Evander did not add to the hum of excited chatter in the amphitheater. In fact, there was nothing in his features to indicate he felt anticipation at all. He fully understood this meeting would be perhaps the most consequential of the family’s history. But, ever the emotional pragmatist, he didn’t see what good it would do for him to get whipped up about it. He would approach the proceedings with the same way he approached everything else: with analytical curiosity.

He was stonefaced, shrewd eyes studying the crowd as if he were taking attendance off a mental list. Once he looked satisfied with whatever it was he was looking for, Evander quietly took a seat close to the front where he knew he’d be within Cyrus’s line of sight. After all, it was Cyrus’s attention that mattered most. The stakes of this meeting were incredibly high, and Evander did not intend to be left behind as history was made within these walls.

He would not speak to those around him unless spoken to. Instead, he listened carefully.

Being actually invited to this gathering of Blackwoods by his father meant the literally world to Pietro. Even just being invited to go felt like some sort of validation. He wasn't perfect. Far from it. But obviously his father saw something in him and he wasn't just giving up on him. Not yet anyway. So it was with enthusiasm and gratitude that he accepted the invitation and traveled along with Cyrus Parric to the Blackwood Estate.

As soon as the portaled there with the use of his father's ring Pietro's eyes widened as he took in the impressive expansive of the estate, but in size and design. It was absolutely breathtaking. He had no idea where it was currently located but knew enough about it to know that it moved. If he pulled up the sleeve of his shirt to look at his tattoo it would likely tell him exactly where they were, but he wasn't thinking about that.

With his mouth agape he closed it with a snap when his father addressed him. His shoulders hunched slightly, curling into himself as he remembered the serious conversation they'd had about it. "I remember," he promised his father. At the next question though he let his gaze move back to the area around them, walking with minced stepped as he trailed after his father. "It's...more incredible than I had imagined it," he replied, awe in his voice. He cast a glance up to his father, a smile curling on his lips with sparkling eyes as they entered the amphitheater and he sat down where he was told.

Keion had made his way into the estate, smiling and happily mingling with the other Blackwoods in attendance. He spent a good deal of time catching up with how everyone was doing, asking about their current affairs and the like. It had been quite some time since this large amount of Blackwoods were gathered all together, and he was both excited and nervous. He knew this was a meeting of great importance, potentially for the future of all Blackwoods. He noticed Cyrus and Pietro lingering in the room as well and brightened at the sight of his nephew, excited that the next generation of Blackwoods was finally old enough to join them. If he could catch Pietro Beckett 's gaze, he would wink and offer an encouraging smile.

When he tired of mingling he looked around the room at where various people had sat. He spotted @evander sitting towards the front of the room and headed towards him, sinking down into the chair next to him. "Isn't this something?" he asked, motioning all around them to their various family members.

Another one of these things. Diogenes was sure if he were to ever die of old age, it would be at a meeting such as this. Either the Blackwoods or someone else in Arynn Frey trying to give a lecture about some such something or other.

Featherless biped indeed.

From the place he appeared he went immediately to the nearest source of wine to get someone to pour him some so he could withstand the boredom of what he was sure to be lesser minds (though they almost always were).

Keion had nodded his agreeance with Calliope when Cyrus had appeared at the front of the room. He immediately turned his full attention to his brother, listening to him speak. His eyes hardened and he turned his head ever slightly to each side, ears perked to catch any snippets of negative comments when Cyrus briefly glossed over the topic of the royal family. Everyone would have their time to voice their opinions or concerns, but he would have no slander.

He was unable to hear anything though and turned his attention back to Cyrus, who had moved on to the topic of the family heads. A grin split his face when Cyrus elected Evander to fill the roll of The Trunk. He offered the smile to Evander, clapping his brother on the back in quiet celebration before he would move to the chair next to Cyrus.

Now they would all vote on who would take the place as The Root. Keion sat back in his chair, chewing on his lip thoughtfully. He could vote for Calliope, but since she was the head of one of the military branches it was important that she maintained her appearance of neutrality. Evander had been chosen for a different head position, Pietro was too young and did not yet have the Blackwood name. And Diogenes, well... Keion turned and searched the room, his eyes falling on the old man blathering about with a glass of wine in hand. That was definitely a no.

Keion then realized Cyrus was speaking again, and had cast his vote for him to take the position of The Root. Keion's eyes gleamed with appreciation before he nodded and stood, his decision made. "I, Keion Blackwood, cast my vote for myself as The Root. As Cyrus said, I often have a great deal of information at my disposal and can quite easily come across opportunities to pass on to family members." He took his seat, waiting quietly for the rest of the votes to come in.

Pietro was totally enthralled by the whole thing. It was with a look of near reverent admiration that Pietro looked upon his father when he stood at the front of the room. While Pietro was still feeling pretty torn up about his mother and while he wasn't totally sure what role his father had really had in her death or not, he couldn't so quickly erase the respect he had for Cyrus. Even if there was something that prickled at the back of his neck about the situation.

That prickling wasn't helped by the choice of Evander as The Trunk. Pietro honestly didn't see his uncle at all the much, he didn't seem to leave the Blackwood Estate very often, but whenever he had seen him the man had unnerved him. Still, his father knew best. Right?

He did smile at the idea of Keion as The Root though and thought it was rather bold and, frankly, awesome when Keion also voted for himself. Honestly, if Pietro could vote, it would probably be for Keion as well. Though it was lucky he couldn't because he didn't known many of the people in this room beyond mild acquaintances. So, with a small smile on his face and his eyes still wide with excitement, he waited in silence to see what would happen.

Diogenes entered the amphitheater, sipping at wine, listening to the matters being brought up idly. Hm. So family matters first, then, naturally. And it was all his nephews, as to be expected of the sons of Cicero.

"Yes, yes, of course, of course. In that case I'll break the mold, as usual. I, Diogenes Blackwood, vote for Chloe Blackwood, so that at the very least we have some more diverse opinions than just my brother's offspring. Chloe, as everyone here, is also very loyal to the family and has influence among the magical community."

The old man then took another sip of wine. It would likely go to Keion--which was no problem, really, there was no reason Keion wouldn't do a fine job--but he couldn't just sit around and listen to everyone make the same votes without his old man contrarian instincts activating.

Evander sat without flourish, eyes carefully tracking across each member of his family, considering them all for one last time. He’d come prepared with his choice but wanted to let things unfold for a moment. Cyrus cast his vote, followed by Keion and Calliope. Others cast their votes, but Evander had heard the only ones that mattered. Yes, Evander’s loyalty was to the Blackwood family but there was one subset that mattered to him more than the others: his siblings. Though he valued all Blackwoods, better to consolidate power among the ones he trusted the most. He looked at Keion, trying to catch his eyes, the hint of a smile twitching at his lip.

Evander stood, soft voice still managing to carry well enough to be clearly heard. “I am proud to cast my vote for Keion Blackwood . This is no question of merit or sentiment, it is a question of logic. The Root performs a function Keon is best suited to perform. Therefore, he has my vote.”

Evander sat, looking to Cyrus before turning his attention back to the crowd.