(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: Dinner this evening is roast turkey, with all of the normal side dishes and imported berries with cream as dessert.

Lou is settled at the table when people arrive, whiskey already poured and sitting nearby. "I'm just not sure when we might dig up more information on griffons. I feel as though someone is very specifically sabotaging our efforts. It's been /months/. Longer even than that time I was researching those who might be Godtouched and the last bit we discovered, the only bit left in the whole of the library, was how Solace used /geese/ to find those who might have potential. GEEESE!" Lou throws her hands up a bit as she's talking to her trusty assistant, Willen, whom she invited to attend dinner this night. Of course, Willen is nodding and grunting and making sympathetic gestures at all the right things that Lou says.

Ian arrived a bit early, so that he's already here when the time comes to show the guests into the dining room. He lingers near the doorway just long enough to get a look around, and then makes his way to the table, to ease into a seat.

Bonnie arrives in her winter best. Which is her everyday attire least she commit the sin of trailing mud in from outside on her skirts. She is given a brief pause as she peers into the dining room. Her head turns to peer the way she came and then her chest swells with a bracing breath and she strides in as if she boldly claims to be a member of 'everyone' invited.

Lou glances over when both Ian and Bonnie arrive. A warm smile graces her lips for each that arrives. "Lord Ian, Lady Bonnie. Welcome to the Grayson manse. Feel free to make yourselves comfortable," she motions to the table with sweeping gesture of her arms. "There should be plenty to eat and they'll serve whatever you want to drink. How have you both been?" she asks.

Alaric ducks into the dining room, bringing along the usual famed thirteen of Kingsguard. "I hope you haven't begun without me," he says to Lou with good humor, a regal smile aimed toward Ian and Bonnie. "Lord Ian, Lady Bonnie, I'm pleased you could join us for the gathering," he welcomes them both, tucking himself into a seat somewhere along the table not far from Cousin Lou.

Ian looks up with muted surprise as the King and his many guards start to file in. He plants a hand on the table and pushes himself to his feet so that he can give a respectful bow of his head. Then, after a moment, he goes about putting together a plate of food before sitting back down.

Bonnie bows, "Hello Pathfinder. It is good to see you. It's been too long." a broad grin is flashed to Ian "I know I've made the right choice in dinner company when I see the Pathfinder and Lord Ian at the tab-" large brown eyes go wide and she seems to choke on her own breath. Abruptly she folds herself in half like someone had let go of her strings "Majesty!" she greets breathlessly from her very deep bow.

"We're only just getting settled," Lou assures Alaric as she gives him another of her warm smiles. "I was just chatting with Willen here," she motions to her trusty assistant, "about how difficult it has been to find more information on griffons if I'm to complete Duke Aiden's former quest, when the others just started arriving." She easily sweeps her hand in a gesture toward Ian and Bonnie. "I'm glad to see that I do not need to make introductions," she says with a wink to Alaric before turning her attention back to Bonnie. "Indeed!" she replies to the comment about it being too long since they've seen one another. "Although I'm happy to report that Malcolm has been keeping House Shepherd pretty well while you've been busy with things," she gives a report on the woman's kinfolk.

Alaric raises a hand in royal acknowledgment of the differential greetings aimed his way. "Good," he enthuses to Lou, rewarding her with the full of his near-boyish grin as he graciously accepts the refreshments laid out before him by a servant. "It has been a long while since I'd spoken with Duke Aiden, but I recall his passions about griffons and aiding their cause quite well. Have you any need of assistance of that endeavor?" he asks.

Ian remains as talkative as ever, which is not at all. He eats in silence, with the careful table manners of someone who has to actively think about having good table manners, but the movement of his sharp eyes makes it clear he's listening.

Bonnie smiles in relief "I expected that he had been. He takes his duties as Duke very seriously but having not heard word from him it is a relief to hear from someone who's spoken with him. Had you heard I had been asking about?" She rises from her bow but remains rooted to the spot until then King is settled.

"Perhaps. Once we're able to wander and start finding a location where they can be housed that might be clear of the taint or at least, find a way to shield them from the taint on primum. They are, after all, magical creatures. So it'll be a challenge. I think, only then, will we set out to see if they might be interested in being allies once more." Lou speaks as though the griffons might have a mind of their own. "At least, that's been my plan," she informs the king. "The challenge is getting past this blasted research though. It's been months since we've been able to dig up anything new." She glances back to Ian and Bonnie again asking, "Have you two been up to anything?" Since Alaric's arrival may have stymied her earlier attempts to get news. But then her face falls a bit when Bonnie asks after her cousin. "Oh. You hadn't heard. Duke Aiden died in the battle at Pieros, when we were attempting to beat back those from Eurus, those from Skal'daja, from attempting to siege House Pravus's holdings and take control of Compact lands."

"Perhaps. Once we're able to wander and start finding a location where they can be housed that might be clear of the taint or at least, find a way to shield them from the taint on primum. They are, after all, magical creatures. So it'll be a challenge. I think, only then, will we set out to see if they might be interested in being allies once more." Lou speaks as though the griffons might have a mind of their own. "At least, that's been my plan," she informs the king. "The challenge is getting past this blasted research though. It's been months since we've been able to dig up anything new." She glances back to Ian and Bonnie again asking, "Have you two been up to anything?" Since Alaric's arrival may have stymied her earlier attempts to get news. She turns to Bonnie and says, "Yes. Malcolm has stepped up to the plate and taken over one of the scouting groups for House Grayson to look for the Traitor's forces and look into those strange sinkholes that are turning up near your borders. "

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

Ian continues to chew in silence, listening, but without a whole lot to say.

Lucita quietly enters the dining room, gives a graceful curtsy as she checks around the table for a seat. Her amber glance lingers appreciatively on the food for a moment. She has already shed her cloak and dusted snow off her boots though an aura of cold lingers around her to slowly dissipate in the room's warmth. A gentle smile is offered to the others though she remains silent past a murmured greeting while she catches up with whatever conversations might be in progress.

Bonnie says, "Ahhhah. Well. The funny look Lord Ian gets when I mention the Traitor I am right to worry about my most responsible sibling." She finally gets herseld some dinner and finds a seat near Lou if there is still one available "How have you been since we last spoke, Pathfinder? Is there some way I might help your hunt for Griffins?"

Lou tilts her head at Bonnie's question. "Another pair of eyes on this investigation might prove useful," she comments to the Shepherd noblewoman. "If you are not already embroiled in one of your own and are willing to help, that is." She then notices Lucita entering the dining hall and flashes the other woman a warm smile. "Baroness Lucita. Welcome to the Grayson manse. Do please make yourself comfortable and take some refreshment. Tell us what you've been up to?" she requests. She glances in Ian's direction, looking a bit mischievous for a moment, then looks back to Lucita. "Perhaps if you warm the room up with your stories, Lord Ian might be convinced to let us know what he's been up to as well." Her tone is lightly teasing and she otherwise leaves Ian alone after that comment.

Ian's demeanor does become slightly less stony as Lucita comes in. "Baroness Saik." He nods to her. Then, to Lou, he adds: "Nothing I've been up to is dinner conversation."

Alaric inclines his head, appreciative of the information Lou offers over on the matter. "That seems as though it'd be quite the challenge indeed. I find myself a bit behind on the finer nuances of primum and the taint in terms of areas that would naturally be resistant to its affects. Have the Society members been able to identify or isolate such locations that could work?" When Lucita graces them with her presence, he deigns to rise and recieve her graciously, drawing out a chair near his own to seat her. "Lady Lucita, please, join us. We were only just getting settled in."

Bonnie gives Lou a broad grin "Unless Malcolm has demands of me I am gladly at your disposal Pathfinder. Woefully behind current events it seems. I will rectify that promptly." Another familiar face arrives and she rises when the King does and adds in a bow for good measure "Baroness."

Lucita says, "Thank you, Pathfinder Lou." A beguiling smile is given Alaric as he greets her and offers a seat. She defers the question asked of Lou to her to answer as she settles into place. "I have been trying to help with the stabilization of Traitor Turo's old holding. Faith deemed the children of his to be innocents in the situation and left their fate to Kennex and those in control of the city. Since their mother was once Saik, her innocence or not yet to be determined, for the sake of the children, their safety, their home, we have been trying to help. I should leave it to Lord Ian to describe those efforts. That has kept me busy though a few days ago I discovered my children had been into my collection of music, nearly destroying some from the 1005-1007 years. I used the Society of Explorers main room for sharing a few of them, and stories about a little of the Bringe's war to put them in context, with a few others. It seemed to fit with the Society of Explorers since Lord Pietro Igniseri who was slain during that time period was one of the Society's founders."

Lou's teasing expression falls a bit at Ian's response and her brows immediately crease in concern. "Understood," she tells him, her expression turning all too serious. "Perhaps we can catch up later then, should you wish." Bonnie immediately grabs her attention again and she gives the woman a look of /pure/ relief. "Thank you. Any additional help will be useful." She then looks to Alaric. "I haven't involved the Explorer's yet. I was hoping to find some more information in the library that might be useful first, but as things have slowed down to a snail's pace I suspect someone is sabotaging our efforts." Her expression darkens at that consideration. "The griffons were useful in defeating the Traitor's forces the last time they were used, so I've no doubt if they /are/ that it's his people doing the sabotage."

There's a brief pause as Lucita uses Traitor with Turo's name and she clarifies, for Bonnie's sake, "I've been talking about the one who calls himself the Horned God. He's the Herald of the Archfiend of Slavery and the son of King A'kioh, the former elven Sylv'alfar King. I'd name him true, but it's dangerous to say his real name, so I try to limit my use of it. He's not to be confused with the former Marquis Turo, who is a traitor in his own right." She looks back to Lucita and nods. "I am sorry for the trouble that your family is in, and I hope it all gets resolved soon," she says earnestly. "I'm sure the Explorers learned something from your event. People always seem to do so from your songs or songs that you share."

Ian raises his eyebrows to Bonnie while Lou talks, and gives her a dry, knowing smile. A 'see? told you' kind of smile. Then he looks over at Lucita and shakes his head. "Most of that's just been trying to lock the place down and restore rule of law. I've got word from Lieutenant Tash that they're seeing some goods disappearing, still, so probably need to see to that after I'm back from Grihem's Point." The latter part sounds like it's more directly spoken to Lucita, information given to her that she has specific interest in.

Bonnie points at Ian with her fork "You hedged your bets mightily, Lord Ian. Master Wild explained just a little of this. A tale of one of his own exploits. Rest assured Lord Ian I am not going to accuse you of being insane." spears a morsel of food with her fork "Not in sword's reach of you anyway.." She makes direct eye contact with Ian as her teeth coax the bite from her fork. While it might be direct the glimmer in her eye is more playful than challenging.

Redirecting her gaze towards Lou Bonnie swallows quickly and smiles "OF course Pathfinder! I am happy to be of help and nothing good EVER comes from allowing mercenaries to go idle for too long so that is presently the only demand on my time. Keeping the The Valiant Effort meaningfully occupied so there is not time to find..mischief."

Alaric remains silent throughout the flow of information, absorbing the intelligence that Lucita and Lou share with a voracious appetite whetted between bites of savory vegetables upon his plate. A subtle frown works itself between his brows, leaning back within his seat as his gaze passes toward Ian and Bonnie, listening to them in turn before he washes down his food with a drink of wine. "If there is any support that the Crown can offer, you need only reach out and we will help however we can."

"Once the Explorers and House Grayson gets back our scouting reports to see what the Traitor has been up to, we'll likely have work for the Valiant Effort," Lou says to Bonnie. Which reminds her. She looks to Lucita then back to Alaric. "Alaric - have you been made aware of a more recent Song that has to do with all of this? Lady Lucita, I'm told, is the one it came to." She glances to Lucita again a moment, then includes Ian with a look as well. "Also, did you receive the reports that House Grayson obtained that mentioned that a whole sha'varvani tribe went missing in the northwest? Called the Arbres."

Lou adds quickly, "And have you received any messages from Sen'azala?, Prima of the Wolfkin?" The latter seems to be of keen interest to her.

Lucita nods to Lou's assessment. "Duke Aiden was worried for the griffon's safety, too." She gets a more somber expression as she hears Ian's comment. Her fork, laden with a bite of food, hovers over her plate as she draws a slow breath. "I had hoped we had put a stop to that already." She glances toward Alaric and draws in a slow breath. "We have not had a chance to speak long enough for me to share the lyrics of that song with you. It.. was a longer one and near killed me to sing it. Thank goodness they do not happen very often now."

Something to do with the discussion of the song Lucita sang seems to have darkened Ian's mood. He sinks back into silence, this time without any flashes of wry humor, and focuses on his dinner.

Alaric shakes his head. "No, I have been under siege by managing the strain of a war-weary Peerage and the rightful concerns of courtiers as of late," he replies in apology to Lou. "Sen'azala, Prima of the Wolfkin has not been in direct contact with me recently but it has been a priority to reach out to her and see where things lie in that regard." At the mention of reports, he requests of the Pathfinder, "I'd like a copy of reports that you can spare, Lou, if only to ensure I can follow along with developments to matters of great import." He turns to Lucita, an empathetic smile touching his lips briefly. "I cannot imagine the duress these songs places upon those who receive them, but I am grateful you manage to share them with the Compact all the same. Perhaps we can come together and speak at length, soon, to catch up."

Bonnie lapses into silence and listens raptly to the conversation. Now and again she might be caught correcting her posture and taking daintier bites rather than shoveling food into her mouth.

"Sen'azala has formally reached out to the Council of Peers and requested an audience with the Crown with regard to becoming a formal ally of the Compact. I believe she made a proclamation about it as well that you might wish to review. Not join the Compact, but remain separate and working together as an ally. No meeting of the Crown has taken place yet, though most members of the Crown are in support of this effort." Lou replies in kind to Alaric. "Rather, I should say, they all spoke in support of Sen'azala at the Assembly of Peers, but I believe the members of the Crown are awaiting a formal judgment from the leadership. Er. That is to say, you or Dame Eleanor. Most all the leaders expressed a desire to meet and discuss things further if it was needed. And, having experienced the sacking of Bastion on all levels, I can say we're really going to need allies." So, Lou just puts her opinion right out there. "I'll get you the reports," she promises.

Ian raises his eyebrows at the mention of 'war-weary Peerage', but doesn't say anything.

There is a furtive look towards Ian as if she were to look at him at just the right angle Bonnie might translate the sentiment behind the migration of Ian's eyebrows.

Lucita sits quietly for a moment then takes that bite off her fork. One hand lowers to her lap and there is a faint crackle of paper as she slips a note to Alaric. Her voice is low pitched as she says. "This is a record of the other songs." Once that is done she takes a breath and returns her attention to the others at the dinner. "The food is delicious, Pathfinder Lou."

Alaric inclines his head toward Lou. "We will be working toward a resolution on the matter concerning Sen'azala soon enough. Her patience, and that of the highlords, has been deeply appreciated on the matter," he remarks deiplomatically. He and Lucita exchange quiet regards now and then, and the king is entirely appreciative for every bit of assistance the baroness provides in educating him on the matter of the songs. "You are an invaluable asset, my lady. Thank you."

Lou nods her head in response to Alaric and seems to contemplate something. She hedges a few moments before she finally puts what she wants to say out there. "I am admit I am keenly interested in the response to this, largely because if we are open to the idea of additional allies who are not part of the Compact, I'd like to help with that. Help bring people in. Actively. So, I just wanted to put that out there. Especially as I've built some connections over the years, with some of the projects you've put me on, as well as some other things I've done." She takes a breath and slowly lets it out. That's been a long time coming, saying that to Alaric. She also bites her lip then turns her attention to the food. "Yes.... Lady Lucita. The cooks have outdone themselves." She adeptly attempts to change the topic hten!

Lucita says, "speaking of Allies... did anyone ever follow through on the plight of the Marin'alfar?" She asks this in a gently tone and then glances toward Ian, a little gesture of the hand not holding the fork urges him to speak up as does her soft spoken words. "Lord Ian, best they hear direct from you rather than third hand if they do not already know."

Ian looks a little bit unsettled when Lucita brings up the marin'alfar, and then hucks the topic in his direction. He's quiet a moment, clearly weighing what he's going to say before saying it. "Whatever war they were fighting, it's not going their way. When I went looking for them last year, there was nobody at the embassy, and seashells on the beach that looked like they'd been broken from marin'alfar cities. I eventually found one, but she was dying, and couldn't tell me much."

Bonnie is very quiet and very attentive. She drinks deep of her wine while her gaze traces the movements of the conversation with great interest.

Lou beckons Willen over and whispers a few words to him. He nods and then leaves, likely to deliver a messages somewhere. Lucita's question draws her attention back to the table and she lifts a brow at the baroness before turning her curious gaze over to Ian. It's Lucita she asks this, "Plight of the Marin'alfar?" she asks. Then Ian speaks and what she hears causes her to frown. To Bonnie she says, "The Marin'alfar are the sea elves." Just in case Bonnie has never heard of them. "Just as the Sylv'alfar are the wood elves. I guess we call the Rex'alfar the sun elves? While we know the Nox'alfar are the night elves." To Lucita and Ian, Lou asks. "Has anyone asked Lady Mikani Corvane if she can get in touch with them? She is the Arvan Ambassador to the Marin'alfar."

Ill tidings of the Marin'alfar from the lips of Ian brings a pensive frown to the King's lips. "I'd like to speak more at length about that, at a later date," he addresses his desires to the Kennex, then shifts his gaze to Bonnie after noting her marked silence in the change of topics. "Lady Bonnie, my apologies. I can only imagine how overwhelming all of this must be for a dinner topic. How do things fare with House Shepherd? And Malcolm? I cannot remember the last time I had an opportunity to actually speak with the Duke himself."

Ian nods to Lou. "She hasn't heard of anything either." Then, to Alaric, he gives a reluctant shake of his head. "I'm not an expert. You've got most of what I can tell you."

Dark crimson spreads rapidly across Bonnie's cheeks. Her head bows humbly "Oh gods, Majesty, please do not apologize! It is I who should apologize for keeping such well informed company but still somehow being so very uninformed. Please fear not, Majesty. I have many potential tutors and sources of insight. You have my word I am hearing and taking note of all that is being said and will soon know all that is to be known on topics relevant so that I am best positioned to assist the Pathfinder, Duke Greypeak, or anyone else in addressing these worries. The fault is mine but I will remedy it swiftly. You have my word, your majesty."

Bonnie says, "I have only just returned from being away myself, Majesty. According to the Pathfinder things are well. Malcolm is in Greypeak overseeing matters directly and I have not yet heard back from him what the status of Greypeak is. I was told to make myself and the Valiant Effort useful to those such as the Pathfinder."

Lucita listens to the flow of conversation between those at the table, her interest in each thing said is obvious. Bonnie is given a reassuring smile. "It is a lot to learn. I have been here a dozen years and still have a lot to learn.

Alaric raises a hand in comforting gesture toward Bonnie, leaning across the table and lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper easily heard by intimate company. "Fear not, my lady. Truth be told, I am quite overwhelmed myself with the flow of information. The names are familiar, but I've long since fallen out of the loop that Baroness Saik and Princess Lou circle around." He leans back with a regal grin, returning to his meal with a curt bow of his head toward Ian. "Though it may be so, it does not change my desire to speak more at length with you in a more appropriate setting, my lord. Though, if you truly wishn't, I'll find no offense in it."

"There was an incident close to Shepherd lands that you might not have heard about, but it is dark stuff and does not make for great dinner conversation. One of the Traitor's allies, a woman named Calyana, was kidnapping folk. Dame Felicia Harrow died trying to rescue them and ended up making this Calyana woman flee the scene in the process. Her sister, Cufre Harrow, might be able to give you some more details from what she heard of the incident, as she was not there but many people spoke with her afterwards." Lou lets Bonnie know about that.

There's another pause, and then Ian allows to Alaric: "I'm at Your Majesty's convenience whenever I'm in Arx. As long as I'm in any condition to see people."

Alaric is overheard praising Lou.

Alaric is overheard praising Lucita.

Alaric is overheard praising Ian.

Alaric is overheard praising Bonnie.

Bonnie mumbles "You are too gracious, your majesty. Thank you." She lifts her head and summons a bright smile as if to reassure the King that she will get up to speed. Her gaze is tugged towards Lou "We are long overdue for drinks and catching up, Pathfinder. Soon." She promises. Ian's condition draws Bonnie's eyes and there is a deeply curious look.

Lou inclines her head to Bonnie. "Soon," she promises. She then goes on to translate for Ian, seeing Bonnie's look. "Lord Ian has been to almost, if not all of the battles, of the civil war going on in the Mourning Isles. House Kennex has been among the main forces fighting those that have turned traitor against House Thrax."

All good things come to an end. And quite frequently, it's at the height of the King's enjoyment of a casual affair when business comes nipping at his heels. Zelda leans in with a whispered word that sees him rising to his feet. "If you'll excuse me, my ladies, Lord Ian, Lou. The meal and company was exemplary, but I have matters to return to." He squeezes Lou's shoulder with familial warmth, then departs at once with his retinue.

"All of the major ones, and a few others besides," Ian agrees with Lou. "I've mostly come out of them alright, but it's not the only thing I have on my plate right now." He bows his head respectfully with Alaric rises to go.

Bonnie shoots to her feet and bows, "An honor to meet you, your Majesty. If I may be of service do not hesitate to ask."

Lou inclines her had to Alaric as he moves to go, giving him a warm smile at the shoulder squeeze. She might have said more, but he's out the door before she knows it. "I should probably wrap things as well, but you are all welcome to stay and eat and talk for as long as you wish."

Lucita rises to curtsy as Alaric is leaving then retakes her seat. "I have yet to figure out how they justify Thralldom with the beliefs of Skald. And I have to leave the sorting of that out to Faith. "

Lucita is overheard praising Lou.

Bonnie is overheard praising Lou.