"No, go outside. There's no food here." Giada's Lenosian accent voice sees her shooing a rather chubby raccoon back outside with a nudge of a booted foot. "Gods. You're so fat." If you listen, there's affection in the otherwise flat sound. With her animal gone, the Godsworn makes her way towards the front and the ingots on display there.


Micana, an efficient assistant, 1 Saik Guard arrive, following Lucita.

Oswyn slips into the hall, tugging a notebook out of his satchel as he goes.

Lucita comes into the room quietly and glances around for a good spot to sit. A little smile is offered to those present but she remains quiet as she assesses what is going on so far.

Lucita has joined the Table 4.

Lou Grayson is standing by the door to the map room, quietly chatting with Willen about this and that as she waits for people to arrive. Set up close to her is a table with an unusual metal sitting on display. Willen, for the most part, seems to be the observant guard standing over it, considering how careful Lou has been, in general, with the metal. She gives a cordial nod to those who are arriving, bu seems to have the air of someone waiting for other folk to filter through. It is, after all, an explorer event and explorers are not always punctual.

Oswyn has joined the Table 2.

Azova is just about right on time, arriving with Reve in tow so he can hear all about the adventure that was had - in addition to having endured her excited babbling for days afterwards. A cheerful wave is given to Lou, as a spot at one of the tables is looked for and finally claimed.

Lore Artiglio steps into the hall, glancing around for new additions since she last set foot inside, moving forward towards the display case to glance inside. She seems to be looking at the bars closely, at least briefly, then turns away and moves back towards Lou and approaches the Grayson Princess. "Your Highness. A pleasure to see you again. If there's time after, I would love to speak with you for just a moment or two." Offering a smile, she doesn't continue taking up time but moves to find somewhere to sit.

Lore has joined the Table 2.

Merek finds a place to settle in, walking in. The man wears the white-black dark attire along with the hood pulled up. "Good evening."

Giada turns from the table after a bit and offers Lou a quick smile. "Highness," she greets. "Giada Morello. A pleasure to finally meet you." She keeps off to the side, expertly positioned such that she can slip in or out of the way with a few steps.

Never late nor early, when Natasha Thrax arrives, it is unaccompanied by her usual retinue, though to say that they are far away from her would be an exaggeration; they linger somewhere outside of Charter Hall, out of sight, but never out of mind or too far out of reach from their charge.

The only sister and sibling of the Highlord of Maelstrom is dressed in her typical defiance of fashionable ostentation, clad in an austere creation of umbra silks darker than black, piped with crimson lace and stitched in the austere, high-collared and long-sleeved style that she favors. Thraxian through and through, in spite of the dearth of her House's usual and more vibrant colors. Her dark-haired head, swept in its usual simple but impeccable arrangement, cants in greeting imbued by a trace or two of familiar warmth, not inclined to be emotive but affable regardless, at the glimpse of Lou and her meticulous organization of yet another lecture, but as she is reluctant to disturb her, her greetings to the Pathfinder are both silent and perfunctory. She eventually ends up to the back and side of the room, to afford herself a full view of it.

Rhue loiters just outside for a minute, finishing up a quiet chat with Mira which includes plans to meet back here in a while. Off the assistant goes, and Rhue continues on in with a couple of curtseys between the entrance, an interested peek at the table, and finding herself a place to sit which isn't behind too many taller people.

Winter, A Highhill Puppy arrives, following Kiera.

Lucita watches as people start arriving and with a gesture indicates empty seats at the table at which she sits, the motion one that is gently inviting. "I see many are as curious about Brightshore as I am."

Lou offers Lore a smile when she's addressed and then nods. "If I have time afterwards, I'd be glad to speak to you," she tells the other woman. She watches as others filter and and winces visibly at the title being used. It's habit, and not one likely to be broken any time soon by the princess who hates to be called princess. She offers smiles or nods to the others that come along as well. "Do please make yourselves comfortable. There's snacks and drinks all around." Whiskey. The good kind. But also that other stuff people drink too. Milk, even, for the Valardin, but really who drinks milk?!?

"It promises to be an illuminating discussion, considering I know so little about it," Natasha agrees, having drifted over to where the Baroness Saik has situated herself, remembering face and figure from Medeia's wedding. "Still, the Society of Explorers never fails to impress with its ability to draw interesting things to the light." Dark eyes drift over to the whiskey tumblers being passed around, never one to resist it so long as she remains within her notorious limit, and after a visible deliberation obtains a glass.

Giada takes up a post towards the back with a wall to lean against. She seems content to stay out of the way and observe with legs crossed at the ankles and arms folded over her chest.

Natasha has joined the Table 4.

Ramona - A Guard in Ashford House Colours, Bigsby - A Thoughtful Looking Young Man in Nondescript Clothing, 2 Ashford Archer, 1 Ashford Scout arrive, following Lisebet.

Rhue has joined the Table 1.

Mal, a devious raccoon, Daegmund, an Oakhaven Shepherd, Sylvie, a bubbly Keaton huntsman in training, Carwyn, a Greenmarch War Elk, Brimbar, Spice the toddling otter pup, Cini, a Brightshore Tree Mouse, Kacela, a rather large Brightshore Tree Cat arrive, following Shae.

Lou steps away from where she has been leaning by the map room door to take her place at the lecture podium that's been placed in the room. There are no notes before her. "Good evening, and thank you again for coming to tonight's discussion," she says, taking a moment to look about the room. She offers smiles once more and then rocks back and forth on her feet just once before getting started.

Shae has joined the Table 4.

Shae quietly slips into the main hall, giving a little wave to Lou just before she starts. Spying Azova, she heads toward the Mercy's way, taking a seat at the table.

Lou steps away from where she has been leaning by the map room door to take her place at the lecture podium that's been placed in the room. There are no notes before her. "Good evening, and thank you again for coming to tonight's discussion," she says, taking a moment to look about the room. She offers smiles once more and then rocks back and forth on her feet just once before getting started. "Many of you might know that I have been researching the issues going on over in Eurus long before our current crisis with them. As part of that research, I had asked people to help uncover another way to get to Eurus in the event that we would need to go there for some reason. We uncovered information on two islands, that of Brightshore and the Isle of Echoes. The first island was named after the flora and fauna that dotted the landscape and the people whom lived there. The second was named for an island full of unsettling ghosts that could haunt you for the rest of your life if you were not careful." There's a pause, and a wry quirk of a grin, as she goes on to add. "Understandably, I chose to explore the former and not the latter." She clearly has more to say but sees others arriving and gives them time to get settled. She inclines her head to Shae, a grin coming to her lips when she spies the tree mouse and the tree cat.

Brows lift at the description of the islands that Lou and her collective have managed to uncover, before Natasha draws out her banded journal from the pockets of her gown. Easing her stylus out from between its place sandwiched between pages, she starts quietly taking notes, annotating each with comments on the adjacent page. Whatever questions she has, she lists on the bottom, to be posed later.

"And before anyone asks, the current path to Eurus is fraught with dangers of the unusual sort, which is why we were seeking another way there that did not include those dangers. A safer way, though traveling by boat by any means will always have it's own dangers." Lou interjects this just in case people had questions on that front. "The trip consisted of a voyage to Setara to stock up as much supplies as we could. About half way through the Saffron Chain we hit a series of storms and my ship, the Boundless Venture, was separated from Wash's ship, Candleight's Promise. I found them in a cay in an archipelago, where they told me a rather fascinating story of having survived the storm only to have several of their water barrels broken. They found what was once an inhabited island and had an adventure of disarming traps, wrangling large cats, and killing boar before they could get their water supplies." Lou smirks a bit wryly. "They were having a beach barbecue of roast boar when my vessel finally caught up to them."

There is a pause there and Lou goes on. "After the Saffron Chain we sailed on for leagues and leagues, to the point that we were almost running out of supplies. Several weeks passed, by my count, where we could see nothing but the ocean. Then the weather changed to something warmer and heavier in the air, and we found ourselves in the Bright Sea. There we found the island of Brightshore." She takes a sip of whiskey then, mostly to whet her lips than because of anything in her tale.

Lucita speaks in a low tone to those with whom she sits. "Always amazes me how skillful the navigators are to find an island in the sea like that."

Wash has joined the Table 4.

Lou checks perception at normal. Lou is successful.

Sebastian, an adorable gray and white tabby, Jacinthe, Arindais, a dour-looking Scholar, 3 Templar Knight guards arrive, following Sina.

Lisebet has slid in, found herself a seat and is quietly listening.

Lou manages to catch Lucita's comment and she grins brightly at her. "We navigated by the stars, in this instance, Baroness Lucita!" she exclaims. "We had a road map, of sorts, to finding the island in the research that we completed prior to leaving, and consulted many, many maps as best we could." Since sextants are not a thing of Arx creation as yet! "It certainly is challenging to find land in the middle of the sea, but we definitely did find it."

"Oh, and what wonder we found!" Lou goes on, her eyes lighting up as she starts talking about it. "The island itself is covered in color of every fit and figure a person could imagine, produced by the many plants that grow there. It's largely a jungle, with some rolling hills and mountainous areas. It's roughly the size of Setara in scope, so fairly large for an island. But the plants, the animals, and everything else there are oh, so very different from here." She nods over in Shae's direction, who seems to have two very strange looking critters with her. "And the animals have quite the intelligence!" And that seems to excite Lou quite a lot. "So I'm excited to see how they do with being introduced to members fo the Knightly Order of the Fluffybottoms." Oh, yes. Lou says that with an /extremely/ straight face, not a humorous smile to be cracked, and with an exceptional amount of excitement. "But, first and foremost, the island is heavily guarded by their most formidable of warriors, and there are tests to step foot onto the island, and well - to practically o anything else you might like to do there. So, so many tests. Administered by different people, and those tests are whatever they whimsey. And if they feel that you or anyone else might be tainted by the Abyss, or darkness of any sort, then they refused to treat with you."

Rhue nods along in understanding, encouragement, as active listeners are wont to do. For her part, it's mention of plants that piques her interest most, while mention of formidable test-giving warrior guards has her sinking a little bit lower in her seat again.

Sina arrives late, but shifts over to a seat quietly, without making too much to-do. Her Templars are with her, but easily find places to blend into the scenary unless needed. The Archscholar settles into a seat, and folds her hands in her lap, catching Lou's description of Brightshore. She listens with interest, though there is a thoughtful, slightly detached quality to her expression, as if she isn't quite fully focused there.

Sina has joined the Table 2.

Merek seems to be listening, while he considers all of what is said, seeming distracted. He does take a moment to find a cigarillo from a pack, then he takes a drag from it while he begins lighting that.

Wash says, "Also, they have some very large hairles plant eating water bears."

Ian comes into the hall, watching his feet as usual. He looks a little bit tired, and has with him a sword tucked under his arm, sheathed in a scabbard.

Lore lifts her glass in silent toast towards Wash and Ian, then turns her attention back to Lou.

At the mention of the animals, and them having 'quite the intelligence' the very tiny critter on Shae's shoulder, sits up a little, and meeps at Lou, rather enthusiastically. Which Shae gives a few nods to, the tiny critter receiving a little chin scritch, as she smiles. And the rather large cougar sized cat-like creature lets out a few loud merows. Earning it a few scritches. At Wash's mention of the hairless ones, "They called those, 'Death Fat Ones'. We saw quite a few of those on the island."

Marquessa Pudding, a doughy dog arrives, delivering a message to Wash before departing.

Lou nods her head respectively to Wash. "Their skin was sorta shiny like a seals, but thick like an alligators. They hard large teeth and wide, large black eyes that stared into your soul." She speaks of Wash's description of the water bars. Which were, essentially, hippos. They are describing hippos. "The people of Brightshore called them Fat Death Ones and warned us to stay away. I think Wash is the only one that got a very close look at them."

Lou takes a moment to collect herself. "The people wore brightly colored outfits largely made out of leather, with wood masks or head gear that had pictures of the animals of the island on them. The Queen of Brightshore, Zhruri'ral'shalruthdo," what a MOUTHFUL, and yes Lou pronounces it completely perfectly, "for instance, bore a crocodile on her head gear." She takes a breath. "Her test was for a member of our crew to recite the Pantheon, which they venerate there, to prove that we were still among the Faithful to the Pantheon."

Sir Floppington the Soulful Hound arrives, following Rowenova.

Lucita studies the little animals, her head tilting as she looks them over. "A jungle? Do you think they will adapt alright when winter comes?" She adds after a moment. "Duke Aiden would be delighted to see them, and Dame Leola!

Showing up with Sir Floppington is a woodsy/windswept Nova who gently pats the good boy before he wags up to little animals? Meanwhile, Nova steps closer to where Lucita is, hanging out with her Saik guards.

Ian goes over to Wash's table and settles down there, leaning the sword in its scabbard against said table next to his cane.

Ian has joined the Table 4.

Wash says, "Well, I didn't try to ride one like everyone seems to have expected from me."

Ian exchanges a whispered conversation with Lucita after sitting down.

"The people of Brightshore have their own language. It is similar to Eurusi, and has an Eurusi baseline, but is not Eurusi. I was able to walk away from our time at the island able to fluently speak the language." Lou continues onward with her description of her time in Brightshore. "They have a metal called goldsteel, which they sometimes refer to as sunsteel." She motions to the metal on the table. "It is very similar to our rubicund. A version or strain of rubicund on their island, which is plentiful there, which is gold in color rather than our ruddy red." She nods over at Ian, even as she gestures to the metal on the table. "Ian was able to fight and best one of their strongest warriors on the island and to get a feel for their unique craftsmanship."

here's a pause before Lou goes on, "Lord Ian also was able to barter for one of their crafted weapons. Many a gowns were sacrificed for this trade, for the people of Brightshore have no real way to make cloth themselves. They value it highly above all else on the island, especially cloth that is already tailored into outfits of sorts, for they haven't any means, really to work with silk themselves. They're used to creating outfits made of leather," she reminds them. "So we were able to come away with a very small small stockpile of goldsteel for the trade of what cloth and gowns we were able to sacrifice during our venture. I'll be working with the crafters guild to see if they can come up with any recipes with which to forge the goldsteel."

Lou says in Brightshore, "This is an example of the Brightshore language."

Lou translates that as, "This is an example of the Brightshore language."

Lucita listens intently to what Lou is saying, her interest in the topic obvious.

Sina listens to the description of the people, animals, language and culture of Brightshore, her expression interested. Yet, there's a sort of restless distraction about her as well, and after a moment, she rises from her seat, and quietly slips out again.

Sina has left the Table 2.

Sebastian, an adorable gray and white tabby, Jacinthe, Arindais, a dour-looking Scholar, 3 Templar Knight guards leave, following Sina.

She remains silent for now, but to say that she is idle would be far from reality as it comes. As Natasha listens, her stylus continues to move across the pages of her journal, her list of questions growing at every segment that Lou introduces.

Ian gives a vague nod when his name is mentioned, but otherwise plays the good audience member and listens to Lou's lecture.

Wash says, "I don't have a head for languages, but I bet Zoey would like to learn that one."

"The people of Brightshore are also no friend to the people of Eurus. They consider Arvum to be a dark place, which is why they have tests against the Abyss and to show that we're among the Faithful of the Pantheon. But, they consider Eurus even darker than Arvum and refuse to deal with them. Yet, we were able to treat with them. While some ships may be able to stop at Brightshore, which was the whole reason we went there - to secure a way to have a supply stopping point on the way to Eurus - a whole fleet of ships will not be able to go there. They wish to remain out of Eurus's attention. For the moment, Eurus considers them too troublesome than they are worth, and they fear that if large trading parties or shipping parties go to their island, than that'll bring Eurus's attention to them. That's not to say that there's not opportunities to obtain more goldsteel or speak to them. Just, that expectations must be managed." Lou looks out over the room as she says this.

"The Queen of Brightshore made it very clear that only ships I deem worthy and carry my banner will be the ones allowed to dock at their port. And, if you travel that far, you'll want to dock at that port as there are no other islands in sight, and they warned us away from the Island of Echoes because of how dark it is there, and the possibility of bringing haunts home with you."

Look then glances over at the rest of the teammates she sees in the room. "Is there anything you think I've forgotten or left out? I know Azova might have things to share about the herbs and medicines available there. As well as her book of cures she got from the healers there." A book that Lou has translated for Azova too!

Lisebet continues to listen, quietly. She's watching as folks do speak up, and she does give the little companion animals that Shae has a long look, before she arches a brow at the goldsteel and the rest of the information imparted.

Azova does in fact have those cures written out, which she holds up and waves a little. "One of the medicines is a fever reducer, which we do also have access to. But of the others, one is a poison cure. And the other is an anti-venom that while it's specific to one venom originally can be used for others to help mitigate its damage." she reveals. "Alas, we have to wait for trade to open up, since all of those medicines use plants specific to Brightshore's flora. I've already offered the information to both the Mercies, and Physician's Guild. And would welcome sharing it with the Apothecary College as well. But, until we have access to the herbs it's purely academic."

Ian clears his throat. "I brought the sword I got there."

Oswyn is pretty silent, squinting and taking notes rapidly. Unobtrusive, even!

Oswyn has left the Table 2.

g{Lou grins at Ian. "Could we entice you to show it?" She also wiggles fingers at Cini since the tree mouse did meep at her!

When Azova speaks about the poison cure, Nova seems to perk up a bit more. Though, she is soon drawn to looking to the fossa before offering out a hand, gloved as it is.

Natasha's head turns towards Azova as she speaks, and notes another question on her growing list. Otherwise she says nothing left, her gaze gravitating to Ian and Wash from where she sits, especially when the latter brings up the goldsteel sword.

Lou grins at Ian. "Could we entice you to show it?" She also wiggles fingers at Cini since the tree mouse did meep at her!

Azova gasp gleefully at what Ian says, and she claps excitedly. "Let's see!" she encourages, trying to lean forward or to the side or however she's able to get a peek at the weapon.

Ian braces on the table and pushes to his feet, then draws the blade out of its scabbard. The blade is almost as long as a rapier, but a little bit more flattened, light and fairly stiff. The hand guard is minimalistic, with a simple wooden hilt. The blade is clearly designed for speed and precision. And, of course, it's a gorgeous, luminous gold. "They don't wear a lot of armor because of the heat, so their weapons are light. Spear and shield for the warriors, something like this to wear day to day."

Ian gets a long, slender goldsteel blade from Oiled leather bag.

Ian drops a long, slender goldsteel blade.

Lucita says, "that sword is beautiful."

"I would like to offer to fund the creation of more gowns and outfits to use for barter at Brightshore. And perhaps the next expedition could include a few craftsmen that we could try to learn their smithing techniques from? I know at least one that is HIGHLY interested in learning how to work with goldsteel," Lore speaks up from her table, looking towards the sword Ian withdraws before letting her gaze drift back to Lou.

Ian gets a long, slender goldsteel blade.

Wash says, "Next you will send who Lou? Is there going to be an orderly queue Lou? Is there something you expect us to do Lou?"

A little bit awkward with a drawn blade in a very much not fighting situation, Ian holds the goldsteel sword up so that it's easy for everyone to see. Then he sheathes it again.

Lou has joined the line.

The line has been dismissed by Lou.

Azova admires the slender blade from her seat, and a grateful nod is given Ian for his being willing to display it for everyone. "I'd contacted Brother Felix Meadson to see if he was interested in working with the pieces of goldsteel I have. Has he reached out to you with response to your Classifieds ad as well, Lou? Perhaps we should gather all the interested crafters together. To collaborate, if not." She tries not to make a face at the lou who rhymes from Wash, too.

Kiera hms "is there any knowledge they might find valuable or problem we can help them overcome?

The animals that accompany Shae also get a curious glance from the Thraxian princess, though as she has no artistic ability, there's no hope of her sketching the lady's companions in her journal. Natasha *does* try - and the results are absolutely *horrific* so she simply folds the page over and pretends she didn't even try. "I have a few questions about your lecture as a whole, Pathfinder," she begins. "And to those who accompanied you on your daring and interesting venture. Shall I wait until the end of the event, or can I pose them now?"

"Master Felix or Dame Ida might be interested in having a look at that, if you've a mind to let either see. Maybe even Hana Grayhope too," Lou points out to Ian, speaking of the legendary crafters she knows about." Lou then turns her attention over to Lore. "Master Apollo has contacted me from the Crafter's Guild. I'll be arranging a meeting to discuss how to best make recipes. The other expectation that has to be managed is that the trip to get to Brightshore is many months long. Three to get there, three to get back." Six months in total. "Not including the time you stay on the island, assuming they allow you to do so." Which means whomever wants to go should talk to Lou since she did give tell them information on how a ship might be allowed this evening.

"If anyone has any questions tonight, I encourage you to start a line so I can answer them in an orderly fashion." She looks over at Wash. "Uh. I hadn't even thought about going back so soon, since the war with Eurus and Helivanthus is coming up." Or, whatever Ivan's name is! "I'd think any voyage back to the island would need to wait until after.

Natasha has joined the line.

At Lou's finger wiggles to Cini, the tiny creature meeps a few more times at her, an intelligence to the creature as she does so. Which causes Shae to grin a little, and her nose to scrunch up a touch. Kacela for the most part doesn't seem as friendly as Cini. The large cat-like creature, watches everyone and everything with a touch of smugness to her. Spotting Nova holding out her hand toward Kacela, Shae's eyes widen, "Careful, she is a bit prickly," She warns Rowenova. Kacela looks to Rowenova, giivng a sniff, and then pushes her head against Shae and purrs happily.

Kiera has joined the line.

"Lady Kiera, we tried to ask them that, but they were evasive in their answers. Their largest concern was not obtaining the attention of Eurus. And, making sure we didn't get ourselves killed by Death Fat Ones," Lou responds to that first set of questions. She then glances to Natasha. "Er. Well, I'm at the Q&A part of things now, so go ahead and ask them two at a time, to make them manageable."

Nova oh yeahs about the 'prickly' bit. "Good thing I have these gloves then." Though, she just drops the hand to her side but lingers in case the fossa may (or may not) wish to investigate her at some point. No rush here. Sir Flop is happily wagging, of course. He seems amiable toward the new species.

Lisebet is settled in her seat, listening and learning. She does not get in line.

Ian has left the Table 4.

"I'm amenable to following whatever format you prefer, Pathfinder," Natasha replies as she rises from her seat; perhaps very much familiar with Lou's distaste for being called princess, she elects to call her by her position in the Society instead. "My first two questions are firstly, what is Brightshore's significance to Eurus itself, other than the fact that Eurus finds its inhabitants troublesome to deal with? I understand the initial purpose was to find a way to get to Eurus safely in the event that's necessary, did your excursion to Brightshore make any headway towards that end?"

She glances briefly at her notes. "My second question is that I understand that the people of Brightshore consider Eurus even darker than Arvum, due to their adherence to the Faith. Did your interviews and interactions with its people shed any further light on what else causes their reluctance to deal with the Eurusi other than our shared religion?"

Felicia is clearly, very late, though at least she tries not to draw attention to herself with the quiet way she prowls in and finds a seat.

Ian has joined the Table 4.

Kiera hms "well i can certainly understand wanting to avoid their attention. should you find any use for other scholars to aid with regard brightshore, you know where to find me

Jasper, a treasure hunting gyrfalcon, Bastien, a strapping Malvici escort arrive, following Kaia.

"Your Highness. If I may, I might phrase it rather that they objected to the Eurusi bastardization of the Faith. Those of Brightshore are very much adherents to the Faith of the Pantheon, and the tests our group went through were tests designed to ensure that we had not succumbed to abyssal influence or had bastardized the faith in the abominable way the Eurusi have." Azova clarifies, in case there was any misunderstanding.

Lou is silent a moment while she muddles through Natasha's first question. "I have made headway, but again - only if its a ship or two passing through the area. Brightshore has no relationship to Eurus. They refuse to deal with Eurus because Eurus is filled with Abyssal forces. Their city of Pyre is /full/ of demons, for instance. I'd be happy to discuss more about Pyre in a less public setting," she notes. "As far as I know they're not significant to Eurus at all as anything more than additional chattal for the slave pits. Right now they're troublesome chattal that Eurus would rather not deal with. Also, I'm fairly certain they have no bar to practicing magic there." A pause, then she notes. "Their animals could perfectly understand us when we were speaking, and they were able to hold conversations with the animals, it seemed. We spoke Arvani, they spoke Brightshore," she gives as an example. "It could have just been pure happenstance but I don't believe it was. Also, we didn't ask. It seemed rude to do so." At least, that's Lou's excuse. "At least, on a first diplomatic trip there anyway, when I know absolutely nothing about diplomacy myself, and was also the only person able to pick up the language with any ease." So, tip toes were made!

"I think I kinda answered the second question with answering the first one," she notes to Natasha. "And I did make some diplomatic relations with them. Ships sailing with my approval and my banner may stop there, trade, restock. Everyone else will be turned away. They have catapults and other formidable defenses against ships there. Their defenses were not difficult to miss."

Lou adds on top of what Azova said. "They seemed amused we had several Lost Gods recently rediscovered and they wanted to know how we lost them, in terms of Skald and the Queen of Endings."

Cini, the tiny creature on Shae's shoulder, meeps happily at Rowenova. Shae glances to Rowenova's gloves, giving a nod. And then there is some meeping from Cini at the questions being asked. Leaving Shae to glance to Cini some, giving a slight shrug even, almost as if Shae understands her. Though her attention drifts to Sir Floppington, nodding to him some, "They are doing quite well, thank you for asking." The Baroness seems to be looking between the animals for a moment. And then pulls out a treat from one of the pouches on her belt and offers it to Sir Flop.

"As if Lost Gods were something we lost with a pair of pants, or something." Azova looks downright pained, there. "You're not giving yourself enough credit, Lou. You did fantastically with them. And I would just note for anyone thinking of going on a trade establishment trip, that they expect any artwork made to be duplicated. So that one may sacrifice a copy to honor Jayus properly. Every piece of artwork." she repeats, having taken that to such heart.

Turn in line: Natasha

Turn in line: Kiera

Natasha has joined the line.

Within the frame and shade of her wolf pelt, Nova smiles brightly after having heard what Shae says like she does. Sir Floppington happily wags after having heard such words, too. He looks to Cini, and tilts his head as he listens.

Turn in line: Natasha

Lucita continues to listen attentively. "I've found most of the questions I can think of are being asked by others so I'll just listen."

"I would be happy to sit with you in your office once more to talk about Pyre at a later date, Pathfinder," Natasha confirms, her smile faint but clearly sensed, followed with an acknowledging dip of her head towards Azova. "And thank you for the clarification, my lady Darkwater. I think that the expeditionary report is absolutely remarkable - considering these are relatively uncharted waters, so to speak, I can't blame anyone at all for being cautious."

She consults her list. "My third and fourth questions are: other than the ghosts and how visitors run a risk of bringing them back if they go there, do we know anything else about the Isle of Echoes? And how formidable are these warriors, the ones who guard Brightshore - do we have a term for which to call them?" Her gaze returns to Lou, but also towards Ian at the last, considering he had tested rubicund against goldsteel.

Lou glances over at Ian when those questions are asked. "Lord Ian, could you help field these a bit?" she asks.

Kaia has joined the Table 1.

Ian looks towards Natasha. "If you're thinking about conquering Brightshore so you have a jumping off point to Eurus, I don't think it's feasible," he tells her in his usual flat voice. "Their naval technology is better than ours. I also think it'd probably invite Eurus to invade Brightshore and take it over, once they realized what we were doing with it. Supplying and defending something so far from Arvum would be nearly impossible."

Lou oofs a bit at Ian's comments. "Brightshore is too far out to even try to conquer. We were weeks away from any restocking place by the point we were running ridiculously low on food. We would have starved even with fishing, or died of thirst, if we hadn't found the place." Which is not hyperbole on Lou's part, for her expression is quite earnest. "In fact if Wash's crew hadn't found water after that storm, there's no way we would have even made it to Brightshore at all."

Wash says, "We didn't get THAT far off course." Wash insists. "Well... we would have run out of grog, and... yeah, that's bad."

Kaia is seated by Rhou's side, at one of the tables, quietly listening to the meeting. Her lively eyes widening with surprise as the group shares on the dangerous tales and tragedies avoided by pure luck or blessing. She seems to be taking notes; but, for the most part, keeping to herself.

Brows furrow slightly at the flat delivery, Natasha inclining her head at the Sword. "It was a question borne out of my own curiosity, Lord Ian - I personally don't have armies or a fleet to command, so I can't see how I would manage it even if I had the desire...which I don't. We have enough problems here in Arvum." There's another brief glance at her list, and then back to Lou, quietly waiting for leave to ask more questions - because she always has them.

Lou gives a nod to Natasha, no one else in line yet!

Turn in line: Natasha

Lore leans over to murmur something to Wash, still keeping her eyes on the Pathfinder.

And so given leave, the Thraxian princess continues: "What was the most difficult test Brightshore's administrator had asked the expedition team to do in order to be assured that there's no abyssal influence? I also remember that you mentioned that rubicund and goldsteel are similar...are there properties in the latter that are significantly or otherwise different from our rubicund, aside from the color?"

"Answering the last first. I don't know. I have yet to meet with the crafters guild, and when I do they'll get a chance to look at the goldsteel. At a glance, it looks like the consistency of rubicund." Lou gives a slight shrug of her shoulders. "We had no smiths on our voyage. Trading happened mostly by happenstance and necessity and, well, we noticed their weapons."

"As for the first question, the most difficult one was someone had to step forward who had killed an abyssal force who had never told anyone else about it and touch a feather to see if it would glow. However," Lou states solemnly, "considering the answer was giving away a secret they had not shared with anyone else, that answer stays solidly within our group and is no one else's business. All that any need to know is that the test was passed."

Ian sinks into a comfortable slouch. "I've found very little difference in the performance of the goldsteel sword to how I'd expect a similar one made of rubicund to perform," he remarks to Natasha. "It might be that the metal is a little more suited to the thin, light blades that the people of Brightshore prefer, but I'm not sure. That also might be a quirk of the way this one was forged. I guess the crafters would have to answer that for sure."

Nova huhs softly about the mentioned tests. She curiously regards Lou with a slight tilt of her wolf-framed/shaded nog before standing back up straight before reaching out and slowly ruffling those long ears on Sir Floppington.

Merek nods a little bit along with people.

"Of course, Pathfinder - truthfully I had expected something like a dangerous obstacle course through sacred territory, but it could simply be my imagination running away from me," Natasha notes of the test, lips twisting into a faint, but rueful smile. "And thank you also, Lord Ian, for your insights."

She checks her list before turning those dark eyes to Lou again, but also Azova. "My last question is about the cure for poison, though this is more for the sake of clarification. My lady Darkwater, did you mean that it cures a general array of toxins or only a specific one?"

Wash says, "It was me. I did it. I swatted a fly once, turned out to be an abyssal fly. I was ashamed to mention it up until then because it seemed like the pinnacle of my life's achievements."

Azova focuses on the question addressed to her, with a wry smile appearing at Wash's volunteering his abyssal fly secret. "The anti-venom cure is specifically used to treat something called a dust scorpion sting, but it also happens to be effective against many other venoms. And, the poison cure can also be used for multiple ingested poisons. So, it is specific to those poisons that are ingested. The herbs needed for those are Black Oleander as the anti-venom, Chardust is a root that is used for the ingested poisons, and Brightvine which is used to fight fevers. There are other reagents needed, but those are the ones we would need to procure from Brightshore." she answers politely, and with a grateful towards Natasha for being curious enough to ask.

Lou shrugs her shoulders a bit, "I mean, the tests are personal to the person you are dealing with. In this case, that particular question came from the Commander of the guard who escorted us tot he island. That test had to be passed to step from our ship onto his ship so he could convey us there. To get on the island itself, the test about the Pantheon had to be passed. To explore the island, a different test had to be passed. To trade with any of the merchants at the market, another test had to be passed. Each thing by a different person or whatever merchant or guide you were dealing with. They're very serious about not wanting dark or abyssal influences there. So. Many. Tests. To get a map, I had to draw a map of Arvum. I, er, had to get Kalani to pass that one for me!" She flushes. She lets Azova answer the question about the toxins and stuff, since that's her expertise!

Nova quietly mentions a jokey question Shae's way before sitting up and then double patting Sir Floppington on his tawny sides, bringing out that ripe watermelon sound.

Lou glances over at Wash. "I mean, they use demons disguised as bunnies for spies, so flies wouldn't be that far off." Was that what that rabbit flu was all about all those years ago?!?

There is a bit of exuberant meeping coming from Cini, the tiny critter on her shoulder, at Rowenova. And it has Shae grinning a little. The mention of all the tests by Lou, has Shae glancing up to look at her Patron with a smile.

Wash's remarks about the abyssal fly and his terrible, shameful secret draws a hint of good humor that glimmers in Natasha's predominantly dark eyes; it doesn't manifest in a wider smile but the quip is appreciated for what it is. Azova's succinct but enlightening details about Brightshore's herbs and medicines has her dark-haired head dipping towards the Mercy's direction. "Thank you all very much," she continues, from Lou to Azova to Ian. "This was all tremendously interesting, and quite amazing. I can't help but be somewhat jealous of the opportunity." A long pause at the Pathfinder's remark about demonic bunnies, her expression growing from neutral-appreciative to slightly indescribable.

Azova has left the Table 4.

Orion, a healer's surly Assistant, 2 Redoubt Buccaneers leave, following Azova.

Natasha is overheard praising Lou: For spearheading so many efforts in exploring our beautiful confounding world.

"Is there any one else with questions?" Lou asks, looking around the room before calling the evening quits.

Natasha is overheard praising Ian: For your insights on the latest metallurgical discovery and lending your prowess to test arms against a new group of foreign combatants.

After some increasingly visible, somewhat awkward fidgeting in her seat, Rhue moves to join the queue while still listening to the discussion as it passes back and forth between Lou and the others.

Natasha is overheard praising Azova: For your succinct and illuminating synopsis of the flora of Brightshore and their medicinal benefits and qualities.

Rhue has joined the line.

Turn in line: Natasha

Turn in line: Rhue

Looking to Cini, Nova lets out a brusque laugh one time before nodding back toward the tiny critter before looking back to Shae then gaze panning to Lou, doing so with a faint grin.

Lucita quietly gathers her notes, taking a last glance at the animals and the hilt of Ian's sword before she murmurs. "Time has come for me to return home. Thank you Pathfinder and all those who contributed to teaching us what you found and relating the tales of what you did.

Lucita has left the Table 4.

Micana, an efficient assistant, 1 Saik Guard leave, following Lucita.

There's a frown from Kaia's part at the mention of demon bunnies. "Demons disguised as bunnies?" she repeats slowly and somewhat surprised. A few blinks given after that. "Well...that's certainly unexpected."

After reading up on the demon bunnies, Lore lets out a whistle, "Well. I have a whole new respect for Frost's hunting skills. I'll have to stop teasing him so much, he might be protecting me from demonic critters and I didn't even know!"

Rhue's hand raises a little and she clears her throat before projecting her voice, "I'm not familiar with the original plan for the expedition, so sorry if this should be obvious. I wondered if part of it wasn't to consider ways to approach Eurus for um, not.. trade. So a restock stop at Brightshore isn't viable for an armada, and their people want nothing to do with the Eurusi. Are they aware that we're in a fight, is any of that likely to make future visits more dangerous? And," here she turns a little to address Azova next, "May I get a copy of the book? Or, oh, I guess I should ask the Physicians directly, hm."

Nova leans to quietly mention something to Kaia before looking to Felicia then nodding her way and sitting back up to pet Sir Floppington some more.

Kaia's eyes widen a bit at Rowenova's words and nods before whispering something in return.

Wash has left the Table 4.

Wash has joined the Table 2.

Wash shifts tables so that he can more easily confer with his protege.

There is a few more meeps from Cini to Rowenova, and then she seems to settle down on Shae's shoulder. Big intelligent eyes watching the people in the meeting. At Kaia's comment on bunny demons, Shae gives a nod to her. "The Fluffy Bottoms have fought some, I believe there is a story about it," Shae shares with a smile.

Lou smiles a bit at Rhue as she asks her questions. "Very specifically, they distrust anything to do with Eurus. Eurus ships may not stop at their island. They are aware we have a potential battle coming, and that its been brewing for a long time, and that we're fighting the Eurusi. There's opportunity for limited trade with Brightshore, but nothing overt." A pause, then she adds. "I know people working with the underground resistance in Eurus, the Awakened Sands, and this route may be one of the ways we can help the fight there by getting them supplies from Arvum. One ship at a time, with no rhyme or reason as to when we're sending that ship."

Wash has left the Table 2.

Kaia, then, looks at Shae as she comments further on the bunnies. "The Fluffy Bottoms?" she asks, evidently not sure what that was. Her eyes settle on the cute exotic creature perched by her shoulders. Head tilting slightly to the side in a gesture of evident curiosity.

Shae mutters, "She said that she is ... ... ... Not Kacela, ... Kacela is ... after ... And ... would like to ... if you sing? ... ... songs."

Rhue murmurs her thanks, looking thoughtful as she returns to her seat to chew over the new tidbits of information.

Bringing around her Messenger Bag, Nova gets out a leatherbound folio which is then passed to Kaia before she grins adoringly to Shae and the critters.

The line has been dismissed by Lou.

Lou sees that the questions have finally come to an and. "I want to thank everyone for coming this evening. This is all I have for tonight."

Felicia is overheard praising Lou.

Kaia is overheard praising Lou.

"The Knightly Order of the Fluffy Bottoms, they are knights of Petrichor," Shae shares with Kaia, and then Cini is meeping at Kaia as well. Which has Shae shrugging a little to the tiny critter. Glancing over to Rowenova, giving her a nod.

Lore stands briefly and smiles towards Lou, "Pathfinder? If you have that moment, I would greatly appreciate it if you would join us?" That said, she retakes her seat and speaks quietly with Wash, nodding.

Nova seems distant for a few moments before Cini's chatter and Shae's nodding apparently wake her from whatever thoughts she was having. She looks up and calls forth, "Thank you, Ranger Lou. I appreciate you hosting these events."

Ian says his farewells and, after bracing on the table, pushes to his feet and collects his cane and his sword in its scabbard.