A beat of silence. "That is a shame... I could use someone who can explode Bringers..." He remarks as he looks over to Calypso, "I have been placed in charge of seeing the city rid of its new Infestation. If you find your talents have more ground in the truth then fiction... do let me know."

Calypso inclines her head from her place at the table, noting the truth of the inquisitor's claim! She nods to Merek as he arrives as well. "Good evening." She greets, but stays at her spot.

Reese looks over to Alistair with a pensive expression as if not quite sure how to respond. Her attention then strays over to Calypso and watches that incline. "I would be honored to attempt to help you then." She says in his direction.

His glance to Calypso has the desired effect! Hes getting better at the game of politics it seems. Alistair bows his head towards Reese. "Then I will send word along shortly..." The Inquisitor remarks, his gaze sweeping along those few present to see if there is anyone else who might be able to explode Bringers... and then moves to depart.

Merek has a staff with him, and two people. An Iron Guard is beside him, and Meeka seems to be helping him walk. He looks a bit wounded still, and battle-worn with dirt and dried blood on his armor. If his weapons were to be turned in, he and his would've done so, if not, they are on him. "Excuse me, hope I'm not interrupting," he coughs out weakly, then finds a seat.

Reese gives Alistair a polite nod of farewell. "Take care, Inquisitor. I will remain alert for your word." She turns her attention to Merek, giving the smith a somber smile of greeting. Her blue eyes hold concern as she notes his injuries. "Are you okay, Merek?" She murmurs softly.

Gaius, a Thraxian Confessor, Balanar, a shadowy Confessor, Francis, the Inquisitorial Mouse leave, following Alistair.

Calypso nods to Merek as he steps in to the room. She tilts her head a little. "Have you seen the mercies?" She frowns a touch. "Please, step forward. Do you have questions? How can we help?"

Merek takes a moment to relax, while he nods a bit, "M'Lady, I've been seen to," then towards Reese, "I'm fine, just had a face to face with a Bringer this past week. Needless to say, I'm here, he is not." He looks over and seems to consider a moment, "I... Was curious what the main plan for the siege is. So far the Guard has been fast at work to try and route out inflitrators, and we have many. I'm trying to figure out where support is most needed, and such things. I've also come to ask about... Well, if we expect Brand to return, and what we can possibly do about that."

Reese looks toward Merek as he speaks, seemingly paying close attention to his words. She doesn't answer, but instead allows Calypso to respond first.

3 Grayson Guardsmen, Valencia arrive, following Barric.

Calypso slides over a few papers to Merek as he asks about the plan. "The Iron Guard have committed to keeping the docks and water ways clear. Lord Commander Silas is taking point on all operations having to do with that entry point." She leans back in her chair a little then. "Brand currently lurks outside of our walls. His three columns are posted to the North, West and South of the city currently. We will fight back any attempts her takes at rushing the city walls or the gates again. So long as we keep him out, we should be safe."

Barric enters with Valencia on his arm, she had shown interest about the siege and Barric was happy enough to show her to the meeting. There are plenty of open seats it seems and he pulls one aside for Valencia and offers her to sit before he takes the seat beside her. For the moment he will listen and see where they are at.

"... Hmm, interesting points, he would've had us fully entrapped with four columns, but you saw to that," Merek states, while he leans back and winces a small bit. "The Bringers are the biggest issue, with their dark magick," he mentions, wincing and reaching up to his midsection, and sighs, "... Holy water was effective enough that I burned and stunned one. Also, a blessed lantern of Lagoma managed to banish the invisibility one was masked under. Their powers far exceed that of the Shavs, which would be hard enough to fight without them."

Reese looks toward Barric, giving her a cousin a nod of greeting as he arrives. She then turns to Merek listening to his words. The Grayson princess keeps silent for now.

Calypso nods at Merek's words. "Indeed. They have mastery over a darkness we are just now beginning to understand." As Barric and Valencia enter, she inclines her head to them, gesturing for them to step closer and speak whenever they wish. "I know Prince Barric has seen this already, but Princess Valencia, please take a moment to look over the battle plan." She hands the document to the Redrain Princess.

1 Grayson Guardsmen, Max, an emperor tamarin arrive, following Ailys.

Barric nods to Calypso, "This is too true... I've slain several, but only because of the sword I carry... And each seem to be similar and yet different at the same time too. FAcing one doesn't mean it will react in the same way as ones before. There isn't any way to hand out Diamondplate and alacrite weapons to everyone... One or two is enough to break the vault."

Valencia smiles up at Prince Barric as he pulls out the chair for her and gracefully takes a seat, nodding a warm greeting to those she knows in the room. The little southern princes reads the document carefully and nods somberly to see the Hart already listed, She smiles at Calypso and hands the document back, "The Hart and it's staff her her to serve. We would be most honored to host any gathering or events to inform the people and keep spirits bolstered. Would it help to have an open house so that those who are injured or off duty might come to enjoy a drink and some good company and hospitality? We would be happy to do so. And of course, we aim to keep raising funds to support the siege in whatever way we can," she nods, her eyes showing nothing but resolve to rise to the occasion the best way she knows how.

Calypso inclines her head to Valencia at her words. "I imagine that will be most helpful. This siege may take several weeks. Keeping spirits high is often just as important as keeping blades sharp. Please seek out and coordinate with Minister Samantha on that front. She is spear heading the Morale efforts during the siege. She may have more specifics for you."

Reese continues to listen in silence. A gentle smile is given to Valencia. She then turns to Barric. "Have you met Merek of the Iron guard before?" she says to her cousin, giving both a men a smile.

Merek settles back and listens for now, running a hand across his face. He still seems a fair bit out of it, while he lets out a small sigh. He blinks a bit, then opens his gaze, noticing Barric and Reese.

Ailys looks around, her eyes move from one person to the other, slowly she moves closer to her cousin and she smiles gently "anywhere you might need a healer?" she asks him.

Barric nods to Reese, "I know him a little... Took a good shot at the gates last I remember. And I'm sorry, the IRon Guard have been really hit since this started too. Are you able to get new recruits to join to fill the gaps?" This last he speaks to Merek in asking him.

Calypso glances up as she spots Ailys. "I don't believe we've been introduced yet, have we?" She hands another copy of the battle plan forward to Ailys then. "Princess Sophie is heading the healing and aid portion of our siege efforts. I highly encourage you to reach out to her."

"We are working on it. I was part of the original recruitment drive, heading it for a point, and got many, but there wasn't enough time to train and ready them as well as we'd like, sadly," Merek mentions, while he adds, "They've not seen battle with magic like this before. No one has. That's the issue."

Barric nods and had for a brief time, "The gray River battle showed us a bit, but yes, nothing like what had gone on that day. Not to such scale as that and the battle before that as well... but that was even less of an inkling other than the Bringers and their shape stealing abilities." he nods to Ailys, "Good to see you also Cousin. Sit and listen or add your voice as well."

Reese looks toward Ailys, giving her a gentle smile of greeting.

Ailys smiles to Calypso, "I .. did send her a message a few days ago, I will try her again".. She smiles "I am Princess Ailys Grayson, Prince Ainsley's sister, and healer."

Valencia turns and smiles to Merek, happy to see he is much recovered from his injury. "Missere Merek, I was so very sorry to hear of your injuries. I am so very glad you are so very resilient. This is a very admirable thing. I am glad for it." The little fox sit back to listen to them speak, dark eyes quietly glimmering softly as the discussion unfolds.

Calypso inclines her head towards Ailys as the introductions are made. "Princess Ailys, a pleasure. I am Lady General Calypso, Minister of Defense. And thank you for reaching out to Princess Sophie. I'm sure now that the plan is in action she will be happy to utilize your talents to their fullest."

Calypso nods to the guards to have them discreetly close the door to the Office of Loyalty a little more securely. That settled she looks to the rest of the room. "If there are any questions, confusions, concerns... I am here to answer them. Please, don't be shy."

Ailys looks about and then she nods her head "very well Lady general, I will send her another message, I hope you are right, I have been trying to..." she then pauses "have you heard from Thrax?" she asks

Aislin moves to depart the Ministry of Loyalty offices, Laric in tow. She pauses, offering a nod to those assembled at the Defense meeting, but doesn't stick around.

Aislin has left the Office of Loyalty.

Laric has left the Office of Loyalty.

5 Armed Confessors, Confessor Jonathen leave, following Laric.

Calypso tilts her head a touch. "I have. They will be sending land forces to help with the security of the docks here in the city. But much of their forces at sea will remain focused on efforts with the Gyre."

Reese finds a seat, sitting down in such and listening to the conversation at hand.

Ailys nods her head "Gyre, thats the sea monster." she confirms, "very well.. thank you M'lady." she offers a bow and then she turns to leave

"What's the status of other holdings in the Compact?" Merek asks with a curiosity. He then seems to debate it, while he settles back, wincing a small bit. He sighs. "I realize we can't empty them all out, but who so far has sent full aid?"

Calypso inclines her head at that. "My pleasure, your Highness." She says to Ailys as she turns to leave. Her icy gaze turns then to Merek. "Thus far no one has sent full aid. We have been advising that the major holdings of the compact keep a large portion of their forces in their own cities. We would hate to be unprepared to respond if this were a diversion for something else."

Valencia frowns a little at the mention of the Gyre and shifts in her seat, gently refolding her hands on her lap as she listens. Turning aside she glaces up at Barric, "Is there anything else I might do? That my Hart might do for this? I feel as though I should be doing more, yes?" she asks him, her brow furrowing and her eyes flooded with a deep desire to assist in protecting her city and its peoples.

1 Grayson Guardsmen, Max, an emperor tamarin leave, following Ailys.

Barric turns to Valencia a little more and considers, "The arena is a well fortified room... if something happens you could open that to the populace, let them seek shelter. Only take a few soldiers to hold the doors... Other than that we wait to see if the army out there breaks or they break us. I'd say use the garden to grow food supplies, but if we have to wait for those to grow we are going to be far worse than it can help most likely."

Calypso nods in agreement with Barric's words, leaning back a touch in her chair, one leg over the other as she listens to the discussion.

The look of appreicate and relief flood the little raven-haired vixen's face and Valencia nods , "Yes, of course, you are correct. The arena and the walls of the garden are just so, and yes, I would be so very happy to offer refuge to those who need it shelfter should an emergency rise, of course. We would be so happy to. The springs in the hidden garden will provide clean water as well. Thank you for suggesting such a thing. You are so very clever."

"... I'm doubtful his main goal is elsewhere, but he would definitely take advantage of weakened defenses, I believe," Merek mentions of Brand, while he shakes his head a bit. "Either way, that arrow did not kill him, I'm sure. He will be back, and with more furious dark magic when he's recovered. The Faith will need as much a part as the military." He sighs, seeming in deep thought, "The inflitrators are the biggest threat, as sabotage can break our defenses if they can manage it. Is there a lead hunt elsewhere for interlopers?"

"Inquisitor Alistair is heading the operations for rooting out infiltrators. It is a major concern of ours, of course. Given they have been both shape-shifters and invisible, detecting them is difficult. It will take a special touch." Calypso gestures towards Merek. "And indeed, the Faith is well involved in these plans. The Legate is personally heading the spiritual defense of the city for those aligned with the Pantheon. We also have the Knights of Solace and the Templars involved in various tasks all over the city."

The mention of shape-shifters and invisible ememies turns Valencia's head and she looks at Calypso, though perhaps not with fear, but with curious concern. "What is this? Who can do this?" she asks softly.

Calypso glances to Valencia then with a nod. "That task has been placed in the hands of Inquisitor Alistair. If you feel as though it is something that your talents might lend aide to, I encourage you to reach out to him."

Reese continues to stay perched on a seat, listening to the conversation with silent attention. She might the store who doesn't speak much unless she has something to add.

Calypso looks then to Reese. "Will you be working with the Inquisitor in this?" She raises a brow curiously.

Barric nods as he listens and agrees with Valencia too, a soft pat to her arm, "There will need to be many patrols and investigations started. I've taken to wandering the streets asking questions seeing if all are well and good." He turns to Valencia, "The bringers... half again as tall as a mane twice as broad... Another reason Reese and I are looking into getting hounds. Animals get nervous around them."

Merek looks to Valencia, "Bringers can turn invisible, poison people with demonic sickness, amongst other things," he states. He nods a small bit then, and relaxes back, "Holy weapons work well against them, it seems, and some people can natually catch glimpses of where they are."

Calypso gestures up to Ryder who stays perched on her shoulder, an ever watchful falcon companion. "Prince Barric has the right of it on this count as well."

Valencia looks confused at Calypso's words. "Inquisitor Alistair can shape-shift?" she asks a little confused. Her confusion is assuaded by Barric and Merek's explaination. "Oh, I see. I was about to say," her cheeks flush a little. "Ah, duly noted. And animals become nervous. Also very interesting. Why do you suppose this is? Is it the scent? Or a feeling they have that we cannot read?"

"What? No... the bringers." Calypso blinks a little not entirely sure how that confusion happened and hoping it is cleared up immediately.

Reese nods at the of hounds. "We will get our hounds soon, I hope." She says gently. Her cousin is given a smile.

"... In any case, if I'm needed for ideas, planning, anything, just send me a messenger, I'll do the best I'm able," Merek tells Calypso, with an incline of his head. He looks to Valencia, and smiles, then considers Reese and Barric and anyone else, "I should be on my way." He pushes up, standing weakly with the help of his staff.

Barric nods and considers, "I wonder... Like miners and how they carry a canary or other small bird with them... can we not use the same method for anyone patrolling. If they don't have a pet of some kind already that is. Birds would be easy to care for and not hard to carry around in a small wicker cage?"

Calypso gathers the papers up in front of her a little more. "Thank you for your questions and commitment to defense, Merek. And as it looks like we've gotten most of the productive questions out of the way here too, I think I'm going to go ahead and close this meeting. Thank you all for coming."