Reese arrives from a staircase that leads higher into the tower. It is rather tall tower as if designed to be used as a lookout. Her golden curls a bit messy and tangled up with lots of pink ribbons. She is adorned in ivory and pink, but despite the colors her clothing is gear designed for battle or for scouting. She glances over the tower, trying to quick a sense for who is gathered here. A smile of greeting touches her lips and reaches her blue eyes. "Hi, Master Kaine. I am glad you could come." Reese says in the tailor's direction. She then goes to find a place to sit. "Thank you all for coming." She adds.

There is a cart with lots of tea, a wine rack, two racks of booze and a buffet set up for the arriving guests. "Please help yourself any of the drinks and food and Brother Driskel brought pie.." She says just as Katarina gives her a hug. She returns such eagerly, wrapping her arms about the an nautical Princess.

Octavian, a silken spaniel arrives, following Zoey.

Esoka arrives with the Riven crew, exchanging a few greetings here and there as she settles in. There's a somewhat far away look in her blue eyes, but she manages to focus them as the meeting gets underway. Before sitting, of course, she acquires herself some pie.

Shard enters at a brisk stalk. She pauses only briefly to look over the room before she heads for a place to sit; the woman looks more sour than usual. Grimmer too, if that were possible.

Mia slips into the meeting as quietly as can be managed with a small entourage and her arm tucked into Thesarin's, making a straight line for what appears to be some of the only empty seating left. She offers a curtsy to the assembled before sinking down into her seat and reflexively smoothing her skirts.

After raiding Driskell of his nuts, Caspian takes a handfull and heads over to the couch to sit himself down. That is where he notices Alaric, who he smiles to and bows, one hand going to his hip, the other, nut filled hand extending out (with a couple of the nuts falling to the ground), "Greetings, your majesty, good to see you out and about. I don't think I've introduced myself to anyone sitting here, I'm Grandmaster Caspain Wild of The Champions Guild."

Relic arrives, following Harlan.

Princess Sally Acorn, an acorn toting red squirrel, 3 Iron Guard Trainees arrive, following Kenna.

Harlan enters from outside, one arm resting in a sling, but otherwise looking well. He inclines his head to the room in general, before moving out of the way to find a spot to rest.

Reese has joined the couches embroidered with an ivory rose.

Kenna has joined the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

Shard has joined the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

Zoey steps away from Alaric with a shy smile and a final curtsy. She seems to be heading to Reese and Thesarin and Mia next, quietly handing them each a bottle of something with a murmured word... And then she's retreating to Ian's side.

Harlan has joined the a comfortable ivory leather and mahogany wooden sofa.

Zoey has joined the cozy seating by a stone fireplace.

Driskell has joined the cozy seating by a stone fireplace.

Zoey gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Implicit Connections from Bag Full of Cognac.

Zoey gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Implicit Connections from Bag Full of Cognac.

Zoey gets Exclusive Bottle of Raconteur's Implicit Connections from Bag Full of Cognac.

Harlan also heads over towards a sofa, giving much more of an incline towards Alaric -- he's king, after all. He then takes a seat.

Lucita enters the area with Driskell at her side. She is clad in leather armor and seems to have recovered from having had her twins a month ago. She curtsies as she glances around.Her guard dogs remain outside. Driskell carries a pie, soe nuts and the broken sword he carries is wrapped up in a complex manner that ensures it is peace-pound. His black robe with hood, a veil over his face. No Silent Reflections follow him. He bows and the two quietly find a place to listen.

Signe's arriving to the meeting without her furry companions just in time to catch the vision of pink descending down the tower. She's searching briefly for a place to sit then claims one.

Signe has joined the couches embroidered with an ivory rose.

Lucita has joined the cozy seating by a stone fireplace.

Barric lifts a hand in a wave towards Lucita and Driskell, a smile touching his face and eyes as he extends it over towards Signe as well. When Signe comes to join he smiles towards her more fully and murmurs softly at the couch starting a conversation.

Kaine has joined the couches embroidered with an ivory rose.

Thesarin settles in beside Mia and the others gathering at the oak barrel, watching people file in as the meeting draws to some sort of order. He's sitting still and silent, except when he turns to nod in respect at Reese, at the King, at Katarina when she greets him. To Harlan, eying the man's wound. He seems content to sit in silence, for the most part. The Prodigal Count does not have pie.

Reese goes to sit not far from her cousin Barric on the ivory couch. "As many of you gathered here are aware we have been doing patrols in the Gray Forest." Reese says, lifting her voice to carry. "I should clarify that the patrols I have been sending out were in the Grayson claimed area of the Forest and we have not traveled into Redrain lands." She says. "We have sent out small and controlled parties rather than large groups. The patrols we have sent out have been largely successful in that they gathered quite a bit of information, rescued some Shavs, stayed alive and didn't draw any trouble or any major notice that I am aware of. I would to give those who attended the patrols a chance to report their findings here in a moment. I do want to say before they do, the information is sensitive. The situation is delicate and we do plan on acting, but carefully acting rather than brashly acting."

"Well it is a good turn out," Arik remarks to Paige while brushing off the front of his tunic and then adjusting the four weave braid of coppery hair going down his back. Moving away from the entrance and towards the whiskey barrel table, away from the fireplace!

Arik has joined the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

Paige has joined the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

Arik claims a seat at the whiskey barrel table and then lifts his rumbling voice in a wry tone, "Good news then Princess because High Lord Darren wishes cooperation between the fealty and the Grayson efforts. He has sent me here to represent him as he had other engagements and we had discussed the matters previously."

Harlan smiles towards Alaric and says, "You as well, Your Highness." He looks to be in good shape, regardless of the sling -- looks like it's more there right now for protection than necessity. He then quiets, and turns to look towards Reese.

"This place is much bigger than I expected..." Paige is busy looking around at... everything! Alaric gets a quick bow, but Katarina gets a bright grin, and Caspian gets a wave. Still, she moves along after the Halfshav lord, settling in at the whiskey barrel table.

Paige has left the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

Paige has joined the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

Reese then adds. "Would anyone at this meeting who was on a patrol like to speak of their findings and experiences?" The rosy warrior princess then turns her focus to Arik, nodding in response to his words. "We are eager to work with House Redrain on this matter. Thank you for attending, Lord Arik. Also we have lots of whiskey." She offers as if thinking that might make the Northern Lord happy.

Kaine folds one umbra-clad leg over the other, gaze shifting to pay attention to Reese. He chews on his lower lip as he listens. He sucks in a breath at the mention of careful action, but otherwise remains quiet, folding his hands on his lap.

receiving a wave from Paige, Caspian waves back to her in turn, offering a smile to the woman.

Shard's eyes narrow. She lifts a hand, like a student in class, and says, "Unless there are others that have any follow-up to what I have to report. You would know, I think."

Kenna edges carefully through the room, making sure not to bump against too many people along the way. Seeing the Rivens all gathered in one place she goes there to blend into their smaller company with a bright smile and a nod to each of them.

"Do we need one of those sticks? A rock to pass around for those to have their turn at speaking?" Signe smiled as she asked the group, very serious this was.

Ian seems to just be here to listen today, and he settles in to do just that; his almost unnaturally blue eyes move from person to person, sometimes because they're talking, sometimes because... who knows.

Reese looks toward Shard with thoughtful attention, giving her a nod. "I have saved your messages and pondered them closely, Mistress Shard. I value your wisdom." She says in her direction. Reese then turns to Signe. "That is not a bad idea." She says in her direction.

Marie, chef of Keaton Hall arrives, delivering a message to Paige before departing.

Katarina loess a begrudging titter at Signe's suggestion, her hand lifting in brief wave toward Paige.

Arik dips his head in response to Reese and then has a murmur or two with Paige. Eventually there winds up being a whiskey glass in his hand, some way some how.

Peri arrives and moves off to the side with no mind for anything but whatever is being said, trying to catch up, and finding a sofa to squeeze into.

Peri has joined the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

2 Ashford House Guard arrives, following Olivia.

Signe has left the couches embroidered with an ivory rose.

Peri has left the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

Reese gets a sleek, portable flask of a unique blued metal from a gemstone-studded scabbard with silver fittings.

Peri has joined the couches embroidered with an ivory rose.

Zoey puts Bag Full of Cognac in a monogrammed black calfskin satchel with silk lining.

Thesarin has joined the line.

Server Announcement: Server Message of the Day: Randomscene is still buggy at the moment, hold off on requests/pages until Tehom pushes the next fix attempt live.

Shard has joined the line.

Tempest, Atila arrive, following Signe.

Signe has joined the couches embroidered with an ivory rose.

Signe gets a small pet 'bear' rock from a half-moon satchel carved from a fine wolf pelt.

Olivia has joined the a comfortable ivory leather and mahogany wooden sofa.

Reese reaches out for the rock that Signe gives her. "Thank you, Lady Signe." She says. Reese then hands the rock over to Thesarin.

Turn in line: Thesarin

Zoey pulls a bottle of whiskey out of her satchel. Somehow, someone manages to find a few glasses and brings them over to the fireplace. Zoey pours a couple of glasses, hands one to Ian, keeps one for herself, and leaves the bottle and glasses in reach of those sitting nearby.

Olivia arrives only a little after things have started, and rather than making much a fuss, just goes and finds her brother to sit down!

Zoey gets Fire Oak, a premium barrel aged whisky from a monogrammed black calfskin satchel with silk lining.

Titania attives a bit after the stated time for things to start, she hangs near the back looking around.

Barric has joined the line.

Thesarin glances around, making a low noise to the back of his throat, resting his fists on the barrel and pushing himself to stand. "Anyone who ain't know me--I'm Count Thesarin Riven, War Chief to the Twainfort." He looks, as always, like an especially grim shav from the woods, tattooed and scarred, who's been dressed up like a Grayson nobleman. "I reckon anyone's been scouting saw what's happening in the woods. There's whole villages laid siege or sitting empty, taken slaves or sacrifice. Them I led found four of his slaves making ready to sacrifice a boy to him; Duke Ashfird" here he stops to nod toward Harlan "took an arrow in saving the child. We set them free, but ain't found what happened to their people."

Jordan is a little late, but decides to settle down beside the Ashfords. He bows to the King and watches quietly.

Jordan has joined the a comfortable ivory leather and mahogany wooden sofa.

Arik has joined the line.

Reese listens to Thesarin's words with close attention, nodding in response to them. She doesn't seem very surprised by what he has to say. When Harlan's heroism is mentioned she looks over to him, having a smile that touches her blue eyes.

Reese is overheard praising Harlan for: Saving a child in the forest.

Reese is overheard praising Thesarin for: Count Thesarin, leading a sucesful forest patrol

Kenna is overheard praising Thesarin for: Keeping us safe in the forest.

Kenna is overheard praising Mia for: Being so open to give advice.

Reese adds "Thank you Count Thesarin. I am glad that you were here and Duke Harlan to."

Turn in line: Shard

Signe's features frown upon hearing the recount of sacrifices being made. Her gaze follows to those speaking, taking turns with the bear rock.

Mia's dark eyes dart over to Harlan, who she silently studies for a moment. Was it the man she was curious about, or his wounds? Either way, her mouth quirks to one side and -- eventually -- she nods, satisfied with whatever conclusion it was she'd come to.

"I can elaborate on what's happening," Shard says, as she pushes up from her seat. "And I'll try to be quick about it, but I've got a lot to say, and I want to be exact. Calaudrin, Isabetta and I went on long patrol, starting from the lodge and headed north, following any signs or rumors we could find of the Horned One or his people. We were looking for his armies, or signs of his armies, and we didn't find any damned trace of them. What we found were Abandoned; villages, specifically. A number of them are fine for the moment, mostly undisturbed. Others are completely empty. It's as if everyone in them decided to drop everything they were doign and leave, all at once. These? These have signs in them in the center of town, with words burned onto them. Some say 'slave'. Some say 'sacrifice'. Some towns have altars built in them, recently used, covered in blood, with grooves dug into the ground around them, like giant claw marks. Some of those had blood trails leading away." She pauses, but it's clear she's fair from finished.

Harlan has joined the line.

Marie, chef of Keaton Hall arrives, delivering a message to Paige before departing.

Reese looks somber as she listens to Shard's words. She doesn't seem surprised by them either. Reese keeps her silence for now, maybe realizing that the woman has more to say.

Alaric is overheard praising Thesarin for: Leading a successful forest patrol.

Alaric is overheard praising Harlan for: Valor in the field!

Barric listens to the people speaking with a grim countenance on his face. He nods at some of what has been said so far, seemingly in agreement with what Shard has been saying specifically. Every now and again when there is a pause he speaks quietly to Signe at the couch they share with others.

Rickard has left the a comfortable ivory leather and mahogany wooden sofa.

Asheryn, a Gyrfalcon have been dismissed.

"There are other villages," Shard continues, "that still have people living in them, but with small groups of people on the outskirts that none of the other villagers want anything to do with. Calaudrin and I investigated one of these. We found a family--or what was probably once a family--living on the edge of a village. They shared thoughts, and actions, and talked about a great savior that would come and end all suffering when we were all 'one together'. No prizes for guessing who they were talking about. These were watchers. Prison wardens if you prefer. The people in these villages can't leave. They've been told that if they leave their minders alone, they might, /might/ be left alone, but some are still taken as slaves anyway. If they try to run, or they try to throw out the Horned One's people, they're sacrificed or eaten." Yes, she says eaten. "The man we talked to spoke of immediate retalation. He claimed there /was/ no army to find, but that any village that tried to escape suffered right away. He talked openly of the gargantuans being created. And he said the Horned One's people are building something 'big', but he didn't know what, or where."

Reese lifts her gaze to Shard, listening to her words with close attention and giving the woman a somber nod. "All grave news." She says, sounding like she has heard it before, possibly from Shard. "Thank you for patrol and for the very detailed report and the advice you gave me. I will talk further on such after everyone has got a chance to speak who wishes."

Reese is overheard praising Shard for: Leading a dangerous patrol and finding out lots of info

Turn in line: Barric

Alaric is overheard praising Shard for: Leading a valuable reconnaissance operation.

Esoka lets out a low growl in the back of her throat as Shard tells her tale of villages emptied, with ominous altars left behind. She's finished her pie by now, fortunately, or her appetite for it might have faded.

Caspian is overheard praising Shard for: She did good work. Very good work!

Shard lifts her chin toward Reese, and settles back into her seat. She looks tenser than when she came in.

Katarina is overheard praising Shard for: It's because of capable people like Shard who make preparation for battle easier.

Ian listens dispassionately to everything being rattled off. It could be any old scouting report, to look at his deeply lined features. His expression shows no real hint of reaction to what he's hearing, and his eyes are serene.

5 House Deepwood Guards arrives, following Samantha.

As Shard speaks, something creeps into Zoey's shoulders and she shudders just a tad. It could be the cold, however. She leans into Ian and listens with dark, solemn eyes.

Kaine sucks in a deep breath, and chews lightly on his lower lip, silently digesting everything he has heard thus far while staring into space.

A meeting is taking place about the Gray Forest. There is lots of booze, lots of tea and lots of treats. The mood seems to be somber. Barric is next in line to speak.

Rising from his seat at the couch he's sharing with others, Barric looks around and offers a polite nod, "Some of you here I don't know, so, I am Prince Barric Grayson, Sword of Bastion." He gestures towards Reese, "Princess Reese lead us out on patrol and so I know she has a full grasp of what happened but I want to speak of what we saw regardless. What we experienced." He moves to get to a better speaking position so he can address everyone. "We heard tale of some sort of Altar, and also of a village of Abandoned that were packing up. We decided to head to the village and what we found there disturbed me." He pauses, frowning, "These villages that are disappearing, I think we all know what is going on after Shard's report, but I don't think we understand how wide spread it is. Not truly. Or /how/ it is being done. The villagers told us that if they did not leave before a 'hut' on the outskirts of the village was finished they would all be lost. That it had happened to other villages, so this... unless we all somehow went to the same village in our patrols?" He shakes his head. "This is a wide spread thing. Who knows how bad it is in the rest of the Forest like in Redrain's part as I haven't heard of reports from patrols there." He nods politely towards Arik, "I hope to learn more but fear what it might be."

Barric takes a moment but then he continues, "These huts... they aren't built by hand, there are no construction workers that we could see. I don't know /how/ they are built, honestly, but I do know that when we approached it to explore I could /hear/ this... thing. In my head. It promises things everyone wants. Security. Safety. Family. To Belong. It is seductive but resist and it gets angry. Fortunately we were all strong willed enough to resist that temptation but these huts are /dangerous/. We managed to burn it down but I think we might have just helped by some time for those villagers to escape and try to make a new life for themselves. These are good people just trying to survive, we could help the Compact if we could get them to join us I think."

Barric then adds after a breath, "Take Lagoma's Fire with you on patrols if you can. I think it might be more effective than just shooting fire arrows at the huts. It might be able to purify the hut completely and save the village, but that's just a guess. All I know for sure? This has been going on for a /while/ now, and the scope of what's coming is going to be bigger than we expect." He nods and returns to his seat.

Lucita listens attentively, but says nothing to interrupt the speakers.

Caspian is overheard praising Barric.

Reese is overheard praising Barric for: Defending the forest and a great report

Shard snorts at something said at her table. Her reply is loud enough to be heard. "He is not /contained/ /anywhere/. He came from the north, and he didn't start there."

Reese listens to Barric's words, nodding in response and seeming to agree with her cousin. "Thanks, Prince Barric." She says somberly in his direction.

Caspian is overheard praising Thesarin.

Turn in line: Arik

Signe's staring at the floor for some time as the other's speak. When she wakes up the young shaman quietly takes her leave of the meeting.

Signe has left the couches embroidered with an ivory rose.

Tempest have been dismissed.

Atila have been dismissed.

Alaric is overheard praising Barric for: Leading a valuable reconnaissance operation.

Stepping into the watchtower, Echo sneaks a quick morsel of food and drink before perching on the arm of a sofa. After a wave and quiet hello to those who might be looking her way, her attention sets on Barric, eyebrows coloring with concern over his findings.

Samantha has joined the line.

Barric nods towards Reese and the others, then retakes his seat at the couch beside his cousin.

Arik rises up from his seat at the whiskey barrel table and looks over the room. "The Slaver is not only a threat to Grayson lands but the Compact as a whole. Redrain would not see this threat unanswered. The Grey forest is large and some of it lies within the domain of Northern Houses. High Lord Darren Redrain will see aide given, northern lands will be scoured for other villages afflicted by the slavers influence in search of whatever foul presence it has in the North..." the Halfshav pauses for a moment and adds, "And if still no force is found, no gargantuans discovered then House Halfshav will search the borders of Everwinter for such threats against the Compact. Long have shav tribes in the far north been ripe for slaving and abyssal taint."

There is a bit of a pause there and Arik takes a deep breath before continuing on his rumbling voice, "The Faith has long stood strong against the Reflections and their influences, but if gargantuans are truly being formed with the names of these shavs than the Spirit Walkers and Shamans should be used. If Lagoma's Fire can purge these huts in any capacity than white might blessings upon the land by the spirits due to curb such influences?" there seems to be more but the man just clears his throat and dips his head towards Alaric before reclaiming his seat.

Shard checked composure at difficulty 20, rolling 7 lower.

Caspian has left the a comfortable ivory leather and mahogany wooden sofa.

Anya, the cool as an ice cube Champion apprentice, Renn, the mousy, scholarly brunette, Morgan, a roguish looking gentleman leave, following Caspian.

"Not to be an ass," Shard says thinly, "But the Horned One and the Slaver threaten /everyone/, not just the Compact. The Horned One has been preying--/preying/--on Abandoned tribes in the northlands for at least twenty years, likely more, long before he started being a pain in your backsides. My tribe was running from him my entire life. What he's doing to those people in the forest is what he's been doing to the Abandoned for /decades/. He recruits or he enslaves."

Sparte has joined the line.

"And if your tribe were in Halfshav lands I would have offered you to bend a knee and defend you," Arik quips without missing a beat. "Just as these tribes afflicted should do flee to bend a knee and spare themselves."

Shard checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 10 lower.

Esoka has left the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

Esoka has joined the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

"The last time my tribe was in Redrain lands," Shard says, her voice still thin, but with a certain edge to it, "someone paid to have us all murdered. So...forgive me if that offer of protection rings a little hollow. We know where he's going to send his gargantuans, and it isn't the Everwinter."

Harlan raises his voice just enough to be heard and says, "This is not truly the place for that particular discussion, I think?" His tone is light, trying to keep the peace.

Ian blinks, finally snapped out of his calm demeanor. He says something in a low voice.

Arik lifts his whiskey glass and takes a sip with a lingering look at Shard but the Halfshav Lord dips his head to her silently before nodding to Harlan.

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

Atreke, a severe-looking scribe arrives, following Rinel.

"I certainly advocate that all the Houses of the Compact use what talents they have available to them to overcome the problems we face," Alaric observes mildly. "I also agree with Duke Harlan."

Rinel has joined the cozy seating by a stone fireplace.

Reese glances toward Arik as he first speaks, nodding in response to his words. She then turns her attention to Shard. She seems torn on how to response, having the thoughtful expression of who is mulling things over. "The slaver has been active for a long long time and it is likely there was more that could have been ten or even twenty years ago. Before us we have today and what we can do today. I will be speaking in further detail as what I think should be done. I think working together is important and I welcomed Rerain here. I am sorry for your lose Mistress Shard."

Turn in line: Harlan

Thesarin grunts toward Paige with another nod. "Mistress Fieldstone. I aologize." He grunts again, and looks over toward Shard, shaking his head slowly.

Sparte lets out a small sigh, rubbing at his forehead with one thumb for a few moments.

"True enough," Shard says stiffly, reigning herself in with considerable effort. She glances toward Reese, and then gives a sharp shake of her head. "You misunderstand me, but, as they said, that's not what we're here to talk about. My original point was that the Horned Liar is /everyone's/ problem. We should remember that. We'll have more allies than enemies in this if we do."

Reese looks toward Shard, giving her a nod. "Okay, Mistress Shard. We are in agreement on that."

Esoka passes a look between Shard and Arik. Eyes resting on the Halfshav lord, and another grunt sounding in the back of her throat. She says naught, though, nodding in agreement with Reese.

Jordan nods to Shard's words, frowning.

Samantha has joined the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

Reese has joined the line.

Harlan shifts and then moves to stand and says, "First, Count Thesamin did an excellent job leading our patrol -- I only wanted to add one thing to his report. I heard voices while we were investigating the cave where we found the cultists attempting to sacrifice the young man -- the voices spoke of the The Archfiend of Slavery, or words very similar to what I know of that." He holds up one finger, "Combine that with the Horned One," holding up a second finger, "and that gives us two definite threats aimed at everyone, Compact, Abandoned ... everyone." He then pauses, and raises a third finger slowly, "There is another which is currently being investigated, involving The Devourer's agents. I don't have enough information right now to fully speak on that. Lord Archeron and I are investigating it. It looks to be an aftereffect of the Silent War."

He pauses and says seriously, "I am not trying to raise alarm, but given everything else, I believe that I should at least add what little I have to the discussion, even though there may not be any correlation between the three other than 'we have enemies, and they seek to destroy us'." He nods, and moves to sit down.

Alaric is overheard praising Arik for: House Redrain's commitment and attention to stopping our adversaries is greatly valued and appreciated.

Reese is overheard praising Arik for: Here to represent House Redrain, yay for working together.

Reese seems concerned by Harlan's words. "Some of that is new information to to me. Thank you, Duke Harlan."

Turn in line: Samantha

Samantha has arrived late, but she's caught the tag end of Barric and Arik's declarations. She rises from her seat to address the group. "I'm not sure if I'm repeating what's already been discussed, but to be clear; the origin of the Horned One has been thoroughly reseached. He is formerly of the Rex'alfar, and he led his people to fall to his Master. That sensation you've felt," Samantha turns her attention to Barric, "I know you recognize it for the trick that it is; that sense of wanting to belong, a desire for completeness, it's how he lures other to give up their names and become part of the whole. There are many of us doing whatever we can to find any reference to rituals or ancient weaponry which may serve to defeat him and his gargantuans. I don't want our right and left hands to not be aware of what the others are doing, especially if it comes down to the actions that need to be taken to defeat him and his." There's a look over to Reese. "As ever, Deepwood will welcome refugees without obligation to bend knee, though we will do our best to encourage them to do so." It's a strategy that has worked well for her in the past. "I will support any efforts of my vassals to do the same. It is not our dominion or claims to the land that will win these people to our side, or gain us victory over the day; it is our compassion, and our indivuduality. Everything we are, that he and his are not"

With another glance at Reese, and then to Alaric, "Progress continues on finding the means for his defeat, but the details are sensitive and having just arrived, I shan't speak too openly of them unless given leave by others. But we are not without hope, and we are not without options. I think it is high time we consider approaching those shav'arvani communities across Arvum known to be broadminded and invested in seeing the Horned One brought down, and combine their strength and their knowledge with ours."

Harlan nods towards Reese and says, "I can share what information I have with you, of course."

"The Horned God serves the Archfiend of Slavery, Duke Ashford," Mia chimes in, quietly. "The threat they pose to the Compact -- to *Arvum* -- is, in many ways, one and the same."

Harlan nods towards Mia and says, "Of course -- however, what we're investigating is ... different, I think."

Barric nods towards what Harlan says, "It is very different."

Samantha adds, in a softer tone, "We should consider armistice with whom we can."

Reese looks to Samantha, nodding in response to her words. "Thank you Marquesa Samantha, all good information and you said we are not without hope."

Shard regards Samantha very carefully, and very intently.

Reese is overheard praising Samantha for: We are not without hope

Barric has left the couches embroidered with an ivory rose.

Synder The Wolfhound have been dismissed.

Turn in line: Sparte

Sparte slowly leans forward where he is sitting, lifting his hand briefly to signal intent to speak. He looks around at the others assembled. "Wiser people than I have already spoken up, so I'll be brief. There are a few things we know bits of that arn't a full picture yet, that tie into this. The notion of a group of people all coming together without their own sense of selves, this isn't the first time that threat has happened. In the distant past we waged a war against a foe like this, The War of Stolen Names."

Sparte glances around as he lets that settle in. "A war we won, though it was at great cost. I'm led to believe some of those who are considered Abandoned today were lost in that war, rather than in the Reckoning. Yet I'm only a student of history and not a proper historian, someone else may be able to find a better retelling that we might learn from."

Sparte gestures to Shard. "I defer to the wisdom of others again on this, but we know one of the things that our enemy in the woods has been hunting is Spirits. The short shamans are associated with. I don't know why the enemy wants the Spirits specifically, but it seems the Compact as a whole should consider that they may be vital allies against this threat." Sparte leans back, ceding the floor to others to speak.

"The Crown does not consider swearing an oath of fealty a precondition to opening discussions on topics of mutual concern with any particular group of Abandoned, of course," Alaric notes. "Our primary issue in that regard is that few Abandoned communities around Arvum are in fact known, due to historic divisions and poor relations leading to a lack of understanding going both ways. Scouting missions such as the ones we've been hearing about that seek to make contact with some of these groups would be very helpful in this regard, I should think."

Shard lifts her voice again, "To simplify things quite a bit, he gets stronger from them." She glances toward Alaric as he speaks.

Reese looks toward Sparte, nodding in response to his words. She then turns her focus to the King. "Okay, King Alaric that is good to know. I will talk shortly. I need to gather my thoughts."

Paige has left the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

Reese is overheard praising Alaric for: A wise King!

Quill, the grunty little porcupine leaves, following Paige.

"Your Majesty, are you saying you would consider dialogue, if such contact could be established?" Samantha inquires, looking up with a blink.

Reese rises from the ivory couch and looks over all gathered here. "The situation in the forest is complicated and it is delicate. It is my intention for us to rescue as many Shavs as we possibly can, but I hope to do so without getting them killed, without getting us killed and without getting us into trouble we are not yet ready to deal with. I also hope to treat the Shavs well while we rescue, but I would rather them not dead and not slaves first and foremost."

Reese says and then pauses for a moment. "There are a few thoughts. Shard and Lord Arik have both given me good advice. I think we need to start trying to evacuating what villages we can around the areas were the huts are going up. Diplomacy might be hugely helpful there as well as sending some who can speaks Crownhlands Shav. We also need to take down what huts we can that are still half built. Half built huts are dangerous, but can be burnt down and prayers to the gods do help while they are being burnt down. They are luring and trying to burn them down comes with risk. I am concerned about the villages with huts already built. I am trying to invesigate how to take deal with the already built huts. I also am concerned about moving lots of people of their lands and have toyed with setting up a barony in the forest near those villages, so people can return home and still be protected. Although that is just one idea. I am open to others and first and foremost I want people safe. Which means if any Shavs want to bend the knee and join Deepwood they are welcome do to such. I also don't want a a operation that is too large. I don't want to draw the slaver himself to us before we are ready to deal with him. I would rather see small smart parties than a giant call to arms."

Samantha ammends for Reese, "I will permit refugees regardless of their status as Compact members, provided that while in my domain they respect my rule."

Reese looks toward Samantha, nodding in response to her words. "Thank you, Marquesa Samantha."

"If you need someone fluent in the language, Your Highness," Mia offers, "I speak more dialects of shav'arvani than not." The words are offered quite simply, without any other explanation or embellishment.

Shard crosses her arms loosely over her chest. "As I emphasized to Reese," she says, "Even if we find a way to get those villagers out of there, and even if they agree to go, and even if they all want to bend the knee--and even the people I spoke to were only a reluctant maybe to the idea, under duress--even if we could do all that, this is still moving a great number of people, most of whom aren't fighters, through the forest, at speed, without time for preparing rations or shelter. I," she clears her throat, "have a little bit of experience with what it's like moving an entire village, and that was a village that moved all the time, with people used to that life. Winter is on its way. None of these conditions are remotely ideal. We might be talking dozens of villages, maybe more."

"It ain't l

"What are the waterways like in that area?" Ian asks, without rising.

"Moving the tribes that have not already committed to fleeing from the region is likely impossible. Not without killing a majority of them and whose to say who has the foodstuffs for that many refugees." Arik says in a rumbling voice though he looks at Samantha before continuing, "Would it not be simpler to... Occupy their land, Princess Reese you know I suggested this but the tribes have lived on their own for generations. Dispatching small groups to neutral or friendly tribes to warn them of the threat and provide them aide in defending against it..." he pauses and glances Alaric before adding, "And occupy the land that is rightfully the compact's while doing so may be a more realistic solution."

"It ain't all I'd hope for," Thesarin rumbles out with a nod toward Shard. He looks over toward Reese, and then toward the King, and back toward Samantha and Mia. "But it's how it is. I can talk the tongues in the forest, well enough." He glances over at Arik, and gives another low grunt at the back of his throat. "Rightful or wrongful, that's a fine way of getting swords pointed at us that could be pointed at our enemies."

Reese looks toward Shard and then Arik, nodding in response to their words. "I think you might be right. I think I should go live in the forest and defend it and well people can take shifts there who want to join in the defense." She then turns to Ian. "Streams and small lakes, no major rivers."

Shard glances toward Ian, "The village we spoke to was on a river. Others?" She shakes her head. "They're spread out across the forest." Then she looks to Arik. "Leaving aside any argument about the Abandoned themselves, I'm not sure you understand what's out there. You can't leave small groups to defend them. You can't defend against what he'd send. We're massing everything we can just to defend /one/ spot right next to the city."

Reese turns her focus to Mia now. "That will be hugely helpful, Countess Mia."

Shard says, "The people that can leave, have to leave."

Samantha notes, "The tribes who came to Deepwood moved themselves, but I understand this may be a situation. I highly discourage occupation. That is a step back, not forward."

"You're forgetting, Lord Halfshav, how many Houses have lost the bulk of their armies at Setarco and Stormwall. What you're suggesting would require numbers we simply don't have at the moment, particularly given the harsh fact that -- in truth -- no one can say with any certainty how many Abandoned there even *are* in the Crownlands and the North. Many tribes are very, very good at eluding us, and have been doing so for some time, for a variety of reasons," Mia counters, shaking her head slowly. It makes her long braid sway and so, eventually, she pulls it over her shoulder to drap down her front, where it may be better kept in check."

Ian looks from Reese to Shard. "If you want to move a lot of people fast, the water is the way to do it. If it's easier to get people to a major waterway than..." He trails off, because he's not actually sure where else they'd be taken. "... within the Compact?"

Reese sucks in a sharp breath, seemingly concerned and thoughtful. "I am trying to ponder this out. I don't think there is any easy solution here."

"So the general thought is that we have to move what tribes we can convince to move?" Reese then asks, seemingly reviewing what was said. She looks thoughtful and pensive.

Mia nods. "I believe so, Your Highness."

"I haven't forgotten the losses at Stormwall or Setarco, my Houses army well there too and we will know the ledger." Arik replies in a dry sounding rumble. "Tribes unwilling or unable to make the move with populations strong enough to mount a defense, with help from the compact may be able to prevent these huts from being constructed. In all my talks with the Princess and the reports here has anyone said -how- these huts or villages are being moved? Is it some unseen army, is it some force, or abyssal ritual?"

Shard nods as well. "The ones that haven't been hit yet, at least. Talk to them. Try to convince them. Some really won't go, but most will, if you don't force them to swear an oath. It's going to be rough given the season, but if they can be made to understand what's coming, and most of them probably already have an idea of it, they'll go."

"Under certain circumstances and conditions, Samantha. As Princess Reese has said, the situation in the forest is complicated and delicate, and I don't think an open forum is the best place to hash out all the nuances," Alaric replies. "In any event, for too long the Abyssals have been able to point to the bloody history between the Compact and the Abandoned to make the claims that we and the Abyssals have no difference, and are just rival conquerors whose claims of dark rituals and the like are propaganda. Even if we had the military resources to hold such widely disparate grounds, we need to make the choices these Abandoned tribes face on their end a much starker one. I am therefore concerned less that they help the Compact and more that they do -not- help the Abyssals. Should we be able to do things like destroy these huts and help the more vulnerable tribes flee to less threatened areas, I think it a good policy to our ends."

One of Mia Riven's black brows sloooooooooooowly arches upwards at that question. It is the only change in her expression.

Reese turns her attention to Mia, giving her a nod. She then looks over to Aarik "I don't know what is going on with the huts, but an abyssal ritual seems likely." She says before nodding to Shard. "Okay." She says seems seeming to agree with her. She then turns her focus to Alaric. "That makes sense, King Alaric. Soo..." She says and then trails off.

"I think our plan is going to be speak with the tribes who are not yet enslaved and help them move to less threatened areas. Destroy the half finished huts, which is a risky and a soul-risking task. It tried to enslave me when I burn the one down. And then keep researching how to free the villages that are already under the influence of a a hut."

"And what if the gargantuans these tribes are being used to form are to be sighted or appear on Arx's doorstep?" Arik asks rather bluntly.

"Then I reckon we'll need to die gloriously," Thesarin rumbles toward Arik with a shake of his head. "Or have clever folk work out a way to deal with them." He places his hands on the surface of the barrel, looking over toward Reese with a nod. "We'll want to make ready food, and waypoints. Furs and blankets, if they'll be moving after snowfall." He's quiet a moment longer, and gives out another grunt. "And swords. Reckon there's a fine chance his hunters will start moving."

Rinel has left the cozy seating by a stone fireplace.

Atreke, a severe-looking scribe leaves, following Rinel.

Reese looks over to Thesarin, giving him a nod. "Okay, you make a good point, we need food. I really don't know what are are going to do if the giants show. Avoid them if we can, fight them if such is needed to protec the Shavs. Die if we have to."

"We lack the resources to stake any forward presence of note among the Abandoned lands. The Abandoned tribes that are stronger and more capable of mounting their own defenses so as to be harder targets for the Abyssals will most likely need to be left to their own devices at the moment. They are not the ones being preyed upon, according to our reports," Alaric concludes. "What we can do is assemble small teams as we have been that can achieve discrete goals like hut eradication, and stationing waypoints as Count Thesarin suggests." He smirks lightly at Arik. "Well, we'll have another real war on our hands then, won't we? It would be somewhat more helpful if they did; I've some ballistae that have yet to be shot in anger. However, the enemy is unlikely to make Arx their primary target. To a large extent, we are somewhat extraneous to their major aims in this phase of operations; our essential aim is to try and obstruct them as best that we can."

Arik lifts his whiskey glass in a salute to Alaric and then downs the remainder.

Samantha murmurs, "I need to return home. Forgive me for departing early. And arriving late." She says something lowly to her table as she moves to stand.

Samantha pauses briefly for a murmur from Mia.

Alaric is overheard praising Samantha for: A fine statement of the ideals we stand for.

"One more thought..." Thesarin frowns, again, looking over the assembled and back toward Reese. "...we have a notion if the thing in the Lowers is one of his?"

Kaine looks a little pale after having sat there and listened to everything, but he seems to recover from his pallor rather quickly, shaking his head out and dabbing some sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.

Reese looks toward the King, nodding in response to his words. "Okay, King Alaric." She says and seems to agree with him. "I can keep you updated on our progress if you want? I will try not to be too wordy or send too many messages." She says, a bit sheepishly, because Reese does get message crazy sometimes! "Anyways, anyone who wants go back to the forest and help with this, let me know and we will arrange for it. Thank you all for coming and for your patrols and your advice. This was a great meeting and you are amazing people to work with. Without you all, I would be in the forest trying to one woman defend against the slaver all winter long or something crazy."

"I have a notion," Shard says flatly. "But it's a suspicion, no proof."

Alaric is overheard praising Reese for: House Grayson is extremely proud of Princess Reese for managing this critical issue to the defense of the Crownlands.

Reese looks toward Thesarin and then to Shard. "I have no idea if its related or not."

"I was -just- informed today it may be one of his, I had thought it something far more devourish." Arik remarks and reaches up to scratches his formidibale beard. "Surely the Inquisition should be coordinating on this matter if it were related... I mean it is in Arx?"

Shard glances sidelong toward Arik. "...Informed by who?"

Samantha exchanges quiet murmurs with Mia, and then replies to the last one offered a simple,"Agreed." She keeps trying to leave, but man, people keep saying interesting things! She looks between Shard and Arik.

Sparte looks at Arik curiously.

Esoka's jaw sets at mention of the creature in the lowers, ears sharp for any fresh intelligence regarding it. She'll absorb what she can concerning this threat, and linger until Arik tells the full of it.

Kenna arches an eyebrow when Arik throws that out, her arms coming across her chest to hide any other reaction.

And then just to be sure Arik squints around the room checking for that scarlet red. "By someone." he replies in a stubborn vagueness. "Lacking any proof, I can only assume it is their best guess."

Shard grunts, and her nose wrinkles. "...So, like me, they just have a feeling."

"I would consider it another vote for the yes it should be heavily considered side of the question." Arik clarifies.

Katarina has left the a comfortable ivory leather and mahogany wooden sofa.

Pawn, the courtier's apprentice, Quiet, a Valardin champion leave, following Katarina.

"We've seen him send wolf-things before," Thesarin rumbles out with another nod toward Shard. "Reckoned it seemed likely."

Samanthafinally has to excuse herself. "Thank you everyone. I'll see you all another time." A curtsy for Alaric, and out the Marquessa goes.

Samantha has left the a whiskey barrel table finished with metal rivets.

5 House Deepwood Guards leaves, following Samantha.

"It's a beast of some kind, it sounds like," Shard says, thin again. "But two baseless guesses don't mean anything."

Driskell checked wits + occult at difficulty 30, rolling 13 higher.

Ian braces himself on the arm of the couch and uses that and his cane to push himself to his feet. "Send for me if you want to discuss logistics, Your Highness," he says to Reese, as the meeting breaks up. "I'll see what support I can drum up."

Sparte gives Shard a flat expression. "You should trust your instincts."

Shard grunts. "I do. I just don't trust them to the exclusion of everything else. All I know is what's public."

Zoey rises with Ian and smiles at Reese. "Thank you for holding the meeting, Princess."