At the head of the vow is a dais, where The Prince of Sanctum will often stand when addressing people there. And stand there Edain does. Waiting quietly as people filter in. To his left, standing properly at the side of the room are his squire, Serad Iron Foot, and the his Herald, Herald Steve, just still gangly but crossing the thresshold to manhood from these past years in Arx. Timmons the evil goat is here too. He is meekly headbutting Edain's leg over and over, and when this fails to get his attention, he starts trying to awkardly find an angle to chew on his boot. It doesn't seem to be working, but Timmons is nothing if not tenacious.

Edain does his best to ignore him, while Serad and Herald Steve hold back snickers. Clearing his throat, Edain says, "I want to thank everyone for coming. You all know of the crisis facing the Stormward, the island domain of the Kennex family. Helping them is going to be a long process, and it is my hope that we can discuss ways we can help them to help themselves if you will. But I do think it is important to do what we can to offer some initial aid to help them find at least some small measure of stablitiy so they can start working to fix their broken economy. Before I continue does anyone have any questions?"

Cristoph has joined the Main Floor.

Monique has joined the Cavalier Table.

Cristoph has left the Main Floor.

Cristoph has joined the Cavalier Table.

Alis arrives just before the meeting is set to begin, with Fiachra in tow of course. Her brother gets a cheeky smile even as she inclines her head respectfully towards him. And then, heads for the table with the few Telmars seated. She hasn't trolled them in awhile, so it's obviously time to 'grace' them with with her presence and that of her husband. Since she has no questions, having known what was going to be presented in advance, at first she just looks out at the familiar faces to see what people are thinking.

Reigna has joined the Cavalier Table.

Kael has joined the Cavalier Table.


Cesare Whisper- who is most certainly not of House Valardin- is quiet as he enters the room. Likewise, his almost always active feathered companions are likewise quiet as they perch on either shoulder. "We should be quiet now." he says to the pair of birds as they find a place to sit so they might listen and watch.

Alarissa made her way in at some point but had eschewed the tables in favour of one of the few quiet spots in the room. As if she were just a fly on the wall.

Cristoph enters neatly on time, with some papers tucked underneath his arm. He bows to his liege lord before finding a seat at the cavalier table, nodding to anyone that's already seated. He shuffles the papers in front of him and pulls a pencil out from behind his ear, falling into a pattern of quiet listening.

Corban came with Lady Monique, of course, because one always needs and escort to a thralls-are-freed meeting. He settles down at a table and smiles at Percephon when he joins them. He folds his hands together, listening to the High Lord. No questions thus far.

Beaumont slips into the room with a casually self-assured saunter, confidently looking about as he walks along the edge of the room rather than intrude. He smiles broadly at Alarissa, who seems to have had a similar idea, and gives her a wordless nod of agreement on the merits of being a fly on the wall. He makes eye contact with his cousins and gives smiles and nods of greeting while leaning back against the wall and waits for things to get under way.

Out of habit, perhaps, Fiachra's on the side opposite Alis' flail arm. His green eyes are also sweeping the room, but that's not too unusual. Wouldn't even be the first time an assassination attempt has heppened within these walls, and even being an exhausted new-ish father doesn't make him any less vigilant. He gives a brief nod to the high lord, then to others present, remaining at his wife's side.

Evidently, when Reigna is not actually pregnant, the Keatons can make it to an event on time. Or, perhaps, it is simply the fact that this is a meeting that serves in a most official capacity. Whatever the case, Kael is escorting his wife with a hovering closeness that did not seem to fade away with the birth of their child. Speaking of, Aeryn Squall is actually in attendance, swaddled securely and being held close by Reigns. He's quiet, for the moment, but who knows how it will proceed once events go on. Surely he is better behaved than Timmons, yes? Ah, there is Cristoph. Kael is maneuvering the pair of them over toward their liege lord, pulling a chair for wife and child for her to have a seat before he claims the one nearby. He offers humble nods to those near him but it is the Prince of Sanctum that gathers most of his focus.

Understanding that timing is terribly important, the Telmar Scholar-Lord arrived slightly ahead of schedule and took at seat at a table with his cousin and a few others. When Percephon spies other Greenmarchers arriving, he quickly juts his chin up in a quiet greeting - offering a brief flash of a grin before he settles back into his seat to listen to Edain. Hands laced over his chest, legs stretches out beneath the table. Listen, these battle skirts provide a lot of freedom to move around. It's glorious.

Monique, seated with Corban at the Cavalier table, doesn't seem to have any questions. She listens, she looks around, she waits to see if anyone else has questions. Then she leans aside to mutter something to the Telmar Voice.

Armand enters clad in steel plate from neck to toe, his head clear of armour while his helm remains attached to his belt. One can thus see white bandages wrapped around his forehead, specifically his temples. It doesn't seem to impair his movement, and indeed, he inclines his head respectfully when he enters, and shows no sign of pain as he stands again. His sword is tied to the other side, properly sheathed for the meeting, and he makes sure not to have it bump into anything as he steps further in, quiet.

Desiree arrives and looks around for a place to watch. Once she finds one she turns her attention to the meeting.

The waddle has been replaced in Reigna's step. Her former grace has returned to her as she moves next to Kael. The bundle of green swaddling in her arms is silent, and Reigna's smile is a wide thing as she moves to take her seat. She turns her attention to Edain, glancing around curiously to see if there are any questions.

Palamon, a supercilious eagle owl arrives, following Ryhalt.

Alis gives Percephon a thumbs-up when she catches sight of his attire, and leans forward just a bit so she can address Corban. "Please tell me you're going to start wearing those battle skirts next. I'll pay for one, and give you extra to wear it when we know Duke Arn will be around to see it." she murmurs, then looking at Monique like 'back me up here!'. Her expression is so earnest. And satisfied now that she has done her good deed for the day, leans back into her chair and tucks her hand under Fia's arm before waving at any others that arrive. Especially the non-Valardins; there's a welcoming smile for each.

Edain tilts his head curiously as Cesare Whisper enters the Vow. He gives Herald Steve a quick nod who goes to greet the Whisper quietly and inquire as to how he can help him.. Edain meanwhile continues, "I think in the long run, the best thing we can help the Kennex is to evaluate if we have avenues to offer them trade and commerce that will get them back on the feet, but for now... the Grimhall, and his other vassals, have t he difficult task of trying to restore some kind of order to the Island March. So I am offering 700,000 silver in relief effort to help their current situation. This is not a problem we can just throw money at, but some so that they can restore some order I think is needed before we can start really meaningful efforts. Any family that would like to donate some as well we can pull our funds together and send them. I was wondering what other relief aid we might be able to raise."

Monique eyes Corban speculatively. "He does have the legs for it. I suspect." She shares a grin with Alis. "Marius wears skirts all the time, too." But she falls silent then to listen to Edain.

Leggiero, a Hoopoe have been dismissed.

Dolce, a Dove have been dismissed.

"I suggested at the Grayson meeting that perhaps we could lower or eliminate our tariffs on wood trade to Kennex for a time. And, offered to Dame Leola that we would be more then willing to assist her with agricultural needs like seeds for different foods that may cultivate well in the Mourning Isles that they don't currently grow. As well as those adept in the growing of them who can train people interested in learning. She has said she will be heading up that effort." Alis adds, so that people are familiar with what has already been discussed amongst some of the other Houses.

Corban looks over, a bit confused when there is talk about his outfit. "Ahhh. That is perhaps a particular sartorial choice that I would leave to my cousin. Not that I do not have the legs for it, as Lady Monique says." He just chooses not to. Of course.

When Edain finishes, Cristoph looks as if he's about to begin speaking but then waits until Alis has finished. "That." He adds on helpfully. "Laurent would be willing to assist with that, though we've already committed some of our silver elsewhere into assisting with this crisis."

Ulf arrives, following Fergus.

A little smirk crosses Fiachra's lips when he catches sight of Percy's attire. He asides to Alis, quietly, "Do you think we could encourage the fashion to spread throughout the Oathlands? I would really love to see the expression that would be on certain faces..." But then he's turning back to the conversation at hand, and adds, "You also mentioned hunting efforts in order to relieve some of the problems with hunger in the isles for a time, which I think would be a good short-term solution in going hand in hand with the agricultural efforts. People who are hungry are not the most rational."

Kael continues to watch Edain, at least for the most part -- let's be fair, when the issue of battle skirts comes up -- he flicks a glance to Percephone and thereafter toward Fiachra. One can view his shift of gaze downward, to the table and his head cranes a few degrees. Kael catches himself and is not, evidently, going to take a peek. Back to business! When Edain is making his query, Kael straightens his spine, squares up his shoulders some. He glances to Alis and nods to her, just once. "Keaton lately has been doing a fair amount of trade of lumber from around Oakhaven to Thrax, what with the rebuilding of their forces. We are willing to consider, if House Kennex is open to it, to allow them to be the center-point of handling trade deals from Keaton to Thrax. We would earn additional profit and they could take a percentage of our earnings as commission. If others have similar goods to trade, they might consider it. We've leathers as well, but..." He shrugs a shoulder.

Clover has joined the Honor Table.

Beaumont scratches the back of his neck, and speaks with the air of someone not certain he should be making the suggestion, "The Oathlands doesn't have to go bankrupt helping out House Kennex, even if they are doing something we approve of. Could always offer loans to help in their rebuilding. I figure it would still help while not bleeding us dry out of kindness."

Ryhalt has slipped in, a few minutes late but caught the gist, and when Edain asks about aid for Kennex, he says "I can come up with a monetary contribution from House Farshaw but more practically would be willing to commit some of Westrock's ships to securing their shipping needs in addition to transporting and redirecting the freedpersons. Though they may need more military ships to secure -those-."

"I would think that --" with a gesture of a raised hand, Percephon continues "would be the best way to offer assistance. Through sagacious use of resources with a concentration on offering training and teaching as many freed people that would be willing to learn. I would suppose that the aim would be to keep the freed on the March itself, in order to keep /some/ hope of their economic structure intact."

Armand has joined the Honor Table.

Clover is sitting off to the side somewhere, a hand lifts toward Ryhalt when he arrives-- attempting to be discreet about it. And then she settles back down to listen.

Ryhalt has joined the Honor Table.

Seeing both Clover and Ryhalt have arrived, Armand moves from the general crowd to join them, to share some quiet words with them at the table.

Desiree has joined the Honor Table.

When Ryhalt speaks, Lord Corban turns his head towards the Duke to the West. "House Telmar stands ready to have its navy escort the Westrock merchant marine," promises the Voice. "And I can assist with the assembly and inspiration of those freedpersons."

Look who it is, Valardin's favorite in-law(sorrynotsorry Fiachra). Fergus steps inside in what's probably simple morbid curiosity. And probably because Marian told him to show up, meaning he's nothing but a good husband. "Ah shit, of course people would talking about fucking Kennex." Sniffing, he goes to find something large to prop himself up against in his quest to play peanut gallery.

"Greenmarch is happy to offer up its knowledge of Abandoned," Monique says on the heels of Corban's offer. "Translation services, cultural communication and connection and the like."

Alis isn't just a pretty face and a flail! The nods towards her are somehow quite gratifying. She has non-battlefield ideas and they don't suck! "I imagine there are a great many of us who would be willing to assist with a hunt to secure meat and hides for Kennex." she agrees, leaning towards Fiachra to murmur something quietly just before she spots Fergus' arrival. He's hard to miss, and she casts a warm smile his way.

From her seat, Reigna nods as the others speak and in the wake of Percephon's words she says, "I do not think these freed people are necessarily unskilled. They've been working this whole time, I do not think it is necessarily training that they require? It is that Kennex requires the money to offer them a living wage, until their economy restabilizes? Keaton is willing to cut into our profits, and if there are some freed who no longer wish to live in Thrax lands now that they are freed, Keaton can offer shelter and work for some? We can use their labor to supply more wood, teach them how to hunt on the mainland and use the additional foodstuffs and leather to send to Kennex."

Edain nods to Kael and says, "I think that is an excellent idea. I think Lady Titania Kennex is the best person for you to try and arrange that with." He looks to Ryhalt then and says, "I think shipping assistance would be greatly appreicated. I think we should not get into the possiblity of sending any kind of military help unless the Kennex, Grimhall or Thrax explicity think they need it and request it, because otherwise that is very much a recipe for disaster." He looks finally to Alis and says, "I think that is an excellent idea, For the time being I we can waive any tariffs for Kennex trade while they are recovering."

Alarissa remains quiet, blue eyes flicking from person to person as they speak. For the most part though, remains quiet off to the side.

"While this opinion might not be /popular/, I think Prince Beaumont has a point about sending great amounts of silver to Kennex without the expectation of something in return. There should be something, eventually. When they're back on their feet. While I don't know a person in the Oathlands who didn't support the idea of ending Thralldom, I think they all expected it to be over the course of many years as it was phased out. Not in one rash decision." Cristoph clears his throat and taps his pencil against the table top. "These are dangerous times. We shoudln't offer more than we can give, if anyone here is in that kind of position."

"Certainly, Countess." Percephon nods toward Reigna, "But. I would offer the counter argument that these freedpersons might have been forced to work out of necessity, to pay off their debts, not in any sort of way that one would gain -- well, fulfillment. Something closer to a life along with a living wage. Perhaps some want to learn other skills and trades." A shrug, "It doesn't seem like an issue that should be solved by throwing copious amounts of silver at it. It seems like a temporary solution."

"One would think the decision would be preceded by preparation." Armand remarks dryly from his seat, in support of Cristoph's words. "Practicality should not be seen as an unkindness."

Edain nods to Reigna, "I think there is some wisdom to that, perhaps creating opprotunities for the freed thralls to work in the Oathlands and be able to send money make to their families in Stormward. I think they have a great deal of order to restore first, but I think that's a solid plan to build to." He looks to Fiachra and says, "Yes, I had thought that perhaps a large hunting party to try and bring in some big game that can be preserved and send to Stormward could help. and dovetailing into Countess Reigna's suggestion, perhaps some of the freed thralls can help with the hunt and learn a new trade, but..." he looks to Cristoph, "yes, I am only giving what I feel we can aford to from Surplus, and any that are going to give silver I would ask only that you give what you can afford to do so, and if that is a small amount then that's still many mouths fed and clothed that might not have been otherwise. It's important to be good neighbors, but if you hurt yourself to help them.. well soon you're both just hurt." he blinks, "My sister Tabitha could've come up with a way to say that that was more eloquent"

"Gonna give anyone a bit of advice if you plan on throwing coin at Kennex. Marian had a bit of a talk with the ol Marquis Kennex and asked for a million silver from Redrain." Fergus gruffly notes. "When asked if he planned on paying it back, he said he wouldn't. So, whatever money you do plan on throwing at the whole thralldom...thing, just be aware that's it's going to be charity. If that's your thing, anyways."

Alis clears her throat, and then nods towards both Beaumont and Cristoph. "Remember that we are helping the newly freed men, women, and children. And we would never ask that anyone put themselves or their own vassals and families in any danger of being in need because we gave too much. Silver is not the only thing we have to offer, of course." When Edain mentions Tabitha, her smile curves upward of course. "Would that either of us had her way with words." It's Fergus report of Marian's conversation that has her brow furrowing though.

"Of course not." Fiachra agrees with Christoph. "I'm mostly concerned about the now-freed Abandoned, to be honest. None of this - from being taken as thralls in the first place to suddenly being made freemen, was their decision. I'd rather not see people suffer for the mistakes of others." He keeps his voice low, mainly intended for the duke, so that he's not speaking over others.

"Oh, no, I fully agree with Duke Laurent and Lord Telmar." Reigna replies, nodding to the two men. "Our duty is to our people first and foremost, it fails logical sense if we beggar ourselves inthe process." She nods as Edain makes that very point and then looks to Fergus at that revelation. Her brows lift at the quantity of silver mentioned and swallows.

Cristoph listens to Fergus and then leans back in his chair and crosses his arms. There's something he struggles with there but he keeps his damn mouth shut. He keeps it very carefully shut.

"One would think." Alarissa offers up to Armand from the couch. "The vast majority of the now freedmen were called war thralls. Abandoned who were neither killed nor bent a knee." filling in the information at least, regarding the thralls. "Reformation or phasing out will likly take many, many, many years. If there is to be as little impact as possible to the compact as a whole and as little as possible to the Mourning Isles and Saffron Chain." That Marian had a talk with Kennex doesn't seem to be a surprise to Alarissa but she nods. "Kennex refuses any coin that is not given freely, to the best that has been seen and noted."

Edain nods to Fergus and says, "This initial silver I plan to give I do not intend to see returned, but I hope when they are stable again the Kennex will pay that forward. Of course, going forward, there is nothing wrong with helping the Kennex recover by creating business opportunity for yourself and your people in the process." And that said he nods to Herald Steve who brings forward some paper and a small, mobile writing desk that Edain leans forward ands starts to write on, "I will start to record some of our initial pledges then, and we can plan for the future."

Ryhalt leans one arm on the table and says "The provenance of the thralls notwithstanding, charitable works are our duty as the prosperous under the faith. We aren't simply bailing House Kennex out of a problem, but putting our money where our mouth is. That said, if we were to put these monies toward an endeavor that would employ the displaced, we might kill two birds with one stone, lightening the strain on Kennex while also putting that to use, and in some senses a return?"

Kael was just murmuring a few swift words at his table, lowly spoken and offered toward Cristoph. However, when Fergus is offering forth that commentary his brows furrow and he adopts a pose similar to Duke Laurent. All of a sudden he's quite sober, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Sorry, Your Grace, but I need to ask... what measures are being taken by House Kennex itself? That's something that I haven't actually heard, yet." Fiachra says, after a long look towards Cristoph, then Edain. "It's all well and good to be honest that all help is charitable, not a loan, but what of the House's personal wealth? What measures are they taking, considering the decision was the Marquis'?"

Edain looks to Alarissa and says, "Princess Alarissa, can you offer any insight on that?"

"The people and freed Thralls doubtlessly require our aid. If something can be done to ensure their security and see order return to these territories, then I will happily volunteer." Armand states from his place. "Beyond silver, something msut be done to put an end to the chaos, lest future efforts of liberation be tainted forevermore by the blood that has already been spilled."

"I can't speak for Darren or Freja, not my job, but knowing them like I do, I can't give a solid answer on whether or not Redrain will offer that kind of coin." Fergus remarks, shrugging. "Maybe, we'll see. Marian said she'd have a chat with Donella about it. And really, she's a lot better at that shit than me." Folding his arms across his chest, he visibly ponders.

"Would that I could Prince Edain. To the best of my knowledge, House Kennex has remained tight lipped upon their actions, but very free with their requests for coin, and asking for help to keep their freedmen. Thrax and Grimhall, again, to the best of my knowledge. But I am hoping that since one has requested a lifeline, that conversation will be happening sooner, rather than later, and actions laid out so that any further loss of life and livlihood of all residents upon the island, can be stemmed." Alarissa replies, softly and impassively.

Cesare continues to stand quietly in his corner, listening to the ongoings.

Percephon's eyebrows furrow together, engrossed with a pensive thought, until he blinks dark eyes -- thumbs his glasses back into place onto the bridge of his nose, turning a look toward Princess Consort Alarissa once Fiachra and Edain have both posed the same question. One of the scholar's shoulders lifts, falls, and he mutters. "Why don't we directly ask Kennex what in the Abyss what actions they're taking?"

Cristoph briefly pinches the bridge of his nose at Alarissa's response. It's a quick thing before he lifts his chin, "I would hope the Marquis and Marquessa are planning on getting rid of their luxuries then and dressing appropriately as the rest of their march falls into chaos." Then he falls silent again, once more casting a look towards Kael.

Alarissa checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 35 higher.

"I think the combination of short term aid in silver, and food combined with long term aid such as lowered tariffs and special trade deals will help keep things stable. I would hope that House Kennex appreciates that not everyone is able to provide short term help. But, that we are all contributing to the best of our own resources and abilities." Alis says, in abrupt tones. "And of course, our focus is in assisting the innocent and vulnerable. Should we perhas appoint someone from our fealty to oversee the handling of the finances and aid we're contributing?"

"That's what I was about to suggest." Fiachra says, with a nod to his wife's final words. "We want to be certain that the aid we offer reaches those who need it."

Edain is silent for a moment before he adds, "I am going to be completely honest here. I am not completely certain the Kennex family does not end up pulled appart by all that has happened. But those people that live on the island will still need help." He nods to his sister and says, "I think that is wise." he looks about the the room, "Ok then.. who wants the honor of that job?"

"I would like to suggest Duchess Laurent." Alis offers. "She is good with legal matters, afterall. And she is related to the Marquessa. Perhaps that will help in obtaining information."

"I nominate my wife, Nicia Laurent. Who isn't here to try and turn it down." Cristoph starts to say- before Alis also says it.

Kael eases up from his lean toward Cristoph, straightening his spine and squaring up his shoulders with an expression that is far more grim and considering than it should be. When Duke Laurent looks toward him, he tips his head just so. Thereafter he turns back to the proceedings, listening quietly with a keen amount of interest.

Desiree has left the Honor Table.

2 House Wyrmguard Guards leaves, following Desiree.

Alis nods sagely at Cristoph. Best to volunteer someone who isn't here to say no.

With a flicker of a grin, an auburn head tips toward Alis, complimenting mildly: "Look at that -- great minds thinking alike."

"It should be noted, that Pravus has not stood with the rest of the velenosa fealty, with regards to the Kennex crisis." Alarissa offers up to the room. "Which is... a statement I would believe, in an of itself. They will be apparently acting independently. Take that into consideration."

"House Pravus is aiding Archlector Aleksei in his efforts." Cristoph chimes in on behalf of his inlaws. "As is House Laurent. You may take that into consideration as well."

"We should create a trust." Reigna says, seemingly giving voice to the thoughts as they occur to her. "We set up an account within the Bank of Arx, we entrust someone to deploy the funds as needed, and then we can be assured that the monies we donate go to the free peoples and not to the Kennex coffers?" Reigna blushes when she realizes that she's speaking aloud, looking around to others to get a sense of their opinion.

Alis certainly seems to like the idea Reigna is suggesting, giving her a nod of approval and then looking to the others catch their expressions.

Since he's already gotten his own suspicions confirmed, Fiachra seems to have nothing else to offer up, immediately. He does, however, likewise give Reigna a nod of encouragement for her suggestions, evidently seeing the merit in them.

Percephon has left the Cavalier Table.

Armand has left the Honor Table.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight leaves, following Alis.

1 Trained Telmar Armsmen, Good Ansel the pocket-sized dog, Good Arn the Badger arrive, following Arn.

Clover has left the Honor Table.

Sir Dalan, Longsuffering Valardin Knight leaves, following Clover.

Cristoph has left the Cavalier Table.

Painbow, a militant pygmy goat leaves, following Cristoph.