Mason looks up from his study of the map and gives Reese a smile. "Of course, Reese. I thought it wise that I attend, so I can learn how things are after being out in the forest for so long." He nods, agreement in the gesture. "A sound reasoning to my ears."

Reese is adorned in her silvery steel plate and a bunch of weapons. She is sitting perched upon a couch and has a glass of sparking mead in her hands. She listens to Mason and gives the man a nod of agreement. "Please help yourself to any of the drinks at the bar. I have been trying to keep it stocked up." She says softly.

The bar is stocked with drinks and Reese is here upon the emerald couch. She is speaking with Mason, the first to arrive. The meeting seems over all pretty casual. She is wearing all her armor, but Reese often is.

Rickard makes his way into the great hall, and over to the bar, drawn by the aroma of good booze. The nobility in the room are given respectful bows, nods, and whatnot. The commonfolk are given a more hands-on greeting (back-slaps, handshakes, that sort of thing). He settles in at the bar, and orders up a drink. One won't find him being the wild, aloof drunkard.. but one can't fault him for being a bit energetic when there's booze afoot, can they?

Rymarr crosses the threshold of the Great Gray Hall at a brisk march. Ground-eating steps carry the armored Marquis Deepwood into the green-painted hall, his own green and black helmet tucked away beneath his right right arm and pinned at his side, and his opposite hand resides atop the unadorned knobby pommel of the blade slung high at his left side. The stern, blue-eyed stare of the former Lord Commander of the King's Own swiftly sweeps across the hall as he marches along, taking in both details and the presence of others in his travels. He casts a nod of silent greeting toward both Prince Mason and Princess Reese, before he shifts himself off to await the initiation of the meeting proper.

Esoka arrives on time, in her armor, though she's had time to give it a proper polish since the siege ended. And her surcoat bearing the insignia of House Riven looks new. Blood is harder to get out of wool than off metal. She offers Reese a half-bow and quick smile, and makes to the bar to get herself a drink. Rymarr gets another grin, and inclination of her head. Hello, Marquis.

Mason gives Reese an appreciative nod for the offer of drink, but seems to decline as he moves over to one of the chairs set out. He takes a sit, smoothly folding his legs beneath him in a habit from his homeland he has yet to break. Hands are casually clasped in his lap while he offers smiles and nods for those still arriving.

Gareth steps into the great hall, his gaze roaming about the hall. Rymarr gets a brief look of consideration, and then the scarred Prince is stiffly making his way over to an empty chair. With a grunt, he takes a seat, offering Mason something of a nod and then settles in and waits.

Reese has a warm smile for Rickard as he arrives. She the notices Rymarr and the Marquis is given a polite nod of greeting. She sits a bit straighter upon the couch as people begin to arrive and as the meeting starts. She then smiles to Esoka as well. "Thank you all for coming. I realize that military operations might not be the most popular subject as the siege has broken, but I believe that it is important for us to continue patrols and think of defenses. I also wanted to welcome everyone to give any input they have on the how the siege went and so forth. After all communication can only help us. Well probably only help us. Please let yourself to anything at the bar and make yourselves comfortable." She murmurs and then gives Gareth a smile as well. "I think the first subject is the siege. Does anyone have comments upon such? Are there things we could have done better? Anything that requires discussion? Next we will move on to patrols and current actions."

As Rickard sips at his drink, his eyes gaze over the steadily-increasing flow of people entering the hall. When Princess Reese begins speaking, his attention zeroes in on her. "A few bumps in the road, but we're still here, still breathing. That counts for something, I'd think?" He raises his glass, briefly. "We did some good work out there." Having said his bit, he hushes.

The Eurusi man sits quietly at first, listening, but after some moments of silence, "What do you think the highest priorities are at this time? Repairing the wall? Securing the lands immediately outside the city? Searching within for lingering elements of darkness?" Mason questions in his soft, accented voice.

Gareth returns Reese's smile with a small nod and settles in to listen. Mason's comment gets a nod. "I believe that searching within is a pressing concern and should be one of our top priorities. Can any of us truly feel any sense of safety or security if there are enemies of the compact hiding within our city? Working against us? Reporting our every efforts to those they conspire with?" He turns his attention back towards Reese. "As far as comments about the siege? I have no doubts that there are things the military-minded people can learn from and that should be seen as valuable experience should we endure another."

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

1 Grayson Guardsmen, Baron Archibald Chirpington, a Gyrfalcon, Whisper, a Blue and Gold Macaw arrive, following Aiden.

Esoka gets herself a mug of water, rather than anything harder, and finds herself a place to sit. She settles near Rymarr and listens to the opener of the meeting.

A meeting is taking place and the bar is stocked with drinks. Reese is siting upon the green couch. Those gathered here seem to be in the middle of a serious conversation.

Aiden wanders into the Great Hall, a look around at the gathering. He decides to go loiter in the back at present, to catch up on the conversations that have started.

Reese smiles over to Rickard. "Very true. We all still exist and so something was done right. I am sure there are ways it could have been done better, but being still here is good and I am very grateful to you for moving around wards with me, Rickard. I realize that was pretty intense. Zhayla isn't here, but she moved with me as well."

Reese then pauses and looks over to Mason, seemingly thoughtful. "That is a good question and one that I don't have a clear cut answer for. I am focusing on securing the lands outside the city, but that is mostly because it is what I do best. I believe that the Inquisition." She say and looks over to Gareth. Reese then falls silent to listen to his comments. She nods in response to them.

"I don't feel safe. That is why I am here instead of out celebrating. The inquisition will be primarily looking for lingering signs of darkness in the city. I am sure there is darkness still here, unfortunately and not all our darknesses were about Silence alone. Being watchful is always good. I encourage that if anyone finds any thing amiss supernaturally speaking in the city they take that to Prince Gareth, Prince Laric or Inquisitor Alistair." She then pauses for a moment. "Going to the Iron Guard with any concerns cannot hurt either. Rebuilding the all is quite important.' She murmurs. "I am not much of a builder, but whatever we can do to raise funds and support hose rebuilding would be good."

Reese then smiles over to Aiden as he arrives. "Welcome Prince Aiden. We were reviewing how the siege went and opening up the floor for comments and questions."

Sparte squeeks in, looking around a bit uncertainly. He sticks to the wall, giving a small finger wave before just sort of standing there and trying not to disturb the proceedings.

Reese has a gentle smile for Sparte as he arrives. She gestures toward the bar in a silent invitation.

Aiden has joined the Plush Couch.

Rymarr casts a watchful gaze toward Reese and the others gathered. Gareth's scarred visage earns a neutral stare from the unblinking Marquis of Deepwood. He considers the royal Inquisitor for a moment before he offers a stern, but stoic dip of his chin in silent greeting. Then his attention swiftly returns to Princess Reese while she speaks. He nods along for a time before he too speaks up, "The White Stewards are bound to continue to be a problem and with the destruction of Brand and his army, they're likely to begin meddling with greater effort once again. Unfortunately, to my knowledge, we've not got a means of rooting them out and revealing them as of yet. I agree that patrols must be increased, within and beyond the walls of Arx. Securing the perimeter, while maintaining our internal security is important. It goes without saying, if I or House Deepwood are able to offer aid in this matter, do not hesitate to call upon us. Or our vassals through their oathes of loyalty," and with that Rymarr falls silent once more. He casts a sidelong glance to Esoka and quietly mutters in her direction, before his stern blue stare drifts forward once again as the stands tall and broad shouldered with his helmet tucked away beneath his arm.

Aiden wanders over toward a couch and settles into it, nodding politely to Reese with a faint smile, "Okay, thank you." He fixes his clothes as he gets comfortable in one of the couches, keen on listening.

Mariah, a nanny arrives, following Tikva.

Mason gives Gareth and Reese both quiet smiles as his questions are heard. He seems content to listen quietly, though when Rymarr brings up the White Stewards, a frown pulls at his lips. "One of the largest problems with the White Stewards that I see is that they believe they are serving the cause of good." He considers.

Aiden doesn't look at all like he knows what the 'White Stewards' are, from the blank face. "Uhm, someone... want to tell me what the White Stewards are?"

Esoka's eyes tick to Gareth. Studying him. Not dwelling on the scars, so much as his eyes. After a beat her eyes tick away, roving the room. Sparte is noted, and given a little nod of recognition. Rymarr's mutter gets a big, red-lipped smile from her. She murmurs something back in kind, but her expression has moderated to something less cheerful when it returns to Reese. "Indeed. Even with the Silent Army defeated, I feel more aware of the darkness in this world, not less." Her mouth settles at mention of he White Stewards. She speaks not, but listens intently.

Sparte squeek squeek squeeks over to where Reese is in his armor. Yes, nobody stare at the unstealthy guardsman in full armor.

The Grayson post siege meeting is taking place. The bar is stocked with drinks. Those gathered here seem to in the midst of a serious conversation. Reese turns her attention to Rymarr as he speaks, the warrior princess listening to him with close attention. "I didn't think of the White Stewards. Thank you for bringing such to my attention. We will have to watch for them. I admit, I don't know much about the White Stewards." She says and then pauses for a moment. "That is a good point, we should be placing patrols around the perimeter of the city." She then pauses. "I am starting patrols into the gray forest. I welcome anyone to join them." She say sand then pauses. "If house Deepwood wants to help with patrols ranging out into the forest or staying close to the city, I would certainly welcome such, but I would leave that up to you." Reese says. She turns to Mason, nodding in response to his words. She also nods to Esoka. Finally another smile is given to Sparte. "Sparte is here from the Iron Guard." Her attention is Aiden a moment later. "I don't know much about them, except that they are here, they are bad and they think they are good. I will try to get you better information later or maybe someone here knows more?"

"Thank you, Princess Reese, although I would also encourage any of you to report any suspicious activity that you see. Supernatural or not. One can never be to wary of what tools our enemies are using." Gareth raises a hand and lightly scratches at the burned side of his face. "The price of survival is eternal vigilance after all." Settling back into his seat with a soft sigh, the inquisitor tilts his head as he eyes Mason. "What is good? That's a philosophical debate that we can have for hours. Good. Right. Just. Honor. These are words and some believe in them more than others. I believe in two things right now. The survival of the Compact and the survival of House Grayson. Our enemies can fight for their view of 'good' as much as they want to. Let us fight to survive. It will give us an edge."

Sparte digs into his pouch, offering a small stack of leaflets to Reese. His expression isn't visible behind the helmet beyond what his eyes give away, but he certainly gets nervous across just fine.

Aiden looks around for others to fill him in, though he will accept the later remark with a nod to Reese all the same.

"House Deepwood will aid in whatever way their lieges will request of them, whether at home or abroad," Rymarr replies in turn to Reese's statement. Though Gareth's comment about eternal vigilance seems to spark recognition in Rymarr and his attention drifts swiftly to the scarred Inquisitor. While he considers Gareth, Rymarr nods once before he grunts back as if in his own personal mantra: "Constant vigilance." Then Rymarr's attention returns to regard the gathering as a whole, "Brand was, originally anyway, an agent put into motion by the White Stewards, to one degree or another. Who are they themselves the minions of the Rex'alfar, or Sun elves, who in turn hate the Nox'alfar. It is that hatred in turn that pits the Rex'alfar to destroy us, as in ages past the blood of the Compact was one with the Nox'alfar through bonds of marriage." Rymarr pauses long enough to take a breath and shift his helmet from beneath his arm. He casts his unblinking, blue-eyed stare around the gathering before he adds, "They are responsible for putting King Alaric on the path to visit the Night Grove, the death of Lord Commander Dayne Valardin, many heads of Houses and their respective Voices, and much more. They are manipulators, bent on waging soft warfare on the Compact in an effort to see to the destruction of us."

Jynx, a falcon arrives, following Samantha.

Reese listens to Gareth with close attention, nodding in response to his words. "It is better to over report than under report." She murmurs softly, seeming to agree with him. She reaches out for the offered leaflets from Sparte, looking through them. A nod is then given Aiden. She then turns to Rymarr, giving him a grateful smile at his words. "I will have you join the patrols then, with you in charge of your forces. Thank you." She listens to his words regarding the White Stewards. "I didn't know all that. That is troubling, but very good to know. We will have to watch for anyone trying to manipulate us and turn us against each other then."

Esoka is seated not far from Rymarr, drinking a mug of water and paying the meeting close attention. "Is there anything in particular one should be on the look-out for, in agents of darkness, your highness?" she asks Gareth. "I saw a few Bringers in the guise of men and women during the siege, but only moments before they struck. The eyes of one I saw at the Badger still haunt me. There was a wrongness to them. But I know not if that's a reliable tell."

The Grayson post siege meeting is going on. The bar is stocked with drinks and the conversation is serious.

Mason looks like he might say something in regards to the White Stewards, but as Rymarr speaks, the prince simply falls quiet to listen further. He gives a glance around the room, "It is far too much to get into now, but I would be willing to share what I know of the White Stewards with any that are taking up the cause to seek them out." He offers softly. "They are a complicated enemy."

Sparte perks up at what Mason says. His arts dart around before he speaks for the first time since coming in, with that quiet uncertainty of someone unsure if they should speak up. "I will help."

"The Bringers with the capacity to veil themselves could not always be determined. We were almost tricked into guiding a few of them down into the depths of the catacombs during the siege," Tikva says. She is sitting perched on a chair, her shoes on the floor in front of her, her bare feet tucked beneath her. "I do not think the servants of any other darkness need be obvious ... if they were, they would not be nearly so effective."

Samantha slips in quietly, not wanting to disrupt the discussion. She makes her way over to Rymarr, assuming a seat as close to him as she can get for the present. There's a nod to everyone present, and Samantha rests her hands in her lap and assumes an attentive expression.

Reese looks over to Mason, nodding in response to his words. "Thank you, Prince Mason." She murmurs and then adds. "And you Sparte." she then turns her attention to Tikva, having a gentle smile for the redhead. When Samantha arrives, Reese smiles gently to her as well.

Gareth considers Esoka's question for several moments. Finally he nods and says, "Our enemies are conniving, treacherous, stealthy, deceitful. There are dozens of words we can use to describe them. When someone asks you to do something or they tell you something, consider their words very carefully. Do not blindly trust, question everything. If something seems off or if something seems wrong, that is something that should be reported. It isn't going to be easy and we will get things wrong from time to time, but we cannot let that fact prevent us from acting. It is what our enemy wants."

"Our de facto war with the Nox'alfar is a result of the White Stewards. They prompted King Alaric IV to go to the Night Grove which broke an old treaty. As Prince Mason has stated...if there are further questions that may require more in depth or details answers? I stand ready to discuss those in more private settings," Rymarr adds on as his attention drifts to regard Samantha at her arrival and joining of the discussion. Though his attention swiftly returns to the conversation at hand, his attention settled onto Reese once again before the Marquis of House Deepwood continues, "Thank you, Your Highness. It will be good to finally get an opportunity to work alongside yourself and House Grayson in something other than pitched battles facing overwhelming numbers. Now...", Rymarr begins anew as his attention turns to those gathered, "...it would be prudent to remind the many to be wary of what they share, whom they share it with, and at times more importantly - where they share it. Some things can be heard by dark forces - names, for instance, possess power. Alerting their bearers to their mention, which can draw their attention. There are warded places throughout the Compact and they should be used to hold more sensitive discussions. Unless the wards have faded with time or manipulation, the Ambassador Salon is one such locale. As well as a number of others that are a touch more secretive and with varying degrees of accessibility."

Esoka makes a low "Mmmm" sound in response to Gareth's answer. Then offers him a nod. "I would put my blood against any enemies of the gods and my lieges, your highness. I shall keep my eyes open." Though her expression remains sober, the look she gives Samantha is one of warmth when she spots the Deepwood woman. A quiet, "Marquessa."

Jynx, a falcon have been dismissed.

Reese murmurs softly to Sparte as they both sit on the emerald couch. They seem to be whispering about business related things, given the tone and expressions. She then turns her attention to Gareth, nodding in response to his words. She seems to agree. "So." She murmurs softly. "I think we have a few factors here." She murmurs, before turning her attention to Rymarr and also Samantha. "Do you have preference for doing patrols closer to Compact or would you be more interested in ranging out?" She then nods. "That is good to remember." She adds in response to his advice.

Reese has joined the Emerald Couch.

Rickard has joined the Emerald Couch.

Mason gives Rymarr a quiet nod at each of the various warnings he gives. "That is accurate." He says in agreement. "Information can be as dangerous as not having it, in these times."

"Dame Esoka." Comes the serene reply. Samantha regards Reese thoughtfully. "I defer to the Marquis in most tactical matters. But if our concern stretches to the edges of Arvum, it's even better reason to continue to cultivate allies amongst the Abanoned, even those who will not bend knee as Prodigals. They can serve as eyes in the furthest reaches."

Sparte has joined the Emerald Couch.

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

Reese turns to Samantha, nodding in response to her words. "Allying with the abandoned whenever possible, I believe is for the best. I appreciate all you have done already in this regard, Marquis Samantha. I try to avoid killing Shavs whenever possible. Sometimes it is not possible, if they are actively attacking, but they are for the most part mortals and can become our allies against the darkness. Also I think it brings us closer to the darkness ourselves to kill a mortal man unless absolutely needful for self defense. So as we do the patrols, I feel we should fight defend ourselves and our lands, but always with an eye to making allies and sparing lives when possible."

"Are we certain everyone here can be trusted?" Tikva asks lightly, her fingertips set to either temple, her nails making little half-moons against her skin. "It was my close held belief that the wards were secret, my lord the Marquis." Her chin lifts. "Prince Calarian and Princess Peregrine may be useful in those efforts as well as those of my House, Marquesa Samantha. House Riven and House Deepwood have already seen great results from reaching out and treating with the Abandoned as though they are human beings ... I am sure that House Grayson can as well." She winks.

Esoka nods, readily, at Samantha's words about the Abandoned. "The tribes may feel an additional willingness to treat with the Compact, now, after the horrors Brand's army wrought across the Gray Forest. Riven is near half-prodigal, and we would offer all support we can to such efforts." A ready nod, at mention of Princess Peregrine. "She of the Gold Feathers is a woman of great note."

Reese looks over to Tikva. "I trust everyone here." Reese says, but the Grayson warrior princess can be naive. Still she doesn't realize that and so she smiles hopefully. "Oh, I will have to make sure to speak with Princess Peregrine. That is a good point, thank you Tikva. I am sure that we can." Reese adds. Reese then looks to Esoka, nodding in response to her words. "All good points. I will see if Princess Peregrine would be willing to reach. Brilliant idea."

Rickard shifts positions, moving from the bar to the emerald couch, settling in and stretching luxuriously. He takes another sip of his drink, keeping an ear open to the goings-on. His gaze flits between Princess Reese, and the others in the room.

Mason lifts a hand to rub at his dark-toned chin, flicking a glance to Tikva at her words. His eyes move on to Reese, "Princess, I do agree that we must be careful with our trust, and what is spoken of openly. The presence of the enemy agents seems as constant as the blowing sand in the desert. It always finds it's way into every corner or any bag." He folds his hands in his lap again, a concerned expression on his face.

"I don't know, Lady Tikva...can we be certain everyone here can be trusted?" Rymarr asks with a look cast toward the Riven. Though he does at least nod before he adds, "Your point is taken however." Rymarr's attention turns back to Reese and he adds, "I am willing to take our forces out to secure the nearby forest against any lingering threats. We are at the beck and call of our lieges in regard to this duty. Security of the Compact and our respective holdings fall within our martial duties and we will rise to the occasion without hesitance." Though Samantha's commentary receives only a faint nod of Rymarr's head as his free hand rises up from the pommel of his slung blade in order to smooth down his unruly case of helmet-hair before he states aside to the Samantha, wife and Marquessa of House Deepwood, "I, of course, will be willing to treat with any Abandoned which present themselves as parties willing to treat. Acts of aggression out of shavs will be met with aggression."

Reese has a gentle smile for Rickard as he joins her on the couch. She then turns to Mason, nodding in response to his words. Finally she turns to Rymarr. "Thank you Marquis."

Gareth stares at Tikva and offers a humorless smile. "A good question and one that should be asked constantly." He nods at Mason in agreement. "Well said and I agree." He leans back and listens, eyes shifting around to land on each person as they speak. "Oh, one other thing. We should be extremely wary of abandoned who seek to become our allies. Not that I have any doubts that a number of them seek to survive all that is to come, rather if I were one of our enemies, I would consider pushing tribes sworn to me to swear false oaths to the the Compact."

Tikva checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 8 lower.

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

Tikva's smile flashes wider. "I mean to cast no imprecation on any one person, my lord. Only to speak caution. No enemy of the Compact is quite alike in goal, and there are those who serve the dark even without meaning to." She folds her hands above the fold of her legs in her lap, and her nose crinkles slightly at its bridge. "My bow and my scout's eyes are at your service, Reese, as I'm sure you know already." Her nostrils flare, very slightly, as her gaze turns to weight upon Gareth. "Fuck that nonsense, Prince Gareth," she says, with barely a change in her tone. "There is no reason to believe that a new oath is false merely because it is new."

"May I bring up a somewhat related matter?" Samantha asks of Reese, looking up briefly at the princess. "I don't want to veer off from important topics, so if it's best discussed at another point in he meeting, that's fine." She looks over that at Gareth, a brow raising. "Thousands of newly Prodigal came to our aid in the siege. I do not think they or their tribes would so readily swear false and commit themselves against such incredible odds."

Reese looks over to Gareth, seemingly thoughtful. "I didn't think of that, but you make a point. Wary and yet we want to maintain hope for humanity and an openness to new allies too." She then turns to Tikva. "Oh, I know that, thank you Lady Tikva." She then turns to Samantha. "Please speak freely. I value your words."

Esoka checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 9 lower.

Aiden has left the Plush Couch.

Rickard's attention bounces around the room to each speaker in turn, as if watching an insect flit about hither and thither. He remains as quiet as possible, of a mind to interrupt the goings-on as little as possible while keeping his eyes and ears open.

Esoka is handed a bit of correspondence by a servant. She puzzles over it, reads, smiles slightly, and then tucks it away. Eyes back up in time to catch Tikva telling people to 'fuck that.' Which gets a short, firm nod. Her smile fades, as her gaze roves back to Gareth, at his comments about the Abandoned. And turns very frowny. She sets her jaw, as if to just say nothing. But, then, she doesn't. "I think the siege proved very well that just because one was born in the Compact doesn't make them trustworthy, your highness."

Mason seems to be of the same mind as Rickard now. The prince simple sits quietly, unmoving save for his eyes watching the different speakers in turn.

"Ah, another matter of security. I implore those of you present to approach Archlector of Skald, Aleksei Morgan to discuss matters pertaining to Writs. That is all that I'll say on the matter as the Archlector can explain it with far greater understanding than I can. I assure all that he should be spoken with on the matter however, so please if able, do so," Rymarr adds as an aside to the conversation. Soon enough Rymarr's attention drifts from Reese, to Mason, to Esoka, then around to Gareth. He considers the Inquisitor for a long moment, taking in his presence before he offers a faint dip of his chin in acknowledgement of the royal Inquisitor. Rymarr soon drifts away to stand nearby Samantha's seat, one armored hand moves to rest a palm against her shoulder, without dropping the weight of the steel atop the round of her shoulder.

"An oath being true or false has nothing to do with when it is given." Gareth's eyes meet Tikva's and remain there for a moment. "Did you not ask if any of us can be trusted just a few moments ago? Emotion does not serve you in this matter, please consider this from a logical perspective." His gaze shifts to Samantha. "Can every Prodigal that came to our aid have all their actions accounted for? Regardless, I am not even speaking of them, though they should be watched too. I'm speaking of abandoned who come to us from here on out." Esoka next. "You are under the mistaken impression that I trust everyone in the Compact. I do not. I do not care where your were born or who your parentage is. Neither makes any man or woman trustworthy in my eyes." Rymarr's acknowledgement is returned in like manner.

1 Grayson Guardsmen, Baron Archibald Chirpington, a Gyrfalcon, Whisper, a Blue and Gold Macaw leave, following Aiden.

Whisper the Snowy Owl, Frostbite the Wolf arrive, following Killian.

It's come to my attention through some of my contacts within the Crownlands Shav'arvani tribes that there is concern, and some fear, that the anger and resentment that many Compact citizens will have in the wake of the war will be visited upon them by those who would let their fears control them. I suspect this concern is not limited to those of the Crownlands. I think we should take steps to make sure such acts of hate be discouraged with strong prejudice." Samantha looks around somewhat apoletically. "I felt it relevant, since violence amongst our populace would require a certain level of military action if it came to pass. Not to mention, our people turning on each other would be quite convenient for the agenda of our enemies." To Gareth, mildly, "Emotion, trust, the willingness to recognize the humanity in those who are strangers, these are what brought thirty thousand Prodigals to bend knee, Your Highness."

"You question the honor of thousands based upon happenstance," Tikva says with a thin smile. Her eyes blaze with a bright blue fierceness, and she rises from her seat, a slight figure of red hair and bare feet like ... two inches away from her shoes for some reason. "If you trust none, trust none. Do not trust more or less because of their origins, nor hide yourself behind cool reason when what you speak is prejudice and paranoia. The Inquisition's interest should be in facts, not supposition ... should it not?"

Mason gives Rymarr a worried look. "I do not think ... that anyone should go digging into knowledge of Writs." The prince voices in wariness. "These are very dangerous topics." He says, some anxiety showing on his face as he studies Rymarr more carefully.

Killian enters quietly, late perhaps or maybe he was just loitering in the back. You never know with him, since he tends to be the wallflower and observer at meetings. He drifts closer though, remaining at the back but more convenient for listening and paying attention. His eyes follow the conversation, moving towards Mason and offering a small smirk and a slight nod at the comment.

"I'm not promoting the knowledge of them in use, only in how to protect oneself from them. To be wary of them," Rymarr states with a glance back toward Mason. He openly studies the prince in silence, unblinking and his features set into their usual dour expression. He nods once before he adds after a moment of silence, "Of course this is why I direct them to the Archlector of First Choice. It is prudent for Skald's priesthood to extoll the need for freedom, for all." Rymarr's attention drifts away once more to consider the gathering as a whole. His mouth shifts downward in a vague frown of sternly sterning. Killian's arrival however is met by a stoic nod of Rymarr's head and a casual lift of his armored fist to tap against the center of his black and green breastplate, before again it drops to his side to rest atop the pommel of the blade at his side.

Esoka seems half-embarrassed to have said anything at all. She offers Gareth a nod and murmurs, "Of course, Inquisitor." She passes a look between Tikva and Samantha, but says no more on the matter of the Abandoned. She drinks her water, frowning into it. Killian's entrance earns a deep inclination of her head.

Reese tries to follow the conversation at hand. She looks upon Samantha, nodding in response to her words. "I agree. I will talk to Baron Silas about protecting the Abandoned in the city." She then looks over to Sparte at that, maybe because he is of the Iron Guard. "I wonder if there is anything else we should be doing besides that?" She seems thoughtful. "Anyways, I think we are looking at watching for the White Stewards and other supernatural threats in the city. Protecting the Abandoned from hate crimes in the city. Patrolling around the gates and in the gray forest. Encouraging the Abandon to ally with us when possible. Doing what we can to repair the walls and undo the damage to our lands. Does that sound right?" She then looks to Killian, having a gentle smile of welcome for him. "Lord Ashford, welcome."

Mason checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 7 higher.

Gareth's expression remains the same as he responds. "I am hardly advocating people turn on one another. As for speaking with prejuidice, well, if I were doing that I would be advocating for the slaughter of every shav left standing given what they did to me in the past. I advocate for caution in all things." A pause. "And I question everyone. It's difficult not to when you seek the truth of things."

Mason simply looks back at Rymarr, the faint troubled expression still touching his features, but there is little else one can draw from his gaze. After a stretch, the Eurusi man says in softened voice, "This may be a conversation better had in smaller company." He suggests, then returns to watching the others.

1 Grayson Guardsmen, Baron Archibald Chirpington, a Gyrfalcon, Whisper, a Blue and Gold Macaw arrive, following Aiden.

1 Grayson Guardsmen, Baron Archibald Chirpington, a Gyrfalcon, Whisper, a Blue and Gold Macaw leave, following Aiden.

Rickard's attention floats to Reese; he listens to her like a loyal hound, hanging on every word. When she -- or someone else -- isn't speaking, his attention floats around the room. He takes a swig of his drink, and settles into his seat.

"Very well. I accept that offer, Prince Mason," Rymarr concedes with a faint bow of his head cast toward the Grayson prince. Following that agreement, Rymarr's attention turns back to the gathering as a whole, though he remains silent while other conversations unfold all around.

Killian returns various nods and salutations, offering a quiet, "Princess," towards Reese since she addressed him by name. He doesn't say anything otherwise, though his gaze does move around slowly amongst those present. Gareth draws his attention in particular, and his gaze lingers as the man talks before finally once more moving onward. Back to Mason once more, and then off towards the person who seems to be heading the meeting, lingering there.

Tip of her head slight, Tikva says with a quieter earnest in her voice, "Good. Caution is what I ask as well." She folds herself slowly down back into her seat again, her spine straight and still, and does not press the point any further. "Caution to forgive, caution to condemn. Either." Her head cants as she turns her gaze across the others, and she inclines it to Mason. "Prince Mason speaks well," she murmurs, muting her bard's volume down the rest of the way.

Samantha lifts a hand and rests it against the gauntleted one resting on her shoulder. "Not just in Arx, but throughout Arvum." she remarks. She seems to have nothing to add, and little inclination to fence the philisophical nature of trust versus suspicion.

Mason nods at Rymarr's words, "I'm glad." He says, earnest in his voice. Then Tikva gets a small, but appreciative smile for her support. "Was there not recently appointed a ... Minister of Loyalty? Perhaps that office could be utilized to loosely keep tabs on the different activities of everyone in the family? A way to track consistencies and watch for suspicious behaviors? Just in case?"

"Prince Laric is the Minister of Loyalty for the Crown, Prince Calarian for House Grayson," Tikva supplies mildly. For some reason, it makes her smile to say so, a private smile that becomes more of a laugh in her eyes, and the shade of temper that tightened her body language is vanished as quickly as it arose. There's probably a joke to be made about redheads in here.

Esoka studies Mason. Perhaps attempting to draw something from his gaze. But he's far better at keeping a careful face than she is. An idle nod, at the talk of the Minister of Loyalty. One hand reaching over to idly pat Tikva's arm.

Reese seems to have fallen a bit behind on the conversation at hand. She looks toward Samantha, nodding in response to her words. "I will do my best to protect them and arrange for such protection. Thank you for bringing the potential problem to my attention. I won't able to manage it alone, but with help, I think we can help keep the Abandoned safe." She then turns to Tikva. "I a bit confused about all that."

Killian gives Tikva a dark sort of look, at her pronouncements, but doesn't comment directly upon it. His look moves back towards Reese as she talks about protection and he says quietly, "You'll never be able to put your hands on enough people to effectively police the populace and avoid atrocities altogether. If you want to keep the Abandoned safe, then education is the first step that needs to be taken. Most people still don't really understand what the war was or what it was about, beyond that there were a tremendous number of Shav attacking the city..while to us, the matter is obvious, to most they just know that the Shav were a threat. We might consider petitioning the church and various ministries to begin an aggressive campaign of reeducation in order to help the people understand certain truths that we now better comprehend, but most especially to guide people to understanding that the Abandoned are victims perhaps more than the people of Arx were."

Sparte is still trying to be a polite observer, so isn't adding much to the conversation. He finally pulls off his helmet so he can hear what is being said more clearly, revealing his uncertainty.

"About which, the Ministry of Loyalty?" Tikva tilts her head. Her smile pulls a little wider and then she scrubs her hand over her face as though to banish the expression from her lips. "I mean, respectively the princes Grayson are tasked with the ministry of the interior, for the Crown and for the lands of House Grayson. I think both posts carry quite a bit of paperwork already ... I mean, honestly the kind of duty you're talking about is, historically, what grandmothers do with their time, isn't it?" She considers and adds, gravely, "I do not think either Prince Laric or Prince Calarian would make a very good grandmother."

Reese listens to Killian's words with close attention. "You make great points. Although it kind of goes beyond my scope as the Minister of War. Still it can't hurt for me to speak to the Dominus unless someone would rather do such? He is a gentle man and always open to talking." She then turns to Sparte, having a gentle smile for him. "I believe Sparte is working on a project that could use some help." She murmurs. Finally she turns to Tikva. "No, they are not very grandmotherly."

Mason gives Killian a thoughtful look over when he speaks his concerns. "That is something I feel would be a fine matter to bring to the Archlector of the First Choice, or perhaps the Legate or Dominus. They would know best what information to spread through their services, perhaps?" Then he gives Tikva a wry smile, "I suppose you are right. This is why I should stay out of politics and leave it to those better able, and the grandmothers." He muses, not seeming to have any hard feelings over the words from the bard. He turns his attention to Sparte.

Sparte glances between Reese and the rest of the room when he is put in the spotlight. "O-oh. Uh, yes." He reaches into his belt, pulling out leaflets like the one he gave Reese. He swallows a bit as he looks around the room. "I am, um, from the Gray Forest and well, I'm... Well, um, if you could read one please." He offers the leaflets to be passed around. He swallows. "It's for the King."

Gareth has been listening for some time in silence. Finally, he slowly gets to his feet, movements stiff. He blinks as Sparte hands him a leaflet and he looks down and reads it over. "Collecting gifts for our King is a noble endeavor." He deliberately folds the leaflet up and slips his hand underneath his green cloak. "The suggestion about using the Church to educate the people is a good one. I have a couple of matters that I would like to see to. If anyone sees or hears anything that may be of interest to the Inquisiton, please do let me know. I can assure you I will look into it fully."

Killian gives the leaflet a glance and then tucks it into his armor, without particular comment upon the matter. His attention then goes back to Reese, "the best war, your Ministership, is the one that is avoided," he quips with a little flash of a smile before he looks to Mason, "doesn't mean it's a bad plan, just the wrong people for it. I'm sure if we all rattle around our brains, we can come up with one or two busybodies who need something to keep them usefully occupied and out of mischief," he suggests, "I call not it."

Esoka takes a leaflet. Looking a touch puzzled at first, but after a quick read she gives Sparte a slight smile. And inclination of her curly head. It has the note of both acknowledgement and affirmation. Killian is listened to with more somberness.

Mason gives Killian an grin, "I think my usefulness at this meeting has come to an end." He gets to his feet now and makes a sweep of a graceful bow to the gathering at large, "Thank you for allowing me to speak my thoughts, my friends." He says warmly, then moves to slip from the room.

Reese turns her attention to Gareth, nodding in response to his words. "Take care, Prince Gareth and thanks for attending." She then turns attention to Killian. "You are right and yet a good minister knows when to delegate and not do everything herself and there are many people in this city with roles to play. I will do my best and I will talk to Dominus Aldwin, Father Orazio and Brother Aleksei. I am put one person though and I welcome any help in this task." She then turns to Mason. "Take care and thank you coming Prince Mason."

Confessor Jonathen, 5 Armed Confessors arrive, following Laric.

Confessor Jonathen, 5 Armed Confessors leave, following Laric.

Samantha looks over to Sparte with a smile. "What a lovely sentiment. I see His Majesty daily, so if you wish, I'll do my best to encourage him to look at the examples of his people's love. He's very...delicate. But he's getting better."

Killian looks around at the meeting as it seems to be inclined towards breaking up, and gives a small smile around and then a nod towards Reese. "Princess," he says quietly, before backing away, "if there's something I can do to assist let me know," he offers. With that he turns and begins to make his way towards the doorway to head out as well.

Reese takes a sip of her mead and relaxes back into the couch. She smiles between Sparte and Samantha. She seems to be in winding down mode, maybe considering the meeting to be mostly over. She then smiles over to Killian. "Take care, Lord Ashford and I will be in touch. I am sure there are many ways, you could help."

Esoka glances down at her messenger again, as people begin to drift out. "I have a few matters I need to attend to. My thanks for keeping us informed, Princess." She stands and offers Reese a bow. Which she spreads around to Rymarr and Samantha, before taking her leave of the meeting.

Reese smiles over to Esoka. "Take care, Gloria be with you, Dame Esoka."