The prince of Sanctum hovers over the the Map table that dominates a good portion of the room. In the center of it a rough mock up of the city of Arx has been built. And by 'rough' I mean that it is built of a mixture of proper models and co-opted tea service. "Why did you spill sugar cubes in front of the Western Wall, your Grace?" Asks a curiously lingering Herald Steve.

Edain frowns and sighs, "Those represent the armies of Tolamar brand, Now scoot, take good notes for me." And then he turns to face those that have gathered and he bows, "Thank you all for coming."

The young Eurusi princess comes running in from some side entry or another, those golden eyes of hers dancing from face to face with breathless tokens of greeting for each. Slippers skitter over the floor, the dark-haired girl nearly crashing into the side of the map table with a fumble of grasping fingers when she slows down. "I'm here," she squeaks out in breathless aside to Alis and Marian.

Entering with Eirlys, Percephon has a few differences to him today. First, ther is that cut across his cheek that has a couple of stitches in it, healing well. And then there is the quite thick bandage wrapped around his left wrist, and between his thumb and finger, to help keep it securely in place. It doesn't seem to phase the scholar in the least, "It all went according to plan. I never felt in danger, even. Well. Except twice. But otherwise, fine." Is the last of what he offers up to Eirlys at something she's been saying to the man.

Marian is standing off to the side, looking over at the map with interest as Edain starts to address the crowd. She is standing by Alis and her entourage, providing silent support. Although the arrival of the Eurusi princess does get a raised brow and a polite nod. She does note as others enter the room, choosing to give silent nods as she keeps her vigil.

Rymarr's left hand rests atop the pommel of the blade slung high at his left side and with a narrow-visored helmet clutched against his right side. Pinned in against the side of his breastplate, Lord Lyonesse presents a shallow bow before the Prince of Sanctum in response to Edain's greeting. Tall and broad shouldered, his chin rests imperiously high while he wears his customary dour expression. Grim and severe as normal, the left side of Rymarr's mouth pulls back into a vague grimace while he looks out over the map table in outright silence. Collectively his stern blue eyes lift with a cold, unblinking stare from the tabletop in order to sweep across the gathering of Oathlanders, by marriage or birth. After his brief survey, Rymarr's attention again drops back to the tabletop as the flesh of his lower lip bulges forward, the passage of his tongue across the inside of his bottom lip causing it to press forward before once more it recedes.

Dominique is here, she has those intense icy blue eyes watching everyone like a hawk. She is standing at attention, like a statue of Gloria, even though .. miniture sized. The Marquessa still commands a presence at her short stature.

"You couldn't have chosen something for Brand's armies I /don't/ want to put in my mouth?" wonders Dulcinea. She clears her throat. "That is to say... it seems a fine choice. For we shall... dissolve them." Nod. She leans over to further inspect the table. "That's a rather ingenious use of the cream pitcher."

Alis and Fiachra have slipped in from the direction of the noble rooms, just in time for Katarina to nearly fling herself on the table. She holds out a steadying hand for the Eurusi, a bit of a smile on her face, perhaps shared with Marian and Fia. Percephon's entrance with Eirlys earns a nearly guilt-ridden gaze when she takes in the thick bandaging around the man's wrist, but otherwise afterward her expression remains contemplative. And, nods are given to the others as they arrive.

Eirlys just peers at Percy. "Twice, you said twice. Obviously that means danger was there and you were there. Do I have to actually lock you in the tower?" She mutters before letting it go. She quiets when she gets into the room and looks around. She will look for Alis and Fiachra and tug Percy to go sit next to them. Eirlys looks at Alis and murmurs something quietly to the woman.

Desiree makes her way over toward the group. She stands silently as she pays full attention to what is being said.


When Frederik had entered, it was alone, not with the Sword of Highhill that's been constantly at his heels since his arrival to the capital, but he's there. He takes a seat in the back and out of the way, though there's that trademark look of disapproval at sugar cubes being used as map markers, followed by a brief scan for the unruly horse that is Edain's famous companion.

There's a little twitch of Fiachra's lips when he hears Dulcinea's words regarding the sugar; he doesn't manage to do 'stern' all that well. A nod is given to Edain in response to the other man's bow, a smile to his sister and cousin, and then, for the most part, he's looking to those present, cataloguing those he knows and those he doesn't. When Eirlys enters with Percephon, the Telmar scholar's wrist is pointedly looked at before he nods to the man and makes a small 'we should talk' gesture.

Dulcinea casts Percephon a sulk. Yes, Percy, that's a full-on damned pout. She sighs, rolls her eyes, directs her attention elsewhere and -- oh, look, it's a tonne of smite in a 110 pound sack! She smiles brilliantly at Alis. "Your highness. Finally met, and no brandy. Damn the fates and all their eyes."

Percephon makes his way towards the group, coming to loom behind the tiny minature princess standing next to Fiachra. (omg don't hurt me). The scholar quiets down to listen, a brief glance cast towards the Greenmarcher. The fellow only casts him an innocent look but a dip of a nod in agreement. "Dulcinea. You are looking down right delightful today. I've enjoyed catching up on your journals and how your writing style has evolved over the past few weeks." The words are dry and stoic, but there is a hint of amusement there before the man leans in, whispering something to Alis.

"Alright I'll get right to it..." Edain says as looks around the room, "Our best intelligence tells us that Tolamar Brand's forces have plenty of seige towers and they are going to try and hit the North and West walls to seperate our unified forces, while hitting the Sea Watch gate again. So we are trying to do less with more. We have been asked to hold the West Wall, while the Redrain forces will hold the north, This will mean it frees up the Grayson, Velenosa and Thrax forces to help hold the Sea Watch gate."

Edain looks to his sister then and says, "Princess Alis and I will be roaming the Battlments of all three wards t hat make up the western wall, with some choosen knights and warriors to help repell attackers where the fighting gets thickest and hopefully be able to reinforce as needed. I need commanders responsible for the battlments of each of the 3 wards that make western wall. Lord Ansel Telmar will be commanding the walls of the Velenosa Ward. I need someone to lead the forces on the Grayson and of course Our ward as well."

Katarina brushes strands of hair behind an ear, her golden eyes flickering over the faces of those present before her attention falls back upon Edain. "I can do it," the young woman offers in quiet confidence, edging steps closer to her little princess knight errant bestie. "If there is no one else who wishes to."

Eirlys stifles a laugh when Dulcinea mentions the sugar but she whispers. "I have whiskey if that will help since there is no brandy?" Ever helpful as always! She quiets the moment Edain starts talking.

Alis links her arm with Fia's after something Eirlys whispers at her; a briefly amused smile appearing as she nods. "Lady Dulcinea! There is still time yet. Perhaps we can have a drink after we're done with today's planning." She says it in low tones, so that she does not interrupt her brother as he's speaking. "I've received some of the information on what others will be doing to protect their walls. Including, but not limited to oil being poured along the outside of the walls and lit aflame. We may need some creativity, to keep them flailing as long as possible. House Grayson and Velenosa are counting on us to keep their ward's safe, since they will be fighting at the Seawatch Gate."


"Unless someone more skilled then myself in tactics and command wishes for the Valardin Ward I'll hold it, your Grace," comes Frederik's call towards the front of the 'crowd' of gathered nobility.

Dominique clears her throat some, listening. She'd be more than willing to take on and shoulder some of the responsibility of course. "I will be willing to face anything you put in front of me."

Percephon's head shifts, peering over at katarina when she volunteers. The Princess is studied for a long moment, before his head dips into a small, welcoming nod to the woman. Not a word from him on this particular task, content with looking over the others, at least up and until Alis speaks up. "I'm certain I can come up with some horrific alchemy compound we can pour upon them. Maybe that pefume I had you try, Alis."

Marian looks to Edain for a moment and then offers to the group, "I will be with Edain's and Alis' guards since they will be in the thick of it." Acting as the shield, which is her favored position. She glances at Fia and Eirlys to see where they plan to be. Once her words are spoken the silent tension relaxes, as if having orders has given the woman a measure of peace.

Dulcinea sticks her tongue out at Percephon and quickly looks away in innocence. "I... fear I am more of a 'point me and shoot me' component of most plans," she demurs, in general. "Command takes a certain finesse. Percephon will tell you I have ribbons in boss, whine, demand, impotent threats... but nothing that will rally men to battle. Unless they're joining a foreign legion to escape me."

Rymarr's mouth opens as though he were prepared to volunteer himself, but then he seems to think better of it. Again his mouth closes and his dour expression returns. While the discussion of commanders gets underway, Rymarr's attention drops to the map table again. He considers it a moment before he lifts his head to regard both Edain and Alis as he makes his reply, "I'll be at the Seawatch Gate by that point, I suspect. I'm only here to spy," Rymarr states in his usual crisp and professional manner. Though an after thought seems to spur him into adding, "I haven't spoken to Marquessa Demura on the matter, so I can not give any indication of her intentions," he admits readily. Once he's said his part, Rymarr's attention drops again to the map table.

Fiachra murmurs something to his companions, before he's quiet, listening to Edain. There's a moment's hesitation, and he looks to Alis for a moment, before he says, "If necessary, I can step up to hold a ward. Though my expertise might better be served elsewhere. As you're well aware of my talents, your Grace, I'll go where you decide." That said, he's tilting his head a little to listen to others again.

When Frederik speaks, Katarina's golden eyes shift toward the Count with a faint air of familiarity. A hand lifts in vague gesture toward him, pantomiming out something briefly before her gaze floats down onto the war table stretched out between the gathered nobility. Briefly, her lips upturn in the faintest smile of silent assurance toward Percephon, fingers wiggling rather fondly at Dominique and Eirlys on the side.

Eirlys looks up. "If Prince Edain will allow me I would like to ride with him." She says looking at the Prince as if waiting to see if he will allow it. Eirlys does take a moment to wave at Katarina before focusing on the conversation at hand.

"THank you Lady Dulcinea." Edain says with a bow of his head, "We will need as many archers as we can to thin as many of their numbers before the seige towears reach us. I am sure your brother will need your bow." He looks then between Frederik and Dominique and t hen bows, "Thank you both. The Telmar, the Wyrmguard and the Steelhart have fought many a seige defending our northern border. I will trust your experitise. Count Frederik, you have the wall of our Ward. Marqessa Dominique, you have the Wall of Grayson Ward."

He looks then to Fiachra and says, "I have seen how well you and Princess Alis work together. I'd like you with us, so you can try and snipe high prioority targets as she indentifies them." Then to Marian, he just nods, because.. quite frankly she'd beat the shit out of him if he tried to put her somewhere else. To Eirlys and Katarina then, "I would welcome both of you to help Princess Alis and I roam the wall to respond where help is needed."

And finally to Percephon, "If you are serious about alchemical agents to help us fight them.. I am willing to take any edge we can get."

A soft hrmph comes from Percephon towards Dulcinea, but there isn't anything he offers in return, listening instead. He does lean over once Katarina gets closer to Alis, a few soft murmured words, but always the scholars eyes are on Edain to listen. "If you feel it is the best use of my abilities, I will see what I can arrange. Else I will help out other places, if there were other tasks for me, my liege."

Dulcinea dips a curtsy in response to Edain. "I am certain my brother will welcome the opportunity to give me orders I will, in fact, obey, my liege."

Alis scratches at her arm as soon as soon as Percephon mentions that perfume. Ugh, that perfume. "Well, if they turn pink like I did, they will be easy to spot. Regardless, I am certain you can come up with somethign diabolical enough to help." she points out, sounding wry. And that Fia volunteers to lead one of the wards, brings a smile of pride. She gives Katarina a whispered word or two when Edain hands out the assignments, and nods her agreement with his decisions. Okay, and maybe Dulcinea's answer prompts a muffled snort of laughter.

Dominique smiles and gives the faintest up nod to Katarina. She nods at her assignment from Edain. She is fine with guarding the west walls and the grayson side of the city.

Marian gives a little smile at Edain when he assigns her the expected role. She is glad to hear that they'll be joined by her cousins. Katarina gets a careful review as if she's weighing her capabilities, something that Marian is apt to do when Edain and Alis are the subject of her protection. She must see something she likes because she gives a welcoming smile to the girl.

Katarina inclines her head respectfully toward Edain. "I'll serve where ever you need me most, Your Grace," she emphatically promises, though her words are perhaps lost behind everyone else's while she lingers beside Alis.

Fiachra inclines his head to Edain, perhaps looking faintly relieved that his offer was not taken. Or just more comfortable with the assignment he receives instead, at any rate, since the archer smiles, thinly, in anticipation. Though Dulcinea's words have him saying to his sister, in a little more than a whisper, "I'm really surprised you're not friends with Lady Dulcinea already..."

Eirlys looks over at Fiachra. "This is the first I have met her. I am sure we will be great friends." She gives her brother that big smile that only little sisters can give. The kind that makes big brothers super wary.

Edain nods to Rymarr, "Marquessa Demura had been helping Inquisitor Alistair hunt for those that are... the traitors in disguise, we are expecting some internal counter attacks and before I commit her to anything on the walls, I want to make certain she is not still needed in those efforts." He looks then to Percephon, "Let me know what you think you can do. Baring th at I have another task for you we will talk about later." He considers for a moment before adding, "This is going to be a war of attrition. We will be stretched thin, while a strike team that will be trying to bring down Tolamar brand tries to get to him and bring him down. Odds point to the fact that he will try to break through the seawatch gate and make a mad dash for his objective which we believe is in the catacombs. But we can't overlook that he might try to come over the wall to catch us off guard. If he does I need you to be ready to get a message to commanders at Seawatch so they can make certain the strike team intercepts Brand."

Rymarr shifts his attention to Edain when he's addressed and he accepts what he's told with a stoic nod of his head in return. Then Rymarr's cold blue stare turns aside to regard Dominique whom he addresses next, "Any who are not actively on the wall or dedicated to frontline service, I can say with utter certainty that those who are not actively involved with active sentry duties can find comfort and support at Deepwood manor within the Grayson's ward. It has been acting as a refugee camp for some time now so it will have some basic comforts; food, water, warmth, and the like available," Rymarr says with a final closing nod before his attention returns to watching those gathered together discuss strategems and other preparations.

Dominique raises an eyebrow. So many civilians. She looks deep in serious thought, number crunching in her head.

Alis leans over to start stacking the sugar cubes, as details are worked out. Apparently, she just cannot handle seeing the cubes just -there-. They have to be arranged in formation.

Edain draws a deep breath, and does his best not to look at his sister fixing the sugar cubes, "Ok then.. Does anyone have any questions?"

Percephon shakes his head a bit at that, "No, no questions. We can discuss the other matters aftewards." His head dips to Edain, the scholar's right hand drawing in to rub against the bandages covering his left wrist to scratch.

Dulcinea sneaks a hand over and pushes one of the cubes out of alignment while Alis is looking at the others.

Alis is making them look pretty Edain! But hey! How'd that sugar cube get out of line. She grabs it, and puts it back where it's supposed to be. The others are eyed suspiciously.

Eirlys waits till Alis isn't looking and shifts one of the sugar cubes so it's not in the right spot anymore. Then sits back all casually.

Fiachra coughs - he caught the misalignment of the sugar cubes. He doesn't seem to be inclined to reveal the source to Alis, though, and simply says, "No questions here." to Edain. Then another cube is being displaced, and he just gives Eirlys a long look. It's an 'I know where you sleep' look.

There's a very, very faint 'snerk' as Dulcinea watches Eirlys aid her in the cause of entropy. And also make Alis lose her marbles. But mostly entropy.

Marian clears her throat and looks at Eirlys with a frown as if she discourages the obvious teasing of her beloved Alis. She does keep an eye on her cousin as she answers Edain, "No...no questions here."

Eirlys just gives her brother a huge grin and a shrug before turning to grin at Dulcinea.

Alis will be crying on the inside when she realizes the betrayal of the people around her! For now, she is just puzzled and /frowny faced/ as another sugar cube is out of place! "Where'd you get these sugar cubes from again, Edain?" They are obviously alive. Firmly, she puts it back where it belongs. Too firmly, since is crumbles as she smacks it against the table. Oops.

"Was that one a Bringer cube?" Fiachra deadpans when Alis smacks one against the table in her firmness and it crumbles.

Dulcinea points out, "They're Brand's forces, of /course/ they're moving. You see?" She gestures. "They're closing in on the cream pitcher trebuchet."

Edain nods to everyone then and says, "Thank you all for coming then. All of you go, spend time with your families and loved ones. Get what rest you can. We'll be in the fight of our lives before soon." He bows, "Gods walk with you all."

Rymarr shifts slightly before the hand at the pommel of the alaricite blade slung high at his left side lifts up and the armored hand lowers to rest his palm against the tabletop. He considers Edain for a moment, the question fishing for additional questions seems to hang for a moment before Rymarr speaks up, "Less a matter of question and more an observation. At the Seawatch Gate, the first battle, we were nearly routed. If not for a few loud voices to keep the majority in line, the battle would have had a far different result. While I'll be swearing various oaths in a day or two, I'm still of the Oathlands," Rymarr explains at length before his hand rises up from the tabletop and he stands upright once more while he continues with his usual stern stare cast toward Edain, "If I can help in any way, especially in terms of providing some insight to those who may require it pertaining to effective...mmm...morale reinforcement? I'm willing to assist with such and there will be no charge. I've never saw the sense in charging someone for making the Oathlands and Compact stronger."