Zyxthylum to Caprice for art and Hadrian for books. She does stress however, "Not, funds, fundraiser. There are those of the city who actually require charity and this simply not a charitable cause", she looks alarmed by the implication.

A grin finds Patrizio easily at the assurances from Mabelle, and more at the directing to Hadrian, who gets an acknowledging inclination of his head. "A point I'd not perhaps thought of, the matter of needing security. Much as I probably ought have." There's a /hint/ of a look at Mabelle, as if he's checking if she's hale and healthy indeed when there are reminders of how dangerous it can be to go to Artshall of late. Though Caprice's statement gets a nod. "True, I suppose. If we're all pulling in different directions, nothing of value's going to get done."

Hadrian's comment about a fundraiser gets an inclination of his head, as does Mabelle's. "Perhaps then more the matter of a festival of works to be donated, instead. Let people see what this arts district is to showcase, and encourage more such gifts and involvement."

Dycard grins as the conversation turns to the nature of funding versus donations, swirling his drink about before taking another sip. "I'm glad funding isn't an issue, because then i'd be even more useless. I would avail myself of whatever you, my lady, or the captains, might think is best. I'm only just getting my feet wet in these sorts of affairs so it's best if I play the dutiful lackey, I think," he quipped with a laugh. "Is it to be a general sort of art? Or is it only for works specific to a certain region or time?"

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

In spite of the commentary, Caprice doesn't yet move to invade anybody else's seating, though she does collect her writing tools into an easy-to-carry stack in preparation. "Is the layout of the district already decided? The buildings, the open spaces? Or will we potentially have some influence over those decisions as well?" As for the question on art, she notes to Dycard, "A permanent collection with a cohesive theme seems ideal, but knowing what the space will -be- will help us decide how best to utilize it."

The room is positively buzzing with excitement. Simone looks to Georgette and quietly murmurs something to her lady's maid about taking notes so that she may inform Marius about the brainstorming meeting upon her return home. While Georgette takes notes, Simone is watching the room, the hostess, and all those who soon join in.

Zyxthylum offers, "I can assemble a display whenever I return and post some vellum about the city asking for contributions towards the gallery and library." Adding, "Should I include any specifics on inspiration or theme?" Now that he is seated at a table he is doing the opposite to Caprice, getting his own note taking tools out and spreading out.

Mabelle responds to Dycard, as seems Patrizio's job as been found for him, "Local art as well as outside art, art from the city - if it is to become a place for people of the outside to ... she knows better", she defers to Caprice . She stresses, and laughs, particularly in the direction to Zyxthylum, "No theme, not all related to bees. For the shrine of Jayus I have a specific mission, but I have yet someone heading this mission, I was hoping to ask Samira or Vincenzo". Mabelle regards Caprcie, "I mostly have the layout but its still prone to changes, what did you have in mind?"

Soon enough Hadrian's attention drifts off toward Mabelle and, perhaps in misunderstanding, he assures her, "By my statement? I only mean funding to host these gatherings. A venue, refreshments, actors in the crowd to make you look good, announcements, and so forth; they all run a cost. That's where I'm offering assistance if it comes to it". Then Hadrian's attention drifts back to the gathering as a whole as he remarks with a nod of his head, "I will make no promises when I plan to set out on this bit of adventure, though. It's a dangerous time in Arvum and selecting the optimal time will be difficult. It could be a few days, a few weeks, or who even knows. There's the whole matter of Eurus - that I'll not get into at length - that makes it difficult to put an exact time on the table".

Then Hadrian's legs shift, uncrossing one from the other at the knee as he turns his attention around the gathering once more, looking to other faces and voices for thoughts and ideas given voices. All the while his feet kick softly and swing slowly in glossy Ostrian black adder boots.

Gianna glides on in, kind of really late probably.

Mabelle considers Hadrian for a moment, "Well certainly, we can arrange for that. And of course such a task will take us months to accomplish of not a whole year, hopefully the continant will be safer by then. "Nightingale Gianna, Thank you for joining us"

"Oh, nothing specific - just inspiration for the gallery's focus," Caprice answers with a faint shake of her head. "But that also raises a good question; there's no tight deadline for any of this? More of an 'as soon as feasible' sort of goal? I suspect..yes, current events may be draining on resources and availability, a bit."

Gianna inclines her head to Mabelle and then to the room at large before slinking over to a seat and sitting down. She crosses one leg over the other and pretends she's been here all along.

Mabelle grins, "The crew is building a whole district. That might take a while. Took them 18 months to build my waystation". Mabelle then smiles to Gianna, "Thank you for joining us. We'd love to hear any input you might have to offer"

Zyxthylum takes some notes, commenting over his writing, "Does the building have a name yet? I need some kind of name to put on the plaque and the flyers."

Gianna flicks some of her dark hair over her shoulder and says, "Forgive me if it's been suggested already, but what if the district was built around a central area that could be used for performances? Not just musical, but perhaps also exhibitions and showings of goods."

Mabelle twitches her lips at Zyxthylum, "I have not considered that. Goodness. I will let you know". "There is a performance theatre", she mentions to Gianna, "But if you mean have it built in a round way to create a square of a sort, I did intend to, but nod for performances, that's a good idea. Like a cultural bazzaar"

Cassima arrives, late, but with purpose. She lifts a hand towards Mabelle and calls out, "Terribly sorry! My fitting ran a little longer than expected! Have we discussed yet the museum and what it will entail?" She glances around, dipping a quick curtsy towards one and all before moving deeper into the room, a ledger tucked under one arm as she makes a shooing motion at her guards to disperse them around the room.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Cassima before departing.

Gianna glances over at Cassima and inclines her head to the newest arrival. She tells Mabelle, "I can see it being very popular in the warm months. Perhaps a canopy in case of rain."

Mabelle replies shortly to Cassima, "We have not, but Marquessa Simone is going to help you curate", to Gianna she widens her eyes, pleased, "I love it. Particularly as it is supposed to generate the arrival of travelers"

For Hadrian's part, he remarks quiet and attentive to the discussions that continue to unfold. He twiddles his thumbs for the moment, both figuratively and literally.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Cassima before departing.

Simone is overheard praising Mabelle: Excellent hostess

Dycard is overheard praising Mabelle.

As plans has been made and tasks has been handed, the meeting is adjourned.