Sparte gives Branwen a smile when she rolls in behind him, leading her to an out of the way spot for the two of them to sit while the important people talk.

Grandt, House Leary man-at-arms arrives, following Fairen.

Reese recently arrived in the Grayson mansion. The princess is adorned in pink and toting along her weapons. She tries to help escort Margot a couch. The Grayson servants have set up a cabinet with booze, a cart with tea and a buffet of treats. The Princess looks over those gathering has a smile of greeting for everyone gathered here.

Killian arrived early, probably as much for the sake of novelty as anything. The Paladin is dressed again in his armor, clad head to toe in steel polished so much it looks new. Of course, as often as he gets beaten to a pulp in it, it might well be new armor at this point. One has to wonder if any part of the original is left after so many patchings. He has his usual attendants at his side, one of which is petting his wolf as he lingers near the edge of the meeting area as is his usual.

Margot lets herself be escorted, her head tilting towards Reese, whispering to her quietly.

Ian comes in alone, his head down, watching his feet as he walks with his oddly mechanical gait, choosing every step with care. He goes in search of somewhere to sit. Both of his hands are bandaged, although the bandages aren't thick.

3 Iron Guardsmen arrives, following Calaudrin.

Reese has joined the Couch of Majestic Gryphons.

Ian has joined the Emerald Couch.

Lou meanders down into the Grayson Hall, and goes over the table with the booze. She pours herself a liberal glass of whiskey and then makes her way to find a seat. She smiles warmly at Reese and nods congenially to everyone else.

Thesarin has joined the Great Table.

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

Wilhelm the Iron Messenger arrives, delivering a message to Reese before departing.

With her arm looped through Delilah's, Joslyn arrives, quietly keeping herself mostly towards the back with a curious glance to all those else that are arriving, but for the moment she's keeping herself rather out of the way, moving with Delilah to settle on a couch.

Thesarin doesn't have any smiles to share, but he gives Reese a nod as she makes her way in. He's settled in comfortably, sitting in silence as the great and good of Grayson file in and take their places.

Joslyn has joined the Plush Couch.

6 Malvici Guards, Adjutant General Vincenzo di Malvici arrive, following Calypso.

Delilah has joined the Plush Couch.

Zhayla stalks into the room, armored and looking like she's loaded for bear. Or perhaps fish? In any case, she steps in, gives a nod of greeting to Reese and then stalks over to Sparte, muttering a hello and then elbowing him in a friendly sort of way.

Sparte has joined the Plush Couch.

Branwen has joined the Plush Couch.

Sparte squints at Zhayla, then his eyebrows go up and he gives her a grin. A thumb is pointed at the axe on his back before he murmurs something to her with a wink.

Branwen glances up towards her shoulder and the Raven that caws quietly in her ear, giving her bird companion a single nod. As if she's understood exactly what that was all about as Sparte leads her towards an out of the way place to sit. And even if she is not keeping the closest eye on everyone there, that bird of hers gives everyone a thorough once over.

Arriving perhaps just tad late comes the lithe frame of a silk clad Marquis some may recognize as Marquis Fairen Leary. Canted off to one side and behind the Marquis is his guardsmen, appropriately armed/disarmed as the event should call for. With that, Fairen strides into the Great Hall with a rigid and formal posture, stepping briskly as he makes his way towards a the emerald couch.

Calypso steps in to the Hall, nodding to keep her guards at the door. Though the Adjutant General comes with her as she finds an appropriate seat. A nod is given towards Reese as she settles in.

Fairen has joined the Emerald Couch.

Margot has joined the Couch of Majestic Gryphons.

Calypso has joined the Couch of Majestic Gryphons.

Lou has joined the Couch of Majestic Gryphons.

Samael enters the hall, wearing blue and white silks. He walks over through the crowd and finds a place to sit down on one of the couches.

Samael has joined the Couch of Majestic Gryphons.

Calaudrin walks in, looks around for someone and frowns when he doesn't see them. So he just finds a place to sit down and stays appropriately quiet.

Lou finally decides on the couch and goes to take a seat. She nods to those already there, and proceeds to wait for the meeting to begin.

Calaudrin has joined the Dance Floor.

Graham had been missing from a few of the councils and didn't intend to miss another having fallen very busy of late. The young solider enters though and looks about the room a moment before moving over though choosing to stand for now though and remains silent as he watches and listens.

Mia steps into the Great Hall quietly, save for the swishing of long skirts that her purposeful gaint tends to produce. She pulled out a chair next to her husband, joining him at the great table.

Mia has joined the Great Table.

Killian has joined the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Reese looks over all those who have gathered and has a somber smile that touches her blue eyes. She is taken a seat on the couch of gryphons. "Welcome and thank you all for coming." She says, lifting her voice to carry. "We got a lot to cover tonight and so I will get us started. First of all the Forest is in much better shape, thanks to many here. That being said, I do not believe this respite will last and we will be sending scouting parties out to check for the signs of the abyss and possible movements from the slaver. I want our patrols to stay n Grayson Lands, but I do plan to reach out to Redrain and see if we can help them patrol in the North. Help being the main word, it will be under their leadership, any north patrols. So a few questions on that. One does anyone want to lead a patrol party? and Does anyone want to join a patrol party, but not lead?" Reese says, getting right to business.

Thesarin takes a deep breath, and exhales slowly, rapping his knuckles once on the great table. "I can lead, Princess. I can fight. I know the Forests. Say the word." The big Prodigal gives a slow nod, and is silent.

Ian leans his cane against the arm of the couch and settles in to listen.

It's nearly instant that when Reese asks, Joslyn raises her hand. "I'd be willing to lead any patrols you require into the forest, or join. As always." she gives Reese a warm smile as she lowers her hand.

As the Princess begins to speak, Fairen perks up and shifts his attention in her direction, silently listening to her speech. Then his gaze shifts to watch those who volunteer to lead patrols and become involved with that.

3 Igniseri scarlet phoenix guards, Philomel, the Nightingale arrive, following Lucita.

The young man standing still turns his full attention to Reese as she begins to speak about the current events. Graham listens intently catching up with all the current news for now. "I can join or lead at very least, wherever i'm best needed of course." He says looking to the others before waiting once more.

Sparte gives Reese a thumbs up. Presumably she knows what that means, form the guardsman.

Leana, an Igniseri Guard arrives, following Luis.

Margot is quiet on the count of the patrols, the very pregnant duchess not offering to join that.

Luis slips in a little late, though he quickly finds a space by Lucita to settle in and listen to the proceedings.

"I will join any patrol that has need of a scout," Lou states, but then that's a given for this particular exploring Grayson. "But, when I can go will definitely depend on schedules as I'll be traveling to the north with Lady Khanne at some point with Mason." She takes a casual sip of her whiskey after she's finished, then scans the crowd for any other would be mission goers.

Zhayla shifts, frowning. And then she leans over and mutters something very quietly to Sparte.

Lucita quietly enters so not to disrupt the meeting in progress and finds a spot to sit and listen.

Reese looks between Thesarin, Joslyn, Graham and Sparte. She has a smile of greeting for them all that touches her blue eyes. "Thank you for volunteering." She says in their direction. She smiles over toward those who have recently arrived. "So we just started and were talking about sending patrols out in small elite groups to check for signs of the abyss or the slaver. I asked those who want to attend to let me know. The forest is in pretty good shape, but I doubt it will last." She says and then has a smile for Lou. "Thank you, Princess Lou."

Ian waits until he can catch Lucita's gaze, and then nods towards the couch he's sitting on in a silent invitation.

Lou scowls faintly at Reese. She knows what she did!

Lucita has joined the Emerald Couch.

"I'm happy to lend my help in whatever you need." Calaudrin speaks up from where he's found a random chair on the edge of the dance floor. This is what happens when Esoka isn't here to direct him around.

Sparte chuckles at something Zhayla says, nodding to her without objection before looking to the others at the couch. He says some quiet things to them as well, reassuring from the looks of it.

Reese looks over to Lou with this expression of pretend confusion. She then continues. "So we are looking at small groups of elite warriors and scouts who will go out and make sure our forest stays in good shape and the abyss stays out. Then we have many allies who have needs coming up. There is Maelstrom, which I will touch on briefly. Duke Harald has said he will ask the Graysons for aid when the time comes to fight. We don't have exact details or times yet. I don't want everyone going as we need some to stay and defend our lands here, but I plan to go and I would like to take some volunteers with me. It will be quite dangerous, although we don't plan on actually sailing into Darkwater. A sea elf told me not to do that and I decided to take his words seriously."

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

Calypso crosses one leg over the other as she listens. The part about Duke Harald's request for help has her particularly interested, but she maintains her calm silence.

Ian raises a bandaged hand, maybe indicating that he'd like to say something. Probably that's what it is.

Reese looks over to Ian. "Lord Ian?" She says, seemingly inviting him to speak.

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

Lou hrmphs over at Reese, but is quickly distracted by hand raising. She turns her blue gray gaze on Ian as she waits for him to speak.

"During an... encounter recently, I noticed that a lot of people were caught in some kind of despair." Ian sounds a little bit awkward, talking in this large group. Not nervous exactly, but definitely not in his element. "Some of them committed suicide right there. I don't know what caused it or whether it'll happen again, but it's something to watch for, if you follow Duke Grimhall to sea. Strong leadership can keep people fighting."

Luis has joined the Emerald Couch.

Delilah's gaze narrowed on Ian and she tilted her head as she folded her arms over her chest. Her nose wrinkled somewhat, before she leaned in to whisper to those near her.

Lucita nods in return to the other on the bench but, as is appropriate, she listens closely. "Lord Ian, that sounds worse than before?

Raising his voice to be heard, Luis makes an offer as well, "I too, wish to add my aid where I can. I will not express the greatest of scouting skills, but I've been a soldier for many years and can handle the mundane side of things," he says, his lips pursing into a small smirk, but he leaves that there, his voice sure and deep.

Sparte raises a hand, waiting for permission to speak.

Mia blinks a few times at Ian's announcement. It wasn't so much that doubt was written on her face, as it was that it took her a moment or two to fully process what he was saying -- as it likely ought to.

Reese looks toward, Ian giving the Lord a nod. "Thank you. I will keep that in mind and take great care if we go out. That is very good to know. Anything that helps to inspire moral like singing and so forth might be good then." Reese then pauses. "So, when we go out, I will let people know and volunteers can come. Again, some warriors and some leaders still here to defend would be best." Reese says, looking over to Thesarin for some reason or another. She then turns to Luis. "Thank you, Lord Luis, we would be honored to have your aid." She says, before turning to Sparte. "Master Sparte?"

At Ian's words, Fairen perks up with a mixture of concern and curiosity, listening to what he has to say before turning to look towards Lucita as she speaks. Then in a similar as Ian, and then Sparte, the Marquis raises one of his hands with the intention of requesting permission to speak.

Ian makes an open-handed gesture to Lucita, freely admitting to his ignorance beyond what he observed. He does seem... really calm about the subject of supposedly watching a bunch of people kill themselves.

Inquisitor Jonathen arrives, following Laric.

Inquisitor Jonathen leaves, following Laric.

Zhayla looks over at Ian. "Do you mean to say that Duke Grimhall's leadership made people despair enough to commit suicide?"

Samael glares at Zhayla.

Thesarin seems to have rather suddenly developed a cough, but he covers his mouth and simply nods toward Reese as she looks in his direction.

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

Sparte rises up, giving a small glance to the others seated near him before taking a few slow breathes to steady his resolve. He offers the room a nervous smile before reaching up to take off his helmet and hold it in his hands, fidgeting with it as he speaks. "The Iron Guard has, on multiple occasions, broken up Marinite activities at the docks. There was a madness, that alternated between rage and despair on different occasions. It started with Marinites, but other people with no ties to the sea could succumb to it when in proximity. It got the better of Iron Guardsmen on at least one occasion, which we were not proud of. Per the guidance of then Duke Cassius' book on dealing with the forces of evil, when given opportunity to individuals known to be related to the Gyre for assistance, we did. They proved capable of quelling the madness with simple words. I don't rightly know that what happened on Grimhall's ship was that, but I know it is a trick of this enemy's they were using even back before the siege."

"Duke Grimhall is a veteran leader with a steadfast reputation for loyalty and confidence in his sailors and soldiers. I seriously doubt that any lack of leadership on his part was the cause of such despair." Calypso offers calmly towards Zhayla. She seems to refrain from pointing the finger at the cause in such a public setting, folding her hands over her knee.

Ian gives Zhayla a flat look, one eyebrow slightly raised. The expression conveys pretty well a dry, even mocking acceptance that yeah, he probably should have known someone was going to go there.

Lou's concern grows at Ian's words, and then deepens even more when Sparte confirms some other things; answering some questions that were bubbling to the rise.

Reese turns her attention to Sparte, nodding in response to his words. "That is good to know. We will want to look for ways to deal with such and prevent it. If anyone wants to take on looking into that more specially I would be so pleased." Reese nods in response to Calypso's words. "She is right. The Duke is a great leader." Reese says, before looking over to Fairen. "Marquis Fairen?

Zhayla frowns right back at Ian. "If you didn't mean it, you shouldn't have said it," she states flatly to Ian, and then subsides.

Sparte shoots Zhayla a look that stressing something unsaid in it, before retaking his seat. He keeps the helmet in his lap, continuing to fidget with it.

Margot listens closely, her gaze moving from speaker to speaker.

"Your Highness, if what Lord Ian has said is the case, which is now confirmed by Master Sparte, then I would conclude that there is the potential of some sort of dark power that our enemy holds." Says Fairen as he begins to rise to his feet, having been called on by Reese. "Who know what sort of power these sorts of things hold over us, but the Faith? It is my opinion that these dark powers should be investigated, or even debunked if they prove to not be something of magic. This, is a task that I would like to offer to assist in researching."

Reese turns her attention to Fairen, giving him a nod. "I agree that looking into that in greater detail would be good." She says in his direction. "Would you be willing to lead an investigation on such and those of us who are able to could help you?" Reese asks the Marquis. "If not, I can likely find someone to start such up later." She adds.


Luis blinks his eyes, his gaze narrowing as words get bandied about, but it is when the hint of darker things is spoken that he seems to sit up. "Are we back into a place where there are people being manipulated by forces outside the normal? This is worriesome," he explains, his hands clenching tightly at the chausses upon his thighs, fingers reaching the point of white-knuckled before he forces them to relax.

A messenger arrives and drops a missive off for Calaudrin. He looks torn, glancing to the people speaking and then down at the messenger again. Tipping his head from side to side, he ends up abandoning his chair and quietly slipping out of the room.

Calaudrin has left the Dance Floor.

3 Iron Guardsmen leaves, following Calaudrin.

Killian has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Whisper the Snowy Owl have been dismissed.

Frostbite the Wolf have been dismissed.

Lisette of Ashford have been dismissed.

Cosette of Ashford have been dismissed.

Thesarin watches Calaudrin leave, narrowing his eyes just slightly as he walks out, and then returning his attention to Reese.

Zhayla tries for some politeness here, as she says carefully, "And I don't really mean to be a pain, but should we be saying his name? Shouldn't we be calling him things like the jerk in the eastern sea or something?"

Reese hmms softly as she leans back into the couch. "The Duchess Margot is also dealing with a situation. I think. Did you want to speak Duchess or would you rather not for now?" She asks gently. She then turns to Zhayla. "We shouldn't say his name." Reese agrees.

"Absolutely. Any who should wish to assist me in the investigation are welcomed to reach out to me in which ever way they deem fit, as long as it is approprate." Comes Fairen's response towards Reese. "If it really is some sort of dark manipulation, then there may be a way to counter this affect that our enemy seems to have on us. For the time being, until we are able to discover the exact nature of this power, then I shall agree that strong leadership is highly advised. Keep an eye on your soldiers, be sure to keep their moral as high as possible while still completing your duties and so forth." Then with that, just before he settles back into the couch, he adds. "For those who do not know me, I am Marquis Fairen Leary."

Branwen politely suggests, "How about 'The Jerk in the Lurk'?" And then immediately quiets.

Margot nods to Zhalya, "We in the isles find it better to simply refer to him as the Harald. It is easier that way."

"Bit confusing, though, in mixed company," Thesarin rumbles out, with a slow shrug of his shoulders.

Sparte smirks a bit at what Margot says, finding it funny for some reason.

"It is all a bit confusing. Keeping our ability to speak openly about the things that haunt us is exactly the kind of chaos they are hoping for. It doesn't matter what you call it so long as you make sure those you are speaking to understand you." Calypso advises.

Zhayla throws a sudden grin at Margot.

Graham has remained silent since offering to join the patrols but he is listening and paying attention though is fine without having to speak further for now.

Reese seems thoughtful as she listens to the continued meeting. "Thank you, Marquis Fairen. I will be willing to help with that. She then turns to Margot. "So then we also have Southport." Reese says, looking over to Calypso at this. "I think and the Duchess General can correct me, that we might be called there, but such is pending."

Samantha makes her way in quietly, heading for the table at which Thesarin and Mia have taken their seats. She's late to the party, and flashes an apologetic look at Reese and inclining her head to Zhayla.

Samantha has joined the Great Table.

When the Marquessa arrived, Mia.... well, she didn't interrupt the meeting to rise and curtsy to her liege, less they think she was trying to take over the floor to speak. But she inclined about as deeply as she could from her seat without looking ridiculous. It's the thought that counts? "My lady."

Calypso inclines her head to Reese. "Southport has no intention to call for Military aid from our allies at this time. The situation is more delicate than any standing army can help with, save for the continued stability of Southport and its military alone. Though we do extend our gratitude at the offer and will reach out if the situation changes."

Margot grimices and crps her stomach lightly. "Forgive me. My son to be isn't keen on my sitting in one place for a long time." She smiles a little to Reese and then the gatherer company before she rests her hand on the arm of the couch, sort of levering herself gracelessly to her feet, back bowed, belly thrust out until she steadies on her heels. "Send word to me please. If anyone needs any further infomation on the isles."

Zhayla bows to her liege as Samantha enters, but moves behind where she takes a seat to whisper softly, likely filling her in on the meeting so far.

Lou has been listening intently so far, and when Reese calls attention to Calypso, she turns a curious glance in the general's direction.

Reese looks over to Samantha, having a smile of greeting for her that touches her blue eyes. She then turns her focus to Calypso, giving the Duchess a nod. "Okay, Duchess General. So upon hearing that we will not consider the situation in Southport on the table at this time." Reese looks over to Margot, seemingly concerned for her. "Take care, Duchess Margot." She adds.

Margot nods to Reese with a gentle smile, "I will Your Highness, I promise."

Margot has left the Couch of Majestic Gryphons.

Reese seems a little concerned for Margot as she starts to leave. She then adds. "So I think that is all. That we will be sending out patrols into the Gray Forest, offering our support to Redrain for patrols up north and getting ready to sail to Maelstrom. Marquis Fairen is going to work on researching the dangers of going to Maelstrom. If one thinks they will want to head to Maelstrom, let me know, although we don't go yet. And is there anyone who has questions or has any training needs?"

"Just the usual. Linguistics. Swords. Perhaps some teaching so I can teach others for a change." Lou speaks up, grinning a bit for the latter. "After all, I do now have a guard to put through his paces." A guard that seems to be hiding from Lou now. Perhaps she's put him through quite a lot of paces?

Samantha cocks her head as she listens to her Sword, and turning her head, briefly murmurs to her in response.

At that, the Countess of Riven spoke. She looked to Lou and asked, rather plainly, "What languages are you hoping to learn, Your Highness?" Mia's lips then pressed together, before she added, "I speak six or so, including Arvani."

Thesarin slowly taps his knuckles on the table, shaking his head slowly. It seems like he's about to speak, but he just shakes his head slowly.

Delilah wrinkled her nose again before taking in a deep breath. "Marquis," she began, glancing over Fairen, "You should consider sending a missive to the Master of Questions regarding... That." The woman straightened out her back, beginning to rise, "Duchess Calypso, please do not hesitate to seek my aid." Once at full height, she dipped her head politely, her gaze settling on Reese's, "... And thank you for the meeting. Feel free to call on me if I can help in any way." She shifted on her heel, and began heading for the door.

Delilah has left the Plush Couch.

1 Armed Confessors, Confessor Scribble leave, following Delilah.

Olivia hustles along like she's in just a little bit of a rush, though she draws up short of the hall itself to catch her breath and not quite look like she ran the whole way! Ahem. Once composed, she makes a somewhat more delicate entrance, dipping a quick curtsey at the edge of the gathering and then... waiting, quiet, though with a mildly ancy look.

Branwen gives Sparte a brief nod. "Thank you for inviting me, Master Sparte. This was most enlightening. And hoefully we can speak to the Archlector soon." she comments, nodding also to Joslyn and then waving at Delilah before she also rises to take her leave.

Ian angles his head towards Fairen and says something softly to him.

Branwen has left the Plush Couch.

Lilith, the Raven leaves, following Branwen.

Sparte glances over as Branwen heads out, looking around at those still in the room before sliding back in his seat.

Reese looks over to Lou. "Luca or myself can teach you sword if you want. Luca is the better teacher, but I can be easier to find. He is sleeping as we speak." She then turns to Delilah. "Oh, it was nice to see you, take care. And with that being said, we can use all the support we can get for the missions."

Lou tilts her head in Mia's direction. "When I'm able to learn other languages, I'm looking to learn the different shav'arvani dialects. You'd think after all the years I've explored Arvum, that eventually I'd have picked up something of the languages by now. But, apparently, I love to pantomime at them and play charades," she says with a wry sort of humor. "So, rather than getting kidnapped and being unable to communicate with them again, I really need to up my linguistics skills."

Lou grins at Reese. "When isn't he sleeping? I bet he was asleep when I hit him with that arrow."

One corner of Mia's mouth hitched upwards. It was not a smile, but it would have to do. "If you've the patience to put up with my company, then, Your Highness, I do speak more of the shav'arvani dialects than not -- though I'm most familiar with the tongues of the Crownlands tribes and more recently, the Isles. My Northern accent is terrible, or so I'm told, but I can at least make myself understood."

Samantha looks up at Zhayla. "If you've nothing to attend to, you can escort me home and clarify. And since you've spoken to the Marquis, you can let me know where he stands."

Joslyn rises from the sofa, looking to those departed. She moves to address Reese with a wave of her hand. "Princess Reese, just let me know if there's anything extra that I can do for you, and if there are any patrols you need led, I'd be honored to take the reigns."

"Princess-General Reese, you can always count on Bisland support," Samael says standing up. He smiles and then leaves.

Samael has left the Couch of Majestic Gryphons.

3 Bisland pride guards, Deputy Clerk Anya leave, following Samael.

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

Lou inclines her head to Mia. "Excellent. I'd be more than happy to learn from you," and in fact she seems quite pleased to /finally/ have a teacher after several months of searching. "In return, I can teach you what little I know if Eurusi, if you are interested in adding another language."

Ian says something to Lucita before bracing himself on the arm of the couch and pushing himself to his feet. He takes up his cane, and seems like he's about to head out.

Ian has left the Emerald Couch.

Calypso rises from her seat at the couch and inclines her head as the meeting seems to be wrapping up. "House Grayson's lead in military proactivity is always something to admire. Thank you for having me, Princess Reese."

Calypso has left the Couch of Majestic Gryphons.

6 Malvici Guards, Adjutant General Vincenzo di Malvici leave, following Calypso.

As the meeting starts to break apart, Thesarin looks tord Fairen with a nod. "Marquis Leary," his low voice raising just enough to be heard clearly. "Any luck clearing up the... unplesantness?"

Ian leaves, although not quickly. He watches his own feet the entire way, taking every step with care.

At that, both of Mia's brows arched. Her tone was surprisingly light, despite the expression. "I'm sure your husband will be delighted when there is another noble in Arx who can actually pronounce his name without awkwardly tripping over their own tongue. Thank you, Princess."