Chip, a small mouse, Boots arrive, following Valery.

Elgana has joined the House Redrain Alcove.

Arik has joined the House Halfshav Alcove.

Ender, a Silver Gyrfalcon, Ursa arrive, following Marian.

Kace has joined the House Redrain Alcove.

Marian has joined the House Redrain Alcove.

Sasha smiles happily as Taldolf joins her and Cirroch at the Sanna Alcove. "I am still glad you like your new armor." Her hands neatly fold as she rest them upon the table, patiently awaiting for the meeting to begin.

Is he late? No! He's even slightly early! Artur arrives for tje meeting in good time and relatively alone, considering all the guards and the like that are clogging up the place! It's Just Artur and his hunting hawk, Swiftwing, perched on his shoulder. He waves to a few that he knows and then moves toward the Redrain corner and finds a seat there.

Elgana enters arm-in-arm with Lille, the pair of women murmuring quietly to each other before the Redrain lets her lady go, and off she does go! A smile, warm and sunny, is worn easily by the princess as she nods to those she passes. She settles easily into a seat at the alcove, hands smoothing down her gown as she goes.

Artur has joined the House Redrain Alcove.

Petal doesn't seem quite sure where to sit as she glances over the alcoves. This is social grace that are over head and she looks like she is thinking hard. She waves in Sasha and Cirroch's direction. She smiles to Taldolf who she doesn't seem to seem to know, bu Petal is friendly like that. She then peeks to Elgana and Marian. "Um, I don't know where to sit." She confesses and looks toward the princesses as if seeking help. She needs some lessons in manners!

Valery arrives with quiet steps. She stands near the door, looking around at the place, and she hesitates to where to go. She decides to stay there, just stepping out of the way, hugging her basket. There is a shy wave here and there for those she knows.

Drysi, a young shaman apprentice, Serenity, 2 Crimson Blades Private arrive, following Khanne.

Arik hobbles into the public hall with the assistance of a cane before making his way towards the Halfshav Alcove. It's obvious there are still bandages under his clothes but the bruises are long healed as he eases himself down with a groan.

Khanne has joined the House Stahlben Alcove.

Khanne has left the House Stahlben Alcove.

Khanne has joined the House Halfshav Alcove.

"A chair, mistress Petal, chairs are for sitting!" Calls out Cirroch helpfully. He looks over to Taldolf, giving him an approving nod, "Good armor you have there. Careful around my wife, she can be quite dotting, feel free to try to reign her in if she starts going too fair."

Khanne walks into the hall wearing the same clothes she had on the night before. Her hair is messier than usual and she looks... tired. She waves to everyone while walking towards the alcove reserved for the Halfshav House. She flops down, then realizes she sat in the wrong place. With a sigh, she pushes herself up again, goes to the actual Halfshav alcove, then flops down again.

Darren enters, his guards remaining near the entrance to manage Bear and watch over their charge from afar. Darren continues alone to slowly cross the wide open floor stretching between the family alcoves set into the walls, his footfalls ringing out sharply to echo through the hall. He approaches the Redrain alcove, then stops, turning to face the rest of the room. "Thank you all for coming," he begins in a low and solemn tone. "I'm afraid that when I planned this meeting, I had hoped to use this time to discuss upcoming projects and ways to contribute to the growth and prosperity of our fealty. Unfortunately my agents have discovered something dire, and I must now use this time for an unintended but altogether urgent purpose: planning for the immediate defense of Farhaven." He pauses here to survey the room with a dour and grim frown. "You see, I have cause to believe the Horned God will attack Farhaven in force, soon. It would appear that his intent is the destruction of the city and of my family line. Therefore and with all haste I will be calling the banners and preparing all that we have to repel him." Here, a bit of gallows humor breaks through with a wry smirk. "Any questions?" And with that he settles onto a bench in the Redrain alcove, facing the rest of the room.

Darren has joined the House Redrain Alcove.

This question is clearly an obvious one, "Do you expect the Northern Houses to still support the Lodge?" Arik says in a hoarse and rumbling voice.

Marian looks refreshed from her bath, her hair still damp and clothes freshly pressed. She managed to slip in before Darren's arrival and was just sitting down. When he announces the topic of the meeting, she sits a little straighter, looking to see what the other houses reactions are to the news of the impending war coming to Farhaven's doorstep.

Valery eventually seems to make her mind with the place to sit up. She works for the Redrain House after all. And she slowly sneaks to the alcove, trying to interrupt as little as possible. She is frowning, though, worried by the news

Valery has joined the House Redrain Alcove.

Petal has joined the House Sanna Alcove.

Cirroch looks like he also has a question he wishes to ask, though he looks to Arik and Darren first, waiting the answer before he asks his question.

Mirk has joined the House Halfshav Alcove.

Petal decides to go sit with House Sanna. She listens to Darren's words and her brown eyes widen with intense concern.

Taldolf sits quietly at the Alcove next to Sasha and Cirroch listening in on the converstations.

Darren nods over to Arik. "I will command the expected siege at Farhaven personally. In her role as liaison to the Iron Guard for Redrain, Marian remains the best channel for directing what help and support we're able to give the efforts at the Lodge, and as such she will remain to command that effort and any engagements that may occur here. Our contribution to defending the Lodge was never going to be in banners of troops anyway -- as we all know, the Crown has plenty of that. Marian, would you like to speak to you will be coordinating that effort? And perhaps Vala Khanne as well, if the Spirit Walkers have something planned." He nods to Cirroch. "Why don't you take the floor while Marian gathers her thoughts, milord?"

Khanne tilts her head slightly with a frown.

Cirroch nods to Petal as she joins them, but then he rises to his feet, stating, "I have both a question, advice, and words of encouragement." He turns to Darren, telling him, "Do we know how many days march The Horned One's forces are from Farhaven?" Once he asks that question, he turns to the crowd, "Many of you likely know by now, but our enemy uses magic and abyssal forces to fight. One is called Gargantuains. Many of you likely know of them, but for those who don't, they are massive beings made from human sacrifice and a single one an take out a company of knights easy. Unless we have some method of defeating them I don't know about, seige weapons may be important for fighting them. I would consider building one or two for your armies." Though he gives them a smile, "But do not fear, my friends, for we are northerners. We will fight to defend our liege's foes with both honor and ferocity. This foe has been defeated by our ancestors before, and it is our turn to defeat him again. We will not yield!"

Marian gives a bow to her liege when he gives her the floor, and looks to the others in the hall, "From what we can tell, the war will be fought on two fronts. House Redrain has already pledged our agreement to assist with defending the Lodge. I shall be working with two sub-commanders to defend the Groves where the shamans shall be present as well." She gives a nod at Cirroch's words, "Yes, the enemy has many things in it's arsenal, Gargantuains are among them. But do not lose heart. There are ways to weaken these beasts." She turns to look to Khanne for her to add her piece.

Something in someone's words makes Valery blink and frown. And after a moment she raises a hand, to call her attention to her to ask a question.

Teiddwen the Otter, A fiery headed prodigal named Gwddfgwyn arrive, following Asger.

Khanne reaches up to rub her forehead. When she speaks, she sounds weary and exasperated. Her voice is a bit more quiet than usual. "It is, relatively common knowledge that we have rituals that will weaken the gargantuans by stealing back the souls, the names, they are made of. This is something I have researched, studied, and worked on for nigh about two years. It is these rituals that will be taking place at the Lodge. I will be working with the Inquisition on performing them, while Cybele and Clara are leading the Spirit Walkers and any others interested in calling the spirits, at the Grove within the Lodge's lands." She pauses and looks to Darren, then Marian. "Has there been a Gargantuan seen near Farhaven, at all? Forces seen near? How near?"

Asger strolls in, fashionably late as ever and makes his way up drop drop down into his family's alcove, bottle of whiskey in his hand, and otter at his heel. Looking around he takes stock of who all is here as he takes a drain from his bottle.

Asger has joined the House Crovane Alcove.

Aodhan arrives at the Redrain meeting, dresed in his fine clothes...it may be the first time in a while he's shown up to one of these, but he smiles to all present as he limps to the Alcove of his family. Where he sees Asger. He simply nods to him before he takes his seat to watch.

Aodhan has joined the House Crovane Alcove.

Darren stands again, striding slowly towards the center of the room. "The information confirms that he intends to attack Farhaven soon. We have no intelligence about the disposition or location of his armies, and we need to get that as rapidly as possible. We need to also see to the administrative necessities of calling the banners and organizing our forces and supplies. I will need capable commanders to work under me, taking leadership of smaller units to enfold them into the broader strategy." He nods towards Cirroch, "We will need those who can produce siege weapons, and quickly." He nods towards Valery. "There will be a need for healers to tend the wounded. I can't be certain how much time we have, but I refuse also to stampede out of Arx in such haste that I trip and fall into my own doom and take the rest of you with me. No, I will use the next two weeks to intelligently plan and coordinate a resistance that works and doesn't leave us crippled after the fact. Anyone who would like to assist with any part of that is encouraged to reach out to me, or to the subcommanders once they are appointed -- a thing which will be made known. Likewise, if you or anyone you know wishes to assist with efforts at the Lodge, you are encouraged to approach Marian and her subcommanders or Vala Khanne as appropriate to learn how you may best contribute." He glances around the room, his gaze settling on Valery. He smiles encouragingly. "Did you have a question?"

Valery nods and asks, biting her lower lip. "I... Well..." She glances at Khanne and then she continues. "When we planted the suncatchers the Spirits talked about the attack to the Lodge... and... and maybe I'm wrong but I understood the Stone Grove may be in danger too..."

"Does House Redrain expect the defense of Farhaven to be primarily an armies and commander affair or do they intend to request heavy shaman support. Obviously the number of shamans capable of performing rituals against the gargantuans are limited and the Lodge is under threat as well." Arik points out from the Halfshav alcove while toying with his cane then he pauses and looks towards Valery. "And the Stone Grove?"

Khanne looks to Valery and shakes her head. "The Stone Grove is not in danger. If the Lodge falls, it might be, eventually. But no, it is not in danger. The Lodge is in danger because it is outside of the walls of Arx."

Valery nods and moves back, moving on her chair, seeming a bit more relieved.

Darren smiles to Khanne and then to Valery in turn. He turns to Arik and his expression becomes more troubled. "While it remains important to support our allies and protect the Lodge, I cannot stress enough the serious nature of the threat to Farhaven, and we will need to ensure some shamanistic support in that fight. We face annihilation, and if we find it doom and catastrophe for all will echo out from the place where we fall to encompass all of the Compact. We cannot, must not fail."

Arm over the back of his chair Asger looks out over the group and the flow of information with a slight hint of amusement before he sombers. Clearing his throat he and calls out in deep voice that echoes in the room "Aye, I think I got a wee bit of a plan that could help here." gesticulating his hands apart as if to encompass something large he says "What if we were to draw the opposin' army into the middle of the city, lock the gates then just buuurn it all down right around them." as he finishes saying this his eyes meet with Marian's providing she is looking his way.

"Right," Answers Cirroch in response. "We will not fail you, my liege. We will repel these intruders." He looks over to Asger, brows lifting high. "This is not the time for sarcasm, Lord Asger."

Khanne looks to Darren again, her head tilted. Her eyes are narrow, but that might be more to the brightness of the room and her hangover, maybe. "What... evidence is there that this is an immediate threat that takes precedence at this point in time? You say you have... information that confirms, but no intelligence? I worry this is quickly becoming another Setarco situation..." She shakes her head with a sigh.

"Why don't you illuminate the setarco situation for us for those with shaky memories." Arik suggests.

Darren shifts a grin towards Asger. "We will certainly keep all our options open, thank you, Duke Crovane."

Marian doesn't even glance Asger's way when he says his words. She just calmly stands by Darren's side and quietly supports him. When questions are given around the merit of dividing the number of shamans between the two battle grounds, she's rather stone faced about the matter.

Khanne looks to Arik. "We knew that Setarco was a target. One of three. Calypso decided to split the armies..." She looks to Marian. "Right? She had a sudden feeling that it was a set up. So she sent all her people to... Wherever down there. I can't remember exactly where. Not Setarco. I was in Stormwall... anyway, tons of people died in starch while the troops sent else where... did their nails or something..."

"Southport. She rallied around her own city," Kace supplies the answer quietly.

Khanne says, "that."

Khanne says, "I knew it wasn't called Malvici-ville.."

Darren fixes Khanne with his gaze. "The spirits placed a vision in my mind of the Horned God destroying Farhaven," he states bluntly. "I believe in their guidance and will follow it, as I know you would do."

Khanne's jaw tenses and she sighs, leaning back in her seat.

Asger keeps that somber expression for a moment longer, before he is all grins and barking out laughter "No my friend, ya shouldn't keep that open as an option because it is a fuckin' terrible idea. If it came to that I don't think ya could even claim victory if you sacrificed what you were protecting and got corned bad enough it became necessary." shaking his head he gestures "Actually having looked at the maps, you're sitting in a pretty good spot. If the Horned God Marches From the east, we get to set the first engagement point at Whitehold and make him pay for every inch of land gained through Halfshav land." leaning forward he mentions "Unless you have tunnels through the mountains I don't know about, it would be even more deadly for him to attempt to peak those with the traps we'll be setting. If he marches from the south then you got land chalk full of Zealots of the Faith to impede his advance, and well I don't think west is an option. The only other way would be through the north and that would end up being just as costly." clearing his throat he leans back and takes a drink from his whiskey "What I'm saying is that by the time his blood has been smeared across the lands around Farhaven is you're going to have much more manageable numbers to deal with. If it comes to a siege he'll lose as we'll be able to harry the edges of the army while their dedicated to the single goal of breachin' your walls."

"Duke Crovane does bring up the point. A goodly portion of Halfshav's army will be in the mountain pass between the Grey Forest and Whitehold Lands on the off-chance that any normal army that tries to pass can be stopped in the bottleneck." Arik says in a wearied rumble of a voice. "Also obviously by answering the banners it is the best hope of turning away an army from marching across Whitehold and destroying our lands en route to Farhaven."

Asger adds on "An army isn't a subtle thing, we'll be able to forecast their route pretty well in advance once we lay eyes on it, and I highly doubt it's just gonna spring up in the cradle around Farhaven over night."

Darren nods to Asger. "Some very astute observations, my friend, and I happen to agree. He has kept to lurking about the Gray for a reason; he knows every inch of Northern soil will cost him dearly, and our battle plans will play to that. Once we find his armies, we will harry them and extract a price for every step they gain. He cannot be allowed to take the city, and so he won't." Darren's firm tone and expression of grim determination leave no question. "As I've said, we will take some time to prepare. Those of you who are here can immediately assist by spreading the word to those who weren't able to attend -- Redrain prepares for war. Further announcements from your leaders will be forthcoming." He glances around the room before settling on Asger. "It's said that in the attack against the Lodge, his forces appeared quite suddenly, as if from thin air. I don't discount the possibility of a similar trick being used at Farhaven. But if there are no further questions, these are ideas to be developed in a different venue."

"We're also not dealing with a traditional army... we have no idea how they are moving around. The Horned God himself isn't exactly a subtle creature, yet by all accounts he has moved through the Crownlands, the Northlands, and the Oathlands without anyone the wiser until he's already gone and onto the next place..." Kace points out quietly.

It would appear the Halfshav family is particularly vocal with each other although it might be more Khanne and Arik with Mirk making timely observations. It certainly distracts them from the general assembly.

Asger snorts softly then a grin pulls at his lips once more "Kace ya got balls, not many would accuse the Grayson and Valaradin oh not guarding their lands and of being lax in their vigil and yet ya did, so good on ya." gesturing with his bottle he states "As for us, we have broad expanses between our holdings, it takes me weeks of riding west till I even begin to brush up against my nearest Redrain neighbors. Perhaps we should establish something out there to keep better eyes on the wilderness. But for now Farhaven and Whitehold need to be fortified. We need to start preparing the passes and mountain sides to be collapsed, along with supplyin' fall back points to resupply our scouts."

Darren nods seriously to Asger. "I look forward to developing these plans with you and others as we move into the final stages of preparations." He glances around the room. "Very well. Thank you all for coming, and you have my apologies for bringing such dire tidings today. We will get through this together, as we have in the past, and we will stand... To the last!

Arik shakily begins to get to his feet an animated discussion still ongoing at the Halfshav portion of the hall. He is leaning pretty heavily onto the cane.

Valery now looks up again and then glances at Arik before raising her voice again, just a small bit. "Eh... Are you... Well, the children of the ward are going to be taken care of, but are you going to send here or somewhere else the ones from Farhaven? People that can't fight?"

Marian raises her voice to join her high lord, "To the last!" Then she waits for Darren to call to the end of the meeting before she stalks out of the room. Her face is a polite mask, her posture tense as she moves with her predatory grace. The only sound coming from her are her heels hitting the stone floor.

Marian has left the House Redrain Alcove.

Ender, a Silver Gyrfalcon, Ursa leave, following Marian.

"That would be for Voice Marian or the High Lord to decide but I imagine Farhaven is still safer than Arx as the Lodge is the first and foremost place going to be attacked." Arik explains to Valery while leaning into his cane. "I would assume those in Farhaven will stay and those in Arx will stay and we will all just make due as best we can?"

Valery nods thoughtful. "Hmm... okay..."

"Make sure to seek out Princess Marian to make sure." Arik reminds Valery in a wearied rumble.