The Hall of the Hundred Cities this night plays host to a small gathering of those who had expressed an interest in a particular goal previously discussed during a meeting held by the Archduchess Regent, Jaenelle Velenosa. Tasked with leading the project, Cambria Mazetti, the Duchess of Ostria, had sent word that a meeting would take place on this very date. Any who were curious, or who intended to take action, were welcome to attend. In the room's center, directly before where Cambra stood, a large map of the Lyceum had been spread out upon a equally large table. Brightly colored tokens can be spied in a pile to one corner. As well, there are also some rolls of parchment, but other than that, there is little else to draw the eye's interest.

To those that have filtered in, Cambria greets, "Ladies and gentleman, I bid you welcome. The purpose for tonight's gathering is simple: to inform you of the cost of this project, explain its intent, and take any questions...or hear any ideas that you may have." She looks across those either seated or standing within the hall. "So let us waste precious little time, and dive in."

Argent, a silver hound, Tyce the gruff and disapproving, 2 Scarlet Phoenix Guard arrive, following Juliana.

Drifting into the Hall, Alessia wasted no time before settling down as close to the front as she can, fondly smiling at the host before she begins.

Merek makes a way into the place to listen, adjusting his black attire while he looks about, then settling in while he pulls his longcoat about him.

Quenia has joined the Gemecittan Benches.

Entering the Hall, Miranda enters with a small entourage. She waves off Juana, but Brenlin takes up a position in back with his portable table, quill and ink, to take notes. Miranda continues, her guards hovering too close for her comfort. She gives them a baleful look and they give her a bit of space. Then, she continues on. Autopilot on, she heads for the Gemecittan benches before turning abruptly to the Torean benches. Oh, look! People she knows! She waves to those at the Southport benches, blowing a kiss to Kaia. Then she sits at her table and smiles to Esme. Her cat jumps up onto her lap and Miranda occupies herself with stroking Jewel's back while focusing upon Cambria. She does seem to have some greenish highlights to her cheeks, marring her natural olive coloring slightly.

Having heard of a meeting taking place soon at the Hall of the Hundred Cities, in regards to some tower project she had in good faith agreed to take lead on in the name of her new family. Kaia Malvici would make her way into the room, to see and hear what all the fuss was actually about. Lucky for her she wouldn't be alone! Whiskey enthusiast aunt Eirene had graciously managed to make it here with her too. A smile would be directed to those few already found there, a wink to the familiar faces (yes Miranda, that's for you) before taking a seat by the southport benches. "Mmn...I see. I shall take notes then." she says to Eirene, before returning her attention to Quenia.

The Archlector of Lagoma is most certainly not Lycene. Not in the least. He traveled through once, perhaps a dozen times, so that makes him one yes? Honorary? Perhaps. Unlikely. But none the less, his interest if perked and the tall man with his hair left loose instead of braided is settling down without any cats, off in a corner to watch and listen.

Roran has joined the General Benches.

Eirene is her usual no-nonsense self as she strides in, leather armor and blade ever at the ready. She seems to apprciate the fact there's no screwing around and nods to Cambria. The Malvici murmurs to Kaia as they take their seats.

Esme has entered and taken her place at the Torean benches. She smiles at everyone who looks her way, but she settles down when Cambria speaks. One might notice that she's bouncing her right foot though as she listens.

Quenia had come a bit early in order to get a good seat at the meeting, or at least amongst her fealty's benches. She gives Cambria a curious look when she speaks, taking in everything she has to say about the project. She takes a bit to get settled, and once done, the newly appointed duchess has her undivided attention.

Blacktongue was in place early, sitting where appropriate, and he nods as Cambria begins the meeting. "I look forward to hearing how I might pitch in."

Juliana slips in a little behind most, the Lady Igniseri pausing just inside to scan the room before a quick smile sent in the direction of Eirene and Jules moves to find a seat beside Quenia.

Juliana has joined the Gemecittan Benches.

Cambria nods to Blacktongue, a faint smile upon her lips and a look that suggested there was no doubt she would find a way for the jester to be of assistance. "To whit, the cost," as stated, Cambria wastes little time. "To see these towers span the Lyceum - or at least, those city-states who volunteer to construct them - we are looking at a price tag of twelve and a half million silver." ((OOC: 50k resources per staff)) Clasping her hands behind her back, Cambria then says, "A hefty sum, but not an impossible one by any means."

Miranda sits back for now, mostly, eyes on her Duchess. She does speak softly to Esme, but not terribly much. Likely a thoughtful word or so.

As the words on matters economical are uttered and explained Kaia glances at Eirene and murmurs something. Questions included, no doubt, by the looks of it.

Esme seems to think upon this amount, but she doesn't seem to be shocked or awed by it. "It is a worthy investment. I am sure that all of us can get that done easily enough. Do we have a deadline on the project completion?" She looks towards Miranda and smiles vibrantly. Her own soft words given.

Blacktongue sits with his back straight and waits soberly for his time to contribute, the scope of funds involved far above his personal paygrade.

Eirene lets out a low whistle. She hums to herself in thought.

"With enough collaboration." Alessia agrees with Kaia's words. "No deadline, presumably, but before the next impending attack." She says with a furrowed brow.

Juliana arches a brow at the sum quoted, however other than a glance sideways towards Quenia, the Lady stays silent.

Quenia does not seem surprised at the sum. In fact, with so many houses wanting in on the project, and the dire nature of why it's happening, she's nodding along with that price. "House Igniseri an forward 10,000 economic resources toward the project. We're still discussing who will represent the House in taking charge for our representation, however."

Quenia adds, "However, if a lesser number can be figured out between those Houses getting involved, that would also serve us well. Each contributing an equal portion."

Eirene grunts at Quenia's comment. "How many houses -have- pledged to contribute," she asks dryly.

Cambria nods, saying to Quenia, "It would be nice if each contributing House offered an equal portion to the others, yet at the same time, can we expect a barony to put forward as much as a duchy? I think it is fair to say - though of course I would need to confer with the Archduchess Regent - that some of the wealthier Houses could /choose/ to contribute more, if it would lessen the burden on those Houses who do not possess as great a disposable income. As to a deadline?" She shakes her head. "There is no hard date, yet we do not want to delay, either, as the purpose of these towers is to stand as a warning system for the Lyceum against presently encroaching threats." Cambria pauses briefly, then adds, "Of course, they will serve such a purpose beyond /this/ particular instance, which also makes them a worthy investment."

Miranda offers, "Perhaps we should set short attainable goals, my Lady? Perhaps we wish to reach 12,500 writs in three months, and then reach 25,000 writs six months from now. In 9 months from now? 37,500 writs. That way, in a year from now, we could, feasibly reach our goal. If we reach it sooner, yay us!"

Quenia glances over at Miranda, "The Sylv'alfar are in the Lyceum now. They're the ones responsible for attacking and killing everyone who lived in Volkov."

"Have you reached out to the Crown?" Roran calls out from his bench. "Or the Faith? To help assist in the funding. Since the benefit would be to all, even those outside the Lyceum."

Esme nods her head to the answer as she looks from one to the other. She doesn't speak for Fidante, because she can't. However she seems to be taking mental notes of all the things being discussed. Her eyes flick over to each person as they talk.

Miranda looks to Quenia, squinting slightly. "My point is to set small goals that can be achieved so that we feel like it's getting done. Having someone update everyone on the progress is also helpful." A pause, "I'm not suggesting we take our time, but we were asked to offer ideas."

Juliana glances toward Miranda "I beleive what the Marquesa means, is we don't have a year. The danger is already here."

Blacktongue nods at Roran's suggestion "And there's also the fact that if anywhere else decides to build their own towers they can look to the Lyceum for designs in more than just fashions and perfumes."

"No," Cambria says to Roran. "This is, after all, the first meeting to discuss the signal towers properly." She paces the length of the table she stands before. "Personally, I see no reason not to reach out to either Crown or Faith, but I cannot speak for all the Hundred Cities, either. Which is also why you do not see every House here this evening. Only those who choose to become involved, shall be." Lifting a hand to her chin, as though in consideration, she continues. "I will, however, put the idea forward to the Archduchess Regent as well. I believe she will share my sentiment, if not those also present this evening, that, yes, accepting assistance from the Faith or Crown in an endeavor that will ultimately add to the protection of the Compact at large." To Miranda, Cambria then says, "Your idea is not without merit, either, Miranda. But Marquessa Quenia is not wrong, either. Which...brings us back to Blessed Roran's suggestion."

"No one knows where the Sylv'alfar are right now. The point of the towers was to build them sooner than later so we might have a means of warning each other of their progress. Though, seeing as Granato is one of the four cities that they are targeting, I acknowledge that I am focused more on the hasty need of seeing this project completed sooner than later. The other cities are your own Ostria, Tor, and Setarco." Quenia offers Cambria an apologetic look for seeming a touch argumentative. She glances over at Roran, "Tonight is our first meeting to discuss the matter, beyond it simply being an idea at the last Lyceum meeting. Though, the Towers are being built only in the Lyceum that I'm aware, not anywhere else. Do you think the Crown would offer funding for such a project even if it doesn't affect the entire Compact?" she inquires, glancing about, before looking to Roran. "And my suggestion would be to have the firestations of the Towers blessed by Lagoma's Faith were they amenable." Quenia knows who Roran is. "Once we formally request it, of course," she smiles at the Archlector.

Eirene murmurs with Kaia as she watches the room and the different statements being made.

"I also think we should reach out to the masters of Tor College," Cambria says. "I believe that we could make use of color-coded flames to create more sophisticated signals."

"The towers would be ideal across the compact in truth. The Sylv'Alfar are not the only threat after all. Eurusa to the west. WHo knows what from the north. I would of course happily travel to each tower with and offshoot of the flame and lay blessings. Every little bit helps."

Eirene nods to Cambria. "Duchess Calypso mentioned the possibility of semaphore flags but they lack nighttime visibility. They may be easier to spot in the daylight hours, though."

Kaia would nod in agreement with Miranda's words. "Certainly. There is an urgency which compels us to work with haste on this effort, but setting clear goals for specific amounts could indeed proof to be quite helpful." concedes the new Malvici lady, before adding. "I have been informed by the voices of Malvici, that our house would like to host a fundraiser with the purpose of aiding this project." she announces, with a brief glance at Eirene and then back at the crowd. "As for the matter of resources, we shall have to confer with those responsable for the management of such before providing a firm answer." she explains politely, before proceeding to take her notes. Nodding to Eirene now and then as they converse more quietly.

Cambria nods to Roran, showing her agreement with his sentiment. "I, too, think this would benefit the whole of the Compact should other regions choose to take it up." Then, too Eirene, "The semaphore flags may prove more useful for city-state specfic troubles. That is another thing that needs to be clarified, and a reason why I think color-coded flames would be so useful." She turns the corner of the table, still facing those upon the benches. "Another thing we might utilize would be reflective surfaces - say, copper gongs. And further, those gongs could also be /rung/ to alert those within the immediate vicinity."

Quenia sits up a bit. "Or the reflective surface of mirrorsilver perhaps? It could be tilted in the light and shine it in a particular direction?"

Blacktongue nods at Cambria and considers her suggestion "Her Grace, the Archduchess Regent, directed me to make myself availble to the project as well. As a technical resource." Pausing briefly he glances about "For those who may not know me I am called Blacktongue the Harlequin. A master Alchemist in the service of House Velenosa."

Esme looks interested at Blacktongue's comment and then towards the others. She is still mostly quiet for now as she's taking in all the comments from the others and reflecting upon them.

Eirene points Blacktongue out to Kaia, "if anyone can make colored fires, it's that son of a bitch..."

Kaia says, "I do like the Archlector's suggestion to get the Faith and the Crown involved." she murmurs to Eirene with a nod. A glance directed torwards Roran. "After all, like Messere Blacktongue said these towers could indeed serve as an inspiration for the neighbouring fealties - who may in turn choose to run an effort of their own afterwards. All is possible. It is the safety of all of us and the Compact that concerns us, isn't it so?" she comments. A nod of aknowledgement given to the Harlequin representing Velenosa. A small laugh given at whatever bit of information Eirene had just shared on him."

"Mirrorsilver could serve just as well, though I think it could create a much higher expense," Cambria says to Quenia.

Quiet as the others exchange ideas, Alessia casts a very curious glance at Blacktongue at Eirene's words.

3 House Mazetti Guardians arrives, following Marzio.

The sound of hooves likely doesn't make it through the door and above the talk going on inside the Hundred Cities, unless someone has very good hearing. Nonetheless, Marzio Mazetti ties his horse to the hitching post outside before pressing into the door and moving around to join the meeting in progress.

"True, though I suspect the cheaper, regular silver would suffice as well." Quenia replies to Cambria. "Assuming we use that system, of course." A pause. "Lady Juliana has agreed to be the Igniseri representative for this project moving forward. We'll be glad to contribute items to any fundraising efforts," she notes, as she thought she heard someone mention they were going to do a thing.

"Another thing we must carefully, very carefully, consider, is the precise locations of these towers in each of our lands. They must be built so that their signals can be seen by the next closest tower, and so on and so forth," Cambria says to the group. "To that extent, I believe seeking out the best explorers and map makers will be the best course of action."

Blacktongue nods at Cambria "Engineers and Architects as well. For building the towers once we find the places to put them. And then there's staffing and logistical concerns of an on going nature as well."

"Precisely right, Blacktongue," Cambria says.

Marzio has joined the Torean Benches.

"Cow?!?" Yes, it's a completely random comment from Quenia at something Juliana says that has the Igniseri woman extremely curious. Both of her brows are raised as she tries to think of what might involve cows. But at that moment she realizes she spoke aloud, having meant to keep her voice down, and she flushes a rosy pink. "Er. Right. Cows are not important to towers," she does her best to school her face to something more neutral and Marquessa like. "So they should not be included," she tries for a sage sounding voice. "I mean, unless you're feeding your soldiers, and then they might make good steaks."

"Mmm, unless your tower is built of cows standing upon each another," Merek says.

Eirene mutters, "... ... tell them to cut the bullshit ... ... would ... ... ..."

Eirene shoots Merek a glare. "Helpful ideas only, please. Horses at a tower, perhaps. No fucking cows."

"Staffing of the towers and logistical concerns would naturally fall to the militaries of the houses that maintain those lands, would they not?" Marzio speaks up from where he takes a seat on the Torean Benches near Miranda. "Forgive me if I missed something that had already been discussed, and also for being late to the meeting."

Juliana glances to Quenia perfectly calm as the Marquesa blushes, then reaches out to pat Quenia's hand before looking back to the room.

Kaia laughs at something Eirene whispers and offers her a nod.

Thick brows rise as if they have a life of their own on Roran's face at the talk of cows.

"They would," Cambria says to Marzio. "These towers will be staffed by those upon whose lands they are built. In other words, House Igniseri's tower will be run by people of Igniseri. Though we are coming together in collaboration, I have zero intention of suggesting seriously that we make these towers some sort of...silly show about false unification. Nothing is gained by a signal tower being populated by individuals from multiple fealties." Cambria does not deign to talk about cows.

Alessia has joined the General Benches.

Blacktongue shrugs at the mention of cows and smirks, his jesterness leaking through "A milk cow for nourishment perhaps but not as construction materials. Goats would be better though, they could keep the grass trimmed as well." Offering a nod to Marzio "True. Though they signal operators would need to be either trained at a central authority or from a book and to a standard developed by a central authority. The consistency demanded by the need for a clear signal across borders would see nothing less."

"I think it is important moving forward that not one of us thinks our way is the way. It is how one becomes blindsided. We must move forward in all things with respect and honor. This is to help all of us. It is be a joint effort for all of us. There are not votes more or less and every avenue should be presented." Esme offers as she smiles at the gathered from her seats near Miranda. "The Gods work in mysterious ways. We have witnessed it all around us. Things have happened that we never believed could. Perhaps a cow by the tower could be a distraction for something else. Perhaps having a time line gives one something to aspire to and check off. We are all vastly different people and vastly different skills and motivations. It is the most wonderful thing about us; our differences." Esme will talk about the cows in the room. "I am already impressed by everyone in this room who has stepped forward to take an interest and to the woman who has so much on her plate and still becomes the front person in this action brought forth."

Quenia clears her throat a bit, but as she does she's giving Merek an odd sort of look. She offers Eirene an apologetic glance. "While we are gathered together, I am happy to report that House Igniseri, with the aid of our very many skilled people," she tips a nod in Eirene's direction again to acknowledge her skill, "was able to create a weapon that can be used against the Sylv'alfar. However, it's expensive to make and takes more of those vines we found at Volkov Woods as the prime ingredient. Such vines may also be found at Acron Hill or High Hill, if they are among the vegetation that took over those lands." But then she goes into a coughing fit again as people seem rather stock on the cows. She gives Juliana a look like this is her fault!

Kaia mutters, "Well ... ... nonsensical talk ... ... ... I'm afraid the Duchess will be ... dissapointed on ... notes. She may think ... wrote ... down ... as a ..."

Juliana seems perfects interested in the conversation and not at all concerned about the continued mentioning of cows.

Eirene rolls her blue eyes as cows continue to be fielded. "I would think part of the upkeep for the towers would be offset by the Lyceum as a whole. I doubt they would be evenly spread through each territory, so some may end up paying more than others. If this is to protect all the cities, perhaps a little of it could come from tax funding and the grand ducal coffers."

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

Eirene nods back at Quenia as the topic slightly shifts. "Expensive and hard to make, but effective" she adds.

"I appreciate the information concerning this weapon, Marquessa," Cambria says to Quenia. "But I do not think the towers should be anything more than a warning system." Then, to Esme, she says, "Thank you for your kind words." However, something spoken by Marzio soon draws her attention, and she spares him a lowly spoken exchange. Lastly, "Again, I cannot speak for House Velenosa, but Jaenelle has in the past already expressed an interest in offering aid, so I doubt it unreasonable to think that may be the case in this situation."

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

"It was more just information to share, not that it had anything to do with the Towers - except in that it may be of aid in defeating the threats that inspired the Towers." Quenia replies to Cambria. "That said, will you be informing the Houses of what their share of the costs will be?" she asks, trying to get things back on track. "This way we can all better prepare our budgets, and see what fundraising efforts might be needed. Or, see what aid may need to be requested of the Crown and Faith."

:clears his throat before he says toward the room at large, "I would imagine that should any of our lands be attacked by such a threat as attacked the Volkov Woods, we would all benefit greatly from being able to notify our nearest allies so that they could come to our aid. The cost of upkeep is hardly an issue if it means the difference between our homes falling or remaining standing at the end of the day."

Marzio clears his throat before he says toward the room at large, "I would imagine that should any of our lands be attacked by such a threat as attacked the Volkov Woods, we would all benefit greatly from being able to notify our nearest allies so that they could come to our aid. The cost of upkeep is hardly an issue if it means the difference between our homes falling or remaining standing at the end of the day."

Kaia would whisper something to Eirene before handing her over a journal, a quill and a small bottle of Saikland ink. Soon, after moving about through the corners as if to not bother as she departs.

"I will get the numbers together soon, yes," Cambria says. "And after conferring with the Archduchess Regent, likely reach out to both Crown and Faith as well."

Kaia has left the Southport Benches.

"I don't mean to speak out of turn." Esme starts as she smiles at all gathered. "I do not speak for Fidante. I speak for Esme. I have come on my own with my own interest in this. I do not think we can tell the families of the Cities what they are to pay. This effort was not a required one. We do not have the right to require their family offer funds and resources to this. I think that we must all strive as if what we have in this room and the ability to raise is what we have. There may not be an equal amount of each family or each donation. We all have our paths to walk and our own feet to step upon. That path dictates differently for each person. So we cannot force a person to walk a path we have choosen to walk, if they have not. We must honor their right to deny as much as we should be honored for our involvement. We have an amount." She looks towards Cambia for a moment. "We have people that the Duchess says that we need. So first, I would imagine, and please correct me. We see if we can find people to fulfill those roles and have those skills? Then we shall move forwards. I understand the need to move, but if one moves too fast then they find themselves a drift in the current and neglect to remember the undertoe. Things must be done in the right order." She looks towards Cambria. "I will pray that Limerance helps those see their vows of fealty and that others see the honor in assisting."

Blacktongue nods and seems thoughtfull as he considers the project in general, thinking it over as he listens to what the others have to say.

"As I said earlier, I do not think it likely every House contribute the same amount. Asking a barony to produce what a duchy produces is simply not feasible. We now have, from Blessed Roran, the possibility of assistance from both Crown and Faith as well. So, again, the cost is not inattainable, which I think we have already agreed upon."

"I have promised nothing. But merely suggested perhaps looking to the Crown and the faith to see if there would be interest and assistance. Or perhaps even the Knigths of Solace." Roran reminds.

Quenia inclines her head to Cambria, but looks to Esme. "Indeed. Exactly that. Were Igniseri to front the full 10,000 we offered, that's 1/5th of the cost covered right there. We have those resources, standing and waiting, but before we provide all those resources - we want to see what others are contributing as well. I have every bit of faith we'll see this through, even with the lesser houses that might want to participate. No one is forcing Houses to give up resources or money, but those who want to be in on the project will need to contribute something to have a tower built." At least, that's how Quenia sees it. "Otherwise they are not part of the project. That doesn't mean they can't outfit their House later, as they have resources and funding. They can always join the program after the initial effort was made, but it'll likely be harder on them to get established than with this initial effort." Or, so she assumes. She looks back to Cambria. "Is there anything you need from the Houses who are here tonight before we adjourn?"

Cambria shakes her head. "No," she says. "Unless there are any other questions I may answer. Otherwise, we may adjourn, and I will send word to the Archduchess Regent about the night's discussion. Those who are participating can expect to receive updates as well."

Eirene has nothing to add at the moment.

Miranda doesn't seem to have anything to add either.

Miranda is overheard praising Cambria: For leading the way with the Towers Meeting!

Esme is overheard praising Cambria.