Connal, a Northern Wolfhound arrives, following Rosalind.

Raja has arrived to the room for the discussion. However, the Culler woman is rather wary. She decides that she is most comfortable leaning against the wall near the door. She is rather tense, but she is here!

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

Rosalind has joined the a dark stone fireplace surrounded by luxuriant couches and chairs.

Nallah, a buff-looking tortie cat with green eyes, Sirra, a very quiet maid, an indeterminate number of cats, 3 House Mazetti Guardians arrive, following Someone wearing a black mirror mask.

1 Crimson Blades Sergeant, 1 Crimson Blades Lieutenant, 1 Crimson Blades Private, Akkar arrive, following Cillian.

Lady Beatrice Malespero is inexplicably punctual to this. It is not very Lycene of her but this is a place for failings. She moves through the room easily, as comfortable here as in a salon, if perhaps more muted. She finds a place near the couches to observe and tilts a polite nod to those nearest in greeting.

Nallah, a buff-looking tortie cat with green eyes have been dismissed.

3 House Mazetti Guardians have been dismissed.

Shard enters quietly, frowning about as much as is her usual, and wastes little time in finding a seat to drop into.

Shard has joined the a dark stone fireplace surrounded by luxuriant couches and chairs.

Cillian has joined the a dark stone fireplace surrounded by luxuriant couches and chairs.

Ilsa entered quietly, and quickly, clearing the door to make certain she did not block the arrival of those behind her.

Cadern picks his way into the area looking interested. He searches around for a seat and shrugs heading for the fireplace.

Cadern has joined the a dark stone fireplace surrounded by luxuriant couches and chairs.

Merek makes his way into the shrine. It is not a sermon, but it is a learning experience. He has on a nice red-black attire meant for adventuring, scarf pulled about, as well as a sheathed weapon upon his back, which looks like it has a peace binding upon it as well. He inclines to Dianna, though his eyes carry little emotion today.

Rowenova has joined the line.

Cillian moves into the shrine looking around spotting Cadern and Rowenova he moves to join them.

Rosalind hurries inside, reeaaaallly hoping she's not late! The tall red headed Ravenseye makes her right toward the couches, finding a seat right next to her brother and Nova,"Oh hi!"grinning and waving at others!

Estelle is seated on one of the chairs near the dark stone fireplace, looking around attentively as more and more file in with discussion on their minds.

Standing before the fireplace while the guest enter the Consultation Room at the Shrine to the Thirteenth is Sister Dianna Godsworn, Third Reflection Mirrormask - whom some will know took her oaths not quite a year ago. She is, it will be noted, without her mirrormask, a gentle and comfortable smile upon her face. In her right hand, however, is cradled a crystal goblet of amber liquid. She welcomes those who come and awaits the room to settle before beginning to speak.

Aisha enters arm in arm with Allegra; a proper escorting. She looks around for familiar faces and gives a curt nod to a few people, an unsure smile gracing her lips. Finally she takes a sit with Allegra and gives her a reassuring little pat on the arm as if to say, 'Yeah, this is all totally normal.'

Nova gives a one armed hug to Cillian on one side then Rosalind on the next, "Hey!" She lets go and stands up. "What lore can you offer concerning the moon in all its forms, Blood, normal, or otherwise? Any correlation to the gods and the spirits?"

Arriving quietly with Val, Mara moves to a spot out of the way, to stand with the man. Green eyes gently regarding those gathered.

Damien Pierce - A Charming Assistant, 1 Redreef Warden, Vagari The Cinder Cat, 1 Order of the Firebird, 2 House Crovane Guards, Biorna - The Protective Mastiff arrive, following Mikani.

Allegra shuffles in with her usual limp, using Aisha's arm for support. She looks around as she goes, nodding to those she recognizes. Sitting now, her expression is more curious than concerned, but Aisha's reassuring pat gets a small smile from her. She straightens her skirt and then turns to look to who is speaking.

Val, arriving with Mara, takes a brief look around at those others present, but mostly focused on Dianna for the moment, it seems.

"Thank you for your question, Messere Rowenova," Dianna replies. "In order that I might better understand what you're looking for, can you be more specific in /why/ you're looking for this, and what particularly is the end that you seek? It will better help us to understand what best to give you as an answer." The priestess gently chuckles and smiles warmly, "Otherwise, we may be here for weeks!"

Ilsa did not move to settle by the fireplace, but instead, seemed quite comfortable waiting off along the wall, where she could see both the room, the Godsworn, and those gathered without needing to crane her neck.

Nova answers back, "Let us assume I were touched by Tehom. And let us say that I felt differently during phases of the moon, normal or otherwise. And let us say that I am extremely confused about it and want to understand what is going on, then could you guide me?"

Shard's frown deepens a little bit. She leans back in her seat, arms crossed, slumping comfortably, but she's clearly listening, and her eyes flit between Dianne and Rowenova in turn.

Beatrice's mouth quirks oh-so-faintly at Rowenova's clarification.

Aisha furrows her brows and carefully leans in to speak quietly to Allegra, looking rather perplexed.

"Those are a lot of assumptions. Shall we start with the first, as a question? Were you touched by Tehom? Or was someone specifically whom you know?" Dianna asks with polite tranquility. "Further to that point: How would you know that it /was/ Tehom?"

Interjecting with just a hint of amusement in her tone of voice, a mirrormask seated by the fire glances at Rowenova. "Some believe that unicorns can only be seen in the moonlight. And that they travel in the moonlight too, drinking it in." She shrugs. "They're pure creatures, susceptible to the Abyss supposedly. And cut off from the moonlight, they're basically just horned horses."

Nova ultimately agrees. "Aye that is a lot of assumptions, indeed. Sorry to be a bit guarded, but skipping your first two quetions for the time being. Then, how would I know is a great question. I have no idea. This is just the start of what will probably be a wild ride."

Raja emains posted at her spot, leaning on the wall to hold it up. She is silent, listening intently to the words spoken, Her gaze seems to fixate on Rowenova.

Allegra shrugs to Aisha's quiet comment, looking slightly bemused as she considers and then leans in to whisper back, before quickly returning her attention to the discussion with interest.

The voice behind a dark mirrormask weeping onyx tears adds, "When I have questions for Tehom, I pray to Him."

Nova may be garnering a bunch of looks, but she does not seem too bothered, but then she looks back to the onyx-teared mirrormask, "Is he pretty good about getting back to you?"

The priestess' expression becomes somber as she nods to Rowenova. "Indeed. I have my own story of having thought I was touched by Tehom... and then I learned that I was likely not. Regardless, though, of whether I was or thought I was - aside from the specifics of what happens to those who are rumored to have been? I am here because of my belief. Meaning, specifically: I /joined/ the Faith, the Mirrormasks and became godsworn because I believed I had danced with and had my hand kissed by Tehom."

Tarik has joined the a dark stone fireplace surrounded by luxuriant couches and chairs.

Still standing, Nova sagely nods. "Ah, at one of the Mirror Masqs, then?" Then, she sits down, now that the party has started.

Listening quietly to the current conversation, Mara leans in toward Val to whisper quietly to him.

Raja has joined the line.

Estelle sits quietly and attentively, though some of the chatter does bring an easy smile to her lips before refocusing on Dianna and the other mirrormasks accompanying her.

"Indeed; one year ago. I'm quite sure that whomever I danced with was /some/ kind of spirit... or an Aspect, more than likely, based on the discussions I've had - but I have no proof of anything, at this point, as is the case with so very many things. We know so little, and hope to know so very, very much," Dianna assures Rowenova gently.

Tarik was running a bit late so immediately sits down in one of the chairs.

Chase, a Silent Reflection in grey hooded robes, 1 Templar Knight guards arrive, following Vayne.

Dianna coughs, 'Facet, that is. Not 'Aspect.'

Merek listens along, nodding while he thinks about what is presented.

Val leans in, listening to Mara's silent question to himself, and then softly murmurs back in response!

Mikani has been sitting here for a bit quietly. Well more like standing the woman can't seem to sit still but she manages to take notes and stand.

Cadern looks intrigued at the talk of the dances. He draws out some paper and begins taking notes looking thoughtful, "Interesting that it so routinely happens and mirrors." He tilts his head to the side.

Estelle has joined the line.

Aisha looks toward Mikani - pauses - and then does a double take when she sees how big the woman is. It's hard to concentrate for a second but she turns back around and waits to listen to more discussion.

Turn in line: Rowenova

Turn in line: Raja

Raja peels away from the wall once she is called. She steps forward and seems hesitant to speak. "We hear the words demon and reflections used a lot. Are all reflections demons? Are all reflections evil? What if they managed to spawn in this world? Does that make that spawn evil?"

Nova dips her visage a bit to Dianna. "What we learned of unicorns was good, every little bit helps." She quiets and then listens to Raja.

There is a soft nod of her head to Val as he quietly answers her questions. Mara's quiet gaze still watching those around them, softly moving to rest on those that speak. With the momentary lull, she turns her head a bit and whispers back to Val.

Raja listens as the information is given. The woman's expression shows that this raises even more questions, but there are others in line. She offers a single nod and steps out of line to head back to her post at the wall.

The Third Reflection steps over to the nearby desk and exchanges her crystal goblet of brandy for a document that she gives to Raja. "Please pass this around when you are finished reading," she says, then collects her goblet again returns to the fireplace, taking a sip along the way. "What is being shared now is Dominus Marach's teachings on the Reflection. Very little was preserved of his work, but this is amongst them. Bear in mind that much of what is known of Reflections must be shared with extreme care, and one mustn't ever use their names, lest you call attention to yourselves." Though Dianna speaks mildly, there is a certain seriousness in her gaze.

The woman in a black mirrormask leans forward. "This is merely for purposes of knowledge of history." She whips her head to Dianna. "No one is suggesting anyone ought to take the teachings of an Apostate at face value." Her tone is wary.

Raja looks over the paper, reading the words. "Hmm." She keeps her thoughts to herself and turns to pass the note to the next person.

"Indeed," Dianna replies with ease and calm to the woman wearing a black mirrormask. "This is simply historical accounts. Again, so much is not known even of the truth of these, bear in mind."

Allegra listens intently to the question, and even more so to the answer. She watches with interest as the paper is passed around, and takes a quick moment to read it herself before passing it on. Even after it's left her possession, she looks thoughtful, weighing the information.

"Pardon me." is stated from behind a black, teardopped mirrormask, who steps through the consultation room and into the shrine before unmasking.

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

Aisha bites on her fingernail softly as she reads the paper after Allegra, then passes it along. She gives the other woman an intrigued look.

Nova speaks up, "Personal attention is one reason. A few other reasons are rarely considered, but it can affect others. Just because we cannot see the outcome or result, even if we did not care about ourselves, we could care of the effect it could have on others of whom we are not privy."

Ilsa, still mostly quiet, though clearly interested, took the note as it passed by her, reading it before she passed it on to the next.

Merek nods a bit, while he listens as well as considers the information. He does look to the place as a whole in thought.

Shard's nose wrinkles faintly, and briefly, when it's her turn to read over the paper being passed around, but otherwise she does little more than continue to pass it along.

Rosalind is listening, quietly. Then reads the note passed to her. She quirs her lips and uh--hmm...

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

Rukhnis arrives, following Rysen.

Turn in line: Estelle

Estelle stands up to her full height, smoothing down a simple white robe before looking towards the three Mirrormasks with a respectful dip of her head. "What steps can we take to properly worship the Thirteenth and learn what is offered? I have heard of the Eclipse of Mirrors, but I was wondering about possible activities and practices outside of the feast day." Question asked, she smiles and settles back down onto the chair.

Cadern considers the latest of information, "Well that's... an unfortunate list." He looks troubled and he glances through the group surveying. He then purses his lips as he considers descriptions of the eclipse.

"Reflect," Dianna replies with serene gentility to Estelle, her arced brows lofting only barely. She gestures to one of the covered mirrors nearby, "Consider yourself, always - who you are, what you fear, what you love and what you hate - about yourself, about others..." The priestess' voice becomes softer as she speaks, as gentle and still as a lake. "There is nothing else, truly. Even the festivals are nothing in comparison to this daily meditation."

Beatrice has joined the line.

Turn in line: Beatrice

Rysen arrives in the consultation room of the Shrine of Thirteenth with Rukhnis, moving slowly. Making their way along the mirrored panels, Rysen pauses near the back of the room as Estelle stands up. His eyes pass to Mikani and then to Dianna, and to the latter offers a stiff bow, before slowly taking a seat in one of the outer chairs near the fireplace with the help of Rukhnis, so as to cause the least disturbance to the speakers.

Beatrice raises a few fingers to catch Dianna's attention. "Thank you, Sister Dianna, for hosting this. Beyond charity and the convenience of teaching so many about our beloved masques - when we depart tonight, what would you most hope that we leave here with?"

As Dianna answers Estelle's question, Mara's gaze gently turns away from Val to the priestess, watching her some. Listening as Beatrice posses her question to the priestess.

Rukhnis enters along with Rysen, following with her usual soft-footed tread just behind him and to his right, save for when she comes a little further forward to offer him her assistance. By the close way she dogs his heels and the keen intensity with which her gaze follows him, she manages to give the impression that she's not so much attending the Crovane lord as she is carefully and diligently herding him to where he's supposed to be. Only after he's seated as comfortably as possible does she find a chair of her own nearby.

"Thank you," Estelle calls back to Dianna after the answer, seeming quite satisfied after following the glance to the covered miror nearby.

Rysen has joined the a dark stone fireplace surrounded by luxuriant couches and chairs.

Aisha has joined the line.

With the arrival of Rukhnis and Rysen, Dianna's expression hesitates entirely, her gaze rounding. "...Rysen. Are you well to be walking around...?" she asks, the deep concern on her face clear. She blinks heavily, then realizes the question asked by Beatrice. "All the same, I thank you for joining us, Lord Crovane, Messere Rukhnis." She turns back to address Beatrice. "...My apologies. ...My hope? Is that you /will/ reflect upon these things I've shared, that you will not fear your fear - that you will face it. For, in facing your fears, you find the gods; in facing your fears, you acknowledge yourself - and Tehom; you do yourself and Him a service to know yourselves - both in the light and in the dark; and you do yourselves and the entire Pantheon a service by bringing to light that which is in the dark - for only then can you know Truth. And Truth is why we love Tehom - for, in knowing without a doubt what is False are we led to what is True - and therein reside our gods."

Turn in line: Aisha

Merek looks over to Rysen and Rukhnis, with a little nod, while he offers a wave to the two, though doesn't speak for a bit. He blinks as Dianna addresses the two.

Beatrice listens to the answer to her question with a hint of a smile curving at the corner of her mouth. The tilt of her head to Dianna is all courtesy. Unable to resist, she adds in a murmur, "To speak up in such a crowd /is/ to face one's fears, I think."

Cillian looks as Rysen comes in, he nods to him then his eyes look over to Tari as Nova w hispers to him nodding some.

Aisha stands up from where she's sitting with Allegra and clears her throat delicately, speaking up. Her voice has a sort of command to it even though her tone is soft. "You say that Truth is why we love Tehom, in knowing without a doubt what is False... are we led to what is True. If someone were to have a prophecy come to them, and their guts told them that it was true, no matter how the prophecy arose... should that person take it as an absolute truth? What kind of logic do you think goes into deciphering prophecies?"

Shard says, flatly, "No." She appears to be answering Aisha, but she only looks that way once the word is said. "...No prophecy is absolute. Fate is dead."

Rukhnis listens to what's being said with slightly narrowed eyes -- or that might just be the way in which she's watching Rysen; it's hard to tell. She does offer a meticulously formal bow to Dianna from her seated position, and another slightly less formal one in acknowledgement to Merek's nod of greeting.

"We all have jealousies. We all have love. We all have pain and hate and angst and joy. Jealousies rarely bring us back to the gods; pain and hate and angst rarely bring us back, as well. Charity, love, kindness - do we not aspire to these ideals? Heroism...?" Dianna gestures to Rysen and Rukhnis openly, "For we only just opened and rededicated the Shrine to Gloria; and heroes, such as these two, such as many of you, are not found in those who cannot face and overcome their fears, love cannot rise unless we face and overcome our jealousies... and such and so on," Dianna advises the room with intent serenity. "And yes - to face one's fear to speak in front of a room is indeed a virtue. I thank you for doing so, quite deeply," she speaks to Beatrice, dipping her head in a solemn nod.

Aisha eyes Shard with an unsettled half-smile. She pauses for a brief second and then returns her silver gaze to Dianna, listening to her with great intent.

Touched, it would seem, by Dianna's comment, Beatrice touches a hand to her lips and blows a kiss to the Third Reflection before bowing her head in thanks.

Shard is still comfortably slumped in her seat, arms crossed. She doesn't really seem to have anything else to add to what she's already, said, and her attention turns frontwards again.

Allegra listens politely to Aisha's question, turning so she can see her, and then back to Dianna. Shard's comment causes her to blink and glance over, but after a beat, her attention is back on Dianna again.

"It helps to be in such fine company, Sister Dianna, and to hear your counsel and wisdom" says Rysen, a bit of color rising to his pale cheeks, but smiling in spite of the hideous bruises on his face, and Rukhnis-administred bandages. He speaks a low word of greeting to Rowenova, Merek and Cillian, before turning his attention to those who ask questions, and to Dianna's responses. When she gestures to him, his slight coloring transforms into a furious blush. "Surely, Sister, it is the rescuer who embodies the ideals of Gloria, and whose dedication to the Thirteenth has allowed her to overcome fear and triumph over dangerous enemies," he says softly.

Mikani watches Rysen for a long moment before she goes back to her notes.

Cadern looks thoughtful as he listens and continues to consider the information that's shared and trying to consider how best to put the pieces of the puzzle together. He wriggles his nose faintly and he purses his lips in concern wriggling his nose. He does look curiously to Aisha's question and Shard's clear response his brow raising.

Raja turns her gaze towards Rysen and Rukhnis. In spite of her normal cold demeanor, she winces slightly at the bruises on Rysen's features. Her expression changes not to pity, but of respect.

Rukhnis blinks and looks askance at Dianna, then tilts her head fractionally in either direction to shift a glance over each shoulder in turn. Frowning faintly, she looks back to the lecturing priestess.

"A prophecy? Prophecies are so very, very rare, we are told," Dianna replies to Aisha. "Particularly as these types of dreams can come from anywhere, truly."

Mikani takes Journal of Important Missives from Black Leather Holster Hip Bag with Crimson Accents.

As Diana speaks of overcoming ones fears and seeking out the truth, Mara watches the Godsworn for a long moment before she glances to Val. Speaking to him softly again.

Quietly, Beatrice weaves through the crowds for the exit, hood already raising to brace against the impending cold.

1 Malespero guard leaves, following Beatrice.

Shifting her gaze back to Rysen at his comment regarding rescuers, Dianna's voice becomes somewhat stern in the truth of her emotion. "I am a jealous woman," she freely admits, her amber gaze set aflame, "and I do not take kindly to strangers trying to kill my friends." The priestess' own cheeks flare, her gaze now turning to the group. "And this example I will give of myself, of my own truth - becoming, yes, as Lord Rysen says: A rescuer, due to jealousy, hate and loathing... as well as due to love, friendship and ...I will accept, my own bravery."

There is a determined, but ultimately unreadable look on Aisha's face when she considers Dianna's words. She looks down at Allegra and then simply sits down, very clearly deep within the recesses of her own mind.

Mikani leans against the wall and rubs at her lower back.

Tarik finishes taking some more notes, before standing and heading to the exit.

Rukhnis makes a quiet grunting noise and lowers her gaze briefly before her attention is caught by Mikani, and she casts a frown in that direction instead.

Nova stands up and then slides over to mayhaps join Tarik right quick.

The priestess' flared emotion quells as easily as it swelled. "Jealousy, mind you, can come in many forms. We are jealous, sometimes, because we are protective of someone. Family, friends, ...anyone or anything we value. Envy, of course, is another thing entirely..." she explains easily. "It was not, of course, envy that caused me to go," Dianna continues, turning her gaze across the group that remains. "Envy... may have made me stay, for in envy, one does not wish to share. One wishes to consume." She looks again at the group and asks, "Are there any other questions, for now?"

Sirra, a very quiet maid, an indeterminate number of cats leave, following Alessia.

Raja watches as people begin to depart, but Raja is hanging behind.

Allegra is overheard praising Dianna.

Estelle is overheard praising Dianna.

Mikani is overheard praising Dianna.

Allegra is overheard praising Mirrormask.

Aisha is overheard praising Dianna.

Rysen is overheard praising Dianna: Unbreakable inner strength through reflection.

Ilsa is overheard praising Mirrormask: It is a fin thing, to share information with those who have need and curiosity.

Ilsa is overheard praising Mirrormask: It is a fine thing, to share information with those who have need and curiosity.

Vayne is overheard praising Dianna.

Nova seems successful in momentary interception of Tarik and points out Cillian.

With a grateful nod towards those presenting, Estelle makes a discreet depature.

Estelle has left the a dark stone fireplace surrounded by luxuriant couches and chairs.

Lance the white dove, Sunny, a Kite of the Cloudspine leave, following Estelle.

Cadern is overheard praising Dianna.

Ilsa is overheard praising Dianna: A Godsworn of character, piety, and compassion.

Merek is overheard praising Mirrormask.

Merek is overheard praising Mirrormask: 5

Merek is overheard praising Dianna.

Raja is overheard praising Mirrormask.

Cillian Stands up looking to move to Rysen slowly and gently touchs the mans shoulder. "Good to see you Lord Rysen." he smiles then looks to Nova nodding his head taking his hand back and moving over in her direction.

Chase have been dismissed.

a Silent Reflection in grey hooded robes have been dismissed.

1 Templar Knight guards have been dismissed.

Mikani moves to greet Rysen as people leave. "Good to see you up and around." Mikani says warmly.

Rosalind stands up and looks about. Realizing it's snowing, she brightens just a bit more and hurries over to hug her brother,"I'll see you soon, thanks for today!" Seeing Nova and Tarik, she waves to them as well. Oh! And Rysen, Rukhnis, and Mikani. A grin forms and she runs off--to trail about in the weather.

From where he stands, Val gives a nod to the other attendees, and then murmurs to Mara, offering his arm, and from there would make his exit!

Val mutters, "Yes, ..."

Waldemai has left the a dark stone fireplace surrounded by luxuriant couches and chairs.

Tarik has left the a dark stone fireplace surrounded by luxuriant couches and chairs.

Rosalind has left the a dark stone fireplace surrounded by luxuriant couches and chairs.

Connal, a Northern Wolfhound leaves, following Rosalind.

Shard rubs her face, and then eases up out of her seat and turns for the door, with no apparent haste.