Balian, a Templar squire, Guy, a hunting kestrel arrive, following Preston.

Preston is sat in the CHapter House at the large table, a small stack of papers on his table as he stamps various ones with a large seal, planting the symbol of the templars on various papers with wax. There are some things one must do as minion in chief. Around the room, the chairs have been set up and food has been stacked around, finger food and drinks.

Esoka arrives with the sort of punctuality one could run an hourglass by. Neither early nor late. Arriving /exactly/ when she means to. She finds a chair, not far from Preston, flashing him a broad grin. "Sir Preston. A good day upon you."

"Our Champion of Gloria." Preston says in greeting to Esoka, grinning a little "Sorry about that, by the way. I had hoped to speak to you before I said anything. And it looks like the meeting will be quiet at least, which helps."

Pellinor, 4 Thrax Guards, Honey Snuggle, a Velenosian Angora cat arrive, following Alarissa.

Esoka actually blushes some, a warm flush creeping into the bronze of her cheeks. She bows deeply, before settling properly in her chair. "I'm honored by it. I hope I can uphold it as such a thing should be. I'd like to devote more time to my discipleship, come to it. It'll need to be worked out with my liege lords, but they know of the importance of my faith to me, so it shouldn't be an issue." She's recently arrived and seated herself near Preston.

Alarissaxs making her way in, quietly conversing with Pellinor as she does. But she finishes that conversation as she enters properlyn a glance around the assembled with a smile.

"We are very happy for what time we have of yours, Esoka. But. Your dedication did have to be recognised, and also I cannot deny that Gloria has a special love for you. My choice is to do as others have done and sideline those with special...links? To decide that such a link, given legitimacy is a powerful threat to the Faith. Or I can embrace it and trust in the person and in the Gods. I chose to do the latter. In part because of Ailith, but also because of my own experiences hearing the Sentinel, and the purpose I drew from knowing the Gods have need of me." The arrival of Alarissa causes Preston's head to turn and a broad smile to appear "Princess Alarissa. You are, as always, most welcome. We have refurbished the Chapter House recently, after Stormwall I felt much needed renewing."

Esoka rises again, as Alarissa enters. Before sitting again. For real and permanently this time. "Princess Alarissa. A good day upon you." There's another deep bow of her head, when Preston mentions hearing the Sentinel. All respect. But she doesn't press more, in a place such as this. "It feels good. To have a fine place we can eat and talk together."

"It's lovely. I came to see and hear the questions being asked" She moves closer to the pair and Pellinor and guards falling back. "Itxs always good to know what the gods want if you and to feel their favour. Astrid will grow up knowing this" She dips her head for both of them. "How is the order faring? Anything that Thrax may do for it other than drag you along on the tour as intended. Dame Esokan how are you?"

"It seems like it will be a quiet event, but I wanted to do something. Perhaps after the open session we might all speak about what is occuring behind the scenes? THings we probably should move to a secluded corner to discuss." Preston smiles warmly at the pair, flexing his gauntlets "And I very much look forward to the Tour, as I know Ailith does. It will be good to see more of the Isles beyond Maelstrom and Kennex lands." There is a little grin "I do have some small...ah, tokens?...for the Orazian Sentinels. If they cannot be dissuaded, then their connection to the Faith should at least be encouraged. We can hardly deny Father Orazio is a good man, as he is a legate. Oh, we are having a feast in a week or two for the founder of the Oathlands Orthodoxy, which should be enjoyable."

"I'm well enough, Princess," Esoka replies to Alarissa. "Occupied in my duties and adjusting to being wedded. Which orients my life in rather different ways, but good ones all around." She makes a low, thoughtful sound at mention of the Sentinels. "I'd love to meet them one day. They sound a very...dedicated group, and one whose approach to their Faith I'd be most interested to hear."

"Marriage can be quite the adjustment. Master Calaudrin yes? You will soon find the years pasding by. almost two for his Grace and I" A smile still on her face for preston. "We depart in two weeks timen possibly three. we wait on theflagship to be finished and annointed. But do not encourage those godsworn who ideate the legate. but their piousness is I am sure, appreciated. we wonxt be more than a day in kennex though. a fair warning"

"We take our recruits where we can, Princess Alarissa. I lost 50,000 dead and wounded at Stormwall, Zealots who worship Orazio, if they will fight, are men I can use. And men I can teach." Prestin spreads his hands before he looks about "But, as it is quiet, let us talk privately for a few moments...."