Renato, an overconfident courier arrives, following Kaia.

Matteo, an eager knight's apprentice, Kaia arrive, following Irisa.

Arriving some minutes early, Jyri nods around to those present but he is not much for small talk. He finds somewhere to sit.

Pharamond has been away a bit but appears he's back as he decides to make his way in. There's the ever present smile on his features, and of course, nothing says that he takes recruitment seriously more than the fact he's tucking his flask back into his belt as he does enter, but still. It's Pharamond. These things are to be expected. And thus the Sword and Explorer and regular guardian of important Ashfords gives a bow to some and a smile to others as he finds a place to sit.

Liara emerges into the hall from the stairs at the back, and continues over to find herself a seat along one of the long sides of the map table, with a greeting of "Good morning" to those already present.

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

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

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

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

Lou is already present. She has a small stack of folders before her, likely things that have to do with what's going on today. She gives Liara a wide smile, then makes note of those arriving. "Please be welcome and find a seat to make yourselves comfortable," she begins. She takes one of the folders and pulls it toward her, looking over the information very carefully.

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

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

Dame Irisa has her head held high when she enters. She's dressed well but has a bandaged left shoulder that seems to be healing well. As always, the diamondplate is on her hip. She enters and heads towards the table, flashing a low smile and giving a general and respectful bow of her head to the Peerage assembled here. "M'Lords. Ladies." Taking a seat, she goes quiet and waits.

Felicia prowls in with the rest of the Grayson vassals, never mind that the redhead and her family aren't presently sworn to them. She looks set to find a spot along the wall to line up until Lou speaks, then lofts a brow at the Pathfinder and offers a bow towards Liara. The flick of her eyes towards the chairs might be a silent inquiry... certainly she doesn't move immediately to seat herself.

Jyri makes a friendly sound. It probably means good morning. He turns a curious one-eyed squint around at the others before focusing on Lou.

Wash comes in sober for a change, finding a seat on the outskirts in a more observer role.

With a bright smile present upon her features, and proper courtesies and greetings given to the familiar peers, Kaia too makes her way into the room and takes a seat by one of the tables.

Lou nods an asset to Felicia, motioning to one of the chairs at the table even as others are filing in who are not part of the Grayson fealty. She smiles warmly at Wash. "Looking bright and shiny today cousin," she greets him. "Is it because I told you Lord Martino offered us the services of his caravel for Brightshore?" she quips lightly, taking a moment to glance in Kaia's direction a moment before looking back to Wash. "Though," she adds decisively, "it is not Brightshore we've come to talk about today, it's Brighthold." And there she moves into a more officious formal manner of discussion. "Which has become our bastion of hope with regard to moving goods in and out of Arx. We've noticed an uptick in activity there a bit outside of the norm and we're looking for people to look into this matter for us, particularly since the Seliki family has their hands full with a few other matters. This is for the good of House Seliki as much as it is for the good of the Compact since their port is pretty much ensuring that Arx stays supplied." And thus she begins.

Pharamond cants his head curoiusly at Irina and the shoulder injury. He doesn't ask, but the bandage is seen and the Sword is always curious what sort of scrap someone got into. Fortunately, they're not right next to each other so he can't do the 'does this hurt' whilst poking it. And so he sits back, looking to Lou, then the map, curious what it is that's going to be brought up as he listens.

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

The person looking at everything about this in a log after the fact should definitely read that as 'Laveer', not 'Seliki'.

Lou nods an asset to Felicia, motioning to one of the chairs at the table even as others are filing in who are not part of the Grayson fealty. She smiles warmly at Wash. "Looking bright and shiny today cousin," she greets him. "Is it because I told you Lord Martino offered us the services of his caravel for Brightshore?" she quips lightly, taking a moment to glance in Kaia's direction a moment before looking back to Wash. "Though," she adds decisively, "it is not Brightshore we've come to talk about today, it's Brighthold." And there she moves into a more officious formal manner of discussion. "Which has become our bastion of hope with regard to moving goods in and out of Arx. We've noticed an uptick in activity there a bit outside of the norm and we're looking for people to look into this matter for us, particularly since the Laveer family has their hands full with a few other matters. This is for the good of House Laveer as much as it is for the good of the Compact since their port is pretty much ensuring that Arx stays supplied." And thus she begins. (Fixed for the log)

"Lord Jyri Whitehawk," Jyri introduces himself simply and quietly to the ones he has not met before. "What sort of activity?"

"Lord Martino is generous, but you'll pardon me if his good fortune doesn't alleviate my own. A rising tide lifts all boats, except those already careened on the shore." Wash mutters.

Felicia gives her own nod Lou's way in response, taking a seat but for the moment at least apparently intending to listen given the way her attention flits over the table.

Irisa looks over to Pharamond and follows his eyes to the bandage. There's a smile there and a little shrug. the expression might convey 'Oops.' really well. There's a low shake of her head at the gesture, mouthing 'Freak gardening accent' to him with a stifled laugh. But with others discussing, she quiets and settles back to let the others talk over what decisions need be made.

"Nothing untoward as yet, but there is a concern with Laveer being busy with other projects that parts of the Great Road and the docks might need a bit of extra care." Lou works on answering Jyri, furrowing her brow at the map a moment before she points out various areas. "These areas here, along the Great Road, are especially susceptible, at least from a scout's perspective. And these here," she points out another few areas. "Are good places for brigands to hide." She points to the area where the docks are. "And, the docks are usually a good place for accidents to be seeded or goods to be stolen. Laveer is a good holding, but there are times when an extra set of eyes to aid things along are a huge help."

There is not much of a reaction from Kaia, to Lou's mention of her husband and his generosity, except for a single nod of acknowledgement. Her gaze moving respectively to the others as they speak to listen.

Pharamond quirks his lips in response to Irina's mouthed 'freak gardening accident' but it turns to a smile and he just shakes his head before looking to the table again. "I've done my shair of Great Road escorts and brigand...relocation. I don't think I'd mind getting out there and helping out again," he says sincerely. His tone makes it sound like it's na invitation to go to the Hart and gamble or the Fox to drink - a fun little excursion out for the weekend.

Jyri nods understandingly and leans closer to look at the map. He has no more questions right now, settling back with a thoughtful expression.

"Given present circumstances... which I am unable to field a patrol myself... I'll certainly travel with others to help deal with the brigand issue." Felicia offers with a clearing of her throat and small nod in Pharamond's vague direction.

Liara takes a moment to speak up, "In the case of brigands in particular, while we /can/ effectively saturate the road with soldiers, it is a terribly inefficient use of our strength for what is likely to be a limited number of trouble-makers, especially with Eurusi forces at large. I won't commit substantial numbers unless there is a well defined and time-limited objective."

Lou nods her head a bit. "Some of them could even be stray Eurusi, looking to feed themselves or their families. We simply don't know the specifics at this moment, which is why we're requesting people to take a look and report back their findings." She nods in Pharamind's direction, offering him a warm smile. "Excellent." Their first volutneer. She then gives Felicia a nod. "I think with one of the Grayson leading the mission, your joining wouldn't be an issue, Dame Felicia. We'd certainly welcome a former member of the Kings Own, who has other expertise to draw from, on such a journey."

Irisa glances to Kaia, then back to Liara. Then Lou. She dips her head before speaking up, "I can attend to the road as well. I'm no stranger to these conflicts, m'Lady." Given how Irisa acquitted herself during the Road Crisis and dealing with the larger Riven problem there, that is an understatement.

"Aye, we already hung Eurusi trouvlemakers that attacked farms along the river. I will make a proper report on that to the Crown. Either or, if we are given a small elite unit, we can root out the brigands or at least find where they hide, so a larger force can swiftly deal with them. "

Says Jyri.

Pharamond can't help but laugh at Lou's deliberate understatement. "Or we could just put the former King's Own out in front and watch everyone run away. As if Dame Harrow's reputation isn't enough to send most people heading for the shores to swim back to where they came from rather than have to answer to her." He just chuckles, giving a warm smile towards Felicia but he nods. "I'd rather buy people food and drink if that settles any troubles due to people being hungry, but in either case I'm sure the investigating and reporting is the first step and whichever resources are needed after if there's an actual element stirring up insurrection can be dealt with quickly. I've not known the Graysons to abide disobedience for too long. And if the stabilizing presence also allows us to tend to a few folks that need help more than a lesson in etiquette and civility so much the better. But if there's a little sword fighting to be had as well...so much the better. But yes, I'm game for whatever is needed and this seems like the start of excellent travel company." He pauses, then jokingly, looks over, "And he's alright too, even with all the dogs" he says, giving a wink to Jyri.

Felicia gives a quiet snort,"If that were true, my lord, I'd live a much quieter life." she offers wryly,"While I wouldn't know Eurusi from Cardian, I at least know the Crownlands dialect and if we are fortunate, the dead will advise of us potential threats... but I shaln't pretend that I'm any kind of scout or diplomat. A nice, noisy distraction should one be needed, however... that I can do."

Liara lounges back to just listen for the moment, gaze flitting from person to person as they speak. At some point, a servant shows up with a pot of tea for her, and a murmured word from the high lady sets the fellow into motion to check with others about refreshments.

"I am Kaia Malvici nee Bisland, for those of you who I have yet to meet properly. Being a close friend to a few of the Ashford's, I was called to provide my assistance to the Count of Laveer regarding his port expansion project. However, I would not mind providing more aid with the matters of keeping the docks safe and accident free, should the need arise. I may not be the most skilled of warriors, but I can wield a bow well enough to put some fear into any brigand and ensure no goods are stolen." She states firmly. Her gaze moving from Lou to Jyri, as they mention the possibility of some Eurusi causing trouble. "I am also familiar with the language of the Eurusi, so, should there be any nearby hoping to create trouble I'm sure the knowledge could prove quite useful." Her eyes fall ultimately on Irisa, and she offers the Dame a little nod and a smile.

There is a snort of amusement from Jyri at Pharamond's words. "Your grace, if we find the trouble and it is too large for a small force to deal with - can you send a larger force then? It would be dedicated, quick and no wasting time riding around searching. But, hopefully we can handle any trouble. Us and the dogs."

Lou taps a finger on her nose. "Not all things need to be dealt with through force, but sometimes it's unavoidable." She pauses when Felicia mentions not knowing Eurusi, then adds, "And, in case it's necessary, I'm more than willing to give lessons in Eurusi. There are some advantages being married to a former Prince of Eurus," a light grin quirks the corners of her mouth as she says this. "I'll even promise to leave to the dirty words," she winks. "I reserve the cursing for when Mason has upset me over something." She does however also make note of Jyri and Irisa's volunteerism and makes a few notes on the paperwork in her folder, names and suck. Clearing her throat, she tilts her head, regarding those who've attended the meeting. "Since we are all here anyway, was there any issue that anyone wanted to bring before the fealty?" She glances over at Kaia as she speaks and nods her head in that general direction. "Thank you Lady Kaia, both for your volunteerism and offer to act as a translator." Which might be easier than Lou teaching Eurusi, but the offer is still out there.

"The dirty ones are the best." Felicia opines with a lopsided smirk,"Though admittedly I almost my brother to drink trying to teach me." she clears her own throat and falls silent again at the request for issues to bring before the fealty.

Liara gives a small incline of her head to Jyri in assent. "If necessary, yes. I can speculate extensively about what sorts of people it may be, motive, and so on, but I suppose we shall find that out in due course. Suffice it to say, if further resources are needed, I shall make them available."

Pharamond nods, "Well not that studying is my favorite, but it seems like our borders and world are continually getting smaller. Having the ability to speak with some of those making their way in may not be the worst idea. Worst case is I findmyself in an Eurusi bar. I certainly don't want to order the wrong thing."

Irisa dips her head towards Lou, "Princess, I'd be honored to learn the language from you. That's a generous offer." But given everything else, she looks around. The Dame seems to have no issues that need to be brought up.

"Well, I would be surprised if no brigands cause trouble on what is likely the most heavily trafficed road in the Compact with the most goods moved, right now." Jyri thinks a moment. "It might be worth keeping an ear to the Lowers - they might uh, hear things. But I am not that person. I am as inconspicious as a moose amongst horses."

Wash clears his throat, shifts his position, crossing his legs.

"Stay away from the curry unless you think your body can handle extra spicy food." Lou remarks to Pharamond, and then crinkles her eyes in amusement at Felicia's remark. "Noted." She glances over at Irisa. "We'll find time after the meeting," she assures her. "And a few days following until your travel arrangements have been made." She glances over at Wash, lifting a brow at him. "Lord Wash?" she asks.

Wash shakes his head, he doesn't have anything to add.

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

Onida, a boglands wolf-hound, Outi the Iron Hound, Gene Erique, Guardsman, 3 Iron Guardsmen, Tero the Iron Hound, Buckley leave, following Jyri.

The business with Brighthold needing checked on being concluded, Lou moves on to other stuff. She lets out a breath. "So, part of the reason we're needing to look into Brighthold is because of the Whirlpool. And I wanted to open up discussion about that a bit. To see if anyone has had any progress with fixing it, knows about what happened to cause it, or has ideas for seeing it stopped." She looks around at the others there.

Onida, a boglands wolf-hound, Outi the Iron Hound, Gene Erique, Guardsman, 3 Iron Guardsmen, Tero the Iron Hound, Buckley arrive, following Jyri.

Onida, a boglands wolf-hound, Outi the Iron Hound, Gene Erique, Guardsman, 3 Iron Guardsmen, Tero the Iron Hound, Buckley leave, following Jyri.

"That sounds like a challenge." Felicia opines thoughtfully in relation to spicy food. The mention of the whirlpool just elicits a shudder from the redhead. From the lack of her mouth opening, probably not hard to guess that she's not had anything to do with it at least.

"Would that I had substantial news. It poses a bit of conundrum regarding the ninety-one ships we have returning from Sungreet, too, though that's rather outside the scope of this meeting," Liara remarks. "People who have been looking into it have at least determined that they don't think Eurus did it, though goodness only knows what did."

"Has anyone asked the Marin'alfar?" Felicia asks,"I suspect they'd be the place to start."

Wash clears his throat again. "I have been collecting information, but I don't have any solutions as yet."

As the topic of the whirlpool is brought up Kaia's attention shifts back to Lou and the others, respectively, as they reply. "Regretfully, I have nothing to add about it."

Raising his brow, "I was a bit out of the loop for a bit in between traveling back and forth. Did you say a 'what' formed a whirlpool, and not just...you know what? Nevermind. I don't want to know. Unless the whirlpool strikes land I'm just going to live in my slightly happier bubble, have another drink later, and wait for something I can fix by stabbing it or tossing arrows at it. The rest I will leave to other people." Pharamond just shudders. Things causing whirlpools - that is clearly terrifying.

"Same, m'Lady. Nothing that I can confirm or add, unfortunately." Irisa keeps her voice low and quiet, mostly waiting to be addressed before saying anything.

"Lady Mikani is the Ambassador to the Marin'alfar. I haven't checked in with her, but I suspect she may have reached out to them," Lou replies to Felicia, and nods a bit at Liara's comments. She glances over at Wash, but nods slowly. "My own time of late has been taken up with delving into dark topics, delving into information regarding the threat the White Singer poses to Arvum should Alaric III set sail here and how to neutralize her as a potential threat." A pause, then she notes. "I'd welcome help with my research if any are interested, but again - it's with the provision that I'm looking into darker elements and how to eliminate them." That said, she adds, "But that adds nothing to whatever is going on with the whirlpool. So, if you do have research going into that, I'd be happy to lend assistance as well."

Wash stands up. "First. I've attempted three approaches to the whirlpool, from both directions. Without whatever trick the other nations know, there's no way past it alive. Second. Lady Mikani did speak to the Marin'alfar. They have nothing to add. Three. The whirlpool itself, and whatever created it, is not abyssal in nature. I have that confirmation from two sources." He pauses to look around. "I have an idea to get around it, but it requires luck, magic, and innovation. Possibly a miracle or two."

"I've already sent you the notes I have in relation to her." Felicia offers Lou with a nod,"And given that my family has no maritime connections and steel doesn't float very well... I've admittedly been more focused on trying to stop the Lowers from rioting..." again... there's a distinct 'again' left unsaid in the gap as she trails off to pay attention to Wash. There's a loft of her brow,"Well, at least two of those might be doable... but magic..? Has anyone successfully managed something without turning out like Scholar Harrison?" she asks of the table curiously. Her brow's furrow after a moment before adding,"If it's not Abyssal... then why is it blocking the bay?"

Lou winces when magic and miracles are expressed. "Somehow, with that knowledge, I get the feeling the whirlpool was inadvertently created by a ritual gone awry." Which causes her to purse her lips a bit. She looks over at Felicia, studying her a moment. "Yes, there has been successful magic in the past." She doesn't seem inclined to elaborate on that though. "I heard about Harrison. More often, though, there are unlucky accidents that happen." She looks over at Wash. "Has any one contacted a Shaman? Could it be a water spirit has taken route there? Or maybe a water and air spirit together?"

Wash sits back down to listen. See if there is anything else to glean from the discussion.

Liara observes, "It had the unexpected effect of freeing much of our gathered forces to attend to difficulties elsewhere in the Crownlands. Not quite so much of an issue now, of course."

Felicia lofts a brow Lou-ward, but doesn't elect to ask for now.

Wash shrugs his shoulders in reply to Lou. "I don't know any shamans personally enough to ask."

Pharamond does not have much to add when it comes to sailing. Certainly not more than anything Wash would be able to add on the matter. He just listens at the moment.

Irisa's gaze flits between several people and around the table at different opinions. But when Lou mentions neutralizing potential threats, that has her attention. From the face that was born to smile, there is a distinctly wolfish look despite the lack of anything else like humor. Just a very subtle darkening of her eyes. "Princess, I'd be interested in finding ways to defend against those threats. And how to neutralize that threat."

"Likewise, your highness (Lou). I'm interested in providing my assistance, as a scholar, with your research." Says Kaia, a bit after Irisa. "As for the matter of the whirlpool. I am not sure I can be of much or any help." She admits.

Lou consider's Wash's comments, then says, "Lady Khanne or Lord Mirk would be good people to reach out to. My protege, Baroness Shae Fortier, is walking the Path of Storms to learn how to become a Shaman, she may also have some contacts you can use."

"Like I said. Not well known to me personally. And reaching out to them like that would be... disingenuous." Wash admits. "No one has ever accused me of being a spiritual man."

"Fair point. I might ask if either of them had been looking into it, for my own curiosity's sake. I'll pass along what information I can find." Lou puts that out there. Then notes the time. "I think we've got a good team of volunteers and I think we've got a good showing. We thank you for the offers of help and hope to hear from you soon when you get back from your observations." She notes to Irisa and Kaia. "And thank you. I'll send you the paperwork about what I'm looking into specifically."

Kaia checked command + teaching at difficulty 10, rolling 47 higher.

"I think you bear a passing resemblance to a spiritual man in the right light," Liara quips to Wash. Then, more seriously, she comments, "I have not heard of very much progress on the whirlpool from any quarter, and Lord Wash is the first person to suggest there may be a solution to it at all. If that's what there is, and nothing else comes up, then we shall at least provide funding towards it."

Pharamond nods to Wash, "I've had a few interactions with Mirk. If you need an introduction, i'm happy to go along. He's been invaluable on some Explorer expeditions."

"You mean in the dark." Wash tells Liara, standing. "Lou, if you have a moment, I'd like to clarify why you think this is a 'ritual gone wrong'. If you're right, and since it isn't Abyssal, whoever is responsible might just need help setting it aright. I doubt they wanted to attack the compact."

"Please let me know if there's anything I can do to be of assistance." Felicia offers as she rises also, from the sketch of a bow she gives... likely to head back off for now.

Lou inclines her head to Felicia. "I will do so." She then turns her attention back to Wash, considering him. "In private," she tells him after a moment. "The meeting here is done anyway."

Kaia nods to Lou. "Very well, your highness. It's always an honor to be of service to you and the Graysons." the Malvici lady shifts on her seat to take a stand. "Now, if there's nothing more and with your leave, I'll be on my way." she states.

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

Axelle, a personal valet, Bonehilda, the prettiest-colored spider leave, following Felicia.