Abner, Mordred, 2 Armed Confessors, 2 Redrain Guards, Angwyn the otter, Capt'n Waddles the small cock with a bell, 2 Rivenshari Clan Guardsman arrive, following Ann.

When people start to arrive Ainsley a few cadets have just finished moving sofas, a bar, and an even a /harp/ into the Commons. So there are plenty of places for people to sit. He's dressed in his armor except for his helmet and his cloak; but otherwise in full pale rubicund. A hand lifts to scrub over his face as a messenger scurries in ahead of the meeting starting, and he unrolls the scroll to read over it with a curious, then appreciative expression.

Once people begin to arrive he'll look up from his messengers and go to stand by the fireplace, tucking away his message and smile sheeply, "Thank you for joining me."

There's /some/ refreshments and little finger sandwiches on the bar, but it isn't a lavish affair just a little food to keep people occupied.

Jeffeth has joined the an elegant rosewood harp.

Skaldia arrives with her hawk Libera on her shoulder. The quiet Harrow huntress gives a nod to those she knows, and then she quietly moves to go sit down somewhere, the hawk nestling close to her ear. She's dressed in her leathers, bow and quiver of arrows on her back, though she does transfer these to lean against the wall next to her as she sits. She folds her arms cross her chest, kicks her legs forward, crossed at the ankles, and glances around with observant dark brown eyes.

Jeffeth lumbers over and sits at the very large harp that could hold 8 people but maybe only 3 with also Jeffeth. He is even larger than usual now. Inexplicably.

Skaldia has joined the a luxuriant sofa with soft velvet benchseat.

Raven slips in and surveys others in attendance with a small nod of approval and settles somewhere out of the way.

Ann slips in and gives nods to those familiar with her as she moves to where Raven is and a small smile offered as she turns her attention to Ainsley to listen to his words.

Sir Stanley, a first captain of the King's Own slips towards simple bench with handful of finger sandwiches to settle in and listen.

Lady Nebulosa of the Zaffria half of Rubino-Zaffria strides into the meeting exactly on time and looks for a seat, any seat, the closest seat. Sit. One leg comes up over the other.

Ainsley picks up a few papers and skims over them a little bit, a largely frustrated expression on his face. He glances up and says, "From what's been reported to me about the other various meetings that have been held they have largely focused on attempts to get to our allies that are outside of Arx. Which is /good. It is good we are attempting to get our allies here." He tucks the papers away and says, "But leaving the city to get allies is not the job of the Iron Guard. We are the city watch, our general mission plan is peace and order within the city. But our real job is to protect Arx and those within it's walls. And I plan to do just that. The full force of the Iron Guard will be ready to fight. I am in the process of getting all of our gear updated, getting guards new training, and to based on the suggestion of Paladin of Death, Raymesin Ulbran, rallying the commoners of the city to assist in protecting it. What I'd like to request of those of you joining is-- do you have intel on /targets/ within the city? I know the Thinnest Point is clearly a target, so I will need a contingent of Iron Guard there. The Crown will also likely be a target so--" He nods to Stanley, "--I plan to aid the King's Own with some of the Guardsmen as well. But I need to know where else to fortify. Otherwise I'll have to generalize and base my information on likely tactics and targets rather than specific knowledge."

Raven says, "I don't suspect we have enough to protect the whole city so perhaps a plan to facilitate evacuation or to have a shelter for civilians to flee to that's interior, like the hall of heroes as it's warded?"

Skaldia listens as Ainsley lays out the general needs for information, and she lifts a hand. "The Catacombs must be guarded," she says firmly. "They are where the Thinnest Point is located. Azazel has accumulated an army of millions of Shards, and is marching on Arx," she says plainly, her features stoic. "All he really cares about is getting to the portal that leads to the catacombs to enter the Shining Lands and devour the Wheel of Life and Rebirth. Other targets I can think of, but probably don't matter as much as the Catacombs: The Faith. The Crown. The Great Archive, where all the knowledge is kept. But, he wants to eat /everything/," she says emphatically, "and nothing else matters if he gets to the Thinnest Point. Likely, he will eat anything in his path. I think all that can be done is slow it down as much as possible."

Stojan, a cleverly reserved assistant, 3 Thrax Guards, 1 Thrax Elite Guards, Cato, a stealthy non-descript man arrive, following Denica.

Jeffeth is intrugued by the prospect of something having an even bigger appetite than his own. But for the moment, the big man is silent.

Ann shakes her head in the negative to Raven when she mentions Hall of Heroes. "No we don't want civilians there." But before she can add on Skaldia speaks up and Ann is nodding showing her agreement and backing up what Skaldia is saying.

Raven lifts an eyebrow "As you say, my lady." she looks to skaldia "I will be protecting the Thinnest point so I leave it to you, Sir Ainsley, to tell us where we ought to be guarding."

"Weren't folks at the Shrine of Vellichor saying he likes to eat the stories of heroes?" Nebula glances at Raven then Ann. "Might try destroying that to hurt morale. And I don't think those wards work to protect people physically." The woman shrugs. What does she know? "With millions coming, they can surround nearly any point of exit. If we're evacuating, it may need to be by sea. Or... Flood the tunnels with people so no one can get through them."


**********************************************************************
More scouting reports begin to come in, as the flood of refugees to Arx intensifies. Hundreds of smaller domains have begun to marshal their forces, readying to rally to the banners of their highlords whether in defense of of the cities of the Great Houses or to make to Arx, but there's been a distinct lack of communication from the more distant domains. As more refugees arrive, it becomes quickly apparent why- most outlaying domains are simply gone. Attempts at defense were overwhelmed and completely destroyed. In most places, not even ruins remain and refugees attempting escape have been run down.

The sheer size and scope of the horde is overwhelming. It's possible powerful stands at strategic points can slow the march upon Arx, buying refugees time to evade the horde and make it to Arx. It's also possible that the horde will overwhelm and utterly crush everything in its way, allowing it to defeat the forces the Compact in detail before it falls upon a weakened Arx like a hammerblow. Different lords argue about what is the better choice.

Though others are just in denial. Some traditionalists seem happy to pretend nothing at all is the matter, writing white journals about trivial complaints about neo nobles or prodigals, even as word arrives that their domains have been completely annihilated and their houses functionally no longer exist. The shrines, the Great Cathedral of Arx, the Great Archive are all swarmed and overcrowded by the faithful praying for answers, and writing. Some have no hope at all, while others march for doomed defenses of minor domains, baronies that cannot hope to even slow the advance.

For centuries, the Compact believed magic didn't exist, and demons were simply stories. They saw the Reckoning as allegorical. That time is past, and a second Reckoning has come for the world.
**********************************************************************


Ainsley rubs a hand over the back of his neck and he nods to Raven, "Why do you take point on a plan to evacuate if needed? I think the Ambassador Salon would be a better place, as-- erh--" He glances around for a moment, "--The Thinnest Point is under the hall of heroes. I've been there personally for my paladin ritual. I will probably, personally, be waiting for him at the Thinnest Point. I'll most likely be able to pull on Gloria's power there." One of his shoulder lifts and he says to Raven, "You could speak with Whisper House about if they have any way to evacuate people from the city?"

"I-" He cuts off when a messenger runs in with scouting reports, "Give me just a moment."

With a slow nibble to finger sandwiches Stanley nods to the call out as Ainsley mentions the King's Own. "We've a small number with our duties. I'm unable to spare knights, less you have royal family that need an escort at this time." He pauses to listen to the suggestions of what to do with the tunnels, "We still need people to be able get through the tunnels. Flooding them will only prevent us from getting to where we need to be."

Sitting somewhere in the back, princess Denica is accompanied by her stewardly looking assistance, and a quiet man that blends into the background. The woman is dressed in sea-tones and she has a portfolio open across her lap. It contains pictures for the most part, random bits of information sketched so to be a visual representation. A thick Islander brow quirks upwards, "I've no doubt that the notes I sent have made their way," the woman says. "A number of organizations have met to look at city proper. Specifically to look at the about a million people potentially impacted and in need of shelter and resources. There are plans in the work to see how best to manage these numbers and keep people protected." A beat as the woman offers her update spontaneously, "the Inquisition will also be out in full force, of course," Denica adds, "given the type of enemies and the like. We have in the past offered to cross-train the Iron Guard, given our area of expertise, I would humbly suggest that would be a good idea in this case, or depending on time, looking at joint efforts, to cover off skills."

Ann turns slightly to look at Denica when she speaks and there is a slow nod to the princess words. A glance to Ainsley when he is interrupted and she puts her hands together where her thumbs begin to play a sort of thumb war with each other but she still listens as she looks to the others that also speak up.

Ainsley checks composure at hard. Ainsley fails.

Raven pauses and frowns as a reaver files in and weaves his way to Raven's side and begins whispering in her ear.

Ainsley's expression looks particularly grim as he reads over the latest reports coming, and there is a wealth of sorrow in his gaze, and /anger/. It takes him a moment, where the reports are balled up-- and then after a deep breath --straighten back out and unwrinkled as possible. His voice is shaking with the intensity of his emotions as he addresses Stanley first, "No, no, Captain. I want to know how /we/ can assist /you/. Can your plans be aided by the Iron Guard? If so tell me what you need."

Then he turns to Denica and says, "I agree, cross training with the Inquisition is a good idea. I will happily have my men work with yours. This is my first thoughts currently: Figure out where he is likely to breach the city add, barricade it, fortify it with iron guard. Then set up blockades, men, and weapons along the way to the Catacombs, and also at the Hall of Heroes. Try to slow his path to the Catacombs there. Still-- /I/ will be waiting for him at the Thinnest Point. I'll have men stationed outside. I will also rally commoners and assign men to train them for as long as we have time. Those commoners who /wish/ to fight may. No one will be forced."

Stanley nods back to Ainsley, "We're setting to barricade the bridge with check points. I have zero want for this to become anything similar to the crownbreakers. I'm not delusional in thinking barricades upon the ground of a thousand year old bridge will stop the abyss from getting to us. I'm looking to slow anyone on foot down. If we must evacuate I seek a clear path out. If it is something where you have need to get people out fast." He turns to stare at Nebulosa, "The tunnels must not be flooded."

"Please send your women to us as well," Denica says with an easy smile, the Islander flips over a page. "There are also additional projects that underway to help distract and delay the hordes arriving, I will make sure that your people are informed. Many of the Wards are doing additional planning of their own, of course, I am sure they will share their own information, though some things are of a sensitive nature." Having also received a brief from someone, there's a small frown on the woman's features.

Ainsley rubs a hand over his jaw and wonders of Stanley, "Would someone with the ability to fly help with the the bridge barricade, Captain?" A squint is given to Denica and he says, "Of course I'll send women too. I didn't mean-" He stops and shakes his head, rephrasing, "I'll have my troops cross train with yours. Also if I might speak with you privately of a few things later..."

Another report is brought toward him, and he unravels it to skim over it, glancing toward Raven and Nebulosa to say, "I have reports that the Castle of Yesterday, Great Archive, and of course the cemetery are targets. Do either of you want to head up protecting the Castle or the Great Archive?"

Skaldia looks to Ainsley and says, "I would like to be in the Catacombs as well, possibly with my sister Cufre, depending on what she wants to do. If we are there, we may be able to help." She doesn't speak further specifics than that. The Harrows are full of secrets, but they do seem to be able to help in certain matters, in surprising ways. "I'm no Iron Guard, buy my family has vowed to protect and serve the people of Arvum, and this seems about as grim a time as any. The cemetary then would probably be our focus," she adds, as Ainsley receives and calls out another report.

"The knights of Solace will be defending those targets under the care of the Faith, along with the Templars," Jeffeth rumbles. "Our people may volunteer as well to defend the thinnest point, and I may yet do so as well."

Ainsley smiles in the direction of Skaldia and nods his head, "I'm happy to have you." And then turns that smile onto Jeffeth as well, "I'll still send my troops there as well, but make sure they know to take lead from the Templars and Solace and not try to take over and cause confusion. And if you decide to come to the Thinnest Point, I'll happily fight along side you. I'm sure others will be there as well, but as someone with a direct connection to Gloria I feel it is my duty to be there and attempt to call on her."

Raven's eyebrows widen "Castle of yesterday? Yes, I know it. I got an anonymous letter from it's occupants once."

"Yes of course, my offer stands to meet at any time," Denica says to Ainsley, though the news of this and that, is clearly getting her attention. Then Denica pauses, "the Thinnest point is huge, the name is somewhat deceiving. There are known entrances, but there are probable more.," she adds. Then a beat, "we've some folks working on find out what was done in the first Reckoning to protect the city, hopefully some of that will prove to be of help this time around."

"We will call on all the Gods and Goddesses and Sentinel," Jeffeth agrees. "Because we will need them /all/. The flame of Lagoma. The love of Limerance. The elements of Magnata...." he's prepared to go through all of them just like he learned in Godsworn school. Someone should cut him off.

"If you have things, someone, that will fly. We will take the help." Stanley offers as a page comes to hand him a few missives.

Joy, the advisor of roses arrives, following Esme.

Ainsley rubs his face again and says to Denica, "It isn't really /that big/, it's-- Let's talk about that later. A nod of his head is given to Raven and he says, "Ok, I'll assign a contingent to you to lead at the Castle of Yesterday. You probably won't be able to get inside, but protecting the outside is better." He only looks back toward Jeffeth to look a little uncomfortable, "The last time I tried to call on Vellichor I went blind for a day. I'll leave calling on other gods to those with more training in that than I." He smiles a little bit sheepishly. And then to Stanley he nods and says, "Okay, I'll put you in touch with them. It's only one person but one person who can fly is a better advantage than not having any anyone who can fly."

Raven wonders towards Denica "Might you be agreeable to a chat a bit later, princess?"

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

Raven says, "I recall where it is, never tried to get in but I recall Helena was trying to get in there when she seiged the city."

Esme enters in without her normal bubbling hugs. Perhaps she has learned to read the room. Her smile is still very much in place though. While illuminating, the words cause her to step a bit to the side as it fades just a bit. A head is tilted as she has a scribe update her on what she's missed so far.

"I only mean we will need all kinds at the thinnest point. I can invoke Gild. I cannot Gloria for..." Jeffeth clears his throats.. "....reasons...But we need to get all types there who can channel celestial primum."

Ainsley moves over to the bar to grab paper and an ink quill, to start to write things down. He says, "So firstly, we know the Thinnest Point must be protected. The cemetery must be protected in regards to that. The Castle of Yesterday will be a target. The Great Archive as well. Raven will take point on assisting with the Castle of Yesterday. I will take point on the cemetery as I will be going to the Thinnest Point to wait for the asshole. I'll need to assign someone to assist with the Great Archival. The Iron Guard with train with the Inquisition. Skaldia, Cufre, and Jeffeth may assist at the cemetery and or the Thinnest Point. Iron Guardsmen will be assigned to the Palace Bridge to work with Captain Stanley." A glance is given to everyone in the room, "Is there anything that I've missed?"

Skaldia looks to Jeffeth and says, "Don't forget Petrichor, who grants sanctity to all life," she murmurs, before looking to Stanley. "What kind of things that fly?" she lifts a hand, betting the hawk on her shoulder. "I've got this thing with birds, where they sometimes talk to me. It's not very reliable though," she explains, scrunching up her face.

Returning to her sketching, Denica goes silent and looks distracted, but it's unlikely she is. Too alert for that.

Raven's eyebrows look around "Oh. Shit. Is THAT why the cemetary's....oh." she puffs out her cheeks, "I might suggest those stationed by the cemetery get blessings and take their weapons to the faith to be blessed. The cemetery is VERY..ah. Abyssally active. Now I know why."

Amongst the doom of what is being reported Stanley continues to nibble at the finger sandwiches. Handing a missive off to the pages standing next to him now as they work in tandem of who is running where. "I suppose anything that can fly? To be able to scout and see what is coming from city side and what might be coming from the cliffs and water. All would help."

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

Ainsley smiles at Raven, "Yes, because it is the entrance to the Thinnest Point-- normally I'd be more careful with that information but /he/ already knows that so..." A shrug is given, "And I'm pretty sure any free agent that tries to get down there would be eaten and not our problem."

Esme turns her eyes towards Raven to this and then back towards Ainsley. She is keeping quiet for the most part. Jeffeth is given a look about seeking the various Gods. For now she just listens. Though there is a tapping of her foot like a nervous habit of trying to contain her energy.

"There is more than one entrance," Denica gently adds to the discussion, "though I think we covered that," she says in afterthought.

Ann slips out as quietly as one can with bells in one's hair. She's heard enough and makes to leave.

Abner, Mordred, 2 Armed Confessors, 2 Redrain Guards, Angwyn the otter, Capt'n Waddles the small cock with a bell, 2 Rivenshari Clan Guardsman leave, following Ann.

Ainsley gives a small dip of his chin toward Denica and then comments mildly, "Is there anything else anyone wants to share or ask me?" He's rolled up the paper he was scribbling on. "Otherwise I have training, cross training, and assignments to hand out and commoners to try and rally to the cause."

Skaldia frowns toward Raven, but not /at/ Raven at this news of Abyssal activity near the cemetary. "That is... disturbing news," she says, and looks to her hawk, Libera. She whispers something to the bird, then sighs, and rests her cheek against feathers. The bird trills, fluttering her wings, then settling again. After a moment, Skaldia stands up. She looks like she is about to say something, her mouth opening. But then she closes it, shakes her head, and just turns and walks out as well.

Esme is overheard praising Ainsley.

Skaldia is overheard praising Ainsley.

Jeffeth stands and seems tall and big enough to cover all entrances if he laid down at the correct angle. Speaking of entrances, he has to turn sideways to squeeze out of this one! And he is soon gone but not without being very obvious about leaving.

Receiving a messenger, the princess pens off a response and shakes her head. Denica stands up, smoothing down her skirt, "very informative, thank you Captain."

Skaldia has left the a luxuriant sofa with soft velvet benchseat.

Libera, a quiet hawk leaves, following Skaldia.

Jeffeth has left the an elegant rosewood harp.

Stojan, a cleverly reserved assistant, 3 Thrax Guards, 1 Thrax Elite Guards, Cato, a stealthy non-descript man leave, following Denica.

Raven turns and slips out, following her reavers and walking at a fair clip.

Stanley stands up from his lean upon benches, finishing off the last of the sandwiches he held onto. "Sir Ainsley. If it's not said to you or of any for those that have been here. Tell yours now the pleasure its been to serve with them. There are many that are not going to survive this."