Dolente, a mourning dove, Dolce, a collared dove arrive, following Cesare.

Kessi, a big-eared, fuzzy fennec fox, 7 House Deepwood Guards arrive, following Samantha.

Nothing special here - maybe a few more scholars than usual, quietly comparing research notes. Oswyn is standing in front of the desks, leafing through some papers in his hands and generally looking pensive.

Aegis, a large red Oakhaven bloodhound, Rurik, a prodigal assistant arrive, following Mirk.

Briar, the fleet and agile shrike, Alejandro, a gravely sober middle-aged Torean arrive, following Aconite.

Raimon strides on into the Academy. He's carrying his satchel of notes, but, in all likelihood he's got less written down and carried with him than some of the others. Partly due to not knowing as much. Partly due to Raimon's 'penchant' for writing songs, lyrics, and that sort of thing. A sort of 'modern oral history' which is easy to remember because it rhymes.

3 Proscipi veteran guards arrives, following Cassiopeia.

Nothing special, and then, on the other hand, there is Cesare, who is absolutely ablaze with color as he enters the hall in cerulean and honey-gold. He looks around the hall with curiosity, dark eyes alight, but doesn't waste too much time in finding somewhere to settle and fishing a little journal out of one of the sizable pockets of his coat.

Mirk strides into the Hall of Tutelage, dressed in steelsilk and fireweave, his usual retinue left at the door. He sits down at one of the couches, rather than a desk, folding his hands in his lap as he considers the rest of the crowd with a detached interest. There's a nod of his head to the familiar faces here, though there aren't many of those.

Aconite isn't far behind Raimon. The tall Whisper has a mall satchel with her that's slung over her shoulder and a simple hide bound journal that she's pulled to her middle, gloved hands holding it tucked there safely. She smiles at Cesare and murmurs a quicket 'Hello', dipping into a quick bow over her book and she moves to find a spot to settle herself, shruging her bag off her shoulder and still holding the book close.

Samantha heard about the research group at the Academy, and makes her way over. Dressed in attire that is mostly unassuming and designed to blend in with a crowd, the effect is somewhat spoiled by the number of Deepwood Guards who accompany her. She does disperse them to more discreet locations when she arrives, however, and soon they blend in with the background, present and prepared for anything, but not obtrusively so. As she steps into the Hall of Tutelage, Samantha pushes the hood of her cloak back, and glances around. She finds a place to sit, and settles in, pulling out a journal with some notes from a satchel.

Samantha has joined the couches embroidered with an ivory rose.

Oswyn looks up from his place in front of the desks as Raimon arrives; he squints at the man for maybe half a minute before offering an amiable nod. Other arrivals also get squints and nods. He opens up his ever-present satchel and pulls out a folio, in which he puts the papers. "Ah. We may as well begin," he starts. He's got the air of someone used to public speaking, at least. "This is an opportunity to talk about subjects we're researching - I often find that a bit of discussion can lead to some interesting discoveries. Sharing information is a large part of the Scholars; we do best when we work together. If any of you have anything in particular you're looking into and you'd like to give an outline, please feel free to come forward and begin.

Aconite has joined the a variety of desks arranged in a semicircle.

Cassiopeia dashes in side shivering, her cloak pulled around her as though she is escaping some blizzard. The woman well over six-feet tall is accompanied by three large men, who are significantly taller than her still. Tugging down the hood of her cloak, her face is flushed with a reddish hue, but her eyes sparkle with curiosity as she sees a family place. Hearing the talk underway, she does her best to keep quite, finding a spot, only to see Cesare, and her expression lights up, she quickly finds her way over to him, taking a brief moment to whisper some sort of greeting, before she turns her full attention to Oswyn. A warm smile forms on her lips that she offers widely to anyone she might just catch with it.

"I have a few topics on which I'm looking for information," Cesare says with a nod. "Firstly, I've been asked to look into an object known only as the Rose Crown of the South. Can't really give any more detail than that, but there is some suspected connection possibly to Queen Triscali on account of her seal, the Black Rose. If anyone has even a whisper as to the meaning, or any information about crowns of power in general, it would be most appreciated."

Oswyn's head bobs. "I can't say I've heard of it," he tells Cesare. "Though 'rose of the south' makes me think of Tor and House Fidante. Perhaps someone else might have an idea." He has a quick squint about. So much squinting.

"I'm looking into the Su'tavi, in light of recent attacks," Mirk says with a vague gesture of one hand. "I welcome any support from my fellow Scholars, though I cannot promise how directly useful such information will be, understanding is always helpful." He considers Cesare for a few moments, his expression distant, as if recalling as much as looking. "I've never heard of it," he says, in a tone that implies that's something rare and perhaps special.

Raimon offers: "My knowledge of the Marin'alfar and the city of Mardomum seem as complete as might reasonably be attained through book - research, as well as all that's been written of the fundamental nature of The Dream as such, per se. So I can offer to share knowledge on those subjects, perhaps." Raimon ventures. (( Rai has all extant @clues with tags: Marin'alfar, Mardomum, The Dream. A nontrivial number on Eidolons and similar things, as well, in addition. )) "I'm interested in related topics, such as: Sirens, and Beseechings." Raimon sits back down, his piece said, and listens to see if he can help some of the other folk with what they're looking into. "I'm Fidante, so perhaps I can find out something about the Rose Crown, if it's Fidante-related." Raimon makes note of this.

Samantha glances up as Oswyn greets everyone, and she offers him a warm smile. She glances around, to see if anyone else will speak up, before she does so herself. She listens to Cesare, and gives a shake of her head to indicate she has not heard of the crown. She glances to Mirk as he speaks of the Su'tavi, and nods in agreement. "I am also interested in learning more about the Su'tavi. I have some small amount of information about them already, but I am looking to expand that knowledge. I am also interested in improving my command of linguistics, with a particular focus on the language of the sylv'alfar, if anyone here has any knowledge of linguistics."

3 Proscipi veteran guards have been dismissed.

Aconite listens to Cesare and shakes her head a little tough she does pull out her inkwell an pen so she can scribble something in the leather bound journal she's brought. Glancing up with a smile at Oswyn she nods, "I'll ask around and see if I can find anything out as well." She tacks onto Raimon's offer, "It doesn't ring any bells though."

Aconite nods to Samatha, "I can help with that, if you'd like, Lady Deepwood."

"I'm really only vaguely fluent in Northlands shav," Oswyn admits. "And I have... two assistants free at the moment. I'd be happy to have them help out an investigation. Just send along some information and they can start working."

Cesare nods, writes a scribble in his journal. To Samantha, he asides, "There's a Named Sylv'alfar in the city I'm aware of, as well, if speaking to him might be of any interest, I can offer his name to you and you're welcome to contact him." He shakes his head. "The Rose Crown may be Fidante related, it may not. All I know is that it was certainly once worn by a Harrow."

"Beseechings is dangerous knowledge. Certain secrets are guarded, after all," Mirk warns Raimon with a sidelong glance. "And impossible for us to fully use, as well." He sounds slightly pained about that, but it doesn't show on his expression whatsoever. He continues smoothly, "I welcome anyone who would care to participate in that research. As for Sylv'alfar..." He considers Samantha for a long moment, then eyes the others gathered there, as if pondering whether he should say anything. Finally, he says, "I am fluent, and I could endeavor to teach."

Met with a group of people, the tall blonde seems both nervous and excited, but she mostly leans into the former. Setting down at a place to sit, her attention drifts to others. There are a few times, her blonde brows lift and she squints her eyes, as though trying to focus in on something. Deciding she ought to say something, she speaks clearly, "I am mostly curious, about different methods to find information and how best to conduct research. Whether it's into a topic, or a specific person." Cassiopeia seems here to listen, or at least she isn't jumping into the conversation immediately. The mention of learning Sylv'alfar perks her interest though, "I would also like to learn a better handle on Sylv'alfar," she admits and then pauses to offer, "and I am happy to help others in their pursuits, even if I am still learning, what I lack in skills, I can make up for in persistence," she says with a slight flush of her cheeks.

Samantha gives a grateful smile to Aconite, and inclines her head. "Your help would be most appreciated, thank you." Her gaze turns to Cesare then as he speaks of a Named Sylv'alfar, and her expression turns thoughtful. "That could certainly be of interest. I would very much like to learn more about him," she agrees. Her attention turns to Mirk then as he speaks of his knowledge of the language she seeks to learn of, and she smiles at him warmly. "That would be most appreciated. Thank you." She gives a soft smile to Cassiopeia as she speaks up, and inclines her head. "It seems many of us have similar needs and interests," she notes quietly.

Raimon nods, once, firmly, at this latest comment. It does seem that we do. Stands to reason, given recent events. Raimon looks around to see who else might be offering, or asking for help.

"Given current events, I can imagine quite a few people's research interests overlap," Oswyn says. He pauses, then says, "I know a bit about House Harrow, if that might help?"

"We'll discuss lessons in the Sylv'alfar language soon," Mirk promises with a dip of his head towards Samantha and Cassiopeia. "The details are best handled privately, since that knowledge isn't always fully safe." He glances significantly towards the others, and then leaves it at that. "As well as instruction in research methods, though there are many Scholars who are better mentors than I," he says to Cassiopeia in particular. "House Harrow, hm?"

Aconite nods in return to Samatha and then glances Mirk's way. "I have a feeling I'm less fluent. And though I've vested interest in the goings on my research isn't related." She admits with a soft smile before looking around the room. "I'm actually looking for information about Warding. First Children. And something called 'The Blood Beast'."

Winter, A Highhill Puppy arrives, following Kiera.

Samantha inclines her head in understanding to Mirk, and then pulls out a folio from her satchel, which is pitifully slim. She'll share what little knowledge she has about the Su'tavi for those who ask for it. She glances at Aconite then, squinting a little at the mention of something called 'The Blood Beast'. "I'm afraid I do not know anything about Warding, or blood beasts," she says, with a grimace.

"I have some information about those subjects, Aconite," Cesare says with a nod, sliding his journal over with a few pages dog-eared so she can read through. "Hopefully something you haven't already researched. And any information on House Harrow would be appreciated, Brother Oswyn."

"I'm well-acquainted with the lore about a creature called the Beast of Blood," Mirk suggests to Aconite. "Or the Great Blood Spirit of Cataclysms, alternatively." He gestures vaguely with one hand. "First Children is a very broad topic, though, so it might be easier to narrow that down a little."

Cassiopeia's eyes go a little wide when Aconite refers to the 'blood beast', the word is something quite familiar to the young Proscipi woman, and she blinks a few times to make them focus. It is then she recognizes Aconite, and something comes together, that allows her shoulders to ease up a little, though not all that much. "I believe we've had this conversation, already," she says to Aconite, her breath releasing slowly, but she is no less bothered by the topic.

Oswyn stands in front of the desks, nodding as people speak. To Aconite, he says, "I don't think I've heard of a blood beast. I can tell you a bit about warding. A bit about how it's a very broad subject, supposedly from a translation of something the Jade Empress said." A nod to Cesare, and Oswyn opens his notebook up and starts riffling through the pages. Out comes some paper and a quill and he's jotting notes.

Kiera walks in late with a nod of apologogy "I apologize for my tardiness. hopefully i can assist

Something else seems of curious to Cassiopeia and she turns her attention to Oswyn, "do you mean wards placed to protect people?," she wonders, chewing on her lip ever so slightly. "I would appreciate learning more about that, even if it's just a basic understanding," she murmurs, fingers idle and slowly finding something to fidget with. Perhaps unfamiliar with these sort of study groups, she seems ever so appreciative of people's openness. "On an aside...., I don't know all that much about the Compact's history, but the Chain I do, I have traveled much of it, and what I don't know, I can easily find out," Cassiopeia offers as an aside, eyes still wide.

Oswyn squints over at Kiera and nods. "Be welcome," he tells her. "Any help is appreciated. We've people looking into the Su'tavi, a Blood Beast, wards, House Harrow... ah..."

Aconite tilts her head to Cassiopeia and nods once at her discomfort an apologetic look. She looks back to Oswyn, "I've heard one or two things but they're mostly second hand stories to discussions of people selling baubles supposedly meant to do it. Still I'd be interested in whatever you might know." She flips through her journal, "Hmm. There's the one about the Eurusi baubles and the story of a man who met a mage who told him about warding." She nods to Cassi, "Yes. Places and People."

Samantha glances at Mirk, lifting a dark eyebrow as he names the beast in question, her expression taking on a hint of concern. "That does sound like a rather dire subject. I wonder if perhaps I am better off not knowing," she says, with a wry twist of her lips. She puts her notes into a slim stack, and glances around as people begin to talk about wards. She remains silent, however, perhaps the subject going over her head. She glances at Kiera as she arrives, and gives the lady an inclination of the head in greeting.

Oswyn finishes the first piece of paper, which he gives to a slender young woman with dark hair, who takes it to Cesare. Oswyn slips out another sheet of paper, examines it - there's a sketch of some plant or another on it - and writes on it anyway to pass out directions to more information.

Kiera nods "I am more familiar with the Su'tavi than I would like tobe, though if recent events are any indication their priorities may have shifted since last i first "saw" them

"You're better off not," Mirk says in a dry tone to Samantha, though there's a grimace on his face at the topic. "I'm studying the Su'tavi, if you would care to be involved in that research," he says to Kiera with a shrug, making some of his own notes available freely. "I'm glad to be of assistance to any of your research, if I can," he says to the others.

Oswyn finishes his note-making and sends the dark-haired assistant off with slips of paper for those interested in warding. "I still have an assistant free to help someone's investigation," he says. "Did I miss sharing anything with someone?" His left hand has a small smear of ink on it now. He twiddles his quill between his fingertips.

Samantha glances over to Kiera as she mentions she has 'seen' the Su'tavi. "You have seen them? Any further information you can provide would be invaluable," she says softly. She glances around the room briefly, then back to the discussion at hand.

Aconite listens to what Mirk has to say and she smiles. It seems she's interested in the information because after a few minutes she starts taking notes. She does keep an ear on the conversation that passes her by but her interest doesn't seem to be with current events other than a small grimace from time to time.

Cesare's journal is passed around the table before making its way back to him, and he reclaims it before flipping to a blank page to jot down some notes of his own. Mostly he's relatively quiet, observing now that he's had his chance to ask his questions and received - truthfully, about the answer he expected.

Kiera answers "In a manner of speaking. it was an accidental blood vision that haunts me to this day. If nothing else it confirms the su'tavi as agents of the slaver even if their attention has been redirected

Samantha listens to Kiera's answer, and her face pales slightly. Her knuckles whiten around the journal in her hands, and she swallows hard. "I see," she murmurs. "I would suggest a great deal of caution as we research further into them," she murmurs, with a brief glance around the room and toward the doors. It is a slightly paranoid look.

3 Proscipi veteran guards have been dismissed.

Oswyn rubs his bearded chin, looking troubled by Kiera's words as well. He nods in agreement to Samantha. "True enough. There is always danger when it comes to seeking out information. Our enemies want to keep knowledge hidden."

Cassiopeia's fingers don't stop fidgeting, rather they only increase, their pursuit of anything to hold onto. Mostly she is listening, seeming the quiet sort, but from time to time, the young woman's shoulders tense under the layers of clothing, she's buried under. Curious eyes bounce back and forth, from person to person.

Raimon thinks for a while, scritching at the stubble of his chin with the back of the thumb of his gloved rigth hand. Raimon then offers: "I'll undertake an investigation into Wards, (( @helpinvestigate/target 7086 )) if anyone would like to participate, I'd be more than glad to share the results. Especially in light of what the Queen said, and what she -did- prior to saying it." Raimon concludes.

Aconitetilts her head at Raimon and smiles brightly his way and scribles another note in her journal and dog-ears the page. She does nod in quiet agreement with Oswyn, "Agreed. Thank you for offering a forum to get together like this."

"Anything regarding investigation into the servant of the archfiend of slavery needs to be treated with the utmost caution," Cesare speaks up. "What happened at Whisper House happened because the group meeting there wasn't cautious enough. The betrayer knows there are people moving against him and his ear is to the ground for his name. I suggest not meeting twice in the same place, avoid speaking in public, seek out warded buildings if at all possible. Whisper House is one of the safest places in the city but it was breached nonetheless. It's only due to the ...protections therein that no Whispers nor any of our house staff were injured or killed. He's working with the Eater as well, so disguising your chatter in romantic song or poetry may be well worth the effort."

Oswyn's head bobs in Aconite's direction. "I thought it might be helpful," he says. He looks over at Cesare thoughtfully.

Samantha glances at Cesare, giving him a slightly worried look. "I... I should be heading home," she says abruptly, stuffing her journal back into her satchel, and the slim folio with notes. She rises from her seat, and glances to Mirk and Aconite. "Perhaps we can arrange to get in touch later, regarding those other topics?" she suggests as she prepares to depart. To Oswyn she adds, "And thank you, Brother Owsyn, for putting this together. I really should be going, however."

Raimon nods grimly at Cesare's cautions, but then grins at Cesare's mention of 'disguising your chatter in poetry' . . . Raimon seems glad to see that trick is catching on, or at least gaining a few more adherents.

"By all means," Mirk says with a nod of his head to Samantha.

Oswyn considers the room and notes, "This might be a good time to wrap up in general."

Kiera looks to Cesare "I have heard the ambassador's salon is warded. I asumed that Whisper House was as well but. what others?

Aconite nods to Cesare and glances towards Raimon with a bit of an amused smile. "Nice seeing you, Marquessa. Please don't hesitate to be in touch." Aco starts putting her things away and glances between Kiera and the others.

Cesare shakes his head to Kiera. "I'm uncertain. I'm sure there are other places, though. Could be a worthwhile topic to look into. And it is specifically /love/ poetry and song the Eater dislikes. Well, and ... raunchier things."

Samantha inclines her head to both Mirk and Aconite, and gives a general wave to the others gathered. "It has been a pleasure meeting with all of you," she returns in kind, before she turns to quickly make her way out. Her various guards peel themselves away from the walls, and follow her in a tight, protective formation.

Samantha has left the couches embroidered with an ivory rose.

Kessi, a big-eared, fuzzy fennec fox, 7 House Deepwood Guards leave, following Samantha.

Cassiopeia is overheard praising Oswyn: Organizing a great information sharing session, at a time when there is such a great desire to learn!

"I don't think I'm aware of any other locations," Oswyn remarks to Kiera. He has another look around and notes, "Thank you for coming. I'll host more of these in the future, I think. Perhaps in several weeks."

Raimon is overheard praising Oswyn: A great idea. But likely that's to be expected, from a great mind. Go Oswyn!

Aconite is overheard praising Oswyn.

Aconite is overheard praising Cesare.

The young woman stands up, drawing her cloak around her tightly and she offers a warm smile to Oswyn. "Thank you for taking the time to organize this, and bring everyone together. That was very kind of you," she says gently. "I feel I've learnt a lot more than I expected, and I look forward to seeking out more." A glance to those gathered there, "it was nice to meet everyone, please if I can help any of you, I am happy to do so."