Carrier Raven named Bucko, Irene - Shaggy Wolfhound, 1 Redoubt Buccaneers arrive, following Ulfric.

Conall, a huge, friendly, sable Wolfhound dog with bright platinum eyes, Ylva, an impressively-large, silvery Wolfhound with bright gold eyes, Colm Teague, the stolid adjunct of ice-blue eyes, Ash, a fearless grey fuzzball of cuteness with butter-yellow eyes arrive, following Sunaia.

Liara emerges into the hall, carrying a leather folder full of parchment documents, and heads along to take a seat at the large map table - currently set in the hall's centre - with a quick smile for those about. "Thank you for coming. We shall commence presently. I have a number of measures which I wish to see undertaken to ease the burden caused by the blockage in the harbour, particularly as it pertains to the Crownlands and transit of cargo from the sea that would ordinarily rely upon the Gray River."

Carrier Raven named Bucko, Irene - Shaggy Wolfhound, 1 Redoubt Buccaneers leave, following Ulfric.

Traveling in winter isn't easy on Ian, which is probably why he took care to get here early. He has placed himself out of the way, sitting on a couch with his flask in hand. There's some tension in his jaw that gives his prematurely aged features an added sense of haggardness.

Ian has joined the silver seasilk sofa of superb repose.

Ezra stands against a far wall and is careful to blend into the background as much as is possible to try to ensure his presence it not that memorable. He looks as though he's intending more to observe than be a participant.

The memo said 'refreshements will be provided': that was all Rowenova needed. Showing up with Sir Floppington the soulful hound at her side, she moves forth into the Gray Hall with apparent familiarity, pouring up a quick cocktail and then not only taking that but also whatever provided pastry or snack food there might be. Once acquired, she veers off toward the Kennex couple by whom the wolfy scout sits down.

Zoey has joined the silver seasilk sofa of superb repose.

Rowenova has joined the silver seasilk sofa of superb repose.

Having arrived just before Liara, Sunaia, Colm, her pair of large Wolfhounds and a small, gray cat have made their way the short distance from Ashford House to join this important meeting. Noting Ezra's presence, she leads the group to stand beside him - which likely destroys his attempt to go unnoticed, now that he's utterly surrounded. The small cat meows his greeting and lifts onto his hind legs, pawing at Ezra to be greeted properly. Sunaia smirks slightly, then turns her gaze to Liara and focuses.

Zoey arrives early with her husband and takes a seat with him at one of the couches. She listened attentively now that Liara has arrived.

Joy, the advisor of roses arrives, following Esme.

Tibault arrives quietly, as seems to be his habit, having eschewed any cloak for the relatively short walk to the manor. He glances around the hall as he makes his way in, nodding with appropriate courtesy to each and all whom's gaze he happens to meet. Stepping up to be where in can be brought in on any conversation near the map table, but enough out of the way so as to not be a necessary part of any of those talks he settles in with an attentive gaze on Liara.

Ezra leans down at Ash's

Ezra leans down at Ash's

Kessen, a white-tailed eagle leaves, following Ezra.

Setting her notes out, Liara glances down to the top of one before carrying on, "I dare say most of you are familiar with the issues arising, but in short, they are as follows: ships cannot move into Arx's harbour, or between the sea and the Gray River. Some merchants are unloading cargo on beaches or other such rather makeshift landing sites near to the city. This is inappropriate for larger vessels, however. I am given to understand that Brighthold - Count Tibault's holding - is the destination of choice for merchants with larger vessels."

She pauses a beat and carries on then, "The items of particular interest to me are first to have a temporary harbour established to ease cargo unloading near the city. I am unfamiliar with the suitability of landing sites. Secondly, there shall need to be a new point a distance upriver established to load and unload river traffic. Thirdly, and I believe Prince Niklas has communicated with Count Tibault about this, the infrastructure leading from Brighthold should be improved. Additional to all this, each endeavour shall require security, first due to the potential of regular bandits and secondly, I expect whatever caused the whirlpool will not be amenable to us simply going around it with such ease."

Kessen, a white-tailed eagle arrives, following Ezra.

Esme is late. It's probably all the layers of warmth that she wears or something like that. She moves easily to remove it as she enters, but probably takes up enough space for three people and their articles. It's warming up, but not yet there for her. Soon, perhaps. The Lady of Fidante has a vibrant smile as she enters and her head nods to those of higher rank as she moves to find a place to stand or sit.

Ophira enters quietly, bright eyes flitting towards familiar and unfamiliar alike - serpentine glide of form positioning her against the wall.

Ezra leans down at Ash's attempt to get a proper greeting and rubs the the rough of his fingers against the side of the cat's head. He stands back up, having lost the element of quiet stealthiness and seems to content himself with folding his arms across his chest and leaning back against the wall he half leans his head of to mutter to Sunaia quietly and then goes back to listening to the topic at hand.

"Obviously, I'll talk to Harlan and Rhiannon about bringing the Ashford forces to help protect any shipments moving from Brighthold to the city, both since Brighthold is our responsibility and because we're closest," Sunaia volunteers, dipping a nod to Tibault, then to Liara. "Count Tibault, I'll let you and Princess Liara know what I learn; and please let me know if you have any additional requirements."

Alina sits down at the table and steeples her fingers. She says nothing, but she looks impassively at Liara as the Grayson princess speaks.

Esme has joined the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Alina has joined the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

As his name is mentioned, Tibault straightens just enough so that the motion can be noted by the others in the room and nods, "Yes, your Highness, I've had some communication on the matter with the Prince, and.. " He flicks a look and a nod in Sunaia's direction, "I'll of course be working with the Ashfords as well as is needed. Brighthold, and the Laveers, will do all that we can, all that we must, to help ensure that trade and movement of goods, troops, and people flow as quickly and efficiently as is possible."

Liara gives a little nod to Sunaia and Tibault. "It's a matter in which I expect the Knights of Solace will be interested, too. As far as just protection goes, we do not want to oversaturate the route, though if a spot of help is required, Ashford might send me a note. That extra security is certainly the most immediate means to ease matters, though."

Liara also tacks on, "It may be worthwhile considering the construction of new posts along the way between Brighthold and Arx, to both station soldiers and accommodate merchant caravans."

The white Ashford's chin flicks a quick nod to Liara. "I'll bring that up to Harlan, too. As for the protection: Do you mean that you prefer Ashford or Knights of Solace?" Sunaia asks.

Esme glances towards those that are mentioned and a grin is flashed, but she seems to be rather silent. It appears that she's taking it all in. Her green eyes flick from one to the other as they talk.

"I'd a plan in mind to bring up before this .. current issue arose, and that was one of signal towers between Brighthold, Arx, and the rest of Grayson lands. With the towers eventually used as waypoints and perhaps guarded or manned by the Faith or others." Tibault adds in at Liara's comment on new posts along the way.

Tibault has joined the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Ezra nods to some whisper that Sunaia directions to him and makes a stay gesture towards Sunaia's dogs but whether they stay or not, is largely up to dogs than him.

Sunaia murmurs something to Ezra and snaps her fingers twice; the Wolfhounds and the cat settle at Ezra's feet while Sunaia and Colm join Tibault and the others at the map table.

Sunaia has joined the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

"It is land largely belonging to Ashford and its vassals, so it is of course a matter for House Ashford in the first instance. The additional involvement of Solace is just a suggestion," Liara clarifies for Sunaia. Then she gives a light incline of her head to Tibault in understanding. "It seems there's an opportunity to do just that, in that case. That would work rather well with an ongoing undertaking of House Seliki to establish watchposts on islands east of the mainland, too."

Two quick nods to Liara and Sunaia replies, "Yes, I thought that's what you meant. I'll pursue it as I mentioned, then will let you know what Harlan and Rhia decide."

Sam, who is a boy and definitely not a princess in disguise arrives, following Niklas.

The new Ashford Lord is making his way into the Grayson Great Hall, trying to look as unobtrusive as possible. Of course, considering Kutazer's dark skin and towering height, it's hard for him to just sneak off to one side to listen. But, that is what he tries to do, moving off to one side for the moment, hands slipping behind his back to clasp together.

Elizabetta, a disapproving lady-in-waiting, Lily, an aloof lady-in-waiting, 2 Grayson House Guards, Clark, an exasperated guard arrive, following Sabella.

"Very good. Prince Niklas might expand on particular suggestions of his own in a moment, and then we might separate out security and construction concerns as appropriate," suggests Liara. "Then we might move to shipping-related concerns - and I am glad to see Kennexes present, on that note."

Ian has been exchanging the occasional soft word with Zoey and Nova, but when addressed, he looks towards the map table, and nods. "We're willing to help where we can."

Niklas walks through with Sabella, cheerily saying, "...has a brand new apple brandy which is quite a delight, so we sh-" He slows to a stop when he sees that the grand hall is filled with people. He glances to Sabella, then back to a room that contains more of his relatives than usual. "Ah. Well. Sabella, we're just in time for the meeting! Whew! I thought we'd missed it." He gives her a look like this is your fault for wanting to go out early. To Liara he says, "Oh, certainly. I, uh, have lots of suggestions." He glances toward Tibault, back to Liara, then gives a slightly helpless shrug. "Baron Silas has talked about outfitting the Iron Guard with ironwool. So we might consder paying for a thousand or so hats."

Liara pauses a beat then clarifies for Niklas, "It's not quite the ironwool meeting yet. We were just chatting about Brighthold, and its potential role with all this difficulty that whirlpool is causing. Ah - it's a matter you can likely review in detail with Count Tibault in any case. Lady Sunaia is going to confer with her family about increasing security along the road from Brightold."

Sabella gives Niklas a strange look when he stops then has that wide eyed look of 'oh that's today?' that flashes across her face and then is replaced with an easy smile as she tugs on Niklas' sleeve to get them a seat, "It might be very prudent to start making pitches for things grown and made in Arvum, regardless of the whirlpool. Market prices might still be inflated, but they could come down for certain items that don't necessarily need to be shipped in through the harbor. Increasing security along the road would definitely help with that. How is it impacting the beach right outside of the gates? Or are boats not particularly keen to be brought up there? Couldn't they be out in the deep water and send littler boats in?"

Esme brightens as she sees Sabella and Niklas, but she's still staying pretty silent and taking it all in. She does offer a comment towards Tibault when he sits at the table she's moved to. Her eyes slide across the map and then to watch the others talk.

Alina finally speaks, at last. "Will there be tariffs imposed upon goods which are imported through this new harbor? House Ashford will be incurring a great expense to build all of this infrastructure. Or will it be a shared endeavor? That brings in questions of ownership."

"That's a good question. I'll have to bring it up to Harlan, as well," Sunaia replies with a grateful nod to Alina.

Liara speaks first to Sabella, "I understand that small vessels have been using the beach as much as they can, but that there remain significant difficulties with unloading larger vessels. The merchants are preferring to use Brighthold to unload; one assumes that they know their business." Then she turns her attention to Alina, with a light arch of her eyebrows. "Ordinarily, for undertakings impacting a significant amount of the Crownlands - such as this one - I make funding and materiel available."

Liara also adds, "Tariffs are a matter for those whose domains are being traversed, though if Grayson is providing funding, I would appreciate if they would firstly confer with the appropriate Grayson Ministers - Prince Niklas is a good person to go to."

With a nod to Liara and Niklas, Sunaia replies easily, "Of course. We can discuss all of those details later."

Tibault hmmms, "I imagine any tarrifs /were/ to be added it would be after such a time as there's been time to discuss funding and potential shortfalls and the like. Not at such earl stages as this."

Liara's the sort of person who might take notes on all this but, handily enough, there's a House servant sitting off to the side hurriedly jotting it all down, who she does at least spare a glance to. "Very good," she says, and then she goes on, "The other matter, then, is temporary port facilities. I believe the beach immediately outside Arx falls in Crown jurisdiction rather than House Grayson's. However, if there are other convenient harbours nearby, they might be worked on to at least allow smaller vessels in. I assume if there were any especially suited to large ships, they would already be in use, though I leave it open to someone to ascertain that one way or another. There remains the matter of needing to increase the capacity upriver of the whirlpool. Does anyone have particular ideas, or a strong wish to build quays along the river banks?"

Liara adds on, "It may prove a good opportunity to establish a new holding, even if the dock itself is temporary."

Sabella has joined the Couch of Majestic Gryphons.

Merek takes time to put on the white-black attire which he wears, then he begins to make a way to the Grayson Mansion. When he steps within, the chains that he wears upon his pants jingle lightly, as does jewerly, while he finds a place to settle in.

"If anyone gets something started, let me know," Ian offers, from the couch where he's mostly been listening in silence. "I've got time commitments right now, but I think Kennex could send someone to help out."

Kutazer is still off to the side, simply taking it all in as he listens to everything that's presented. He's noted the presence of a few that he knows, a little nod coming to be offered before he's moving to find himself a seat to settle into.

"I do not detect a particular abundance of enthusiasm for harbours," notes Liara, a bit wryly, though she then offers a quick smile over to Ian. "I shall send a note if and when something particular is settled upon. Not many Crownlanders sail, after all." Then she leans back on her seat and offers up, "If anyone wishes to put forward specific suggestions that might help to address this matter, I am all ears."

"There's only so much the Ashfords can do, or I'm sure someone would find it a useful thing to do - I know I find it useful, but I'm tapped; there's only so much I can, myself, do. Maybe bring it up with the Faith or with the Crown?" Sunaia suggests to Liara.

Esme looks up as a messenger arrives for her. A soft word towards Tibault and then she slips silently from the meeting. Trying not to disturb it.

Liara replies to Sunaia, "I have spoken with the King, and the matter of supplying Arx itself is certainly one for the Crown to focus upon. Involving the Faith is a good idea, though, yes. I also rather like Princess Sabella's suggestion about where people source their goods."

Esme has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Joy, the advisor of roses leaves, following Esme.

Glancing to Tibault and Esme before the latter leaves, Sunaia returns her attention to Liara. "Yes, I think that's important. Maybe also get the Craftsmen's Gild involved in that; I know Brother Felix is presently working out plans for moving products from across the Compact to Arx through other routes."

Sunaia volunteers again, "In fact, if you like, I'll talk to him."

Tibault seems content to listen at this point, now that talk of Brighthold has largely wrapped up. He nods quietly to Esme as she departs and then turns his attention to those speaking: Liara and Sunaia.

"By all means," Liara answers Sunaia, and then adds, somewhat dryly, "Much of it will have to come through the Crownlands one way or another, unless absolutely everybody plans to try to land cargo on the beach, at which point, for all we know, the whirlpool will move over and consume the beach instead."

"I am interested," Alina says, her voice quiet but intense, "but I am not a representative of my house and cannot proceed further without requesting the instruction of the Baroness Redreef."

Alina has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Alina has joined the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Another quick, straightforward nod from Sunaia to Liara. "I'll talk to him, then, and will write to you."

"I am open to correspondence," Liara says to Alina, then she nods to Sunaia and takes another look about the hall. "If there's nothing else?"

Liara then offers a flash of a smile to those about. "Very good then. Please do send me a note if you have queries or suggestions arising from all this. Thank you for coming."