2 Armed Confessors, Gia the peregrine falcon, 3 Rubino and Zaffria guards, Rary the Lycene beauty arrive, following Grazia.

Jaenelle has joined the an elegant pair of marble thrones.

Sitting on the marble throne, Jaenelle is surrounded by white lilies. Infact, the entire room is covered in bouquets of them. Her usual look of barely restrained amusement is something a bit more serious as she waits for those who wish to come to do so, nails lightly tapping against the armrest of the seat.

Grazia has come to see what will be said, and there's a white lily pinned to her gown carefully in remembrance. She has a very stoic look on her face, serious and sad, and she moves to take a seat in the section for duchesses, as if she has nothing to say just yet.

Merek has come to the audience hall to move next to the Archduchess with his cloak on, shifted about his black attire. He wears on his features a hood, with his desert scarf masking his lower face. He stands next to Jaenelle in protection with her other Guards, a knight of the Cities while he crosses his arms after a bow of respect to the woman. He looks solemn, especially what with the recent news proclaimed to Arvum.

Grazia has joined the Seating for the Duchesses of the Lyceum and their Voices.

Merek has joined the an elegant pair of marble thrones.

Berenice checked composure + performance at difficulty 50, rolling 1 higher.

Valor, a beautiful fan-tailed pigeon, Dulce, a snow white Artshall destrier arrive, following Nurie.

Dulce, a snow white Artshall destrier have been dismissed.

Valor, a beautiful fan-tailed pigeon have been dismissed.

Berenice steps into the Audience Hall with shadow to her expression. She stands there in the entryway -- not from outside, but from another wing of the estate -- and her gaze draws slowly across the hall covered with white lilies. She draws in a slow, careful breath, and it's only by the thinnest of threads that she maintains her composure. She draws over to the seating near the throne generally reserved for the Voices of Velenosa and takes a seat, with a stubbornly lifted chin.

Darren is a solemn face among those gathered to bear witness to baggage claim with the Archduchess Regent, dressed in attire of mourning. He lingers on the edges of the lily-filled audience hall, hands folded behind his back.

Tamorin, a bubbly Whisper apprentice arrives, following Solange.

Darren has joined the Seating for Inferior Specimens of the Compact.

The guards in the Audience Hall bow respectfully to the arriving member of House Velenosa.

2 House Velenosa Guards, Matteo arrive, following Arman.

2 House Velenosa Guards, Matteo leave, following Arman.

Solange has joined the Seating for Inferior Specimens of the Compact.

The guards in the Audience Hall bow respectfully to the arriving member of House Velenosa.

2 House Velenosa Guards, Matteo arrive, following Arman.

Darla, a nimble barber arrives, following Gretchen.

Jaenelle offers a soft smile and nod in greeting for Grazia as she enters and moves to take a seat. Then Merek is awarded with a ploite dip as he takes his guarding position. It is Berenice though, that causes Jaenelle to give a long look to, a silent expression of loss that is more raw than she cares to show in public. With a messaures breath, she composes herself, "this is an unofficial meeting of sorts. To hear what the houses of the Lyceum are currently working on, and if anyone was affected by the Great Road, an insight to plans being made and what we can do to assist." After that said, Darren is given a soft smile and respectful bow of her head.

Nurie slips in quietly, a wool cloak pulled snugly around her. The usually sparkly tailor seems to have caught the mood in the room, and moves with the dim and unobtrusive movements of a household servant used to mindfully being invisible.

Nurie has joined the Seating for Inferior Specimens of the Compact.

Gretchen follows pretty quickly on Nurie's heels, slipping into a seat.

Gretchen has joined the Seating for Inferior Specimens of the Compact.

Arman stepped in from the Paragon Wing, moving along the periphery of the room to find a quiet place not entirely out of sight, but within the realm of the unnoticed. He appeared a bit more severe in his features than he usually was, dark eyes scanning those gathered as the elder Prince loomed near enough should he be called upon, but far enough to detract from a call to casual conversation.

There is something distinctly Lycene about the Whisper that slips into the Velenosa's estate, with the sunkissed skin and sun-soaked golden tresses. She is clad in a demure gown of black wool with a high, buttoned neckline and long-sleeves, her hair pinned up, making hardly a noise even as her skirts sweep around her as she finds a place near the High Lord of Redrain in those seats reserved for the Compact.

Solange claims that.

Berenice has joined the Seating for the Voices of House Velenosa.

When the Jaenelle offers acknowledgements, Darren draws himself upright to offer a deep bow of his head in turn with a faint smile. He shifts from his position against a pillar to assume a seat along the periphery, seeming content to observe for as long as he is welcome in the interim.

"Gemecitta is working with Duke Malcolm Shepherd of Graypeak to resolve the conflict between his vassal and ours, and to compel Clan Stormstorm to bend the knee properly, and in the correct location," Grazia volunteers after a moment. "But these things take time, and we are still organizing and collaborating on the issue."

As new faces enter, Jaenelle takes a moment to acknowledge each. Gretchen, Nurie, and Solange all get an incline of her head. Arman is not forgotten either despite his wishing to slip unnoticed. "Thank you, Duchess Rubino. Peaceful solutions can be the most time consuming and detail oriented as each party finds a balance before leaving the table to make sure everyone is as satisfied as they are able to be in the matter. I trust that the talks between you and Duke Shepherd will go well and Clan Stormstorm sees the benefits of doing such."

As much as she is playing unseen servant, Nurie's manners are too deeply ingrained to be unresponsive as Jaenelle's eyes rest on her for that brief moment. Though she does not directly meet Jaenelle's eyes, she does bow her head very deeply from her seated position, one hand resting over her heart for several heartbeats. She still remains quiet.

Arman returned that acknowledgment from Jaenelle with a subtle one of his own from the shadows of a pillar. His glance drifted toward Grazia as she spoke, listening intently as matters of the houses and unified efforts began to be revealed.

Dolmen, a Crimson Agent arrives, following Harlex.

Merek shifts from one hip to the other, while he continues to observe from next to throne, listening to Jaenelle as well as the people speaking to her in thought while he does so.

As no others seemed to offer up matters in the immediate, Arman stepped out from the shadow of the pillar more fully into the belly of the room. "As no representative of House Malvici seems to have been available this evening, I would like to make note that Lord Martino Malvici is leading a diplomacy mission in regards to the tempestuous disputes between House Daveiga and House Fournier. The diplomatic party is diverse, including members from both Oathlands and the Lyceum's Peerage. Ideally a resolution will be found quickly and the blockade at our border manned by House Daveiga will be rescinded expediently as possible."

5 Grimhall House Guards, Gustav, a gruff Islander advisor arrive, following Valdemar.

Seryna, a charming Lycene handmaiden, 6 Grimhall House Guards arrive, following Vanora.

Vanoraboquet

Vanora has joined the Seating for Inferior Specimens of the Compact.

Valdemar has joined the Seating for Inferior Specimens of the Compact.

Jaenelle's attention focuses fully on Arman as he speaks, nodding after, "thank you for that update as well, Prince Arman. Speaking of, I know you have many projects in the works as well. Have you found all the individuals needed to succeed in all of your ventures or is there cause for more accompaniment?" As the Sword of Lenosia arrives, he gets a dip of her head in greeting with a smile, "and your Captain Harlex, do you have any new business to bring before the throne?"

Berenice listens to Grazia's offering of news with a quiet, removed expression; there's little reaction beyond that. She looks to Arman next, as if about to say something or do -- something -- when he steps out of the shadows to make that update as well. So she remains in her seat, still and poised, her features like warm crystal in their composed delicacy.

The Duke and Duchess Grimhall may not be the expected guests at this particular event, yet here they arrive. Vanora is dressed all in black, which isn't uncommon for her but perhaps serves a purpose today, and a white lily is tucked into her red-gold hair. She takes a moment to take in the flowers filling the room, breathing deeply of their scent and closing her eyes. It is then that she leads her husband to the 'inferior non-Lycene seating, lowering herself gracefully onto a chair.

Valdemar is dressed all in black as well as he walks in beside his wife, following he rtoward the non-Lycene seating. His face is somber as ever as he takes a seat beside her, glancing around the rest of the room only once he is settled.

Harlex moves into the audience hall and situates himself against a steady surface, folding his arms over his chest lightly as he observes. There's the Sword of Lenosia again, being ever so chatty, features set with a thoughtfulness as the proceedings take place. He looks like an ink stain, against that pale wall, or a tall shadow with no source. When he's called upon, he eases off the lean and bows his head to the Archduchess. "Reckon so, Your Grace," he takes a few steps so he isn't -- lurking. He mentions only this, "I was hoping to have some research done into the history of the Mirror Blade. Its storied past. If anyone knows anything, or would like to aid me. I suppose that's all."

Arman inclined his head in a gracious bow to Jaenelle. "My work is always in need of trustworthy individuals of a variety of expertise and should any be seeking involvement in some capacity I am open to it. In addition, Princess Isobella and I have concluded our meeting regarding the matter you and I have previously discussed and I am prepared to move forward on your command after we have a moment to speak at further length, that matter in specific calls for a very specific type of assistance. However, I would not wish to dominate this meeting with only matters in which I am involved." He glanced toward Harlex soon after, a silent stare of inky and surmising gaze before he gave a small nod in indication of his interest for the topic the Sword of Lenosia mentioned.

"There are many tales regarding the heirloom swords, especially those of the Great Houses" Jaenelle tells Harlex with a nod of approval, "many lost to time. I am pleased to see that you have taken a deeper interest in the history of the sword you have been tasked with carrying, and I look forward to hearing what you have learned from your investigations. Lenosia has a large library, you might be able to find something within it's stacks." Arman is also given another nod of her head as he mentions previous interactions they have had. "Oh good, I am glad that you met, and we shall meet in more private settings to create a plan of action going forward." Vanora and Valdemar are given soft smiles as they enter, "Duke and Duchess Grimhall. Thank you for coming."

Solange has left the Seating for Inferior Specimens of the Compact.

Tamorin, a bubbly Whisper apprentice have been dismissed.

Merek looks over to Harlex in thought, as he seems to consider a moment, "If you need any assistance in investigation, I've a secretary that is free for such things," he offers also, as he shifts his attention to the meeting to keep watch.

Vanora dips a respectful curtsy to Jaenelle before settling in entirely. "Thank you for welcoming us. We have no business to bring before the Lyceum tonight, at least not that I know of. I simply felt the urge to be here, where...where she was, and where her family would be. But if there is anything that we can do...please do not hesitate to ask."

A brief look is given to those who offer their aid and he nods before the Sword steps aside to clear the area. He ends up standing near enough to the seating for the Voice, of all places. Harlex looking aside toward its occupant while the others step forward.

Arman was quick to recede back to the shadow of the pillar which he had inhabited prior with a last nod of acknowledgment to Jaenelle's words.

When addressed, Valdemar bows as well, before nodding somewhat at what his wife tells the Archduchess-Regent. "Yes, house Grimhall offers our condolences, and as my Duchess says, if there is anything we can do for you, please ask," the Grimhall Duke echoes Vanora's sentiment before settling in to his seat.

"You have your own trials moving forward, and it says a lot about your characters to offer aid. The offer shall not be forgotten or taken for granted, and know that House Velenosa returns the sentiment without hesitation. If we may assist, we shall" Jaenelle tells both Valdemar and Vanora. "We shall be having a memorial for Eleyna, though with the news so fresh, I admit to not having had the time to think further beyond this event. Once the family meets, we will plan he further details."

"We do have our trials...yet so do you, and someone...several someones, who meant so very much to us have been taken. This is where I need to be right now." Vanora seems confident. She listens to Jaenelle explain the situation regarding the memorial and nods. "Once you have the details, I would very much like to be included. I made certain promises to the Archduchess....and I would keep them. I gave my word."

Jaenelle seems to understand Vanora's desires, "you are most certainly welcomed. Though I fear that noone else has anything to petition the Lyceum throne for this evening so I will close the meeting with this. Know that should you need anything, please know I am always approachable. I may not always be able to assist, but I will always listen. Thank you for all the information, and good luck with your tasks."

Arman shifted slightly in his place, hands coming to fold behind his back in staunch display of trained posture now that he no longer claimed the floor as a speaker. His attention seemed to settle on the Grimhalls as the conversation between Jaenelle and Vanora proceeded, inky gaze as studious as ever. When the meeting was adjourned he lingered in his place a moment with continued stare before moving about the table to join the members of his family more properly.

Arman totally meant pillar, not table.