In the furthest corners of the Ambassador's Salon, a pair of tables have been sequestered for the event and transformed into the epitome of tea time dreams. Crisp white linens and the finest of glazed pottery done in breathtaking hues are the foundation upon which the most delectable of steaming tea brews, custom-blended for the occasion, are served. Princess Katarina Valardin, dressed demurely in a warm array of fine silken layers, sits at the head of a table, in quiet discussion with Pawn, her young courtier-in-training turned personal assistant. Seats are available aplenty for pending arrivals.

Sunrise, lilac breasted roller arrives, delivering a message to Amari before departing.

Waldemai signals for a reddish-brown fluid that vaguely resembles tea but is typically served cold.

Silvio arrives just a hair late for the event. Fashionable...as ever. He hasn't been seen around Arx for a bit, though his appearance is generally the same, with a tired aspect around his eyes from a day of travel. He sweeps towards Grazia, composing a smile for everyone else as he goes, though it warms for her in particular. A wiggle of his fingers greets others as well.

Quenia says her goodbyes at the sofas, then makes her way for the door.

Quenia has left the Far rear couches.

Lethe talks quietly with Amari while waiting for the the event to begin. She looks to Katarina with a cheerful smile when she sees her.

Katarina has joined the Large Table.

Grazia glances up at Silvio and smiles pleasantly, nodding to her brother-in-law. "Good evening, Lord Silvio. You are looking quite well," she greets, then glances to her companion. "Duke Aiden was just chatting with Marquessa Quenia, and I was enjoying their company."

Veronica isn't one for social events, but she makes an exception and appears at the salon today. Why? Who can say. Although she is an Oathlander, and being Sword of her house may give a glimpse at why the topic tonight might be of interest to her. Once inside, she glances about, and predictably heads towards the table where Amari and Lethe sit. "Amari." She greets as a hand is placed on the back of an empty chair. "My lady. I do not believe we have met. Veronica Keaton, Sword of Oakhaven and cousin of Lady Amari."

Cullen puts away a journal he had been scribbling in while waiting, sliding it into a coat pocket and quietly taking a seat at the table with nod of his head at all gathered, finishing it with a quick smile at their host, Katarina.

Cullen has left the Shadowy Table.

Cullen has joined the Large Table.

With a smile of infectious warmth cast toward Amari and Lethe, Katarina makes a discreet gesture for one of the waitstaff to begin pouring a cup of golden-brown tea for herself. "Lady Tyde, Lady Keaton, are you both here for the discussion?" she curves her palm in welcoming salute to Veronica, a curious glance cast toward the rest of those scattered across the rooms. "Once everyone's settled, we'll start here momentarily," she promises.

Aiden nods to the Marquessa as she slips out for the evening, his sterling silver eyes flickering back toward the room, settling beside Grazia. Her greeting to Silvio draws an inviting gesture toward the man, "Lord Silvio, do come join us?" He glances aside to Grazia, reaching out to take her hand with a quiet smile on his face.

Lethe looks to Katarina and nods. "I'm here for the discussion." She looks to Veronica and smiles. "I'm Lady Lethe Tyde, Harlequin of Death, and sister to Lord Archeron. It's nice to meet you."

Silvio has joined the Far rear couches.

Amari hmms softly and glances up to note all the new people streaming in, as well as the tea time dream all set and ready to be enjoyed. "It does seem to be... and there's Princess Katarina." She says to Lethe, before bowing her head respectfully to Katarina, "Your Highness, we are! This is all very lovely." She says of the spread, not even noticing Veronica until her name is spoken, surprising her a bit, "Veronica, is something the matter?" As in trouble at the Keaton Hall. Little Timmy fell down the well? It's like she can't believe her cousin is here for tea and conversation.

Lisebet makes her way into the salon, removing her cloak, and then heading over to Katarina's area. She pauses as she spies Cullen, giving him a smile. "M'Lord Cullen, thank you for your timely reminder. I came as quickly as I could," she says. She offers a warm and friendly smile, then turning to note a number of folks she already knows. "Princess Katarina, as always, a pleasure. Lady Amari, congratulations I hear are in order." She stops there for a moment, not meaning to leave anyone out, but in order to catch her breath.

Mongoose, Oliver arrive, following Joscelin.

"The pleasure is mine." Veronica nods to Lethe, already pulling out the chair to sit down. "Don't mind if I join you." She adds, pausing momentarily when she spots Katarina's salute. "Princess Katarina." She nods to the princess and finally sits, settling in before acknowledging Amari's question. "Nothing's the matter. This is merely a topic I am very interested in, especially in recent days. I'd like to hear opinions on the subject from people smarter and wiser than I, that's all."

Veronica has joined the Large Table.

Lisebet has joined the Large Table.



"Truth is a word that takes many forms; veracity, sincerity, candor, honesty, verity," Katarina begins shortly after granting Lisebet and Cullen a delighted smile to accompany her hushed greeting their way, rising out of her seat to ensure her sweet-pitched tones are eloquently cast over the crowd gathered around at respective tables. "Hundreds of words can be called synonymous, but rarely do they ever detract from the root of the meaning: truth is irrefutable, unadulterated and the purity."

"Truth can inflict the greatest of pains or the sweetest pleasures. But what is the value of such candor amongst the Peerage? What does it mean to you?" she asks, taking her time in studying the faces of those around her, golden eyes attempting to catch upon the variegated gazes looking back upon her.

Waldemai signals for another whiskey. This could get deeeeeeeeeeep.


"I can bring whiskey to a tea talk if I want to," There was a bit of muffled commotion at the door to the Salon before it opens and Oliver Coldrain enters the Salon, mumbling under his breath. He has his hand protectively cradling a flask to his leathers, and he's glaring over his shoulder at /somebody/ - Joscelin, it seems - before he puts his forefinger to his lips. "Shh. It's started. We're late," he stage-whispers, and then ducks into a bow before finding himself a seat, making sure to pull out a chair for Joscelin to sit beside him.

Oliver has joined the Bar.

"Lady Lisebet, thank you. It's nice to see you, I hope the discussion will be lively." Amari smiles and if she means to say more, she holds back to turn and listen to Katarina make the opening remarks. Only when she's finished does she make a small, soft aside to Veronica, "Oh, I'm glad. I see, it would definitely be of interest to you." There's a wider smile she beams at both Veronica and Lethe then, as though happy they've met. She does get quiet though, to listen and trade her glass of wine for a small cup of tea. A glance goes to the stage-whisperer and the muffled commotion at the door, but she seems more curious about Oliver and Joscelin than strictly disapproving.


Joscelin takes a moment to pull off her coat, revealing the exquisite original Morrighan Redrain she's wearing, baring her back, brown skin decorated with silvery scars. She rolls her eyes at her companion and has the mind not to say -anything-, heading to the bar after passing her coat to an attentive servant upon entering. Oliver gets an elbow dug into his side but takes the chair he pulls out for her, the woman attentive to the room and the discussion at hand.

Joscelin has joined the Bar.

Katarina glances briefly toward the briefly disruptive entrance of Oliver with Joscelin in tow, but she does little more than offer them a smile. "You only just missed the opening statement, Mistress Joscelin. Tonight's question was a light probing of: What is the value of truth to you? Would you care to offer your own opinions? It seems that more than a few people might be a tad bit shy."

Joscelin checked composure + diplomacy at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.


Joscelin looks to Katarina, thinking. "Loyalty. Honesty brings trust, trust breeds loyalty, and loyalty is invaluable. Priceless. But then, so is discretion, perhaps that's a different matter." She shifts in her chair, ponderous. "Is that helpful?"

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

Katarina considers Joscelin's response. "Honesty harkens trust and loyalty, that is true. But when you speak of discretion, why makes you think that it is a different matter all together? Why cannot discretion and honesty, which begets trust and loyalty, go hand in hand? Do you think that they are conflictions by their very nature?"

Lisebet settles into a seat as she listens, getting some tea to match the event, more or less. She smiles at Amari, inclining her head. Her gaze goes to the others, pinpointing those she's met only once or not at all, and briefly giving them a once over. Then she pauses to think, her head tilting a bit, as she smoothes out the silk she's wearing.

After watching a servant pour him a cup of fragrant black tea, Cullen picks it up and takes a sip, pondering the question. Perhaps stalling for time, hoping someone else will answer. Joscelin does! Excellent. Finally, the normally garrulous Greenmarch reluctantly exhales and speaks quietly, fingers curled about the cup. "I do not think that discretion and honesty are mutually exclusive. There is a difference between discretion and lies of omission, after all. People may wish to protect their privacy without covering up a fact that would harm another."


"No, they do not conflict, but you speak of truth like a commodity. You said 'value'. Discretion with truth can be viewed by others as withholding information, and some find that -dis-honest, and unacceptable." Joscelin motions to a server. "Or, unwanted, depending on the person. For example, I tell my clients the truth of their designs, whether they'll work well, in their budget, etc., but I also offer discretion, protection of their truth, their secrets. Some truths are not for everyone to see. I don't think that's what you mean here, in your discussion of truth and its value, but if I'm wrong, we can follow that train of thought as well. I don't mind." Gold eyes glitter with amusement, and she takes a moment to order a drink before returning her attention to Katarina.

Emmelline has joined the Large Table.

Harlen arrives, following Duarte.

Vald arrives, following Sina.

Duarte has joined the Bar.

Vald leaves, following Sina.

Drinking deep of her tea, Katarina bides her time while digesting Cullen and Joscelin's respective responses. "The topic of truth is broad and unwieldly if one lets it be," she confesses. "And for sake of time and efficiency, I'll narrow it down further. The value of truth is an abstract concept whose value is largely dependent on the views of society as a whole, and can vary wildly from individual to individual. Personally, I place candor above all else in term of my own hierarchy of virtues. One cannot strive to be their better selves if they are not acceptant of the world or parts of themselves completely."

"As for discretion, I think there is a fine line between choosing to be discreet and falling into the pit trap of dishonesty by omission. It is a culmination of intent and situational circumstance, as Guildmistress Joscelin has said. Speaking of dishonesty, do you think it is ever alright to lie?"


Joscelin sips from her newly-arrived steaming mug, letting someone else offer their two-bits ahead of her this time.


"If you ask me, the value of truth is heavily weighted on whether or not you're the giver or receiver," Oliver suggests with a light shrug, swiveling in his chair to lean his back against the bartop. "Some people are honest to a fault. Others expect the truth without wanting to give too much of it themselves. No harm in that, just the way of the world, I suppose. As for lying, well. I don't think there's a person among us whose never told a lie. White or otherwise."

Veronica leans forward and folds her arms on the table, after waving away a server. Nope, she's not here to drink, but to listen and think. And perhaps to voice her own opinion, or question on the topic. "I do not accept lies." She answers Katarina firmly. "I have always pursued truth in everything that I do or say, but what constitutes a lie? Sometimes our duties require us to... hide the truth from others, as a necessity for the greater good. When faced with such a choice, I have always opted for, in my opinion, an honest reply: that I am not able to speak of it. Even though sometimes that would anger others."

Emmelline, who has just arrived takes a seat at the table, after curtsying respectfully to all at the table. Listening to Catarina's words, she clears her throat softly and speaks up. "I think, it is okay to lie, depending on the intention. If you are lying, to spare a friend's feeling, is quite different from lying for your own personal gain. it is a delicate balance in my oppinion. you can neither be too candid, too totally honest, but nor can you be deceitful towards others."

Lethe considers. "I think that things would be a lot different if we all only told the truth. I think there are reasons to lie sometimes. It can save a life or just a friendship."


"Or a reputation," Joscelin says quietly. "And some people have only their reputation. Mistakes happen. Lies can be given to protect the well-being of whole families."

Katarina maintains impartiality, her expression revealing nothing but intrigue for the responses she's been gien. "That does not answer the question," she poses in challengge first to Oliver. "To say that you've never told a lie in your mortal life would be a lie in of itself, I'm sure most of us can agree upon that. But does that make it morally acceptable? Is there truly a difference between the weight of a lie? What is wrong is fundamentally wrong, is it not?" To Veronica, the princess inclines her head: "I find I my opinion would align with your own. Better to deflect than compromise your own integrity, and better the other party be unhappy that you told them nothing that threatens the discretion you've taken." Fingers drum lightly against the side of her teacup, mulling over Emmelline's words. "Is lying to protect the feelings of someone else truly a selfless act, or a person simply being dishonest with the true reason why they chose to spare their feelings? Deflection of responsibility for the consequences of being the bearer of bad news, mayhaps?" Her words could be similarly directed toward Lethe.

ANd then, out of the blue, she's arcing a look upon her unofficial protege, the Duke Rubino. "Duke Aiden, what do you think?"

Lisebet continues to listen, sipping her tea. She glances from one to the other, as they speak, and then she says, "I'm Lady Lisebet Farshaw for those who have not met me as yet. I think that truth and candor are always important, but there is no need to be mean, nasty or obnoxious about it. If my outfit does not suit me, I would prefer my friends tell me, rather than my enemies, but I would prefer they do so gently, as well. For serious things, there are some truths, I have heard it said, that not everyone needs to know. This brings things, as - " She nods to Lethe, " - said, to a different level." And then Katarina starts, which brings Lisebet back to thoughtful silence.

Greeting Lisebet in response with a warm smile, Cullen faces Katarina again, fingertips tapping on the side of the cup. "I would have to agree with Inquisitor Keaton. One should not lie nor accept it, but if one was put in the face of, say, putting someone in danger or the Compact or such, then simply not replying or otherwise refusing to answer would be best. If one realizes they've been lying, even if it a lie of omission...then one should rectify the situation, although it will likely be worse than it was initially." Then he falls silent, waiting on the Duke's response.

Aiden checked composure + diplomacy at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

"Casuistry." Duarte proclaims. "I suppose I shall tell the next invading hoard precisely where the king is being hidden. I should hate to have the moral indignity of a lie upon my conscience. And of course our enemies shall never be deceived as to pur state of readiness, or the expanse of our army." A beat, "And none here should worry about their feelings or friends - you all look absolutely lovely." He motions his glass to Silvio, "Especially you." And then to Waldemai, "And even you."


"I think there's a mighty big difference, at least when it comes to the reason for the lie," Oliver says to Katarina, his brow arching upward as he is challenged. "If I'm lying to protect somebody. Lying to shield someone else from being harmed, that's a whole lot different than if I'm lying to hurt somebody." He raises a broad shoulder in a shrug. "You can be in the pursuit of the truth and still be willing to lie when it's necessary, or when the situation calls for it."

Emmelline shakes her head at Catarina's words to her. "No your highness, one can lie, as a selfless act. Sometimes, a person lies, because they have real empathy. They can reasonably empathize how they might feel, if they were given the cold unfettered truth. so they bend the truth, or perhaps tell a white lie. Yes, I would agree, lying for self gain, lying to be deceitful to manipulate others, to mislead, is terrible, and should never be done. But also, not all lies are bad. Minus a few things, seldom is anything in this universe always all the time, bad. perhaps I make little sense, and am doing a poor job of explaining myself."

Joscelin looks to Lisebet, raising her mug to the other woman in agreement. "Yes, not everyone needs to know. I receive many orders for gifts that are secrets, as surprises or relationships that need not be made public. If I erred on the side of complete, total honesty, pure and unobjective, I would ruin lives on my selfish need to be completely, openly honest in a society that cannot or will not as a whole, for whatever reason. So just as one can lie for selfless reasons, as has been stated, one can be truthful for selfish ones."

Veronica nods to Katarina and Cullen, both of whom agree with her stance on the matter. Sitting up straight after hearing the other opinions, she turns to the room at large. "The Compact is built on an alliance of houses. Vassals swear oaths to their lieges. We all live by our words. If we excuse ourselves with lies, where is the line drawn? If someone is known to tell lies, how do we trust in the oaths they swear?"

Silvio bows his head and touches his chest with a graceful motion as Duarte compliments him, forming a 'humble' smile on his lips though his eyes practically scream 'damn right'. "As long as you keep saying truths like that, you can lie about /everything else/..." he interjects with a casual, flirtaceous tone.

Joscelin can't help it; she giggles at Silvio.

Aiden thankfully doesn't look like a deer in the headlights, though he does seem a little uncomfortable at the very least, looking around at the varied opinions on the matter. He rises up from the couch for a moment, "Princess," he bobs his head toward her, "To the rest of you that I've not met, a pleasure. I'm Aiden Rubino, Duke of Gemecitta." He pauses, looks to the room, then answers, "The oaths some of us choose to take, in fact, do make it imperative that we omit details to those who would otherwise not be obliged to the Oaths we took." He runs a hand down his tunic, "Otherwise, we could be in fact breaking our Oaths." He bows his head and settles back down, leaving his opinion as laconic as he can.

"Are alliances built solely on truths?" Oliver cants his head to Veronica, lifting a brow. "I don't think so. Alliances are built up on need fulfillment. Our lieges don't tell us everything, and I would almost guarantee that many a lie has been told between the Great Houses."

"Because everyone of us, have judgement," Emmelline speaks up at Veronica's question. "Hopefully, our judgement is not so poor, as to break an oath. Earlier I said my lady, that it depends on the reason of the lie. I believe, we should look at the intent behind the actions. We all of us, act in ways, perhaps we ought not to. We all of us, have had consequences happen, due to the actions we have taken, and consequences we could not have possibly foreseen. however, it is the underlying intent of the actions that should be looked at, and be given the most merit."

Lethe looks to Veronica. "I don't think we can truly trust people. I don't, but I still give them a chance. Still I think that breaking an oath is more serious than a small lie about whether someone likes what I'm wearing."

"But again, one can simple refuse to answer. Like the Count's scenario, or about commissions as gifts...simply tell people it is not their business and leave it at that," Cullen interjects after a moment, taking another sip of tea before setting the cup down and tapping his fingertips against the table. "I think where it comes into...where it crosses the line between simply refusing to tell someone something and a lie of omission is if it is done for a self-serving reason, to hide something you'd know you ought to be told, but because it would harm you in some fashion, do not." Again, Veronica gets a dip of the head in agreement before responding to that as well. "That is true. If someone is a known liar, how can one not take them to be a potential oathbreaker? And if so, and lying becomes permissible in society, then it is soon to follow that oathbreaking will as well, leaving society groundless."

"But it needn't go that far my lord," Emmelline remarks amiably to Cullen. "Perhaps I misunderstand your words, but from what I am hearing, it is rather extreme. That is a person lies, then they must, by natural course, be breaking their oaths. Then, as a result, society will crumble. But it needn't be that extreme. There can be, and is a balance."


Joscelin looks to Emmelline. "But there is no gray area with honesty. You either say a truth, or you don't. If you aren't completely truthful, you are not being honest. Yes?" She says it as a question to discuss and nothing more, the plump, golden-eyed Guildmaster simply curious.

"You never fail to disappoint to deliver theatrics at a most critical time in discussions, Count Amadeo," Katarina drawls benevolently, a hint of humor cast toward Duarte when the mind captures her gaze. "But using equivocation to try and solve moral dilemmas to a situation in which roles are radically different are a slippery slope in philosophical debates, mi'lord," she forewarns. It's something Emmelline says that sparks her attention sliding that-a-way, but it's a smile tipped toward Aiden in quiet approval while she's simply listening to what is said around her.

Kyan, a long-legged silver tabby-cat arrives, delivering a message to Silvio before departing.

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

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

"Not that it must by natural course be breaking their oaths, but rather that it is building towards a course where small lies make largers ones acceptable, and that leads eventually to the possibility to oathbreaking," Cullen replies to Emmelline with a smile. "Also, apologies. I don't think I introduced myself. Lord Cullen Greenmarch."

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

Lethe looks around. "I think I need to be going now, but this has been an interesting topic."

Aiden settles back down on the seat he shares with Grazia and Silvio, though he seems at least pleased that no one was proving an argument about what he said. He returns to a softer conversation at the couches.

"I am sure taken out of context things seem so strange, your highness, but you were being quite general and I challenged such a simplistic approach with a specific." Duarte says as he slides onto a stool. "The value of truth? I don't know. Show me 'a truth' and I will have it appraised by the Guildmaster." He motions to Joscelin with a smirk.

Lethe has left the Large Table.


Joscelin just grins at Duarte, sipping from her mug as she continues to listen to the others for now.

"Lady Emmelline harthall," Emmelline in turn introduces herself to Cullen, before attempting to answer both his and Jocelyn's question. "But why, must it be so extreme?," she asks the pair. Turning to Jocelyn she answers, "Why is complete honesty the one and only course of action? Let's take a scenario. let's say, just for argument's sake, that you and a dear friend of yours had a falling out. Suppose, you go to another friend to confide in him or her about your recent falling out. Would you really want the friend in which whom you are confiding in, to tell you the brutal truth? perhaps, that you were a bad friend, or perhaps, that they have more important things to discuss than your latent friendships? or would you rather, your friend be a true friend, and act empathetic towards your loss, of which you feel very keenly? I am not saying, that lying for selfish reasons should be condoned. I am simply saying, that there is a balance. it needn't be all or nothing."

Amari continues listening, but busies her hands with the pouring of tea for herself and Veronica. When that's finished she sits back and regards the speakers over the rim of her cup and rather than voice anything, she absently cools her tea by gently blowing over the steaming surface. When she thinks it safe, she has a sip and then another as she apparently judges it both not scalding hot and delicious. When Lethe announces she's leaving, there's a quick smile for her and a murmured farewell. Still, no arguments are made.

Silvio seems lured to the conversation by the hints of drama he senses in the air. "Truth may indeed be appraised based on how badly someone wishes to know it. Honesty suggests opinion, to me. Truth is easier. Ohhh, darling, that dress is so blue! That is a truth. That I like or dislike it is my honest opinion...though, /my/ honest opinion on clothing choices is closer to truth than some." He grins crookedly and makes a motion to try and get himself a drink.

"Lady Emmelline has said something rather interesting. Truth and deceit are dyadic concepts. Virtues and vices of dreams and nightmares," Katarina deigns to delve deeper into the moral quandary, seeming to have enjoyed listening to the stark contrast of opinions. "Quite often we fall in a realm of gray areas between two such extremes, some of us rationalizing them away however we can to assauge the weight of guilt we might cause if we stray to far. There are extremes; a place in the world where deceit in itself is an artform to be cherished. Throwing those around you in confusion to the point that you could not tell fact from truth, and your beliefs are in a constant state of flummox," she lifts another hand to pantomime a stark opposite. "Whereas you have those who seek to be candid and honest, no matter the cost, to a fault. Can there really be a balance of the two realms?"

Emmelline has joined the line.

Lisebet has joined the line.

Katarina has joined the line.

Turn in line: Emmelline

"of course there is your highness," Emmelline says easily, nodding slightly to Catarina. "Minus very few things, in everything there is a balance. of course, one can tilt the balance too far one way, by being far too honest, and caring about no one else's feelings, but their own honesty, or the other way, by telling nothing but lies, breaking their word, and in general making themselves a person not to be trusted. In that way, there is a stark contrast. But in everyday life, that is not the case. There is a balance, and how one wishes to strike it is up to each individual.

Veronica has joined the line.

"Would you rather a friend tell you the truth, no matter how painful it may be, or to spare your feelings and withold information from you?" Katarina poses in askance to Emmelline. "If they chose to withold information from you and you came to find out, would your opinion of them be adversely affected? Could you trust that, despite their good intentions of trying to spare your feelings, they will not choose to continue to hide things from you when you feel the need need to know them in the future? I find people are often quick to say they are ok with lying to protect the feelings of their friends until they are suddenly the ones being lied to."

Turn in line: Lisebet

Aiden has joined the line.

Lisebet stands briefly, so as to be heard. Given her petite stature, this does not actually help so much. "I have been listening and wondering if perhaps there is a component we might add to this to help make sense of it. Taken in isolation, we have truth and deceipt as opposite ends, and it is clear and easy to say one is valued and assists us and the other causes harm. But - we are not living in isolation, but with others- our lieges, our family, our friends, our acquaintances, our enemies, those who wish us dead, those who seek to harm us. Thus why I said there are ways to couch the truth so as not to be unreasonable. If you are with a friend in public, and they are upset already, but ask you 'does my dress look okay,' it might be better for reputation and for their mental health to tell them, "It's fine," rather than have them melt down in public. And then once out of the public eye, where there is room to react appropriately, then a conversation can be had privately. I do not think it is a reasonable equivalence to assume that a social lie is the same as lying about something stolen. It is not so much a slippery slope as a false equivalence, comparing things that are not at all worth the same notice or with the same impact. Would I prefer to be told the truth. Certainly. Would I understand if my friends took me home and then told me the truth - yes. So when we talk about always telling the truth, I have another scenario. What if you are asked a question about a top secret mission or an artifact that has been found that is of political importance. Perhaps even by someone who should know the answer, but there is someone there who is a notorious gossip, or who just plain it is not their business? What would you do then? By all means, tell the truth right there, and have that secret information spilled out to the world in minutes. Or if not that, have someone whose business it is not know. There are ways to say "not now," of course, and there are things that you can do to pretend that you are not lying. But I tell you quit solemnly that if I ask if you like my dress and you tell me it is very blue, it is very obvious that you do not like it, despite the fact that you have prevaricated. And if I ask that question and you say nothing, you might as well have said the uncomplimentary truth. For it is out there, whether or not you wish it be, set by the very silence that saves your honor."

Lisebet sits down and sips her tea, now once again quiet.

Joscelin is overheard praising Lisebet: Well spoken, Lady of Farshaw.

Turn in line: Katarina

Turn in line: Veronica

Bengalo, a sneaky black kitten arrives, following Yasmine.

Bengalo, a sneaky black kitten have been dismissed.

Katarina appears to be taking a backseat in the discussion, content to listen and digest what is said rather than actively facillitate thought for the moment.

Veronica lifts a hand to pinch at the bridge at her nose as she listens to the arguments both for and against. She is more thoughtful than actively disagreeing with anyone, but it is to Emmelline's example that takes her attention next. "For Lady Emmelline's question, I think this depends on each person. But I am in agreement with Lady Lisabet's arguments. For myself, I prefer the brutal truth, even if I am told I was a bad friend. It is not always easy to see your own faults, and you cannot be a better person if you cannot hear other people's opinions." She pauses to turn back to Katarina as the princess poses that question. "Yours is the question I am here to try to answer tonight, your Highness. I understand politics sometimes necessitates obfuscation of truths, but what if people you implicitly trust lie to you? How do you trust them again? How do you view them from that point onwards?"

Cullen has joined the line.


Joscelin too is also quiet, dressed as suitable for the beautiful Salon, sitting at the bar with Duarte, Oliver, and Waldemai, listening to the other speak as she sips from her cup. Her eyes flick to Veronica, absorbing the woman's words, but continues to be silent for now.

Turn in line: Aiden


Oliver's brow twitches upwards at some of the things that are said, but he seems content for the moment to lean back and chat quietly with the people at the bar.

Yasmine arrives late, whether late for the event or just to have a late drink and a meal isn't exactly clear. Just inside the doorway, the dancer looks over her shoulder, sighs, and steps just outside to hiss at the kitten following her, "No kitties allowed tonight, scamp. Off with you. I'll be home later, hmm?" The half-grown kitten scampers off around the corner before Yasmine ducks back inside. She clutches her cloak around her, glances around a moment, and, upon spotting a face in the crowd, grins broadly and makes her way over to Joscelin at the bar, whispering a greeting to the Guildmistress to avoid interrupting the debate.

Yasmine has joined the Bar.

"Justus once said that emotions have no place when deciding the punishment to a crime. That is not to say that emotions - a facet of intent of the offendor - should not be taken into consideration when considering all contributing factors of the crime," Katarina supplies in sidelong to questions posed toward her. "I wonder if one can apply that same logic to the topic at hand tonight. As Lady Lisebet and a few others said, to tell the truth or lie isn't such a simple decision. There are consequences to every action, after all." After that brief interlude, she turns toward Aiden. "I believe you're next, Duke Rubino."

Turn in line: Cullen

Emmelline has joined the line.

Aiden rises again and tips his head toward former speakers, noting, "The Lady Lisebet spoke of my opinions on the matter of truth, when it comes to obligations to the organizations and fealties we committed to. Take for instance, a member of the Inquisition. They have sworn to protect the knowledge they uncover for various reasons and they are not obligated to tell someone about that detailed information to those who aren't under the same restrictions. We have all sworn Oaths to those we love, to those whom we're aligned with, to those we call friends, to those we wish to aid and protect. It is therefore an individual choice of how to handle those oaths and commiments."

"If I for instance, asked my wife, what case she was working on, she," Aiden looks to Grazia as an example, "is under no obligation to tell me. She can simply phrase it as such, which would be the truth, or decide to fill in my curiosity with diplomatic politeness, which may be a half truth, or she can simply tell me a lie, or nothing at all." He looks back to the audience and to Katarina in particular, "We, as peers of the realm, constantly omit the truth and call it diplomacy. Especially in social situations, where we choose our words carefully, formulate a response we think others would like us to say, simply for the sake of etiquette and formalities." He pauses, then adds, "However, whatever choices we make, depending on the severity of the situation and our perspectives of what we're are trying to achieve - such as protecting someone we love - will always be as a pebble thrown into a pond. Nothing we do or say, will avoid creating an effect on those around us. I would say, be responsible with what you say, be it a truth, a half truth, or otherwise."

Lisebet is overheard praising Aiden: well said!

Joscelin is overheard praising Aiden: Incredibly eloquent.

Katarina is overheard praising Aiden: My protege never ceases to amaze me.

Katarina has joined the line.

Lisebet is overheard praising Katarina: Thoughtful discussion and interesting topic

Amari drinks much of her tea as she sits there in silence, listening, but no longer looking much at the respective speakers. She instead examines the crisp linen tablecloth, and the tiny wrinkle at the edge of the table. She smoothes it out with her fingertip. "The tea is excellent." She notes, before rising with a soft whisper rustle of seasilk and a gentle pat of Veronica's arm, "But in truth, I'm finding the discussion tiresome and I'd rather be doing... something else now. Please excuse me, Your Highness." Her curtsey is perfect to Oathlands standards, her smile warm and untroubled as she looks up again, and adds politely to the other assembled thinkers, "Good night everyone." With that she turns and makes her exit.

Amari has left the Large Table.

2 Novice Keaton Huntsmen, Marigold, a cheeky pygmy goat, River, a juvenile Oakhaven bloodhound leave, following Amari.

Silvio has left the Far rear couches.

"I think here would be a natural conclusion for the mean time," Katarina notes. "I'd like to welcome everyone to continue the discussion as they like. I'll be lingering around myself for a time to hear everyone else's thoughts."

a lithe, dark-cloaked Lycene woman arrives, following Mirari.