Reese arrives from the stairs while adorned in all her silvery steel plate. She has her weapons, but the warrior princess often does. The more empathic might pick up on the fact that Reese is troubled. She is close to Luca. Still she looks over those gathered here, heaving a smile of greeting. "Good evening, thanks for coming." (repose for the log!)

Luca looks like he literally just rolled out of bed, threw a shirt on, grabbed his alaricite sword and followed his wife to the meeting. Which...is pretty accurate really. He's rumpled and still perhaps fractionally groggy, but he too looks troubled, which is a more rare sort of expression on the laid-back Lazy Prince, and as he's settling in following Reese, attaching his sword to duelist stay at his left hip, he's keeping silent for now, just letting her take the lead.

Killian is dressed, for once, as though he's not a complete hobo vagabond as he's settled upon a plush couch off to one side, awaiting the beginning of the meeting. He's got his own little cluster of folks with him, some human and some humanity challenged. There's a pair of redheads, which look as though they're likely twins, hanging beside him as he leans against the arm of the couch at one end of it. The more studious looking of the pair is in quiet conversation with the Knight, while the other looks cheerfully about, people watching. Meanwhile the wolf he always seems to get away with having with him is at his feet, looking bored without anyone to play with. His owl is settled up in the rafters somewhere out of the way, likely asleep for the moment.

Khanne walks into the hall, hair done up in sticks, silk dress flowing around her legs. She doesn't have an air of grandeur about her though, just a natural state of being in lightweight materials. Darn southern heat... She stays a bit on the outskirts, not pushing herself too far into the crowd at the moment, though she nods to greet people who may look to her.

Arianna strolled into the Gray Hall with a stoic expression on her face. Her hair was let down and cascaded around her like a nimbus of pale waves. The young woman's eyes scanned the room with a bit of a pensiveness to them. Her seasilk dress was cut with a low v that ended above her naval and had slits on the sides, showing off her thighs and long legs. Finding the most comfortable spot in the room she decides to take a seat on the plush looking couch. Crossing her legs and leaning back she looks over to Killian and his entourage for a moment, taking in their attire and various dispositions before she leaned back and nursed the goblet she had arrived with. Her umbra clad retainer stood off to the side and leaned down occasionally to whisper something to her. "Thank you for the opportunity, your highness." She raises her glass to the royal couple with a bit of a smirk before taking another sip.

Reese gestures over to the bar. "Please help yourself to anything you wish to eat or drink. We have cake." She says, pointing out the three tier red velvet cake that she has offered at most meetings. The princess then starts toward the war table. She removes her helm, revealing her golden locks, pretty face and pink ribbons. "Oh, no problem, thank you for attending Lady Arianna." She murmurs and then turns her attention to Khanne. "And you Lady Khanne, we are honored by your presence. It is jus ta small group tonight, but that might be a kind of blessing. I have been meeting with many people one-on-one on this as well."

Ryder the falcon, Matteo, 3 Malvici Guards, Olivia arrive, following Calypso.

Calypso steps in with Lady Olivia, and a small hoard of Malvivi guards, in to the Great Grayson Hall. The guards take their place out of the way and Calypso herself finds a suitable place to sit and listen to what is being said. She dips her head to Reese and Luca first, and then to Khanne, Killian and Arianna.

Khanne nods to Reese and says, "thank you for inviting me. And yes, I have met with people, mostly, on a one to one myself. Though the proclamation I heard tonight does put a big question mark over our efforts, I think?" She takes more steps in towards the others as Calypso and Olivia arrive, smiling at Calypso before finding a seat.

Khanne has joined the Emerald Couch.

Calypso has joined the Emerald Couch.

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

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

Killian says something quietly to the two girls who are with him, the pair receding to observe as he turns his attention towards Reese. He doesn't make a move towards retrieving any sort of refreshment, instead sitting quietly, though Arianna and Calypso get polite nods in response to their gaze and acknowledgement, respectively. As is usual at such meetings, he doesn't speak up, at least not at the first.

Olivia follows demurely in Calypso's wake, though her feet hustle a little beneath her skirts to keep up with the woman's surely more purposeful strides. She greets the general assembly of people with a singular curtsey, and looks around. There's an anxiousness in her expression, an eagerness to speak mixed with nervousness to do so. She looks around a little, unsure, but at an opportunity, moves over to near the couch where his cousin is sitting, likely finding some sense of security there.

Luca of the semi-somber expression simply trails behind his armored warrior princess like a grim, rumpled guard in his calfskin and wrinkled white linen shirt. He nods politely to those he knows or at least recognizes, Killian actually gets something like a shadow of a smirk, while Killian's wolf gets a scritch of ears from the Velenosa-turned-Grayson prince in passing towards the map table area. He is keeping his trap shut in turn for once. Srs bznss is srs!

Esoka arrives in a bit of a hurry, and dressed like she just came from drills. She offers a bow to the general assemblage and gets herself something to drink. Water, as opposed to something stronger. She finds herself a place to sit. It's not far from Olivia and Killian, as it happens.

Reese looks toward Khanne, nodding in response to her words. "It does, put a but big question mark over our efforts." She says in her direction. "I am trying to decide where to even start right now." The warrior princess says. "First of all as most you are aware we have many problems. Our land is badly damaged by Brand who was draining the energy from such." She says looking to Khanne at that. "This is something the Lady Khanne understands more fully than I do. We also have blight." She murmurs and looks to Olivia. "Lady Olivia and Lady Khanne again know more than I do. I don't know much about blight, but I know it is a bad and a big danger to our lands. The situation is such that we are in danger of having our farmlands barren and a really terrible winter before us. But of course we have other problems..." She says, seemingly like she is going to continue.

Arianna can't help but give a smile to Killian and Calypso at their acknowledgement. She gives a nod to everyone else and will watch Olivia cross the room like a lion watches a gazele. Her movements spoke volumes about her apprehensiveness. Arianna's eyes narrowed dangerously and she smiled a bit darkly at the woman, giving her a raise of her glass. Brave girl, thought the young woman. Looking back to the royal couple she tilts her head a bit before she stands and moves over to the map table. Her posture is graceful as she leans back and crosses one arm under her bosom. Resting the other atop it and swirling her glass. The young Voice couldn't help but look curious as she surveyed the markings on the map. "Does this map represent the districts and areas in the city that still need reparations? Or current projects, your highness?" Her eyes dart between Olivia and Lady Khanne at Reese's words.

Arianna has left the Plush Couch.

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

Khanne is quiet while Reese talks, giving her the floor entirely. She nods her head in response to several things that are mentioned, a breath taken and a soft sigh exhaled after. She looks down to her lap, playing idly with the draping of her dress as it rests over her legs. Misty-grey eyes look back up and around herself, looking over the people she does not know well, but giving attention to the speaker whenever a person talks.

Mariah, a nanny, Thump, a yappy pupper arrive, following Tikva.

Asheryn, a Gyrfalcon arrives, following Rickard.

"I do not know that I know more of the blights than anyone else, your highness," Olivia speaks up to say. "Merely that I know how serious they are, I suppose, and in a general sense where some of them exist. I have some... guesses of things I might try, but they are no more than that. Guesses." As she speaks, Arianna's somewhat predatory looks have her continuing to shift a little nervously. "But as I warned you, Highness, even going out to deal with them may pose a great danger now. I- clearly it is not up to me, whether the effort can occur. I merely feel the danger in it, and this matches the Lady General's own concern and announcement."

Rickard makes his way into the Grayson hall, pausing to offer nods of acknowledgement to the guards and various staffers, and proper bows to the nobles and all. He then posts up off the beaten path, and quiets himself so his betters can speak without interruption. A gyrfalcon rests on his shoulder, observing the room with purposeful intent and muted curiosity.

Calypso has left the Emerald Couch.

Ryder the falcon have been dismissed.

Matteo have been dismissed.

3 Malvici Guards have been dismissed.

Reese looks over to Arianna. "This is the map before the siege." She says toward her. She then turns her attention to Olivia and she seems very thoughtful, thoughtful in this somberly troubled way. "I am not sure what is the best course of action right now." She admits to all gathered here. "The forest is extremely dangerous right now. To enter such is to risk one's life. If we should continue and what we should do is not an easy thing to puzzle out."

Khanne lifts her hand and says, "if I may. Thankfully, a lot of work has already taken place, and some of the process is waiting to see what happens. However, there is more to be done, and crops to tend to once the land is healed. Reese mentioned that there is a risk of a food shortage next winter if we do not get more crops in the ground and harvestable by fall. This is a dangerous situation as well, lack of food. Dangerous in a variety of ways. I understand the forest is Grayson Lands, and we will respect that, of course. After Calypso's proclamation.... it puts it all in your hands. If I have to seek alternative means for growing food, I will." She gives a soft shrug, then looks to Olivia. "Blights can be healed, they have been before, we can heal them again. We just have to end the source, while healing them as they come. We need people to find the source."

"Danger shouldn't stop one from doing the right thing." Luca pipes in suddenly and decidedly uncharacteristically somberly from behind Reese, directed to Olivia with furrowed brow. Though he goes on to concede quietly. "Though even I'm not looking to just go off blindly and risk death. We need caution going forward, and more information I suppose."

Khanne flicks a finger up and quickly adds, "and large groups..."

"Well ah, yes, that's what I mean, Lady Khanne. A little of what we spoke of before, the cause versus the symptom. I have no doubt we can clear and re-sod lands, or use fertilizer in large amounts, and while I can help with such things, I meant more... well, some thoughts about how the blight itself might be cured." Olivia bows her head. "But again, all I have now are guesses. I had hoped to test a certain hypothesis during this outing. To see if there was any reaction." With yet another person sending her stern looks, she shrinks a little. "I am... signed on to her Princess Reese' effort, your Highness. If it is agreed that the proclaimation should not stop the outing, I will go, trusting only others to defend me. The threat, well, I merely brought word so that all are aware of it."

Esoka has arrived not long ago and planted herself in a convenient chair. For now she just listens, lips thinning into a frown at words like 'blight'. A little nod of agreement with Luca, and his talk of caution. "I'm certain the warriors of Grayson would not hesitate to risk themselves to aid in restoring the lands, your highness. I assuredly would not. But, aye. More scouting before venturing out would be to the good, and what information the scholars may have about this...blight." She says the word she does not fully understand with a twist of her lips.

Killian moves to stand, walking over towards the map and eyeing it in solemn contemplation for a few moments before he says, "The forest is forbidden us, for the moment, but that does not mean our time cannot be used wisely in the meantime.." he reaches to point to the large swaths of land between the wall and the forest, much of it farmlands. "Food may be the more pressing matter anyway. If shortage is truly a danger, might it be better to focus first upon the places in which our crops will grow?" His question is quiet and solemn. "We shall do the land little good if we die of starvation in the coming winter, or are killed in the riots of food shortage.." He points then towards the Gray River, "in the meantime, the Gray remains open to us, I believe. We could send along the river to the Green Forest, and collect fresh saplings and plants entirely untouched by the blight in order to be prepared when we may move back into the Gray Forest.." He points then to the southern edge of the forest, "a group could also circle to the south, west and north, and take survey at distance of the edges of the forest furthest from Arx to determine if the blight has spread that far. Knowing the distance it has traveled and to where it has spread, might help us to narrow down an original source point.."

Reese turns her attention to Khanne, listening to her words with close attention. "We need crops. We need our lands." She says, seeming to agree with her at least in part. She then turns to Luca, nodding to him. "You are right about that as well, danger should not stop us from doing the right thing. If we go out into the forest on patrols and to heal the land, we are not all going to make it back to our homes alive. At least that seems doubtful." She then pauses for a moment. "Which means we need to look at few things. One is that I don't anyone taking risks, without knowing they are taking such a risk. If anyone wants to pull back from patrols or their aid on restoring our lands, feel free." Reese then pauses. "The next though and the one I am leaning toward is that we pull our actions back to closer to compact. We start with the farmlands that are struggling and are near.." She then pauses and turns to Killian. "You make a great point."

Olivia suddenly leans over after her cousin speaks, and whispers something to him.

Arianna just stands there, swirling her glass with half lidded eyes. She was no expert on blights but she did understand the importance of agriculture, and repair efforts. There was a lot of trade, which stimulated the economy and was rife with opportunity for those who knew where to look. Taking a quiet sip from her goblet she gives a nod and a half smile if any eyes come her way. Otherwise observing in silence, seeing if there was some sort of solution to their current problems. Her brother had already been quite busy negotiating trade contracts and getting involved in humanitarian efforts. Though the least she could do,"Your highness, I am sure you know you have the full support of my House. Whatever it is you need from us, you let me know. I am afraid this is outside of my area of expertise. I am a diplomat, a scholar, and sometimes even military advisor to some of the other Great Houses. However your situation sounds, supernatural? What is this source of the blight if it was not Tolamar Brand and his magic? Forgive my ignorance in the matter." Killian's words caused her to raise a brow and give him a smirk,"Most astutely said, Lord Killian."

"Physical work is not healing it alone. Spiritual work, of shamans and the Faith, all working together, combined with the physical acts, are what we need..." Khanne adds on to what Olivia says. She looks to Esoka then and says, "while I would normally agree, there is not enough time for all that..." She nods to Killian and says, "yes, the crops in the immediate vicinity are not as bad off, but, it was our hope that we could expand them, as the city has grown, and more crops are needed. The farms are not in dire straits as much as the forest, but life, begets life. If we do not stop the seepage..." Though she is not addressed, she speaks anyway. Brand is the source of the lack of life in the forest. The death of all things living there is the work of Brand. The blights are something else entirely, and yes, are considered... believed to be supernatural in making.... poisonous."

Killian checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Reese turns her attention to Arianna, nodding in response to her words. "I don't know the cause of the blight." She says in her direction. She then turns to Khanne listening to her with close attention and seemingly deeply thoughtful. "Do you think we should continue, Lady Khanne with our previous plan?" She says and this be a sincere question. "What I am leaning toward is is doing our previous action, but keeping closer to compact at least for right now and then we can venture further our later. I know it is not a perfect plan, but it seems that any action we take comes with great risk and likely will come with great lose."

Calypso has joined the Emerald Couch.

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

Killian's face remains stonily impassive at whatever words he and Olivia exchange, but he speaks up again. "It would be foolhardy to continue unheedingly, in the face of the earlier pronouncement, in addition to a dire matter of violation of Grayson lands against the express forbiddance of the High Lady of Grayson and the representatives of the Crown who delivered the pronouncement..I think Princess Reese was right before to suggest looking closer to home." He considers then and adds, "it may also be that foolishly wandering into the woods when we are aware of dangers, and risking the loss of lives in doing so, might serve to feed this blight if it is indeed supernatural. The Bringers of Silence often exploded, spreading their taint when they died..Brand attempted much the same when he was deprived of his head. Imagine if this blight functioned upon similar pathology, but rather fed upon the death and sorrow.." He shakes his head, "there are too many unknowns still plagueing us, we cannot rush foolishly forward without being certain of the ground we trod upon..for what my advise might be worth to anyone, I would counsel focusing upon the farmlands and upon preparations to heal the forest for now, while having those of a scholarly mind search the archives and histories to see if we might find hints of anything in the past.." he grins suddenly, "it honestly seems to me as though if you just poke around enough, someone has written down a helpful tidbit at some point, that might provide insight."

Olivia speaks in hushed tons with her cousin a while, before Khanne focuses on her and she looks up to dip her head. "Of course. I did not mean to minimize the basic effort, and indeed, we have spoken of my... thoughts on Petrichor and the spirits." Yep, she includes both too. "I was merely separating it from the... unusual measures that may be required. Those that we yet have no grasp on. I do have one thing I'd like to experiment with in that regard, but I think it would need be done near the forest blight." As for whether they can go forward or not, she looks from Reese and finally back to Calypso. "I think we should... be in agreement on the matter here and now, whether the proclaimation will require that we hang back and work only on the areas outside the forest," she gestures to Killian, "or if an exception can be made. If it is, I suggest we bring a *serious* armed escort. Perhaps the Lady General, and many others here could assist with that."

Calypso has sat silently through the majority of this meeting, keeping her thoughts and glances mostly to herself. Though as the options are being weighed heavily she finally speaks up. "Going in to this heavily armed will have a counter productive effect. I suggest sticking to the workable lands at the edge of the forest now and continuing to research ways to abolish the blight entirely. There is still much unknown to us." Her words are succinct and calm as ever.

Arianna furrows a brow for a moment before she slightly clears her throat at Olivia's words. "Anyone going out there should know that they risk life and limb. It is already difficult enough in that situation to take care of one's self. An escort is in my opnion perhaps a waste of resources. If an area can be secured for study, I am sure this would be preferable than having our soldiers and brave knights play babysitter." She shrugged a bit,"Then again I am a firm believer in being able to take care of oneself. I mean no offense, just considering the various perspectives on the matter of course." Arianna sips from her cup once more and turns to look at the Lady General,"Or perhaps I am wrong?"

Samantha makes her way in quietly and without any to do. She slides her way into a spot at the map table, politely nods to those present, and stays quiet for the moment, catching up with the thread of conversation.

Keso, a street urchin arrives, delivering a message to Calypso before departing.

Reese looks upon Killian and then over to Olivia. She seems still thoughtful, very thoughtful like she is trying to take this all in. "My opinion is..." She say sand then trails off listening to Calypso and Arianna. "Much the same that we focus our efforts on the edge of the forest that are close to Compact as well as the nearby farmlands for the moment and that we prep to go deeper with our efforts. Despite being in near Compact, we still need an armed escort to protect those going and there is still danger. To step out outside these walls is to risk our lives, but it is a risk that I am willing to take. I would be wiling to go deeper despite the risk, but I don't want of you perishing on my watch and it seems that we might be doing more harm than good with such anyways. There are is also the patrols, to speak of."

Khanne holds both hands up as she looks to Reese. "As I said, it is Grayson lands we are dealing with, not my decision, ultimately. If that is what Grayson decides, we will abide by it, and hope that the work already done further in, holds. I would simply suggest that it not be abandoned in entirety. I understand there is danger... but I don't think there's been a day without danger since I arrived here. There's always something... and, the... mmm.. " Khanne shrugs a little. "I won't go off on a tangent. I just think it is important that we not cease all operations." She reaches up, pulling out her hairsticks and setting them on her lap a moment, running her hand through her wine-red hair, then twisting it up again and sticking the decorative weapons back in. Looking to Killian, she blinks quietly, then closes her eyes. "It is not the farmlands that are dead. And people have worked with the blights before, there is experience, not just shooting arrows into the dark and hoping something is hit. I myself have worked on teams to heal the lands. Even Grayson lands, at Ashford Keep." Shaking her head gently, she says again, "but the forest is Grayson lands... so it is not my decision. I am only trying to do my job as Minister of Agriculture for The Crown and ensuring that the lands are healthy, and producing food for the Compact. We cannot abandon the work to heal the blights, hoping to find more answers while the blights, and the dead areas are given opportunity to spread. We have knowledge, we use what we have while searching for more. If we cease altogether in hopes of more information... the area of the forest dead already is vast. I do not know about the blights Olivia speaks of, how big they are. But I do not feel it wise to say we do nothing until we know more." She looks to Reese and says, "your decision, and that of Grayson as a whole will be respected. I will adjust my work around whatever is decided."

Esoka offers a little bow of her shoulders to Samantha as the Marquessa enters. And an inclination of her head at Calypso's words. All the talk of the blight is just absorbed with a grim frown. One hand idly going to her sword hilt. She does not find a solution to blights there, though. Much as she might wish it.

Reese looks to Khanne and she sucks in a sharp breath. She then looks over to Calypso. "Does that change anything?" She says in her direction. She then turns to Khanne. "I promise you that the efforts will not be fully abandoned. I hate changing them. I really do. We might have to. As I said before any action we take here comes with great lose."

Olivia offers, as the 'big people' make decisions, in her own typical small voice: "I will of course abide by whatever you all consider best. I have made Lady Calypso aware of the scope of the danger. Though whatever effort we do take, I will be a part of, all the same." Here she sounds slightly more confident. "I am no warrior, but I have faith in my cousin and others in keeping guard, and will not sit idle while others, while those I love risk themselves. And I must be close to perform the experiments I wish. Maybe they will amount to nothing, but if I cannot say I have even tried, then I have failed before I started."

Calypso stakes very evenly. "This is placing us between a rock and a hard place, so to say. We risk spread of this blight by halting actions on one hand. And on the other we risk almost certain loss of immediate life by moving along anyways. There are other options to pursue, but we need time." She pauses a moment and glances to all those in attendance. "This issue will not be dropped, we can not risk spread. And the time I ask for is minimal. A week at most before we know better how to press on."

Samantha remarks softly, "While possibly less proactive, I could pass along the request for further research from the spirit again the those Crownlands tribes and clans who've sworn to Deepwood and see what they have to offer."

Reese looks toward Olivia, nodding in response to her words an the princes seems deeply torn. She then turns to Samantha, giving her a gentle smile. "Sounds like a good idea to me. I would advise, although you probably already have done this and don't need my advice, that you urge your people close to the forest to be careful or even come to Compact"

Arianna will shift about in place as she listens to the talks. Her brow furrows for a moment before she cracks a knuckle. It was an absent minded gesture and not one of hostility. The young woman's eyes glazed over as she thought about something before she slowly moved from her spot. Walking with a measured, even pace, Arianna will come to stand next to Khanne. Giving her a smile and looking her up and down in an appraising manner, The lithe woman in typical Lycene fashion will raise her cup and lean close to the woman. Exchanging a few words with her behind her goblet.

Killian gives a small smile, "of course it is, Lady General..that is how this world works, is it not?" He gives a sigh, "it seems that for every cure we must first drink the poison.." He looks back down towards the map, "if we could at the least deploy scouts on the borders of the forest, pinpoint the places where the blight is worst..get an idea of the areas most damaged. If nothing else, we take several hundred foresters out and cut breaks to try and isolate the cancers so that they cannot grow further perhaps.." he shakes his head. "In truth, I know not how to wrestle with an enemy such as this. Not that I've been prepared for any fight in my life," he looks around, "whatever you decided and whenever we move, you can count on my blade. It's likely the most useful thing I can do in this case," he apologizes quietly.

Mariah, a nanny, Thump, a yappy pupper arrive, following Tikva.

Merril, an Assistant Page arrives, following Lailah.

Khanne speaks quietly to Arianna for a moment, then looks up to listen attentively to Killian. When he finishes, she says, "that, I think, would be far more preferable as a reduced effort instead of a pull back everything." She nods then adds, "and, as I have mentioned.. I know how to wrestle blights. I, with others, have worked hard to heal them before. I can discuss our experiences with any of you who wish, but, perhaps another time."

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

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

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

Reese rises to her feet. She stares down at the map and then she lifts her gaze to those gathered here. "It is my greatest desire to recover our lands and keep us all safe and all those who depend on us safe." She says softly. "I have every faith that everyone gathered at this meeting feels the same way. Most of you have worked very hard and all if you are soon to work very hard. If we act full force and go deep into the forest, we might recover more of the forest, but at this point the cost is too great. It is not risk to my life that I fear, it is that the cost might be the sort that ultimately will hurt us and our good works might be undone and yet we cannot simply hang back and do nothing while waiting for information. Our people at risk. Our lands are risk. Our life force is at risk. Food is life. The forest is life. Compact cannot survive in a bubble. The forest is the home of plants we need. The forest is home to animals that must live. The forest is home to Shavs who may yet become our allies. We will do what we can, but we will do what we can without risking doing more harm than good. We will go into the begining of the Gray forest close to compact, assuming the voices and Princess Lark allow for such. We will patrol the shallow part of the forest. We will wait for work from the Ministry of Defense that we can further."

Arianna will give the fiery red head another bow of her head before she saunters around the table. Looking at the map there and running a finger along the edge of the table as if she were checking for dust. Arianna will switch the goblet to her other hand before she circles around towards the beautiful Voice of House Bisland. Approaching her softly, she bends at the waist in a proper bow. The young woman was never one for curtsies and some people might find this a bit odd, while others perhaps progressive. "Lady Bisland, it is a pleasure to see you here. If you need anything at all, I can of course let you look over my notes." Arianna smiled brightly to her, perhaps in a more unguarded way than she had with others.

Samantha flashes a smile at Lailah upon her entrance. She has not spoken overmuch at this meeting, though she notes to Princess Reese, "The Marquis will lend what military resources Deepwood can offer in the matter as well, but I imagine he has made that clear already."

Reese looks upon Samantha. "Thank you Marquesa. Having you at our side is a great blessing to House Grayson."

Lailah nods, smiling to Arianna and Samantha both as she enters, giving Arianna a gracious nod. "Thank you, Lady Arianna. I'll have Merril make a copy and I'll reveiw them shortly," she looks then to Reese. "I came to make it known that there is already another effort of cleaning the forest being made that I was overseeing before I became Minister of Agriculture. I would like to make sure the efforts are coordinated so that we're not all stepping over each other, in effect."

"You know me love. I'm behind you whatever we face. Barely even needs be said." Luca's offering up quietly behind his wife after having spent most of the talks blessedly silent in whatever grimness is weighing on him so heavily. Still, the smile he gives Reese with that support lent is one of deep and genuine warmth and with just enough of a Lycene rogue's lopsidedness to it to peek something of his usual persona out again.

Esoka bows short to Reese, and Samantha. She shall follow orders, wherever they lead.

Calypso inclines her head to Reese at her words. "The Ministry of Defense will be working swiftly on this. I assure you. The moment I have official word on being able to work deeper in to the forest, I will send it. Thank you for all you are doing in this regard. All of you. It makes a big impact."

Reese looks toward Lailah, nodding in response to her words. "I have been in communication with Leola on this all. Although I have not had a chance to speak with her since the proclamation. I have every intention of sending her a message. I hope to meet with her in person, but timing, you know how it goes." She then turns to Luca, giving her him a gentle smile. Finally she looks toward Calypso. "Okay, Lady General, thank you for coming."

Asheryn, a Gyrfalcon have been dismissed.

3 Grayson Guardsmen, Alejandra, a snowy white hound, Planchet, a young valet, 2 Iron Guardsmen arrive, following Ainsley.

Arianna looks over to the Lady General and gives her a smirk,"Thank you Minister Calypso. You and the Ministry does us all a service that we can only hope to repay." Arianna will make a small gesture, Umbra stepping from the shadows of the room and handing her a leather bound book. It was fresh and the ink had yet to dry when she instructed the other young woman to make them available at Lailah's leisure. With that detail she slips away and hands the writings over to Merril wordlessly.

Killian looks towards Calypso, "if I can be of use to your efforts also, please know that I stand ready," he says to the Lady General with a slight bow of his head. His attention then is back to Reese, "if there is nothing else, Princess, I'll withdraw now as well. You of course know where to find me if I am needed," he says with a small smile. A glance towards his entourage back at the couch and then he's backing away from the map table.

Lailah nods to Reese simply, taking the gathered notes from Merril and giving a cursory glance, nodding again as she skims. "Thank you, Princess Reese. I'll be assisting her using the resources available to me as a minister, and I'll keep you updated on the progress."

Khanne is overheard praising Reese for: Thank you for open communication.

Samantha offers a brief smile to Reese, and summarily excuses herself - but not before briefly pressing her cheek to Lailah's. And then she's out the door!

Arianna is overheard praising Reese for: For being a valiant Leader of Grayson!

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

Arianna is overheard praising Khanne for: For her wisdom and expertise on the Blight.

Tikva perches on the piano bench, because of course she does, and sits with her pen in her mouth, alternately scribbling notes and looking up to pay attention to the meeting even as it starts tapering off.

Arianna is overheard praising Calypso for: For her brave efforts and never ending dedication to the safety of Arvum.

Reese is overheard praising Calypso for: She is calm when things get complicated and hard.

Reese is overheard praising Khanne for: working to save our lands!

Reese sits down near Luca and murmurs softly. "I think I need a drink."

Ainsley comes in from the gardens; dressed in his full rubicund armor. He's tugging off his helmet and come to a slow stop. Oh hey, there are people there. He glances around, running his fingers through the fledgling curls crowing on his head. His clank-clanking feet carry him toward the piano and a certain redheaded woman.

Calypso nods to both Arianna and Killian at their words. With one fluid motion she rises to her feet. "This has been an incredibly productive meeting. Thank you, Princess Reese, for holding it. And if you will excuse me, there is much to be done."

Calypso is overheard praising Reese for: Efficient, passionate, a strong leader.

Khanne is overheard praising Calypso for: Keeping our asses safe.

Killian has left the Plush Couch.

Whisper the Snowy Owl, Frostbite the Wolf, Lisette of Ashford, Cosette of Ashford leave, following Killian.

Calypso has left the Emerald Couch.

Ryder the falcon, Matteo, 3 Malvici Guards, Olivia leave, following Calypso.

Khanne rises up from her seat on the couch. She looks drawn, tired, but puts on a smile for Reese. "Thank you for inviting me. There's a bottle of whiskey, and a bed, calling my name. You know how to reach me, should you need to." She nods to Arianna then and says, "it was a pleasure to meet you, and I hope to speak with you again soon." She smiles to the others, waving as she walks towards the exit.

Reese turns her focus to Khanne. "You honored us by attending and thank you for all the work you are dong to recover the lands." she says softly.

Khanne has left the Emerald Couch.