Sorry for length of reply, Adoven, but this was far too perfect not to go here. Alisa pressing her luck a second time, post dueling salon.  ;)

While completing the final two sentences spoken to the bishop, Alisa's eyes had strayed toward the approaching lord of Lodovka-Sud.  And they had widened ever so slightly -- really, she managed a reasonable poker face, considering.

She knew that he and the bishop were associates. Presumed there would be some exchange betwixt the two.  And then was caught off guard when the man conveyed interest in those plans she had spoken of.   Her eyes made a very brief sweep of the room.   It was of course Domitius that they sought.   She did not see him, but --

Acavna!  What if he comes out and sees me --

She snipped that thought; quashed the small anxiety which had kindled it.   Maybe this was an opportunity to begin mending what had been torn-?   She paused a mere second in some little preparation, then:

"Firstly, my congratulations to yourself and lady Viktoria on your own marriage.  I hope you are every bit as happy in your union as I am in mine.   And, I must confess to you...that it is your dueling salon is a fact which somehow escaped me." She smiled, a bit sheepishly.  "I was rather preoccupied with other things, as you know.  And I'm glad to learn you found some humor in it.  Nothing I'll be making a habit of, I assure you.  Ah, yes...those territories to the east...and what and who lies and lives out there." She paused before adding more.

"My husband is the one who might tell you in detail.   It began as his plan, and is still much his plan.  As we grew closer, it was natural to meld my aim for a temple with what he was envisioning.   I am still learning about the area.   The lake itself is said to be fey inhabited; the more kindly sort.   As I understand, there isn't much in the way of civilization.   The cyclops and other threats much discourage it.  Domitius could tell you more."  Right.  Here goes...

"This leads to something I'd like to broach.   There was...an encounter between yourself and Domitius at Rikka's smithy." She made a slight, vague gesture.  "As I was saying to the bishop, my husband's very passionate; much devoted to the Aldori way and its code.  When his honor is offended, that heart of his ignites in the same way it does when he's fighting for justice. Or defending those he loves. Or making love." She smiled, cheeks coloring a little.

"Like Mayor Mordane, and the Bishop, you enjoy a fine reputation for your works. And I -- would like to see the rift between you and Domitius mended.  I know it may be much to ask, I don't know how you feel -- but I am asking for the attempt. If you're willing, it would be the best of all wedding gifts." 
This message was last edited by the player at 19:54, Sat 26 Sept 2020.

"Oh, but of course... but you could say that of any job, really.

And I'm happy you don't see me as a rival, as well... I could see some good-natured competition, but let's not try to drive each other out of the business, hm~?"

She would give the other woman a smirking smile, one with a bit of teeth.

"Though it's a shame you seem to retreat to your workshop so much... you should come out and play sometimes.  After all, all work and no play makes you, well... boring."

She smiled again, and took a sip of her glass, making some approving noises.

"I ought to sell something like this at the Nectar.  Maybe something like a strawberry or cherry wine, blended with a bit of something fruity... maybe call it a Red Feather, after someone I used to know.  You wouldn't happen to have something in stock I could beg, borrow, or steal to experiment with, hm~?"

She watched the alchemist, smirking into her glass as she sipped again.

"...I wish I had your supplies, though.  And a vineyard and a brewery..."

She was acting wistful, at this point, but she would quickly return to herself.

"...maybe they have something more solid over at the bar.  Maybe some place to talk, hm~?  After all, we've got so much in common, I hear... an interest in drinks, having fun, former employers- though mine still seem to be out there.  If you have the time, I suppose I could use your advice on that..."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:25, Tue 29 Sept 2020.

Waiters keep circulating with small nibbles and glasses of wine.

In reply to Alisa Medvyed-Solanus (msg # 34):

"Lake Silverstep? Yes, that would be an excellent place for you and Domitius, both for his stronghold and your temple of Acavna. The mountain range east of the lake is the border between Midmarch and Varnhold. There is a pass through the mountains a little further north where Viscount Henry has recently established Eastgate, so you may have an opportunity for trade with Varnhold as well as still being closely allied with Midmarch."

Andalon paused and looked at Alisa as he finally understood the last part of what she had said, then he glanced at Adoven to see how that request was received.

"This does seem like a perfect time for a fresh start," he suggested softly.

Maple nodded "thank you kindly Miss Pipre, it is mighty fine bein here. Been workin on preparing for the fall harvest and all that entails. Though we plan on building farms for multiple communities we can only ever start with one. It seemed like it would be a much needed rest for the both of us."
 Seeing Vik come in with the Lord she gulped, she was walking over here with them. She messed with the ribbon she had put in her hair.
"It's a pleasure seein you Lady Vik. Say you know about these things, you don't suppose the groom and bride would be insulted by a basket of fresh fruits veggies for a wedding gift would they?"

"Thank you, Rana.  You dress looks nice too." he says in an offhand way.  "Have you got any plans for while you are in town?  Or thoughts about how you might want to be a part of things down here?  I'm happy working at the Nymph.  I get fed, get a room for myself and get to go to the party every night.  And I only have to throw people out occasionally." he adds with some pride.

OOC:  The main thread is getting a bit congested and somewhat confused  :) So it might be worth moving conversations to one of the other rooms I have opened.

If anyone thinks I owe them a response -  PM me  :)

In reply to Alisa Medvyed-Solanus (msg # 34):

Adoven cocks his head slightly. "I was unaware that a rift had occurred. Certainly not on my part. While I enjoy healthy debate as much as the next man, I do not let arguments or disagreements color my attitude when it comes to business or defending my home against outside influences. I have no objection to this 'fresh start' you suggest. Just puzzled that you think I need one."

Alisa was a little taken aback for a moment. "Oh. I see. Yes, well."  She found herself momentarily at a loss.  Then arched a brow.  "This is awkward." She tapped her foot a few times.  Before imploring-

"I beg you not to take it the wrong way! His honor means so much to him! It connects so strongly with what he wants and plans to do.  I am gladdened to know there is no issue on your side.  While I don't presume to speak for him, I will say that in a way, as with the mayor, I believe it indicates he respects you as a peer.   He only takes umbrage with those who are well trained swordsmen - unfortunately - and themselves have some sense of honor. He's a diehard dueling enthusiast, not a bully or thug. I think, you know - a punch in the arm, telling a joke, lifting an ale together - it might be all it would need?" 
This message was last edited by the player at 21:29, Sun 27 Sept 2020.

Adoven's gentle smile curves upwards at the apology of a woman who had no need of such a thing. He nods. "While I do fancy myself a swordsman, I've little need to challenge for the title Sword Lord. As for my honor? I'll concede it means little to me outside of my reputation as an honest merchant. That may be why I don't understand or empathize much with those who place so much weight in it. I think I'm doing quite well, as far as honor is concerned, for someone whose parents..." Adoven glances around, then pitches his voice low so as to only be heard by Alisa and Andalon. "If I can count on your discretion? My parents were pirates. I had no wish to follow the family trade." He then smiles. "I'd be glad to share a drink with him, perhaps talk with him about fighting techniques. I can always use good advice."

Big Job glances up and sees The Mayor in the hotel reception, then comments to Tayana and Rana, "Look, There's Cass. He owns the Mithral, and I want to tell him how good a job his staff have done in setting this up.  Why don't you come with me, and I'll introduce you to him?"

Rana smiled in thanks at Big Job's comment on her outfit, and nodded in agreement as she followed him to meet the mayor.

On the way she responds to the half-orc's query on her plans.  "I've not really thought that far ahead, Big Job.  I need to gain a better understanding of my gift and, since there was no one in the town where I grew up who could help, I decided to see where my feet took me and who I'd meet along the way."

Alisa smiled in return to Adoven, no little relieved.

As to the matter of his parents' profession, it certainly wasn't her nature to hold the choices and actions of anyone's forbears against them.   House Lodovka of course was located up north.  It didn't surprise her that lady Viktoria's husband's roots might originate up that way as well.  As piracy did infer to her the north, what was once Issia.

"It'll be kept hush hush, sir, no worries as to that." She put a finger to her lips for emphasis.

"And bishop, I'm glad you like the choice of the temple's proposed locale.  I can so clearly see it there, in my head, with a moonlit lake Silverstep as backdrop. A design has been rendered, with which I'm quite pleased.   Acavna is a goddess of Defense, and the moon her sigil.   Thus the temple will be a defensible bastion, in shape of the crescent moon. A place of succor and sanctuary."    Alisa explained in brief...

https://imgur.com/QzZ6KOo   (a design rendered by our dear DM, after a chat between him, Dom's player, and me)

In reply to Kiera Raincutter-Solanus (msg # 35):

Maple turned to Kiera,"You ladies are brewers then? How about lilac brandy? Its rather sweet though. There are so many different options with plants people never really think about. "

Domitius entered the main salon with his entourage in tow,

Barbatius had mirrored his own Aldori formal wear, black jacket with blue lapels and cuffs lightly braided in silver.  Black trousers with a blue stripe down the outside blousered into polished black boots. He was smiling broadly as he followed Domitius into the room.

Tic wore his church clothes as he referred to them a dark blue jacket worn over a frilled white shirt and red three quarter length pants his bare feet luxuriating in the wool of the carpet.  His eyepatch worn over the left eye as he peered around the room.

Hargrym wore the white of the Silverhammer clan, an older style his jacket stopping just above the knee his beard tied into a formal braid with silver ornaments woven into it.  his waistcoat was heavily embroidered with a hammer and anvil motif.  The usually stern Hargrym had a playful glint in his eye and a smile on his face.

Brother Thadeus wore the formal robes of one of Iomedae's priesthood, a long white robe slit at the sides to allow for ease of movement, a wooden holy symbol hung from his neck, intricately carved a gift from one of his students at the temple complex.  he reached up and tucked an errant lock of hair behind his slightly curved ear.

As a group they paused Domitius raising an eyebrow as he spotted his wife then with a word the group moved to spread out into different parts of the hotel as per their want.  Domitius moved to join Alisa, Adoven and Andalon.

"My lords, my lady wife it is a pleasure to see you on this blessed day."  He moved to stand next to Alisa taking her hand and raising it to his lips.  "I hope you are both well."

Andalon smiled at the sight of that display of Dom's obvious love for his bride.

"My congratulations again to both of you on your marriage. As I said to Alisa already, I hope the two of you are blessed with a long and happy life together. Alisa has been telling us that you are looking at Lake Silverstep as the potential site for your home. That sounds like a splendid location for your stronghold and Alisa's temple. I look forward to visiting you there in the years to come."

Adoven adds "as do I. Tell me, are the fields around Silverstep rich for farms to flourish? Good land is the first step to a viable community."

"And a pleasure to see you, lord husband," she returned with affection, as he took and kissed her hand, "Why, I was beginning to think I might need to get a lasso, and come track you down."    Her eyes strayed over his quartet of retainers.   In particular the frilled Tic, to whom she gave a wink, and even more so the dapper and beaming Barbatius.

"My dear sword-squire," she addressed the latter, "I nearly did not recognize you! In such dashing attire, and with that radiant smile.  Best be careful, sir. Lest you imperil your own bachelorhood." 

She nodded to their two guests, "My lords, you will find warmest welcome at our gates, whether the reason be social or more serious."   She scrunched her lips.  "Eh, once we have gates, I mean.  Just a bit of building, to be done yet..."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 20:47, Sun 04 Oct 2020.

"Flower-infused spirits... hmmm... yeah, I could try them, I suppose- but of course I'd have to try a bottle or three for myself just to make sure they come out okay- there's all kinds of stuff in plants and flowers that gets used in brewing and winemaking- I mean, what is good ale but hops left to steep in water with some sugar and a little yeast?

Tell you what, bring a few bottles by the Nectar sometime and we'll see how they get on, then.  I mean, I've also been looking forward to trying to get my own winery or brewery- maybe even my own distillery set up, too.  I have to have some way of competing against the Nymph and the Dragon's Den, hehe..."

She took another sip of the mix in her glass.

"Sorry my love, Tic couldn't decide what to wear and I swear that eyepatch switched eye a dozen times.  He's a bold peacock to be sure." Dom said fondly as the halfling strutted towards the buffet returning Alisa's wink.

Barbatius pulled at the neckline of his shirt "Thank you my lady and if I may say you look beautiful yourself.  Shame about the groom."  He said with a wink of his own.

Domitius merely sighed and shook his head at his squires antics before shooing him away.  "Indeed my lords you will be welcomed at Silverstep once we have settled there.  We haven't had much of a report on the land I'm afraid but I have heard that the fishing is good and the Gudrin is navigable to the Tuskwater indeed Lord Kendrick and I have plans to fortify the crossings along the Gudrin to defend our southern flank.  The temple to Avacna with be just as important as our own stronghold I just hope we find suitable land much like here in Tusk.

Tell me Lord Adaven, do you still intend to build on that isle in the Tuskwater we explored after I joined Lord Henry's service."

The merchant responds "the haunted keep? Aye, that would be my primary choice is we could lay those unquiet spirits to rest. I have no superstitions about bad luck regarding the area, and physically it is an ideal location to defend Midmarch's southern flank from. A keep and a Naval Base were what I had in mind, with regular river patrols to keep the waterways free of piracy. I know others have also stated desires for the land, but frankly I doubt they have the resources to compete with V&A, nor the vision to make the best use of it."

She laughed merrily at the notion of Tic's patch being no more than an affectation - wondering if it were so - as well as Barbatius' ribbing of Dom.  Who looked fantastic in his suit, as usual.

"Hm. The tower of Candlemere isle, eh?  Dom, I didn't know you'd ever been out there. It's reputation for being haunted is well known, much spoken of.  It's some rather brazen spirits that put on such hard to miss light shows, that's for certain.   Of course, a haunting is possible.  And yet - it might instead be a display something else uses to discourage visitors. Fey, for instance, sometimes use such tactics."   She shrugged.

"I'd think the company of both a mage and a cleric would be called for, for any serious exploration there." 
This message was last edited by the player at 00:04, Tue 06 Oct 2020.

Adoven chuckles. "If the wights and will-o-wisps we fought weren't bad enough, there was also an undead swarm to deal with.  We already had Andalon with us, but he was unable to free the spirits from their turmoil. That's why I was hoping to take another run at the island to see if it could be purged. This time with holy water and preparations. I wonder if establishing a Shrine or other sanctified place on the shore might allow us to establish a beachhead against the undead there?"

"Don't forget the stirges, they nearly did for Quinn and myself but for our Lord Bishops tender ministrations."  Domitius said raising his glass in salute.  "I would be looking towards the church of Pharasma to cleanse the isle before laying a stone foundation.  Strategically it is a very strong point and should Mivon ever cast it's eyes northward" he stroked his beard in thoughts "That would be one of the points you would need to control before any assault upon Tusk."

Adoven raises his wine glass to Dom. "You and I are of one mind in this. That's why I think securing the island is critical. I don't fully trust our neighbors to the South, but I'm willing to give them the benefit of a doubt....reinforced by a strong naval position there, of course."