Pasquale has joined the a comfortable ivory leather and mahogany wooden sofa.

Piccola has joined the an exquisite wooden stage.

Golden, an Oakhaven bloodhound, Gunther, a Rottweiler, Micana, an efficient assistant, 1 Saik Guard arrive, following Lucita.

Pasquale steps into the interior of the academy in his usual collection of umbra silks. His eyes scan over the faces of everywhere here as he moves inside and a nod is given to each face he recognises. He aims towards an empty spot on the sofa, intent on taking comfort there during the upcoming talks.

Lucita quietly steps into the meeting area and glances around, her amber gaze slipping from person to person

Gunther, a Rottweiler have been dismissed.

Golden, an Oakhaven bloodhound have been dismissed.

Esme has lost a few of her laywers since she came into the Academy of War. A warm smile towards everyone that enters as she comes to see what is going on. Her eyes slide over the area thoughtfully as she bounces on the balls of her feet.


Piccola is up on stage all by herself.

There's probably a lectern. There's probably a set of seats set behind it meant for those who are supposed to speak this evening. The diminutive General of House Tessere's army sits in one such seat, seemingly huddled under an ironwool cloak for warmth or shelter. And every so often, the hood turns this way and that as the young woman looks about for the person who, presumably, is hosting the event. That would probably be the chair. With her hood up, it's hard to see the expression on her face.

Judging from how it moves, though, chances are that she's a >>little<< anxious.



Margerie and Adalyn arrive together, speaking in hushed, but jovial, tones to one another. Margerie's hand is lightly wrapped around Adalyn's elbow. Once they are in, Margerie looks around and nods at a few familiar faces before taking care of her outer layers and finding a spot the sit, letting Adalyn take care of anything she needs to before settling.

Drake walks in, and has a seat... flopping casually, as he does. He's not hoping to be disruptive, though there are some familiar faces among this crowd.

Seemingly content to observe the speakers from a respectful distance, Aedric finds a seat near the back of the chamber.

What is a war council without the House of Blades represented? Several Malvici (and a former Malvici) make their way in from the snowy cold and find a seat for the group of them. The topic has their interest piqued, chatting quietly amongst themselves.

Eirene has joined the a comfortable ivory leather and mahogany wooden sofa.

Thea has joined the a comfortable ivory leather and mahogany wooden sofa.

Drake has joined the a comfortable ivory leather and mahogany wooden sofa.

Thea steps her heavily pregnant aunt and Duchess cousin, grabbing a glass of whiskey on the way before she settles on the sofa. "I swear I haven't stopped moving since the sun came up,"she murmurs to Eirene.

Esme looks at people finding a place to sit and she moves to Thea. It's as if she's not really paying attention. She circles near the woman and then attempts to /attack/ with /love/. This is also known as hugs.

Adalyn seems to be in good spirits as she arrives alongside Margerie. Despite their low tones, the younger Clement's face is animated as she speaks, her free hand gesticulating to emphasize whatever comment she's in the midst of making. Removing her outer layers and surveying the room, she offers nods of greeting to several familiar faces and moves to claim a seat beside Margerie.

Alis is there! Her entrance sadly less likely to go unnoticed as there is extra clank to accompany her with all the guards. But still she tries to slink in as unobtrusively as possible and take up a seat where she can see and hear what happens.

Lucita has joined the a comfortable ivory leather and mahogany wooden sofa.

Esme has joined the a comfortable ivory leather and mahogany wooden sofa.

Pasquale has left the a comfortable ivory leather and mahogany wooden sofa.

Pasquale has joined the a comfortable ivory leather and mahogany wooden sofa.

Korka comes in by herself, although considering the number of people trying to get in here that might not be clear. She pulls the hood of her cloak down and surveys the room, the places people are seating, and the windows and doors for good measure as she moves further into the room to take a seat.

Korka has joined the a walnut wooden table stained a red-brown.

Lucita checks where some in her fealty are seated and slides into an empty spot with them. She shrugs off her cloak, draping it over her lap and lowers her voice to speak with those nearby.


Once people start taking seats, Piccola rises from her chair on the stage.

She looks to the left and to the right as she makes her way to the lectern. Slow, deliberate steps. Once there, she pulls her cloak's hood back, takes a deep breath, and takes one more look around. A flash of concern shows in her eyes. Her expression is at once crest-fallen and worried. But then, the moment is gone, and the short woman, straightening, lets out her breath and then takes another one in before raising her voice and addressing everyone in a crisp, clear voice.

"Thank you for coming."

Pause. "Our Chair is not yet here, but I know that she wanted to speak on the threats to our sovereignty that we are all aware of. I know not precise how she meant to address this topic, and I will not presume to know what she meant to say." Beat. "But I believe she also meant for me to let you know of what parts of our Faith are doing, specifically the Knights of Solace and the Templars, as I agreed, privately, to help them prepare their own forces for what //they// perceive as threats to the Compact."

"The following is a brief synopsis."



Thea spies Esme and---oh Gods, she's moving in. With her damn arms open. She sighs, scooting over, trying to bipass it with a drink--failing. "Lady Esme, nice to see you again,"hugging the Fidante woman. When Lucita comes to sit as well, Thea smiles a moment at the Baroness.

Pasquale nods at Lucita before shifting his position to enable him to sit nearby. A nod is given to the Malvici, Drake and Esme as he moves, but he doesn't seem particularly inclined towards conversation just now. His focus quickly moving back to the stage.

Macda moves within the room for a meeting, she moves to take a seat somewhere

Eirene folds her hands over her (very) pregnant belly and arches her eyebrows. She waits for more details to be unfolded.

Macda has joined the a comfortable ivory leather and mahogany wooden sofa.



Once more, Piccola looks about to see if, perhaps, Natalia has arrived.

Then, she continues. "The Knights of Solace in recent months have suffered substantial losses along the Great Road. Although they are mustering recruits as we speak to fill those losses, the recruits are being drawn from many areas around the Compact, in many places where the Knights are unable to send experienced knights to train them without weakening key points." She looks about the room. "The Knights asked me to find people willing to train these new recruits. The Knights' training stations may be in remote places, but the need for training is great. I've personally asked a few acquaintances if they would assist -- " She looks meaningful over at the House Malvici section. " -- but if there are others here who are willing to serve, please send me a message or find me later tonight."

If she had papers, this is where she'd probably sort them to bide a short amount of time.

"Shifting to the Templars, they are, as you may know, raising a fleet. The Faith has its own resources, which it gets through the Crown, but with the looming war those resources are spread thin. I have consequently agreed to assist the Admiral Celeste to marshal resources to assist her venture in raising a new fleet." Beat. "This fleet will be massive, as far as I can tell. And it will demand resources. I know that the Peerage have oft donated to causes such as the Faith through tournaments and charitable events; however, the need is present and demanding, so I have started to ask those willing to listen whether they would be willing to donate military writs for this cause." Beat. "If you wish to do so tonight, please find me and let's talk further."

"I know I have already spoken to some of you, but I hope to speak to more."



Thea simply nods her head to Piccola, refraining from offering a smile for now. Instead, she simply takes a drink

Korka tilts her head a bit listening to each of the things on Piccola's agenda, the movement sending some dark hair spilling down over her shoulder. She glances about the room, still listening, seeing perhaps which of these things seem to register most with those in attendance.

Eirene clears her throat a little. "Do we know what it was that's caused the heavy losses on the Road? I know the recent conflicts on the Isles have done a number, but that's an external threat." She glances at the others on her bank of coaches and murmurs something in. A low husky tone.

Macda looks to the general and she leans back as she listens her eyes move around as she passes her attention from one to the other "I am lowsy at teaching." she admits

Alis tips her head towards Piccola, giving her a small smile from her seat near the back. "Could it be the Legion-controlled abandoned and... creatures?" she suggests to Eirene. "I believe that's been the cause of many issues within the Oathlands of late."

Esme clears her throat a moment and raise her hand. Are you supposed to raise your hand? Then she slowly puts it down. Indecision. "How many writs do they need, do you know?" Her head tips to the side a bit as she awaits the answer.


Piccola turns her attention to Eirene first.

"I will not speculate what the precise cause is, Lady Riven, but my understanding is that these attacks come from a multitude of directions. Some are by the Abandoned, a problem which I am also assisting the Knights with. Some are by creatures. The Grandmaster would have better information on the causes, but I was not asked to investigate them." She then looks to Alis. "So it is possible, yes, your Highness, that the cause is by this entity, the name of which I shall not say. I would wager some money that it would be the primary cause, actually."

She then looks at others in the audience.

"That is all I had to say. I know that the Chair also wanted those with concerns or projects for which these seek answers or assistance to please approach and so raise them here, if they wish." Beat. "I am new to this Academy, and I will not pretend to know what its members can provide. But I must believe that, as a body of men and women experienced in the art of war, that now is our time to not only cooperate with one another but also to take the lead in preparing our families and loved ones for what is likely to come. So, if you have a question, a concern, or a project to raise, please feel free to rise and form a chain." (OOC: 'line/getinline' is awesome.)

Then, finally, to Esme: "I calculated that the Templars require around 75,000 military writs, Lady Fidante."



Macda has joined the line.


And so, Piccola begins the queue, but she hesitates, as if uncertain of how to address the woman, before saying: "Princess Macda of House Grayson."



Adalyn has settled into stillness, attention devoted to Piccola as she begins to outline the needs for training and writs alike. Her expression grows pensive, this information filed away for consideration. She leans in to murmur a quiet remark to Margerie before bestowing attention upon those who indicate a desire to add to the conversation.

Drake looks up as Macda goes up to speek, curious what she seems to be ready to say.

Macda nods her head to Piccola "while I myself can not train the Gold Order dose have knights who can and I would expect that you can send any that need training to Alexis. However I wont ever say no to punching young recuits." she grins before she sits back down

Eirene has joined the line.

Eirene raises her hand. She's not getting up from off her couch.


Piccola inclines her head towards Macda. "Well, then, I shall let the Grandmaster know that you will be ready to deliver the occasional punch in the nose as necessary." A brief smile follows, before her eyes find: "Lady Eirene of House Riven."



Eirene says, "I can't offer my house's military forces, but I can offer my own damn talent. While I expect the Mercy's to handle much of the Faith's medical needs, I can give some basic first aide training to members of the Solace. And I can donate some of our military engineers to help with the ships building. Who is coordinating?"


Piccola responds. "The Admiral is coordinating the building; I am simply assisting in getting as many resources as possible together in a short amount of time." Beat. "I presume that the Faith is also coordinating the raising of the fleet, but I should say -- the number I calculated is independent of any caravels the Admiral seeks to build or recruit. That is for the //fleet// she wants to accompany those ships. But I can pass on your name and House, my Lady, to the Admiral, and have her contact you."



"That said" Eirene continues in her gravelly voice, "Do we have any idea where the enemy fleet is currently?"

A duchess is never late. She arrives exactly when she intends to. Or at least THIS duchess does. And the time Calypso intends to arrive is pretty much right now. Because here she is. She comes in out of the cold with a long, confident stride.


To the last question, Piccola gives a moment of pause before responding.

"That is perhaps a matter for discussion, Lady Riven. We have many enemies, after all, so the answer would depend on who you consider to be an enemy." She delivers the response evenly. "We can talk after, if you'd like, about where I believe our enemies are, but that may be different than another's opinion and I do not speak for the Academy."

She shifts topics, asking, "Does anyone else wish to raise anything at this time before the floor?"



Calypso sheds a little bit off snow off of her shaggy fur coat as she heads over to the couch with all the people on it. She drags a chair along with her the last short distance so she'll have something to put her feet up on. A girl's gotta spread out.

Calypso has joined the a comfortable ivory leather and mahogany wooden sofa.

Korka raises a dark brow as Calypso drags the chair, but otherwise returns her focus to Piccola.

Macda nods as well "and you have my fists."

Lucita discretely sends her assistant Micana to convey some resources to Piccola then settles back into her seat to listen.

Thea hears Calypso before she actually sees her. It's sort of a known sound by now. Her attention back to the conversation to the topic at hand however, she listens to those at the couch.

Calypso remains one of the few who receive a warm smile from Alis, and so it is given when the Duchess arrives. A brief thing, but it's there before she goes back to paying attention to those who are speaking and makes some notes.

Eirene grunts a little. "Save it for a proper war council I suppose," she says with a half-shrug. "I'm sure it will be important when the winter breaks."


Once more, Piccola looks about the room.

"Seeing no one else in line, I must conclude that there's nothing left to say publicly." Beat. "Thank you all for coming. I hope that more will attend in the future. I also hope that we may able to bring either of the Grandmasters to this event, that they can tell you of what they are doing and how we can assist them. If there's any way I can assist you, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. And should the Chair arrive later, then I would ask that we please give her our attention."

"And if there are any out there who wish to join as a mentor, yet have not done so, please come find me."

The diminutive woman then steps away from the lectern, and walks back to where she was sitting before. By herself. She closes her eyes for a moment, and lets out what's left in her lungs. Relieved. The anxiety escapes her and when she opens her eyes, she seems more relaxed, more balanced, and more ready to have a drink or seven.

But she remains where she is for now.



Aedric quietly stands and exits the chamber, greaves carrying him in the direction of the city center.

Macda stands and she too moves out before the throngs escape

Macda has left the a comfortable ivory leather and mahogany wooden sofa.

Pasquale says "One moment" to the group at the couch and then stands to approach Piccola. "Piccola. I believe I can make a sizeable difference to the training effort."

The Second, 2 Clement trained guards leave, following Margerie.

Korka leans back in her chair, pushing it out at an angle then kicking her feet up on the edge of the table as she seems content to watch who decides to leave now and who lingers.

Lucita continues sitting with others at the couch, passing reference notes back and forth with some of those near her.

The Second, 2 Clement trained guards arrive, following Margerie.

Whatever's going on at the couch has Calypso drinking ALREADY. Not that it takes a lot to convince Calypso to start drinking, of course. So maybe someone just brought up rum and reminded her that she hadn't had any in at least a couple hours.


"Lord Malespero."

Piccola rises when Pasquale comes to her on-stage. It looks as if she's looking for a reason to get //off// of it. "I have no doubt of that, my friend. I will be sure to pass your name to the Grandmaster when I next meet him." She holds out a hand for him. "Are you heading back to the sofa? Do you suppose there's a room for me as well?" Beat. "I mean, after I get a drink." Beat. "Maybe a snack."

She lets out a sigh, and corrects herself, "I'll be there shortly."



Alis murmurs to the adjutant that is always with her, and sends her towards Piccola with some information as the Princess stands up to make her way out quietly and on to the next meeting!

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight, Laurene, a military adjutant, 6 Valardin Knights leave, following Alis.

Micana, an efficient assistant arrives, delivering a message to Piccola before departing.

The Second, 2 Clement trained guards leave, following Margerie.

Laurene, a military adjutant arrives, delivering a message to Piccola before departing.

"Yes I think so." Pasquale says to Piccola. "Especially if you bring snacks." he nods and, now he's done his volunteering, heads back to his previous seat.

Esme is speaking low at her seats. Her emerald eyes slide over the people as they come and go.

After a few moments more, Korka swings her feet back down to stand in one languid motion, a flick of her wrists making sure her falls correctly around her as she reaches up to adjust her hood and head for the door. She casts a final glance towards the couch before she heads out into the snowy night.

Eirene is almost handed a flask. She almost accepts it. It's one of those days.

Korka has left the a walnut wooden table stained a red-brown.

Calypso is left to drink all the rum herself. But she kindasorta looks sympathetic at Eirene.


Piccola then goes on a quest to find snacks and booze.

It's a short trip. She knows where she put some for safekeeping, and so returns with a small satchel and a bottle of amber liquid to the sofa that seems just a //bit// full. "Room for one more?" she asks the convened there, hefting both items with a quirky smile on her face.

Good company's good company.



Retrieving her coat, Adalyn bundles up in preparation for the cold and, with a parting wave to those remain, she slips out the door.

Thea looks up to Piccola and nods,"Of course, come sit. I mean, you brought alcohol and food--,"a smile to Piccola.

1 Clement trained guards, Alphonse leave, following Adalyn.

Pasquale says, "Join us Piccola."

Drake gives Piccola a wave, mostly with his glass. He seems to be in conversation with Esme and Eirene about something.

Esme puts her arms out for 'hug tax' when Piccola comes over, but she also moves over to give her room. Her voice falling low again.

Piccola has left the an exquisite wooden stage.

Piccola has joined the a comfortable ivory leather and mahogany wooden sofa.

Matteo, an eager knight's apprentice arrives, following Irisa.


Just a quick setting of the scene

So, there is a lively talk at one of the sofas. Piccola has just made it there, sitting down with a bottle of liquor in one hand and a sack of food in the other. The wooden stage nearby is no longer attended, and its lectern stands empty. If there was a meeting, it's likely over and moved to a more private venue.

And the people there are //definitely// talking.



Sir Floppington the Soulful Hound arrives, following Rowenova.

Irisa enters late. Of course. She looks like she hurried this way, however. A little huff from the dash through the cold. She's wearing a wolf fur cloak over a commoner's long black wool dress. Nothing fancy, her diamondplate on her hip as is the usual fare for a knight. She sweeps the hood off her head, a few flakes flying off as she stomps off the snow from her boots before moving further in. Seeing everyone has already retired, she frowns and shakes her head. "Bugger," she mutters to herself before stepping more in towards the group silently, hands folded in front of her.

Quietly arriving are Scout Nova and Sir Floppington who briefly scan about the entire assembly before they shake off errant snow then slink closer to where the Lycene people are, especially Lucita. Though, she certainly waves to the Valardin among us, too. Eirene is always considered Lycene, whether she is Grayson now or not! So there!

Thea looks up, her face clearly looking thoughtful, and smiles over to Irisa and Rowenova. "Hey you two. How are you?"

There is a group arranged on one of the massive sofa's who seem to be in deep discussion. Thea seems to be trying to persuade them of something. Eirene seems cautiously optimistic and Pasquale seems to be in disagreement.


Seeing as how she's just arrived at the sofas, Piccola may be a little more attentive to her surroundings.

She sets her bottle down, and draws herself up to her feet as Irisa approaches, who she's never met. "Good evening. I'm General Piccola of House Tessere." She offers the other woman a glove-covered hand. "I trust the weather isn't too poor out there." Her eyes flit to Rowenova and her hound of awesomeness. "Scout Rowenova," she greets sidelong, before turning her attention back to Irisa.

"We're still here, but the formal announcements are over."



A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Rowenova before departing.

Esme glances up towards those tthat have just entered in. There is the everbright smile on her features that are familiar to those that know her. However, she is rather captivated by the conversation around her.

Nova nods her wolf-framed noggin to Thea, "Doing alright." Then, she moves to join the others at the sofa but mostly stands behind it rather than actually sitting there. She glances back with a smile to Irisa then beams the same to Esme. After, she tells Piccola, "I will read the minutes, then. No worries."

Rowenova has joined the a comfortable ivory leather and mahogany wooden sofa.

Eirene raises a hand to greet the newcomers, Nova and Irisa, but is engaged in a deep conversation.

Irisa dips her head respectfully to Thea. "I'm well. Apologies for my tardiness, m'Lady. I hope you're well, too." She looks over to Rowenova, smiling, and dips her head there as well, too. With Piccola approaching, she dips her head there as well to the introduction. "Dame Irisa Wainryte, Knight and Minister to Malvici. We've shared some messengers, General." She doesn't raise her voice to be heard, but she seems unafraid of eye contact. Eirene's wave gets another bow of her head. The commoner knight does not seem intent on interrupting.