Vercyn looks around and sees his liege and his voice and says, "If I'm late, I blame the overwhelming power and potency of Nightgold Whiskey. It's basically a magic potion to forget life's ills but also sometimes magically transports me through time to a few hours in the future. My bad."

Saedrus arrives wrapped in a dark fur cloak, which he sets back the good from his head and draws the cloak off his shoulders to rest over his arm. To each person he passes there is a gracious bow and small greeting moving through the room deftly to stand near by Calypso, otherwise keeping to himself and his presence quiet.

Someone has had quite the night. Deva stalks in, her hair loose and wild. Without saying a word to anyone, she kicks aside a chair for her to slump into in a most lazy fashion. The most greeting she gives, at least thus far, is an abrupt wave of her hand.

As more people begin filing in, Dagon glances over at Max. "My cousin seems to be running late. Or maybe he got himself too drunk and buried himself in some courtesan's lap. You haven't heard from Victus today, have you?"

Anze just chuckles at Niccolo and then laughs fully when Darren murmurs to him "aye, a little less crude, I can manage tha I think" Anze looks up at Fergus and shrugs "I ain any f'an idea, but i'm interested. I had an idea brewin too, curious if tha idea's goin tah be brought up by someone else though." He looks over at the other people joining the table now.

Freja has joined the Dining Table.

Calypso glances over her shoulder to Saedrus as he arrives. "Thank you. I don't know what i would do with out your assistance."

For the courtesan, Sophie offers a warm and welcoming smile. "So good to see you, Master Saedrus."

Eos nods to Calypso, then glances back towards Saedrus with some surprise, a rise to his brow, and a chuckled, "So you are the one keeping him so busy."


Darren manages to kick out a chair for Deva in order for her to slump in, and he leans to murmur some words into her ear before he sits up straighter and nods to Vercyn. "In the bottle again, Duke?" he chuckles. "Gotta watch out for the Nightgold whiskey. It's far too easy to get lost in that one," he smirks.

A hair shy than the rest of her clan it would appear, Freja arrives with Dawn on her arm, acting like a proper Northern knight or something - it has to be a comical sight for those that know her. The Redrain says something quietly to Dawn in an aside before laughing and stepping away, making a show of bowing with a flourish. "At your service, Lady Regent. Thank you."

A hair later*

Saedrus bows his head with a bright smile to Calypso, "it is a honour to be a help to you, Lady General." Promised as he takes a small satchel off his shoulders, from which he takes parchments, a quill and ink. To Sophie the courtesan smiles brightly, "Princess Sophie," he greets sweetly. A small smile and nod to Eos, "I have a great deal to keep me busy."

Larissa has joined the Dining Table.

Max sits at the table, Dagon next to him, across, directly so, from Calypso. There's a chair empty next to him that he's casually warned people away from. Thats for Victus.

Deva narrows her eyes at Darren and scoots her chair slightly in the other direction. "Duke," she greets Vercyn crisply, with a subtle lift of her chin.

As the numbers at the table increase, and the official call of the meeting to begin was impending, Eos draws out his chair to take a seat at the table, the hanging swordbelt to his left shoulder, and continues to nod greetings to those faces which arrive.


Darren narrows al ook at Deva, and then leans a little further to murmur something at her.

As the general assembly of people seems to have hit its mass, Calypso stands from her seat at the table. Glancing around at those in attendance she speaks in a calm but commanding voice. “Thank you all for joining this meeting. I will keep this opening short as there are a lot of voices in this room. Voices I am eager to hear from.” She nods at that. “In light of the information we received at the Assembly of Peers last night, I feel it is now more than ever important for us to open communication on military matters between the Kingdoms and Regions of this great Compact. It is only through open communication, cooperation, and diligence that we will make headway in calling together a force to fight against whatever threats we discover in the coming weeks and months.” She clasps her hands together. “Lets begin by identifying all of the military leadership in the room. We will go Kingdom by Kingdom. Simply state your name and the military you command for the record.” She nods then to Saedrus, who is in fact keeping record!

She gestures first in the general direction of the Thraxian grouping. “Lets start with Thrax.”

To Dawn's other side is Duke Leo of Fidante, and the Lady's smile is divided between the Northerner and the Southern. "My thanks," she offers Freja before the princess slides away. A nod then, for Leo, before she steps around the table and the collection of worthies to claim the rarely used seat at the table's head, reserved for the Crown. "Don't mind me," she murmurs as she settles. "I am here to observe the proceedings."

Sophie has joined the Dining Table.

Max nudges Dagon. "You're up, prettyboy."

Silas has joined the Dining Table.

Freja moves to sit between her brothers, Anze and Fergus' protests be damned.


    Arriving within the halls of the Grayson House dining room, Cordelia Grimhall looks around with bright and curious violet eyes. Presently, she wears a laced-trimmed square-necked camisole and a faded white knee-length skirt, all beneath her blue toggle-fastened coat, which in turn cinches at her empire waist by a golden-buckled tan belt. Black hose clad her legs, and blue-ribboned brown knee boots fit either foot. As per usual, fingerless brown gloves slip onto either hand, while her ash brown locks draw from her sunkissed features into a blue-ribboned ponytail. It takes Cora a moment to simply step forward again, impressed by the surroundings and the people within. When she does find her way towards action, she locates a spot with the rest of the Thraxian nobility and settles into a seat beside Dagon. Or near enough, in any case. She nods her greetings to the heir, and then smirks across at Max.

Leo has joined the Dining Table.

Cordelia has joined the Dining Table.

Niccolo finds a spot for himself on the table, close to Eos. He dips his head to the other man, and looks around the room at the different faces. Anze and Darren get a hint of a grin at their exchange, but soon his attention falls on Calypso as she speaks. He lifts his head, listening. When she finishes, he turns to those she calls to speak. The more the room fills, the more serious the duke grows.

Alis watches all of the people streaming in and taking seats at the table, a polite nod offered to each. Most of them still entirely unfamiliar to her really. Nonetheless, as Sophie takes herself a seat, she moves to stand behind her cousin protectively, one hand on the back of her chair as things begin. For Edain, she looks pointedly at a seat. If he has to leave she will take his place. But for now, she doesn't mind standing.

Niccolo has joined the Dining Table.

Victus trudges into the Dining Room. He unbuckles his swordbelt so he can carry the weapon in one hand, belt wrapped around the hilt. The other he uses to pop the buttons for his sealskin coat. Underneath it, the tall Thraxian looks to be wearing a woolen training tunic and matching pants, both of which are still damp with sweat of exercise. Once he peals off the knitted cap he'd been wearing, his long tangled mass of dark hair is damp as well.

He catches Calypso's words just as he marches towards the chair left open for him by Dagon and Max. He grunts out a greeting to the both of them, then makes his dark eyes wander the room, carefully evaluating one after the other of the men and women present.

Silas steps into the dining room, dressed like a knight and fatigued like a guard who has just completed a long patrol shift. He brings with him a few sheets of parchment and a quill, evidently intending to take notes. He nods solemnly to the few familiar faces at the table - and perhaps at a few not quite so familiar - before taking a seat at the foot of the table.

Victus has joined the Dining Table.

Leo dips a bow to Dawn as she moves to take her place at the head of the table before finding a free chair near other Lycene lords. He gives a quiet greeting to Eos, before pulling out a chair and seating himself.

As the person merely here to keep record, Saedrus remains standing, the ink pot on the dining table as he scrawls short hand on the parchments braced on board in hand. The courtesan nods to Calypso, his eyes cast up from the paper to the people present even as he writes.

Dagon grunts at Max's nudge, standing up, casually resting a hand on the pommel of Reafian. "I am Prince Dagon Thrax, Heir to Maelstrom, Heir to the Mourning Isles, and I am but one representative of Prince Donrai Thrax, Prince of Maelstrom, High Lord of the Mourning Isles, and the Prince of Storms." He gestures towards Victus to speak next as he takes his seat.

Larissa slips quietly into the assembly and takes a seat next to Eos as well. She has nothing to speak about, however has many vested interests in being present. She dips her head here and there in quiet, respectful greeting to those she knew but would otherwise stay quiet for the duration save for a whispered word here and there in the Lord Saiks ear

In comes Tobias Telmar, his crimson tunic with the Crimson Blades Sigil easily seen as he moves into the room. Neutral eyes sweep through those gathered, and a hand runs over his bald head as he moves deeper into the room before stopping next to the table, crossing his arms and remaining silent for now.

Eos dips his head in return to both Niccolo and Leo as the find their places nearby, then turns his attention towards the table, following the introductions made from House to House.

Calypso inclines her head to Dagon as he is the first to speak for Thrax. Her gaze looks then to Victus as attention moves to him.

"Duke Vercyn Halfshav, Duke of Whitehold, with my a couple thousand swords of Halfshav men and then my own bannermen. And when Prince Sherrod willed it, I commanded the forces of the Northlands when he called his banners and smashed shav hordes." Vercyn grins wolfishly and nods his head at the Redrains, "And if House Redrain ever wishes me to do so again, they need only ask." He remains standing, and bows in respect to the more nobly born before resuming standing along the wall behind teh crowded table.

"I do not recall when Whitehold became a holding of House Thrax." Dagon murmurs, though loud enough for others to hear.

Max glances over at Vercyn... "Look cousins... another joins our number."

Calypso looks to Vercyn. "That is all well and good, Duke Vercyn, but I please ask that we keep order. Thrax was called to speak at the moment."

"I am Victus Thrax, warlord of House Thrax. But in this fucking meeting I speak for nobody and nothing but myself. My Lord Uncle does not find this gathering of enough significance to warrant an official representative." Victus speaks with a deep voice, a bit hoarse but still able to carry clearly across the room. He's used to barking orders over din. He doesn't actually get up as he speaks, just stays where he sits.

Fergus glances with a scowl toward Vercyn. "Redrain haven't been called, Duke." Fergus mutters under hsi breath.

A fond, if faintly amused look, is offered to Alis as Sophie removes her satchel is sees herself seated. From within, she retrieves a handsome leather journal and a graphite stylus. Setting it atop the table, she flips to a clean page. That done, she scans the room to mentally record who's present, a cordial smile being offered to Leo, in particular. What passes for pleasantries now out of the way, she attentively listens and starts taking notes.


    Rising to her feet, Cordelia calls out loudly to those in the hall, "I am Cordelia Grimhall, Champion, adventurer, and vassal of Thrax. Though I claim no command over an army, I do claim representation for my family and House, as well as those vassals not in attendance." With that, she returns to her seat with a thump, crossing her legs and leaning back.

"No you don't," Deva says aloud, in response to something Darren whispers to her. Arms crossed, she leans back and glances up and over her shoulder at Vercyn. Only then does she start to smile, just slightly, in approval.

Maximilia stands up from the chair he reclines in, with the liquid grace of a sailor who's used to the floor pitching under him at any moment. "I am Maximilian of Darkwater, Count of the Isle and at my command are the full resources of the DarkWater Defenders. Once, they were called the DarkWater Reavers, but that sort of nomenclature is the kind of thing that upsets my good neigbhors of the Saffron Chain. I have under my command a hundred odd of the fastest ships afloat and..." He pauses, as if calculating... "Some fifty times that in good men of the water. Fast ships, hard men. The best that the Redoubt can offer."

A pause as he glances around the table, sea green eyes hard... "Darkwater does not lack for strength, the will to use that strength, and the reach to project it where you least expect it."

"The Hungry Wolf was -only- eager to have his bite and fill in the conversation." Freja opines by way of mutter to her two siblings in commentary on Vercyn.


Darren's eyes cut to Deva and he just shakes his head, folding his own arms over his chest. He looks back at those speaking, quiet and lacking any commentary on Vercyn himself.

Calypso nods as the Thrax men have said their claim. She smiles ever so slightly and gestures towards the Redrain gathering. "Sense Duke Vercyn was so eager to speak, lets hear from the Northlands next."

One parchment is changed over for another when one House is finished announcing themselves, for the next. Saedrus watching each member stand as they make themselves known.

As Calypso speaks for the North to introduce themselves, Fergus moves to stand up from his seat. "Prince Fergus Redrain, Sword of Farhaven and Warchief of the Redrain forces." Fergus offers a nod toward Calpyso, and he moves to take a seat once more, no braggart talk offered from the Prince, the Northern army is strong and its well known, he does not need to say anything further about that.


Darren lifts from his chair, inclining his head to the Lady General. "Prince Darren, Highlord of Redrain. Officially in command of the Redrain forces," he makes his announcement, and then retakes his seat. There's no bragging from him, either, obviously, though he doe lean to murmur something to Fergus afterward.

With the Redrain Leaders having said their peace, Calypso turns towards the Valardin cluster in the room. "And from the Oathlands." She gestures in their direction.

Deva remains quiet to the table at large. The most noticable movement she makes is to turn slightly in her chair to murmur something to the standing Vercyn behind her.

Alis nods politely to Calpyso before addressing the rest of the room. "I am Princess Knight Alis Valardin, and Voice of House Valardin." She keeps it short, simple, and to the point in order to help keep the introductions moving along.

Bows his head to his sister and there is perhaps a little pride at her simple, proud introduction, "I am Edain Valardin, Prince of Sanctum. Sadly our Lord Marshal cannot be here to lend his wisdom to this gathering, but House Valardin is committed to unity and working with the other housess in good faith." he looks then to Sophie.

It would seem that Sophie and her protective cousin have done this scoot-back-so-I-may-stand-please" song and dance before. Once Alis is clear, and a nod and smile is offered to Edain, the Mercy of Lagoma -- for there is no mistaking her vocation dressed as she is in the distinctive white robe she wears -- rises and inclines her head to Calypso before announcing in a mellifluous voice, "Well met, all." Summer sky eyes drift across those assembled. "I am Princess Sophie Valardin, Mercy of Lagoma, here on behalf of the Mother Mercy and our order in service to Our Lady of Change." That said, she again sits.

Inclines her head to the Oathland speakers as they conclude. Grateful, it seems, for their spoken commitment to unity. She looks towards Dawn in specific as she speaks. "And for House Grayson?"

"Lady Dawn, Regent of the Compact, First Captain of the King's Own," and the young woman's smile is tugged by a thread of mild humour here, to confess this, "and nominal head of Grayson's militaries in the absence of Duke Bisland, who was called away, and our Sword of Bastion, likewise called to other business. I welcome you to our home and hearth." She inclines her head to Silas, indicating his introduction next.

Silas looks up briefly from his parchment when it's time for the Grayson faction to introduce themselves and Dawn concludes her own introduction. It seems he has scribbled a list of names, but his handwriting may be legible only to himself. "Sir Silas Mercier, a Knight of the Compact and representative of the Iron Guard of Arx. I am here at the request of Lord Commander Everard Telmar." He casts his gaze to those present at the table. "I confess I may be out of my depth, but I will contribute as much as I am able." War veteran he was not, even if he could fight.

Calypso inclines her head to Dawn as she speaks. "Your hospitality is greatly appreciated, your Highness." Another nod to Silas as he adds in the Iron Guard representation. Her gaze then falls to the Lycean in the room. "And for the Lyceum."

Calypso gestures to herself to get the Lyceum started. "Lady General Calypso Malvici, the Voice of House Malvici and General of Southport's forces."

Leo waits until Calypso has made her introduction before he himself follows suit, a hand on his sword hilt keeping the weapon steady as he rises, "Leo Fidante. I command the forces of Tor." He resumes his seat after stating his name and position, light green eyes focusing on Eos next.

Max glances down the table, then sighs. He stands up from the table, then gestures to Dawn - to take his chair.

Max has left the Dining Table.

Larissa has left the Dining Table.

Larissa has joined the Dining Table.

Eos waits until he is up at the table, until most of the table as it happened had been introduced, then rose to add his own introduction to the growing list of names Saedrus was so busy scribbling down. "I am Lord Eos Saik, a Voice of Saik, Commmander of the armies of the Saikland Greens, at the service of the Lyceum, and the Compact.

Darren has left the Dining Table.

Darren has joined the Dining Table.

Victus makes a gruff sound of humor in the back of his throat when Eos speaks. There's even the hint of a smile, though it's gone quick as you blink. Leaning back in his chair, he looks around for someone to provide him with a drink. "Ale?" A question to see if it was on offering. "Never like the harder stuff after a session." If he smells of sweat to the people close to him, at least its clean sweat.

Dawn's eyes cut towards Max and for his gesture, the man earns the full force of her smile. She touches him on the shoulder and dips in to share a quiet word. But it ends with the Thraxian gestured back into the seat he'd offered. Likewise, she drifts towards Silas to offer a murmur before withdrawing towards the door. There, servants wait and yes, at her signal, they filter in to move about the table. Mugs of mead and ale are on offer, and trays slipped onto the table bearing simple offerings of bread and meat and cheese to fold together.

Max tips his head to the Lady Regent and resumes his seat.

Niccolo glances around at the other Lycene present. "The bannermen of House Velenosa have introduced themselves. I am Duke Niccolo Velenosa, Voice of the Grand Duchess of the Lyceum and High General of the Armies of Lenosia," the duke makes his introduction, dark brown eyes regarding the others.

Calypso does one last scan of the room before concluding introductions. "Are there any others who command forces that were not yet called on?"

With the introductions all settled, those parchments are placed in the satchel and a blank piece smoothed on the writing brace for the commencement of the actual meeting. Saedrus looks to take a quick count of each person present then looks to Calypso.

"Tobias Telmar, Lord General of the mercenary organization Crimson Blades. I command four hundred highly trained mercenaries who answer to the Crown only, when not hired by contract." Tobias speaks up just enough to be heard, but not to shout.

Freja pinches the bridge of her nose at something and murmurs back over her shoulder to Vercyn.

Victus gives Tobias a skeptic sort of look, then grunts and turns his attention to ale and food on offering. He's soon preoccupied eating and drinking, and if he pays attention to the rest of the table at all, it's hard to tell. He's bent over his treasure trove, one arm shielding it from all comers.

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

Silas murmurs and nods back to Dawn. He acquires a mug of ale, but his attention remains fixated on both the parchment and the proceedings... not that there was much going on yet!

An inclines of her head is given as the last introductions are made. She glances down at the bit of paper with her agenda notes written on them before her icy gaze lifts to the room once more. "Now that we have faces to go with names concerning the militaries of the compact I would like to move to the next agenda item. I would like to propose a series of cross-kingdom training events. We are all from different locations, of different backgrounds and training. Teach your neighbors how to sail if that is your strength. Show the sailors what use a cavalry can be in a fight." She pauses a moment to make sure her words are heard.

"Raise your voice now if you and your military are willing to commit to the sharing of your combat knowledge in cross-training exercises."

Sitting at the table with an evident scowl upon his features, Fergus drums his fingers on the dining room table, watching person by person as they stand and introduce themselves. His gaze finally settles onto Tobias as the man speaks last. His eyebrows move together as he watches Victus eat and drink. "Where the hell'd he get that?" Fergus seems to be asking Darren, as if wondering if his cousin didn't supply the redrains at the table.


    As servants arrive with food and drink, Cordelia happily leans over to nab a couple slices of cheese and some bread. Though she wrinkles her nose Victus' way for the briefest of moments, her attention quickly returns to the snack in her hands. Realizing her mistake, she tugs her left glove off with her teeth, and promptly ensues eating. Once she's managed to finish the morsels of cheese and bread, she gives Victus a devilish smile. Ignoring the platter of food before her, she instead goes for the treasure guarded by the six and a half foot tall warrior.

Fergus glances aside at Anze and nudges his brother. "Speak up, shit head."

Max takes a messenger - presuming wiht this many people, ain't no one gonna care.

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


"Same place you can get it, cousin," Darren replies to Fergus in a low, amused voice, as he points to the table. The servants have brought out food, after all, and put trays of food and ale on the table. But he then does raise his hand, looking over to Calypso. "Is that not what Lord Eos attempted to accomplish some months past? Cross-training and the like," he replies.

Dagon tilts his head at Calypso, considering her for a moment. "You know..." He begins as he leans forward. "Do you know how much time it takes to properly train someone how to be part of a crew? It's no easy feat. Sure, we can throw some fresh bodies to row if rowing is what's required, but actual seamanship is something that's learned after years. Cross-training may be all and well if what you plan for is years from now, but if there are immediate threats, agreements on transport seems like a more reasonable place to begin."

Calypso inclines her head to Darren. "Indeed it is, your Highness, and his efforts were successful then. I am hoping that we can widen the reach with commitment now."

Anze pushes Fergus back and rises up from his seat "Aye, I'm Anze ah Redrain, I ain got tha fancy titles ah my shithead brother an cousin, but i've commanded men before, and ah think I'd like tah see how tha others ah tha compact do things, and tell them how we do things. I thin some cross trainin be f'an good for some of us. Ahn I think somethin long term ain tha worst idea" Anze adds with a nod to Dagon

Freja looks between her brothers and rolls her eyes. "Such terms of endearment.."

Vercyn gestures to his other Northlanders, "We can teach southerners how not to immediately and spectacularly freeze to death when they are fighting in the snow or drop dead after a week just because the baggage train got butchered by shavs. That sort of thing. The basics."

Alis glances over at her brother, before speaking on behalf of their military. "Of course. Valardin is perfectly willing to cross-train. If I may.." her head is inclined towards Dagon, next. "I believe the idea is simply to show each other what our specialties are, and perhaps see where we might be able to make use of cross-funtional teams. At the very least, we might see where we will all be of best use."

Max comments... "I run the fastest fleet of ships in the two chains... And I agree with Dagon. While I can offer a few ships to help crosstrain, the more practical thing might be to prepare your troops for the expectations of a long sea voyage. It's not an easy thing, and it itself is a training regimine all its own. It takes a lot of skill to shit off the side of a boat."

Max - So practical.

And nobody eats fish again.

Sophie pauses in her writing to thank the servants. Then, efficiently, she makes a tiny sandwich for her two cousins -- eat up, Alis and Edain -- before she makes one for herself. Silently, she listens, politely chewing.

Calypso inclines her head to Anze at his words. "Thank you for your commitment to bolstering the compact's forces." To Dagon she nods. "There are a great many things that would help for an immediate threat, your Highness. But at this time we are discussing Cross-Kingdom training. It is an effort to familiarize ourselves with how one another fights, commands, leads. Are you committed?" She falls silent as the other voices begin to rise.

Eos settles back in his seat, having cast only an eye towards the snickering from Victus but otherise appearing unbothered. "I have been conducting such training exercises since last summer and will continue with it. I have recently spoken with Darkwater and Wyrmguard about a new arrangement of exercises. And spent the Autumn in Stonedeep with the Nightgolds training my men along theirs. Most recently I have been working with the others in the Lyceum... However, due to recent events, I have had to call my men back to the Greens. I will be happy to host training there, or speak on troop exchange."

For a time Victus keeps his opinions to himself, looking around the tale as the others speak. Then with a mouthful of food he opinions: "Why the fuck..". He takes a moment to pour down some ale to help with the swallowing (and the talking). "Would House Thrax teach anyone how to sail like us? Its how we've been able to keep our ways from mainlander aggression. Should Redrain give lessons in mountain lore to the knights of Valardin who would've forced them to change _their_ ways by the sword if they'd been able. And like my cousin says," this with a nudge towards Dagon, "even if we were willing, it would take decades to make you lot any good. And those would be men and resources you'd be taking away from what you do know."

He grimaces, and waves around his tankard like it's a general's baton. "Better to develop lines of fucking communication, of transport, of how to act, where to muster,in the effect of an outside attack."

"Your brother brought this idea to me when he was in the city, in what feels like a long time ago now. At the time, he wished to do this with the Lyceum. I reached out to House Fidante," Niccolo inclines his head to Leo, "When Duke Leo was not available through Lady Calista, "And then expanded to include other Great Houses. It's something that honestly we should be doing in a regular basis, so I'm glad for Lord Eos' efforts," he dips his head to the Saik lord. "So really, House Velenosa sees not reason to stop doing this. I don't think anyone here is in opposition to the idea, is there?" He looks around the table and those standing up.

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


    Considering how she might reply, Cordelia slowly offers up, "while cross-training may be all well and good, the strengths of each House might weaken in favor of homogeneity. Not only that, but asking our Houses to do this also asks of us to toss aside our disagreements. If ever there was a war or skirmish between the Houses..." She lifts her arms in a placatory motion, "not that that will happen! But -if-...then we'd do so without our military secrets and the benefit of unknown strategies." A shrug of her shoulders, "besides all that, who are we planning to fight anyway? The elves?"

"Count Darkwater is correct in that strengths should be utilized. House Thrax can ensure troops and materials are delivered quickly to various locations in Arvum should it be required." Dagon nods at Victus, indicating his agreement with his cousin. "I think it would be better to form better communication and coordination rather than spend time and resources cross-training."

"I for one would like proof these elves actually exist before the Crimson Blades make any serious commitments towards that subject." Tobias comments.

Silas hums thoughtfully as he scribbles away, pausing only to sip at his mead. He does, however, have something to offer: "The Iron Guard does not offer any unique skills valuable on the field of war - our expertise is in the city. However, if need be, I can teach men who may not be fit to be on the front lines how to build and maintain fortifications and seige weaponry." He shrugs his shoulders. "There are ways to be helpful outside of swinging a blade."

Anze looks around to all the differing opinions on the matter "ah dun see why it can't be both. Jus make those who want tah train with each other volunteers, no one has tah f'an bend over, but if some southerners want tah see what fightin in tha mountains is like, I dun think it'd be the f'an worst idea for them tah see it."

Fergus has left the Dining Table.

Max laughs then - barking it loudly. "You know." Says Max to Tobias, gesturing with his quill. "I once heard a sailor say 'I don't believe in sea monsters.'" He shrugs then, leaning back. "He was damned unprepared for that fuckall big shark, let me tell you."

Max makes 'it was this big!' gestures.

"Who said anything about sharing secrets?" Alis pipes up. "And I will thank you, Lord Victus, not to start poking at old wounds just to be contrary." One may not see her eyeroll, but it can probably be heard in her voice. "Nobody is going to be able to fight in the style of the other Houses anytime soon. I don't see how anyone is thinking that would be possible let alone suggested. It's a way to see how our own styles of fighting can be used //together// rather then against one another. Unity, remember."

"It isn't about cross-training to turn troops from specialists into soldiers bad at everything. Cross-training is an excuse to get troops unfamiliar with one another to become familiar. Get them used to other commanders and maybe bring in some new ideas. This is why Fidante was ammenable to both Lord Eos' and Lady Calypso's suggestions of such activites." Leo glances at the others that opine, throwing his own thoughts into the mix, "Better communication, a plan to make use of the strengths of individual commands, these are other areas we can expand into, but I would not completely discount the value of getting troops familiar with those they may one day fight beside."

Max nods, giving Leo a simple gesture of agreement. "The man from the city of flowers, he's got the fooken right of it."

Anze nods to Alis "aye, tha's tha way tah put it. Understandin how we all do things so we can play tah tha strengths ah one another ain tha worst idea in tha world."

Saedrus leans forward a touch at Calypso's side, still noting away the comments between the group at the table.

Calypso remains standing as voices begin to rise up for or against training. The various voices are noted, icy gaze settling on those who have rather strong opinions on the matter in particular. But for the sake of keeping the conversation going in an orderly direction she speaks up once again with command. "Thank you all for speaking now. Your commitment will be noted as action begins to take place." She nods. "I hear a lot of you asking for open communication and opening lines for travel. That is the center of why you were called here tonight. To know who to speak with, to put faces to names."

"And with the idea of open communication in mind I will now open the floor for anyone with information that would help keep this Compact safe to please step forward."

Anze drops himself back into his seat and mutters something to the other Redrain

Freja watches closely as each voice chimes in, her sharp gaze narrowing. Idly, she scratches at her right forearm with her left hand, though heavy fur and leather arm wraps cover it.


Darren breathes a sigh, sitting up straighter as he volleys glances around the people speaking. "Considering cross-training has already begun, it's a simple compromise for Lord Eos to continue his efforts. And if House Thrax or any other House doesn't want to participate, it should be a non-issue," he lifts a shoulder. Though, when there's a question about keeping the Compact safe, he leans back into his chair, looking around those present. "We should begin at home. Increase patrols in those areas, to identify threats."

"Agreed, Your Grace," Niccolo dips his head to Darren, and when the floor is opened, he looks over at Eos.

Saedrus gives a nod, standing upright again, brushing a fall of hair from his face with the end of his quill.

Eos takes this opportunity to rise to his feet once more, waiting for a lull to glance across the many faces. "I will begin." He lifts a hand to gesture towards Prince Daren when he continues, "On the issue of keeping the Compact safe. We have witness that the Bringers of the Silence is not only in the Gray Forest. They have made appearance in the past months in the Saikland Greens. We received this information only a few days past. There is no reason to believe that they could not be in any of our lands."

Victus makes a brusque motion in response to those who addressed him. He doesn't seem convinced, but doesn't argue it further either. Instead he leans back in his chair, and settles for nursing his tankard of ale as he listens to Eos begin talking again.

Max lifts his hand then. "Now... I'm just'a simple sailor, from a tropical island what hates your fooken snow and crowded fooken city..." A pause, as he grins over at Calypso.. "But elves... Sure. I know dafook an elf is. What in the Lost's graveyard are 'Bringers of Silence?'"

Alis inclines her head gratefully towards Anze. "Thank you, Prince Anze." When Calypso mentions lines of communication, and travel, she brings up the topic Edain wished to make sure was spoken about. "There are large swaths of land that remain unexplored that could be harboring some of the dangers we wish to address." Her eyes stray towards Lord Eos, and she gestures his way as proof of such, given what he's just said. "We would be willing to jointly patrol some of these unexplored areas, or places we have not patroled in centuries, even... both for safety and gains of knowledge."


    Cordelia nods her head slowly, "unfortunately, I'm in agreement with some others of my House. We should come up with strategies to use our respective strengths for the benefit of all." Another nod, "coordination and communication over cross-training, I say. Find useful ways to apply each of our advantages in any given battle." She purses her lips uncertainly, glancing to Leo, "being familiar with the troops of other Houses may be all well and good, but I still worry what this could mean if those same troops had to suddenly battle each other." Shifting uneasily as Calypso glances across the table, she pauses long enough to enjoy some more cheese and meats. Then, she comments, "I don't have any special information, unfortunately. In fact, I think that's what we really need. I'd suggest further examining the shavs. I don't believe we know as much as we should, if we aim to protect the Compact."

Max murmurs something to Victus - then grunts at the response, glancing down at Cordelia.

"The Mercies of Lagoma are in the process of being marshaled to offer field assistance. Any who desire such, please leave word with me," is Sophie's contribution.

Dagon, for his part, seems annoyed, but he instead listens to what Eos has to say, leaning over to murmur something to Victus when he has a chance.

    Cordelia adds, "while I have no command over an army, as I've said, I'd be willing to speak with my family about finding ways to either field soldiers or offer support in the effort to patrol unexplored regions of Arvum." When she spots Max' glance, she gives him a questioning and maybe a little sheepish shrug.

Eos takes a small moment of pause, to let it settle, before continuing, "You all know your lands best. You know the hidden places and those that have not been inhabited." There, he gestures to Edain, "As Prince Edain made mention as I arrived. But beyond patrols, we must seek out the learned people, the researchers, the cartographers...I have receied information just today about a lost house, House Aetheris, a house which carried the words 'Purify the World' and held the sigil of a yellow starburst on a field of white. A house who wrote...'For our distant lords, we must become Bringers of the Silence to banish the darkness for good and all'. " Again, he takes a pause, to collect his words, one hand lifting in a kind of pause. "These are things that are old, and lack context. I do not believe the information can say what that darkness is. It speaks of fantatical servants that still exist in secret, serving this house."

Calypso nods to Eos and Alis as they speak in very much the same topic. "I agree that it would be a boon to this Compact to set up patrols of the areas less traveled by trade route. The incident that happened in the Saik Greens was very likely not the only one of its kind. I would encourage you to reach out to your soldiers, your commoners, your men and women on the ground and see if more stories do not surface from them."

Eos adds, "It is entirely possible that the 'darkness' they refer to is only in their own perception, and I do not think we should look upon the Bringers of Silence as any less a possible threat."


Darren looks to Eos as he speaks, considering the man for a long moment. He doesn't say anything, but he leans back to murmur to the Redrains at the table.

"Whether they are elf or a tribe of Abandoned with a unique name, does it matter?" This from Dawn, who continues to stand and observe the proceeding. Her remark is meant for no one in particular, her gaze passes over everyone-- and her voice carries. She knows the acoustics in this room very well. "These Bringers are their ancestral enemy. In Alarice's time, we agreed to defend them against the threat. In return, they swore themselves to our defense, should there be another Reckoning. The original treaty, in their language, is in the Great Archives." She tilts a hand towards Eos. "These are the Bringers. They are one threat among many."

Alis nods gravely at the new information, leaning over to murmur something to Sophie, before she straightens and simply listens to what everyone else is going to say.

There's a small lift of Niccolo's brow at Eos' revelation. He glances from him to Darren, his eyes lingering there, before he turns back to Eos. Dawn's words get his attention as well, but the duke remains silent, no pun intended as he listens.

Max glances back at Dawn, brow lifting in contemplation. "Practical."

"Patrols of lands less traveled is sort of my thing.." Freja offers quietly, finally speaking up in this compact.

Max lifts a hand. "Lady General. If I might... a question."

Calypso nods at Dawn's words, finding truth in them. Her gaze is pulled towards Max and she gestures forward. "What is your question, Count Darkwater?"

Eos waits a few moments for any direct question before returning to his seat, but once there, he adds, "Given we do not know how many marriages were carried out in line with the treaty, how much of the Nox'alfar may be entwined with our houses, a threat to the elves may be a threat to the Compact, if the Bringers of Silence do not care how much of the blood is in the veins. We know too little about them."

At key points, Sophie pauses in her writing and gauges the reactions in the room, her own expression pensive. To whatever Alis murmurs to her, she merely nods, her faint smile, alas, lost to her cousin.

Max takes a drink off his flask, then puts it back on the table. "Lets be... practical. I am a practical soul. I've agreed previous, and I reiterate my promise to send you a taskforce of a trio of ships and some trainers, to help your men learn to shit off the side of a boat, to learn how to fight on a deck - and how to launch from a ship to wade to shore in an amphibious landing. All good skills, can be trained and then passed on from there." A pause as he exhales...

"But if you want long range patrols of off-route sea scapes, it's not as simple as sending some Redrain guys on a long walk to send a raven back every so often until they stop coming back, and then figure out there may be bad things in a given range."

"But ships cost a shit ton of money - and when a warship isn't being used for war, its crew are acting as merchants. Its how we thraxians keep our naval forces at the ready, able to go." He glances around the table. "I know it costs a lot of money to raise forces. Keep em in the field. Every man you pull away from a field or forge... to patrol, to train, to fight or explore? Is a man who's not at home making the money needed to keep us operational... How we gonna pay for this shit?"

"We haven't been patrolling outside of our own lands for a reason," Victus drawls from his place at the table. "We don't have the fucking men for it. Then there's the fucking Shavs, ain't there? They've never been too fucking happy when we cross into their lands. If we could've easily wiped them out, we would've already." He shrugs. "Now I ain't saying sending out patrols is a bad idea, the more we know the better, but let's be realistic about it. There's only so much ground we can cover before we start weakening our own defenses, or losing them in the hundreds to the fucking Shavs who know those places better than us."

He gestures towards Max when he mentions the costs, a silent agreement.

Alis guesses, aloud, because she can't help herself. "Probably not by looking off the side of a boat."

Max tips his flask to Alis - amusement in his eyes.

"I would think that's obvious." Tobias gestures to Dawn respectfully. "This is an official Compact gathering for coordination. The Great Houses or the Crown itself. How do you think we maintain our holdings? We're paid to do a job by them ourselves."

Calypso looks to Max more directly at his question. She remains silent fro a moment, truly listening. But her reply is short. "We will pay for these scouting mission, these cross-training session, and the like with the continued prosperity of a thriving and safe compact. For failure to act may cost us both of those valuable commodities. Thriving and safety."

Saedrus purses his lips a touch, glancing down to the parchment he's writing on; likely considering the censorship of expletives in his short hand.

Silas continues to simply listen and jot down notes. He does not have many ideas to contribute, and the deluge of words was hard enough to keep track of.

Niccolo looks around the room, at the different discussions going on. "We've have been fighting the shavs for a very, very long time," the man says. "I should know, I've killed my share back south. But we might be about to enter a war with things that put the shavs to shame. Things that killed my wife, cursed our King. With things that are making shavs disappear. Things that are able to generate fields of unsettling silence," he points out. "The myths? The legends? They are becoming reality before our eyes," he notes. "We can't fight, the way we used to. -That-, we can't afford. We must come together. Work together. Not only in our military, but by forging trade agreements that allow us to better employ our militias." A pause. "We have to adapt," he looks around the room. "Or we have already lost."

Alis nods towards Max, and is quite determined not to smile despite the slight quirk of her lips. "What say we map out some initial patrol routes. And then, we see if we can't use them to dual purpose. If we can disguise the patrols as merchants traveling, so much the better for gathering information. If we're careful, and we plan accordingly. This way, we cut into the cost of doing such things." The suggestion is thrown out towards everyone, as she is unabashedly unsure if such a thing would work.

Eos settles quietly, eyes turning from one argument put forward then another, his weight settling forward. "There is always a point of compromise between what is desired and what is practical. I would ask, outside of our collective armies, that each of us take stock of what minds you have to begin looking into the histories of places, to seek out the old stories that might shed some light. To look into old battlements from battles we've long forgotten." He dips his head a moment before asking, "Has any here delved into the history of the Seawatch Walls here in Arx?"

Dawn inclines her head to Tobias. "I think what matters here, now, is that we not overextend ourselves. It is each landed lord and lady's responsibility to patrol their own lands. Venturing beyond those boundaries... Abandoned are not the only danger to be found, doing so. I do think t hat this cross-training, unified familiarity, can be achieved by merging patrols on borders. The world is very large, my lords, my ladies. We lost much in the past millenia. It is both cost effective and wise, at this juncture, to work within what we have. Prepare. Adapt. Familiarize ourselves. Learn more. But venture beyond what we safely hold? That, I think, might be a subject for a different night."

Max glancds back at Tobias. "Cause I'm fooken' made of extra money, just drippen out of my silk clad ass. You know how I pay my men in war? Plunder. IN peace, with wages from their merchantile venures." It's not a challenge, just sort of working each angle to make t clear to the rest of the folks. "You know of any long range fooken patrols that end in plunder?" He asks, then looks back to Calypso. "I trust you when you say its a consideration. I just want it at the forefront. Thank you, Lady General."

Eos dips his head in nod to Niccolo's words as well, seconding him with, "Nothing going forward may be called orthodox warfare as any of us know it. We need to be adaptable, flexible, and willing to come together."

Freja looks to Niccolo and an idea strikes her, the scout suddenly sitting upright in her chair. She masks her comment, or what would have been it, behind a cough to clear her throat.

Calypso raises her voice in command once more as she glances around the room. "Are there any more who wish to come forward with new information for this assembly to discuss?"


Darren nods at both Niccolo and Dawn's words, seemingly agreeing with them. Though he has nothing to say, he inclines his head to Freja, lifting a brow.

"Mine do, on occasion. You'd be surprised at what treasures ruins and old world places can give you if you have the courage to work them over." Tobias responds to Max. Then looks over those gathered. "Regardless, as always, the Crimson Blades stand ready to take contracts to further the interests of the Compact and the Houses."

Vercyn gestures at Eos, "I really like what the Southron lord is bringing up for ideas, even if they are questions we can't answer yet. But ones we probably should, since we seem like we're about to get fuckin' violated by legends and children's tales."

With little more than a nod of her head for those at the table, Deva rises and excuses herself, light on her feet and gone in a heartbeat.

Dagon chuckles, leaning forward and resting his hands on the table in front of him. "Fuck it. You know what? Each of you bring a few men to me, we'll train them. They can learn how to become Reavers, and we'll begin harassing coastal Shav settlements to see what we can find out from those bastards. Maybe some of them know more about these Nox'alfar and can tell us more. Reaving will be good experience for making amphibious assaults and life aboard ship. Win-win."

Tobias gives a glance to Vercyn, "I'm still unconvinced these are elves. Seems just as likely an elaborate trick, but until we have a body in front of us to confirm it either way, probably best to assume the worst."

"I would," says Dawn. She lifts her chin. "It is not just the greater world we need concern ourselves with. There is a possibility these threats are within the city as well. When I urged each House to take stock of itself, to prepare, to inventory and repair and ready themselves, I would like also for you to keep your eyes and ears open -here- as well. Threats have been left. Actions have been taken against our own, not just leagues from Arx, but within it."

Anze is letting everyone argue about costs and patrols, but Dagona comment drawns Anze's attention and he gives the man a curious look, wondering if hes serious.

Victus looks like he is about to open his mouth to speak again, but then changes his mind. He leans in to murmur a couple of gruff and harsh words to the two other Thraxian men. The ale comes back to his lips afterwards, hiding most of his face, if not his dark eyes that shine as he roves his gaze around the table. Noting faces, expressions, listening to the conversation that goes back and forth. Content to listen.

Niccolo meets Dagon's eyes. "Consider it done." He simply says, a challenge in his voice. "If that's what it takes, sure. I'll give you some men. We can speak of it after the fact."

Dawn adds, "Don't look outward only. Don't be blinded by the long view, and miss what's before us."

Vercyn shrugs helplessly at Tobias, "Random bullshit crazy shavs or some very trained force we don't know, could well be. It does sound pretty stupid on the face of it."

Alis tightens her hand on the back of Sophie's chair. But, she just keeps her own council now. Except to nod once at Dagon. He wants some people to train, they will send some his way.

Anze nods at Niccolo and then looks to Dagon "I dunno who'd want tah spend all tha time on a f'an boat, but I'd look for some willin men too."

Eos looks back and forth down the table before asking, "If none of you have already researched the walls, is there any here, any at all, who have the contacts to spare to begin researching them? It would be very good, and very helpful, to know what Arx has guarded herself from in the past. My contacts with a mind to history are currently occupied."


Darren looks over to Dagon, a brow lifted. He, too, gives Dagon a rather hard stare. "You'll have some Redrain too, then," he remarks with a shrug.

Leo gives Dawn a small bow from where he is seated, glancing to Vercyn as the man speak, before the conversation picks up again and his attention is drawn away.

Freja looks to Dagon. "You'll have me in those numbers, if you'll allow it."

Eos also dips his head to Dagon.

Alis shakes her head solemnly at Eos. "Those we could loan to you are already investigating other matters. But as soon as someone becomes available, we will keep that in mind. I'm certainly of a mind towards learning more of Arx' military history and former battles."

Listening, observing, and occasionally jotting down a quick note or three, Sophie speaks up to remind, "Please remember that the Covenant of Spiritual Inquiry has has been formed and sanctioned to investigate supernatural events. Should you have anything remotely related to such, I urge you to bring it to Archscholar Aldwin, Archlector Orazaio, or myself." Emphatically, she stresses, "We are /not/ interested in conducting witch hunts. We are committed to determining the veracity of any and all claims and leads."

Dagon nods to Niccolo, Anze, and Darren. Turning to Freja, he tilts his head. "I will, Highness, but I warn you that the company of Thraxian sailors is not pleasant. Stab the first man that touches you, and that should help build you some respect.

Darren utters a low chuckle to Dagon, smirking. "I don't think my cousin has anything to fear from the company of Thraxian sailors. Maybe they'll learn a thing or two from her."

A faint grin is passes in Dagon's direction at his change of heart. And as Dawn speaks about looking with-in as well as looking outwardly, she inclines her head solemnly. "Wise words, Lady Regent." She says as she then clasps her hands together in front of her in a motion with some finality to it.

"We have made excellent progress here tonight. I thank you all for attending and lifting your voices together. This meeting is now concluded."

Alis clears her throat. "Valardin will be sending you men as well, Prince Dagon." Since he did not see her agreement before.