Lucita leaves her dogs in the courtyard and makes her way into the ballroom. There she gives a an smile and a modest wave of a hand to friends who have already gathered. She moves over to a seat at the bar in the corner and opens a packet of references that have blank papers on top on which to take notes. She remains somberly quiet."Lord Ian? Come join me over here at the bar? There's got to be some whiskey or rum or something here."

With Duarte's departure from a front and center view at the exterior window, to an obscured corner, the crows depart.

The count shrugs as Ian stalks off to distance himself. "Okay. It was just one time." the truth outs.

Ian is just about out the door, and has turned back to say something to Medeia when Lucita's voice draws him up short. His mouth twitches a little bit, the corners flickering up and down. And then wordless, even meek, he follows her.

The conservatory within Seawatch Sanctuary has been turned into a meeting place, with the large central floor filled with chairs in a semicircular fashion to face a spot where Medeia has taken to standing. She’s in conversation with a couple of sanctuary staff about the needs of the evening. The bar is staffed and amply supplied with wines, whiskies, rums, ales, and more, with a small selection of finger foods set on a buffet as well. The early spring evening has warranted both the hearths to be lit and the doors to the garden to be open - warmth for those who need it, a cool breeze and fresh air for everyone else. As the time of the meeting's start approaches, Medeia lifts a bell to ring it, to gather the attention of those who have arrived.

Once she has their attention, she begins to speak in that velvety alto of hers, lifting her voice so that it carries easily to the furthest corners of the large room. "Thank you all for coming. I know that some who wanted to be here this evening are unable, and I assure you that I will be getting in touch with them after. If there is anyone that you feel needs to be filled in on this information, I encourage you to direct them to me or tell me their name so I may reach out. Tonight, we are discussing the matter of the thorn wall around Harrow Hall. At the war council held by Princess Liara Grayson, we discussed the possibility of a new thornweave poison… But there is another matter we must discuss before we can do any alchemical experimentation. So, tonight, there are two topics of conversation: First, acquiring the needed sap for the poison; second, creating the poison." She looks around to see if there are any initial questions.

Giada walks in quietly, grey starsilk shimmering subtly in the light; hands are stuffed into the pockets of her longcoat. As she walks to a seat out of the way, she does her best not to draw too much attention away from Medeia, though the Silent Reflection following her might be a bit conspicuous.

Caspian enters into the room, a smile on his face as he nodded to friendly faces. his cloak was draped loosely over his shoulder, the warming months not really calling for it. He moved to the bar to secure himself a drink before turning to listen to Medeia. he chuckled softly at her comment, nodding.

Duarte has left the hearth to the right with tables and chairs.

Jan spies caspian and offers a wave. Medeia is given an encouraging smile.

Fatima arrives clothed in a simple, sleeveless gown of white starlight silk with a crimson sash about the waist, and her iridscent black steelsilk saree. Her black hair is styled in an elegant updo, and there is a soft elegance about her attire. Little bells and charms tinkle from her anklets as she moves to find a seat, giving a nod of the head to Medeia once she has settled. She folds her hands in her lap with a tinkle of bangles on her graceful wrists, and focuses her attention on the Lady as she speaks about the need to obtain the sap for the poison, and creating the poison. For now, the Thrax princess remains silent, just listening, sea green eyes thoughtful.

Fatima has joined the hearth to the left that is hidden by foliage.

Lucita lifts her hand toward Medeia and calls out. "Are there seeds or cuttings or seedlings or something left over from Lady Eirene's earlier experiments?

Medeia gives the crowd a scan. "As some of you are aware, we need to have sap and other samples of the thornweave vines in order to create effective weapons against it." Lucita's question has her shaking her head sadly. "No." She pauses. "The last experiments we did, prior to the attack on the city, were done with the... Assistance... of Auda Florin. We did not know, at the time, that she was a servant of Blight. The efforts failed."

After taking a moment to school her features into a calm facade, the lady continues. "There is a barony in the Crownlands, Gilthern, that is currently subsumed by the thorns. An expedition to the barony will be leaving in a few days' time to collect the needed smples. We are requesting that /any/one who wishes to join the expedition let me know as soon as possible. But I must warn you - there is a chance you may not come back. This is known to be extremely dangerous. These samples are very necessary, and I will NOT ask anyone to go. I am simply... Letting you know. An expedition is happening. If you feel strongly enough to go."

[OOC: There will be a live, staff GMed scene to collect the required samples THIS WEEKEND (precise date/time TBD). I am to collect names of interested characters for the invite. This will be a VERY DANGEROUS scene with real risk of character death. You do not need to justify your involvement to me, simply tell me you want to be involved and I will pass your name along for inclusion in scheduling. This scene must happen before the end of the weekend to allow time for the action to be filled out.]

Ian looks up from silently glaring at the bar, now, and lifts a hand to Medeia.

Jan lifts a hand "I will go and help collect samples."

Caspian gives a smile, "Well.. i have it on good authority that approach to the hall is near impossible. so we are going to have to find a way forward. So this needs be done. i'll happily do my part, just point me in the direction to go" he chuckled, taking a long drink to hide the swallowing of fear

Duarte is alas far too squishy to raise his hand.

Fatima listens, and shifts in her seat, but she does not raise her hand or volunteer to go just yet. "Regrettably, I'm afraid my ability to contend with man-killing vines is limited, but I am here to offer a voice of advice and help brainstorm, if you'll have me," the Thrax princess says. "As I'm told the wall of vines is miles thick, however, and hundreds of feet high... how will you create enough of this substance to affect it? Last night, some of us tossed around the idea of using siege weapons to perhaps fling the substance toward the wall of thorns, once you have enough of it. Do you know how much of the sap you will need for such an enormous task?" she asks of Medeia. "While you are contending with obtaining the sap, perhaps some of us can work on plans to distribute the substance once it is created?"

Lucita does not volunteer though for a moment it looks as if she would like to do so. "I think, perhaps, I might be more useful in helping keep the samples, seeds or whatever growing fast enough to get a sufficient quantity of the sap. Singing seemed to stimulate extemely rapid growth in the past.. if the same kind of thorns."

Medeia's decidedly not happy when people start volunteering, even though she knows how necessary this is. Her gaze shifts from Ian to Jan to Caspian. She looks like she might shake her head. Tell them all 'no.' Instead, she dips her chin and makes a motion toward her assistant who is standing off to the side. The woman begins to write down names. A glance to Duarte with his hand down reveals some relief in her expression. Then she's taking a small breath, nodding as she listens to Fatima and Lucita. "I will address those points, momentarily. I promise." To the group as a whole, she notes, "If there are others you believe capable, send them my way."

Thea lifts her hand. "I'll go,"she volunteers.

Jan's gaze seeks Caspian "What authority is that? If that's true wouldn't that mean even trying is a waste of time?"

Giada frowns faintly. "I can send you with supplies from the Physician's Guild warehouses," she says calmly from the back, "to make rapid collection a bit easier." She writes something down with a charcoal pencil, handing it to the Silent Reflection who in turn walks it over to Ian. Her one hand holds the paper out to the man.

Ian tracks the Silent Reflection's progress over to him with his gaze, once it's clear to him that's where the person is going. He takes the paper and flips it open to read it.

a tall and silent woman with only one hand arrives, delivering a message to Ian before departing.

Ian's eyebrows come together as he reads, a vague expression of something equidistant between confusion and concern. He looks up at Giada and nods to her.

Caspian looks over to Jan and grins, "The Pathfinder. She stated that any approach with force would be daunting task unless we could carve a path through the throsn. And she is one of the few people who has, to my knowledge, scouted in that region."

9 First Legion Centurions, 3 Setarcan Royal Shields arrive, following Patrizio.

Oscar, a swashbuckling Setarcan 'sailor', Tiphaine, a mischievous assistant arrive, following Mirari.

As some more volunteering and other offers are made, Medeia seeks out her glass of wine - where did she leave it? Surely, she had one. But it is not within arm's reach. She gives a small sigh, clears her throat, continues, "I am moving forward with the plan that the collection efforts will be successful. My workspace here within the sanctuary will be turned over toward these efforts. We will work with /however much/ we are able to have. I was a professor and Voice of the Apothecary College for years, I know how to be judicious with use of materials in experimentation." Her fingers twitch and she clasps her hands together before noting, "We do /not/ know if we will have enough. However, the plan is to combine the thronweave poison with Arvani Fire. I intend to also test Thraxian Fire - similar though they are, they are potentially different enough to yield different chances of success. We will need people to assist with supplying Thraxian and Arvani Fire - if they have any to spare, we will need people to help with configuring a delivery system for this concoction," she nods toward Fatima, "We will need alchemically minded individuals to assist in the experimenting... And, I think, We will need Lucita to sing, if she is offering."

[OOC: The @action will be setup under SAIK as Saik's org crisis action. If you want to be a part of it, you will need to join Saik long enough to fill out all the parts of your action assist. I will be preparing the action within the next 24 hours and adjusting it as needed - if needed - after the GMed event. You will still be able to assist other org actions or create your own that do other things/explore other ideas!]

"I have a couple barrels of Thraxian Fire in my personal storehouse," Giada offers mildly. "I'm happy to donate them to your efforts."

As others are raising their hands and the like, there's a hint of tumult at the back of the room, the appearance of a few figures in Pravusi blue and steel, before Patrizio Pravus himself is easing into the room. Still with his heavier winter cloak over his steelsilk, there's a brief acknowledging nod to all present - as if he's aware that he's, perhaps, too good this once at emulating his cousin Sebastian - and then there's the mention of Arvani Fire which clearly warms the cockles of his heart. "I have," offers the archduke of the Summer Seas, "thoughts on how it could be delivered given what was divulged at the first war council, but I can hold such thoughts until a more appropriate time, given that I think it depends on how it's conveyed to the Hall for use."

Though quieting down anew, he gestures to one of his soldiers to be handed his folio, so he might take notes, now that he's fully present.

Not on time per-say, but Mirari arrives like she's come just at the right moment. Confident steps bring the dark-haired woman into the room, unusually escorted by her guard and her assistant. Dressed in spring shades of green and iridescent colours, the woman eyes a place to sit and moves towards it settling herself in. Just catching what Medeia is saying about Fire and experimentation, Mirari isn't shy to offer her assistance. "I've a great deal of experience with alchemy and herbalism," the woman doesn't delve deeper than that. Then she says, "if there's a need to raise resources or funds, I can make that happen," she adds, crossing on leg over the other as she unbuttons her jacket, to accommodate that.

After clearing her throat, Lucita looks up and asks. "Have any observed that wall of thorns long enough to see if they are individual plants or many plants arising from interconnected roots? I remember some of Herbologist Valerie's students struggling with some weeds that all sprouted from a long skinny root. Maybe we can find a way to infect... kill the roots and the vines above will die? We had 2 wards who were orphans from the lowers who were training with Valerie and I remember listening to them reciting some of their lessons."

Mirari has joined the central hearths with luxurious seating.

Patrizio has joined the central hearths with luxurious seating.

Thea speaks up now. "As I mentioned before, I had created something to kill off the vines near the Shrine of Lagoma. I'd be happy to work on it with others, see if we can--alter it somehow." Clearly she's pretty sure they'll be finding more samples.

Nodding to Medeia, Fatima looks to her maid, and murmurs a few words. The maid nods and jots down a few notes, and then Fatima turns her attention back to the group. "I will see just how much Thraxian fire we can obtain from the Thrax stores. The Isles Canines may also have some to spare. I will have to check my ledgers. As for the delivery method, I have some ideas as well. The Isles Canines are at your disposal, Lady Medeia," she finishes, then gives a wolfish grin. "No charge, unless the Crown is feeling generous."

Thea has joined the hearth to the right with tables and chairs.

Jan nods belatedly at Caspian's clarification on the hazard of approaching. Her cheeks puff out and she rocks a bit where she stands, listening to the conversation but not having much to add to the conversation just yet.

Thea adds as well,"And of course, supply more Sundraw. High Lord Alis said she would help with whatever is needed too."

Medeia shifts her weight from one foot to the other, looking at the new arrivals with a nod at their offers. "I want to be very clear that even if we get carts full of samples from Gilthern, even if we make dozens of barrels of a suitable poison-fire hybrid, it might falter upon application. It might only manage to bore a hole large enough for a single file group of seven to pass through, the thorns may regrow behind whomever makes the approach." She swallows. "I have spoken with one who will be doing so, assuming we can gain access through the thorns. Those risks are known. They are accepted. We cannot get hung up on perfect, we simply must /try/."

Ian gives Lucita a flicker of a smile and says something to her in a low voice. Then he pushes away from the bar. "Send a message when you know when the expedition is leaving," he says to Medeia. This time he IS leaving.

Looking up from time to time, Mirari talks quietly with Patrizio, a serious expression on her features. Emerald eyes sparkle with focus, and while she is murmuring something detailed, she listens to everything going on in the room.

Patrizio is seen to let a breath free for a moment as he's taking notes, with the turn of those jade eyes to Mirari as he's clearly quietly responding, though the majority of his attention is on the planning.

Caspian takes another drink, "If we wait for perfect, we will never act. We have to work with what we have." he clicks his tongue a moment, "Do we have any recent scouting reports of the Land arround the Hall? would be good to pick a spot farthest from the greatest clump of demonic activity"

Jan frowns "If it needs to be done it needs to be done. What's the alternative?"

Giada says, "Death."

Giada's answer to Jan is simple and unflinching. But she rises when Ian does and moves to follow him out.

Thea nods to Giada. "Sounds so pleasant doesn't it." She's kidding, really.

"I worry that death might be an 'ambitiously good' end there," counters Patrizio from his seat, seriously. "I'd worry about choiceless slavery to the Traitor or worse as other options."

1 Knight of the Temple, 1 Templar Knight guards, Luzio, the burly Mirrormask, a tall and silent woman with only one hand leave, following Giada.

Fatima nods to Patrizo, watching Giada and Ian leave thoughtfully. Absently she says, "There are things worse than death."

Lucita sighs as she hears Giada's brief answer. She gives a shake of the head, catches her lower lip in her teeth and watches as Ian and the Archlector leave.

About to say something, Patrizio says what was on her mind and she nods to echo his statement before she murmurs something to him.

Duarte makes a move from his corner to somewhere else entirely. He's been silent this whole time, but watchful.

Duarte has joined the central hearths with luxurious seating.

"The reports are, last I knew, dire." Medeia says to Caspian. "There is enough of the thorn barrier to be..." She stops short of saying 'impossible.' "It is /miles/ think. Even if there was a clear path, it would take a minimum of an hour to pass through the barrier to reach the hall." She looks around, noting Ian's comment and departure. She winces at Giada's comment. "I am willing to meet with everyone who wishes before we begin experimenting to discuss the prior attempts and share any information on cleansing - whether pertaining to the Abyss or something else. Any information I have, I will share if it might be helpful."

Duarte raises a unconfidentally raises a hand and looks around as he takes a new seat beside Patrizio.

A touch of a smile finds Patrizio as he's murmuring back to Mirari.

Jan tilts her head, "Who was that ray of sunshine?"

Lucita says, "Holy Water, gallons, barrels of that might help restrict regrowth, if you can get so much of it blessed."

Medeia's attention seems to follow Duarte to his new spot, and she lifts a brow when he raises a hand. "Count Amadeo?"

Duarte clears his throat and stands. "Yes. Thank you. Isn't there a ... rock? or is it a metal?" He looks away like he's trying to remember. He shrugs it off and clears his throat again. "Yes. Never kite...? Hefe mite...Nethe....Nethicite?" He nods, "Nevercite. Is this not a thing that might be considered? Its use would be...alchemical?...would it not?" He bows and sits back down and crosses a leg.

The look on Medeia's face when Duarte mentions nethicite is... Confused. Comical. She laughs, just a little. "I happen to be fresh out. And last I knew, there was not an easily accessible quantity of it anywhere."

Leaning back in her chair, Mirari is listening and thinking and she's full of questions. After the discussion on Nethicite, she also asks her questions with out prompt. "I realize I am late, so I apologize if this has been addressed.," the woman begins. "Do we have any of the thorns available to test the poison? The next is, is this being coordinated in tandem with a siege? Because the moment we do something, that's going to tip off a reaction. So, I'm curious about the over all picture."

"No, we do not currently have any samples, there is an expedition to collect the samples leaving in a few days. We will..." Medeia trails off. Her lips press thin. "We will have samples. Soon." As for the siege? "It is my understanding that the Crownlands host is being sent to surround the keep with more forces joining. The poison-fire will be sent along as quickly as able."

Jan stares at Duarte "Did you say Nethicite? Why would anyone have that shit?"

1 Knight of the Temple, 1 Templar Knight guards, Luzio, the burly Mirrormask, a tall and silent woman with only one hand arrive, following Giada.

Giada returns after a while, finding her seat again and taking it.

Duarte looks back at Jan and smiles. "I had some made into a pendant. Would you like to wear it?"

Jan says, "Fuck no. I know what stood there before most of it was. No I don't want to lick a cursed asshole either. What you do with your own time is between you and the gods."

Giada peers at Jan, one eyebrow arching oh so very slowly. "Well, this is quite a topic change," she remarks.

Thea smirks at Giada. "Welcome back."

Fatima lifts an eyebrow at the exchange between Duarte and Jan. "I'm not sure what nethicite is, but it doesn't sound like something you want to play around with lightly," she notes, before nodding to her maid, who closes up the notebook she carries. "I will get to work on procuring the Thraxian Fire, and I will also see if I can work with Prince Galen or Romulius to acquire some siege weapons, should that be an option for distributing the substance. Just in case."

As things seem to be winding down, medeia thanks everyone for coming and remains available for a short while in case anyone still has lingering thoughts. She reminds them once again to spread the word about the expedition and to send people her way if they know of anyone wishing to help with the experimentation.

1 Knight of the Temple, 1 Templar Knight guards, Luzio, the burly Mirrormask, a tall and silent woman with only one hand leave, following Giada.