The nod of approval from Demura allows Daemon's smile to grow that much wider. Not that it would be easily seen beyond his stoic and dutiful expression, but nonetheless it was there. The man is quiet as he takes up a position beside the Honor Table. Not sitting mind, rather standing at attention. A vigilant Knight, whom even the adorableness of Alarissa's reunion couldn't sway. Well, okay, it could sway a -little- bit to be sure. The wave from Shae is belatedly returned with a stiff flex of his wrist, back and forth and back and forth.

Daemon has joined the Honor Table.

Rohm the Blackguard, Karrigan's Watchful Avalanche, a Snow Shepherd puppy of ultimate fluffiness arrive, following Caelis.

Squire Serad Iron Foot, Caelis arrive, following Edain.

Katarina rises to offer Sophie the warmest of reception when she comes to seat herself with them, cheeks dimpling with her faint smile. "Sophie, it's good to see you. I hope you've been doing well?" Shifting aside, the young lady returns to her seat and lowers her voice to her tablemates once more.

Corban makes his way into The Vow, settling in at The Honor Table, where he knows so many people already. "Good evening," he says to them as he gets settled. "Such a good turnout."

"Please, sit where you are most comfortable." Alis demures, gesturing at the other table politely. "The invitation extends to you as well Sir Daemon. You are welcome to join us here, or the others at the table the Marquessa is looking to sit at."

Desiree has joined the Honor Table.


    The strikingly pale blue eyes of Aurelian continues to scan the area, nodding to new arrives, Isabeau getting his most respectful nod, as is typical since they were children. Largely the young prince awaits matters to begin, to give his full attention to the reason for the meeting being called.


Charlaine enters the Vow looking around, she frowns as she dose not see someone she is looking for, slowly she makes her way torwards Shae

Cristoph notices someone quietly beckoning him and casts his attention towards Katarina. He joins her there, along with the others and gives those around him a brief wave of his hand. Including Kael, who he kind of moves next to. Guys have to stick together or something something like that.

"My thanks, Princess Alis. We should share company soon." Demura bows and takes a step back, starting toward the Honor Table and briskly taking a seat somewhere between her own vassals in House Keaton and her liege, Duke Cristoph - to whom she bows before seating.

Eirlys returns Shae's hug and then pulls a chair out for Shae. "Here you go." She offers with a dimpled grin. "I am sure Gaston will be here in time."

Demura has joined the Honor Table.

Edain makes his way into the Vow, his Bride to be with him, and Princess Isabeau as well. The Prince of Sanctum moves to the head of the room and folds his hands behind his back, "Thank you all for coming. We have much to talk about but I will try to be direct and succint where I can." He looks to Alis then and bows his head to her, silently asking, 'Ready?'

At Edain's entry, Marquessa Demura rises and bows, her hand deftly shifting the lay of her claymore so it doesn't quite cleave the chair she'd just taken. She's tall, but the claymore is quite large. She retakes her seat after.

"Well enough," Sophie amiably replies to Katarina before seeing herself seated. As she gets settled and opens her journal, her blue eyes drift about the Honor Table, smiling anew.

Shae shines a bright smile at Daemon, a faint giggle at his wave to her, and then she is waving towards Corban, than to Cristoph, and of course towards Charlaine. Smiling warmly towards the young woman. And then leans into Eirlys to murmur to her and speak quietly to the others at her table.

Alis gives Demura a nod of agreement, and when Edain arrives she gives him a solemn look and an equally solemn nod. She's ready. Eyebrows raise slightly as she looks toward the front of the Vow as if asking if he'd like her up there as well. Though for the moment she remains seated at the table.

Alarissa has left the Honor Table.

Alarissa has joined the Quiet Alcove.

Charlaine has joined the Cavalier Table.

As it happens, Isabeau arrives in the company of her cousin, Prince Edain, as it looks as though the pair may well have been quietly conversing together in the moments before they arrive in The Vow. They are accompanied by Lady Caelis. Once the meeting is officially brought to order, the beautiful blonde princess takes up a place of honor somewhere near enough the High Lord's side and sweeps her deep blue gaze out over the assembly of familiar faces. Princess Sophie, her sweet sister, and Prince Aurelian are given her warmest smiles, but there is no ice offered to anyone.

As Edain and Caelis arrive with Princess Isabeau, the Keaton couple get to their feet, Reigna more slowly, with the help of Kael, but they nod respectfully to the High Lord. Reigna watches as Alarissa leaves, a faint look of worry on her face before she retakes her seat.

Monique arrives, quiet and withdrawn, pale and loitering on the outskirts of the gathering.

Caelis finds a spot to sit near where Edain stands, out of the way. Her attention is diverted for a brief moment to see to her guard dog. She looks back up, smiling a tight greeting to the others and folding her hands in her lap. She looks up at Edain encouragingly.

Charlaine moves to sit near Shae and pushes her hair slightly behind her ears as she looks over to Edain and Caelis along with the othersReigna gets a small nod of her head and then she greets her table.

Aurelian has joined the Main Floor.

Roland arrives a little late, moving as quietly as he can to an out of the way spot near the back of the room as he gauges how much he's missed.

Alis gasp when she sees the puppy! "He /will/ be big enough for Ellara to use like a pony!" she exclaims, unable to help herself. "He's awesome." she mouths at Caelis.

Demura favors Reigna with a nod aside when greeted, and her smile's met with one much the same, though it's perhaps a departure from what's otherwise a fairly grim demeanor that is soon to return. Her attention fixes mostly then upon Edain... though one might easily note an ever-present wariness of her surroundings. Even at rest, at her most relaxed, something about the Marquessa looks ready.

Demura can be assumed to be silent but attentive to a hawkish degree, for a time.

For a moment, Sophie looks vaguely concerned about something she directs towards Katarina. Not before she brightly returns her beloved sister Isabeau's smile.

Katarina shifts subtly within her seat, briefly uncomfortable until Reigna pulls her in for a side hug. Quietly, she scans the crowd. Her gaze lands on Alarissa briefly before it drifts back to the front of the room where the leadership of the Oathlands stand, lost in thought

Titus, a young wolfhound arrives, following Gaston.

Edain draws a deep breath, "Ok." He looks to Roland and nods soberly, "There is a great threat in the Oathlands. Sir Roland has been helping one of Lagoma's Chosen in the recovery of relics that the God wishes recovered. One of t hese is called the Bellows of Lagoma. It fanned the fires of creation the legends says, and It can also let loose that fire and destroy all live for leagues in every direction." Edain grows silent for a moment, "And it is in the hands of the Malardin. It is help by several thousand of them that have garrisoned themselves in the caverns beneath the Vowkeeper hills. A series of hills on the edge of the Greenwood, and the Lands controlled byt the Wyrmguard of Blancbeir. The Chosen of Lagoma reached out to me, and he doesn't believe they have mastered how to use it as a weapon yet, but once they do, they will use it to burn the entirety of the Oathlands to the ground."

Gaston slipped in, better late than never, and joined his other Deputies and the Warden.

Charlaine nods to those that speak to her, she smiles softly to Fiachra. Knowing the prince, she inclines her head his way before she smiles to Alis then her eyes move to Edain.

Gaston has joined the Cavalier Table.

2 Laurent Guards arrives, following Nicia.

Sophie checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 14 higher.

Nicia has joined the Honor Table.

Alarissa checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 18 higher.


    Aurelian remains in place as others sit as he listens to Edain's words about the threat to the Oathlands, remaining silent for the time being as he absorbs what there is to report for now.


Katarina checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 1 higher.

Daemon checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

Desiree checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 9 higher.

Alis keeps her expression a fairly composed mask as Edain imparts the news in a succinct manner, though her gaze scans the room as she watches those present. For the moment she doesn't need to add anything, so anything she says is something quiet and just to those at her table.

Alarissa's hand stills on the back of the greyhound as it lounges with her in the alcove, eyes settled on Edain, letting out a controlled breath.

Cristoph checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 2 lower.

Isabeau checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Reigna checked composure at difficulty 25, rolling 19 lower.

Roland listens to Edain and when the prince finishes speaking, he nods gravely, jaw clenching.

"Well, that's fucking great." Cristoph announces outloud when Edain says that the Oathlands is going to get burned to the ground. Perhaps realizing that was /louder/ than intended, he clears his throat. "Are there any plans on the table yet for how we're going to mobilize and take this weapon back /before/ the greating razing of the Oathlands, your grace?"

Well. What Edain just shared is no small thing. Whether or not Sophie is one of Lagoma's Chosen herself or merely extremely devout, and whether or not the news is new to her, her expression merely is one of keen attentiveness, the pensiveness of her eyes and mouth suggesting nothing in particular.

Katarina lets go of a bated breath, her expression subdued. Her gaze flits briefly to Sophie, then Cristoph with his outburst. Grim, she turns her attention back upon Edain, waiting for him to go on.

Marquessa Demura sits, still and silent, hearing the news declared. Cristoph's voice causes her head to turn and her brows to rise slightly, which for her is perhaps akin to some measure of moderate surprise, but her attention is swift to return to Edain himself - perhaps in anticipation of reply.

The news is... not great. To put it mildly. But, that's how Isabeau is handling it. Mildly.

Whatever conversation was going on at the Honor Table, Reigna, for her part seems to grow incredibly pale as Edain's words cut through the accompanying chatter. The Countess gets so pale, in fact that the Count leans over to take hold of her, steadying her in her seat. It takes a few moments, but the obviously frightened Countess nods to her husband seeming to get herself together, holding tight to his hand as she returns her attention to the High Lord.

Nicia was here the entire time, right? Or maybe she's just figured out a way to sneak into meetings without being seen. At Cristoph's outburst, though, she glances towards him, her brows flicking upwards in a bit of surprise before she looks towards Edain to see if he might have an answer.

Eirlys stays quiet for the moment. She is waiting for the rest of it. She knows there will be. There always is more so she is griping the back of Shae's chair which her arm is slung across as she listens.

Monique remains standing stoic against a wall, silent.

Fiachra's fingers tighten just slightly where they rest on Alis' closest shoulder, but otherwise, he's quiet, calm. Perhaps he already knew the news being imparted, perhaps not. Though he does look sidelong at Cristoph, very briefly, for his outburst. There's no judgment in that glance, however, perhaps understanding the sentiment.

Daemon is practically a statue as his green eyes find His Grace and were it not for his tightening fingers around the hilt of his blade, he may well have been no different than a colorful suit of armor drummed up against the wall. His eyes dart at those who speak up, but he is utterly silent. Composed for Edain's next words.

Desiree does not look happy to hear what Edain has to say. She scowls and shakes her head, but she remains quiet for the moment to hear what others have to say.

Shae smiles brightly as ever when Gaston sneaks in and joins them at the table. But her attention is kept on Edain. Blinking a single time at the news, her brow furrows a little as her smile fades and lips start to press together in firm line. Time for business it seemed. A cursory glance towards Cristoph and Nicia, beofre her gaze rests on Reigna and Kael. Reigna's reaction causing her to look worried for a moment as she seems torn between staying in her sit and going to comfort her cousin.

Gaston's feral eyes scan those near, noting their postures, how they move and react. A large hand lifting to his face to scratch at the scar, as his lips take a grim set to them.

6 Malvici Guards arrives, following Calypso.

Looking at Alis, Caelis nods at her excited comment about the pup and pats Karrigan's head as the tone in the room gets grim. She looks to Edain again, encouraging him to keep going with a nod.

Calypso arrives a touch late, but leans in to listen to a guard who updates her on the current conversation. She scowls a few times and nods a few others, clasping her hands in front of her as she gets a feel for the cadence of the meeting at this very moment.

Edain nods to Cristoph, "I have.. but we are going to have to act fast, I need everyone's help." Edain says gravely. "I haven't been to the Vowkeeper Hills since I was a squire for my brother Prince Valen. But my memories of what I wwas told about those caverns is that they are highly defensible. If we try a full out assault, they have both the numbers and the lack of self preservation instincts to hold us out for a very long time. Most likely long enough to be able to master t he relic and burn us to death." Edain looks to Roland and says, "Sir Roland and the Chosen of Lagoma believe the best chance to recover the relic is for an elite strike team to go in and steal it back. I do not disagree at all, but Those caverns are deadly and they are loaded with Fanatical Malardin, who have the ability to summon demons to fight for them. They did so before when they hit us at sanctum. If we send them in there it is likely a deathtrap and our window to recover the relic before they can burn us all with it closes."

Edain draws a deep breath and continues. "I am going to ask Sir Roland and the Chosen of Lagoma to put together their strike time.. But I feel we need to figure out a way to draw as many of the Malardin out of the caverns as possible to give them the best chance possible. And I think I have an idea."

Katarina cannot help but notice when one of her dearest friends arrive, offering Calypso little more than a respectful bow of her head before her attention is redirected toward Edain.

"Aye, we've intentions, and none of them are especially peaceable," Roland folds his arms, nodding to Cristoph in greeting, "The fellow leading them has that 'I like my porridge like I like my women - down my pants and cold' sort of look to him, m'lord. Negotiation is right off the table."

"You're going to use yourself as bait, won't you." Alarissa states, and sort of questions from that alcove, looking at Edain.

Charlaine checked wits + occult at difficulty 30, rolling 18 higher.

Nicia clears her throat before she lifts a hand a bit, "Pardon...As someone that is relatively new to things and matters in the Oathlands, I know that I am...not a fighter like many are. But will there be something that those of us more familiar with esoteric things be able to assist with?"

Alis was busy narrowing her eyes slightly at her brother when he talks of having a plan formulated, perhaps a bit puzzled... and then squints over at Roland. "Really?" That's all she says to his compparison of the leader and porridge and women and pants. And then Alarissa speaks and her eyes narrow even /more/ back at her brother. Yeah, her knuckles are definitely turning white now with her grip on the table.

Reigna looks to Kael and that fear is back, but it is restrained by a look of respect and admiration. She tightens her fingers with his and looks over to Edain as Alarissa speaks, her eyes wide, her brows furrowing as she leans forward. "Keaton will volunteer to aid in anyway we can."

Calypso gives a nod towards Katarina in return but her attention goes back towards Edain for the moment. "Your Grace, it sounds as though you have a plan for a distraction? Tactically speaking, a way to lure them away from their hiding place is most advisable." A glace is turned towards Nicia. "There is always more to a fight than swinging a sword."

Sophie will find a way to project her sadface across the Shining Lands if Edain dies.

Then she'll teach Alis how to do it.

Alis will master it.

"Highlord Valardin!" Sounds the voice of Marquessa Demura Lyonesse from just beside Duke Cristoph, followed just thereafter by a swish of fabric and the scrape of her chair back from her person when she stands, her hand catching her claymore before it sways much from such suddenness of movement, "The forces of House Lyonesse stand at the ready." Her head turns, and she gives Cristoph a meaningful look before her gaze returns to Edain, "I've drawn the enemies of the Oathlands to their deaths before. By the thousands. At your word, we ride to do so again." Her slender fist thumps the table before her. Calypso's voice draws a glance from her, and she seems to answer, "But there WILL be swords swung. Fires sparked. Arrows notched. May my Lyons be those that strike our enemies down."

The sound of Demura's voice raising above the rest brings Daemon back to attention. As she finishes her fiery speech, Daemon raises his hand slowly. "Your Grace, in my free time I've considered myself a student of the Occult. If my knowledge of the legends and these supposed demonic forces could be of any aid... Please do not hesitate to call upon me. I and my sword-arm stand with House Lyonesse and Valardin itself, ready to hear your aid. I would think of no greater honor than facing the front lines for the banners."

Nicia glances at Calypso, her brows lifting, "I'm aware...I'm asking more in specifics, I'm afraid. Is there some plan, specifically, that those of us not skilled in combat may offer our aid in." She then leans towards Cristoph to murmur something to him, her brows furrowing a faint bit.

Calypso holds a hand up towards Nicia suggesting she meant no harm in her comment. She returns to awaiting Edain's response and the full outline of the plan before asking more questions.

Isabeau looks to be making a series of serious calculations behind those cobalt eyes as Alarissa announces an inquiry (or would that be questions her own hypothesis?). Not unlike Alis, the other Voice of House Valardin slides her attention back over toward Edain, askance.

"I shall write to the Mercy chapters in Blancbier, the Greenmarch, and the Telmarch," Sophie offers, "and I am willing to be in the field, as necessary."

"Not surprising, none of these people ever want to talk things out peacefully. It's all doom and gloom and 'lets raze the Oathlands'." Cristoph half-mutters to himself as he pinches the bridge of his nose, eyes turning towards Roland while listening quietly. Edain begins to speak and his focus slips there, eyebrows drawing together and looking incredibly skeptical towards the 'i think i have an idea' portion when Nicia speaks quietly to him. He leans towards her and listens before giving a quick not of his head. "I think so, yes."

Eirlys watches everything, her hand that was on the back of Shae's chair moves to sit next to the other hand so they can both grip the table as if she is keeping herself in her chair. She breathes slowly as she waits for this 'plan'. She is trying to push all the rest to the side to deal with later. Cristoph's words has Eirlys's left eye twitching a little.

With Cristoph's response, Nicia takes a breath before she pushes to her feet, a rather grim look upon her face, "In my research of...various different things, I may have found a potential way to break the writs that have been forged."

Shae's perceptive gaze carefully moves over those gathered in the hall as Edain speaks and others respond. Her gaze stopping on her cousins, Kael and Reigna, nodding in agreement with Reigna's words of House Keaton volunteering to help. And then it drifts to Demura, and then Daemon and so on. Evenutally she glances towards Fiachra a moment. Though as Eirlys shifts and moves her arm to grasp at the table, she moves to put her hand over Eilrys, leaning against the woman.

Edain nods to Nicia, "Yes there will be.. because there will be alot of moving parts to make this work." He looks to Alarissa and says, "I did not say that Princess Alarissa.... yet." Edain clears his throat and continues. "We can offer them a target that will be too hard for them to pass up." At this point, people might notice he is avoiding making eye contact with Alis. "The Vowkeeper Hills got that name because they have great significance to us. Lady Caelis and I can take a 'wedding party' there to take our Vows before the eyes of the Gods in the shadow of the Vowkeeper Hills. We can make it appear vulnerable and an easy target with only a small honor guard, but we can make sure every 'well wisher' is a warrior ready to smash the Valardin the moment they try to spring the attack. Duke Cristoph, If you are willng I would like you and Princess Alis to have heavy cavalry ready to bear down on them once they've exposed themselves. Prince Fiachra I would like you to lead mounted archers ready to run them down and put clothyard shafts in their throats, when they think they have descended on an easy target not prepared for them."

Edain looks around the room his expression sober, but his eyes show thankful gratitude at all the voices of support. "With them distracted, Sir Roland and his team can descend into the Caverns and have t he best chance possible to get back out with the Relic."

Alis checked willpower at difficulty 20, rolling 1 higher.

Katarina checked willpower at difficulty 30, rolling 20 lower.

Alarissa checked willpower at difficulty 15, rolling 8 higher.

Slowing her hurry once she's actually made it in, Korka skirts the edge of the great hall to find somewhere out of the way to stand and listen, doing her best to not make a whole lot of noise given the late entry.

"One of the First Children spoke of how to break writs, in a way," Katarina quietly voices in aside to Nicia. "I'd like to get with you afterward to speak on it, and see if it matches what we were told." The Eurusi presses her mouth into a hard line when Edain speaks of his plan, immediately raising her voice - a rare thing, really - in objection. "That is too dangerous, Your Grace! There is far too many opportunities for something to go wrong! We don't know the enemy, what they're capable of. Something could happen to you, or Caelis. I can't afford to lose you, as my brother and my high lord -- none of us can!"

Charlaine nods to Edain "Blanchard can supply the horses." she says then she falls quiet as she thinks about what else she might be able to do.

From her silent position holding up the wall, Monique nods to Korka's entrance.

Eirlys checked willpower at difficulty 20, rolling 7 lower.

Watching the others stand in support and list their skills, Caelis studies them all as Edain states what undoubtedly will be an unpopular idea. "It's His Grace's duty to defend the villagers at risk should they be able to release Lagoma's fire from this bellows. Our time frame is brief at best. We feel this will be the best way to draw the enemy out and engage them on our terms. Should an evacuation prove necessary-the path will be known." She offers. She looks to Katarina. "I'll know where to go if we need to pull out."

Looking to Sophie as she volunteers herself as healing aid, Reigna waits until after Edain has spoken once more and looks on the edge of making some statement. She looks down at her belly, teeth biting down hard on her lower lip. "If possible, I would offer myself as a healer. Though I might be more liability than I'd like. Still, my heart demands I try to help. We also can offer dogs as needed, to aid in retrieving the relic or in battle."

Calypso inclines her head towards Caelis when she spots her cousin in the crowd. The faintest hint of a smirk curls her lips as the plan is revealed!

Desiree continues to frown. "I know I'm not a fighter, so I can't really help out with the fighting. Still I'm willing to whatever is necessary." She doesn't comment on the plan.

Alis stands up from her chair when Edain is done speaking, though it doesn't make a lot of difference to her height dammit. So, equally slowly, she stands up /on/ her chair and points her finger right at Edain. Thank the gods she's his sister, cause this is definitely not something one should normally do to the Highlord. "I did -not- just hear my brothey say he and his wife are going to offer themselves up like a red fucking flag being waved at a bull!" One gets the impression she wants to have shouted that. But instead, she merely said it VERY LOUDLY. "And he didn't even warn me first! I definitely did not hear that. Because I know, that my brother is well aware that if anything happens to him or his wife, Avrum itself will shake if I have to obtain vengeance for his death."

"Your Grace, your plan meets much resistance. And my own as well!" Demura begins, "I formally propose a war council to discuss these possibilities before we simply declare our plans so," Demura answers Edain, standing taller at her table by Cristoph, her brow furrowed. Her head turns and she looks through the room, "This is chaos. Gather those of thought and ideas. Sit them at a table and form plans to choose from."

Calypso grins towards Alis at her words. "I suppose that means we know the Princess General will be fighting with all her might in this case. A clever plan indeed."

Cristoph glances to Nicia as she makes her announcement to Edain. The look he gives the high lord is questioning. Of the man's request to him however, he pushes his chair out and stands. His fist thumps over his heart. "House Laurent stands ready with its vassal houses to do whatever House Valardin requires, without hesitation." As others begin to voice their objections, he pitches his voice slightly louder. "Prince Edain is doing nothing more than any of us would do in protection of our lands and our people. I suspect we can all be as angry at him as we want and his path would be the same. In his place, I would make the same decision."


    AUrelian listens to the various pledges, concerns, and finally the heated words of sister before saying, "Regarding the plan, Sophie could prove a valuable piece of bait as well given her position." in his typical calm, serious tone and then shifts his eyes to Edain and says, "That said Alis is correct, if you and our best fighters are all present, that leaves the Oathlands seriously weakened if things go wrong. What are we to do then?"


Alis glowers at people in general now. "Stop arguing with the Highlord in public! That's my job!" she protests, scowling towards Calyspso then because dammit she's right.

Fiachra's expression had drained of his typical warmth after Edain's mention of a plan. Perhaps he agreed with Alarissa's guess, but his face is carefully blank by the time the plan is actually outlined. His fingers tighten on Alis' shoulder for a brief moment before letting go, doing absolutely nothing to try and hold his wife back. "Please, no one give her a shoe." That's said to the room in general, before he says, to Edain, "You know you don't even have to ask for my support, Prince." He looks to Demura, and says, sharply, "He is the Highlord, Marquessa. A war council will only delay needed action."

Nicia inclines her head towards Katarina before she retakes her seat, hands folding themselves in her lap as she shifts back to simply listening in silence for a moment before she glances at Cristoph, expression growing a little worried for a moment before she glances around the room at those voicing their objections.

Alarissa looks like she might say something. The newly minted Thrax doesn't. There's the shake of her head head, the look that reads this is a bad idea, and she's standing up from her seat. "Then you had best protect Princess Ellara, in case she suddenly becomes the heir to Valardin with your plan High Lord Edain." By instinct, Alarissa making tch sound and starts for the door.

"Time is a factor, my lady," Roland says to Demura. "And the High Lord speaks his will." He seems to say this as if it is all that needs to be said, and quietly folds his arms again, waiting.

What Nicia says draws Sophie's attention. That's ok. The rest of her family can protest and shoot varying discouraging expressions at Edain while she handles other business. "As Lorekeeper of the Oathlands, I would appreciate any and all to come to me to discuss any and all information as pertains to matters of the Gods or the occult." Then, quite nonchalantly, she wonders, "Are our foes so far warped that they would believe the High Lord of the Oathlands is not being wedded in Sanctum?"

A look crosses over Eirlys's face and oh if looks could kill there would be some dead people. Obviously not Edain since she has tried to keep his ass alive more times than she can count! But it is TEMPTING! Alis is standing and you know talking loudly at Edain because she wouldn't yell, totally not yelling. Eirlys starts to stand and her mouth even opens, THANK GODS the first things that come out are in Oathlands Shav and mumbled on top of that. Hopefully someone pulls her back down.

"Your Grace, perhaps it need not be you. I am sure there are vassals in your armies somewhere that could pass for you and your betrothed from afar, no?" Gaston rumbles, from where he sits.

The shift in the rooms mood as Daemon a little higher alert. He speaks thus in a low voice, "In my own humble opinion, I must agree with Demura on this. A war council would surely assist finding such a desired... 'bait." His face twists as he utters those last words and he falls silent again, allowing those of higher peerage to continue speaking.

"A War Council can be had today." Demura argues, stoic, with a look toward Fiachra and Roland, "Within the hour even, I could form my own plan."

Nicia glances over at Sophie when she speaks up, a brow flicking upwards just a moment as her rather worried look turns into just a bit of a frown. She doesn't voice any reply to the comment, just studies her for a long moment before letting her attention wander the room once more.

Charlaine looks over to Sophie as she calls herself the lorekeeper and she raises her brow, she murmers something to the table. "May be good to get Sophie in on any investigations on this as well unless she already knows about these people."

Cristoph frowns at Demura next to him, "I'm sorry, Marquessa. I hadn't realized that you were in charge of Prince Edain's armies and had the authority to call war meetings." He points to Alis standing on a chair, "I was under the impression it was /her/ job."

Shae's eyes continue to carefully shift from speaker to spearker, lips pressed back into a frim line. But as Eirlys stirs and starts to stand. Her head turns to glance up at her. Watching her friend for a moment and then she is standing to, but wrapping an arm around Eirlys and pulling her back down into her chair. With force if needed, as she leans in to murmur to her.

"I merely /proposed/, Duke Cristoph. And attest to its viability." Demura replies to Cristoph emotionlessly, turning her head, "I give no orders. If you wish me to withdraw it, I do."

"He is the Hero of the West. It's his job to be on the front line of this." Caelis looks to Gaston. "Don't think either of us take the choice lightly. If I had my druthers, we'd be safe in a church in Sanctum and not giving his sisters heart attacks." Caelis points out in a calm voice and nods to her cousin. "I hope this will be considered a family affair?" She asks Calypso, her eyes twinkling a little.

Calypso speaks just as calmly to her cousin in return. "I wouldn't miss your wedding for anything in the world." And a slight nod of confirmation to follow.

Corban does not say anything. He does not shout out, nor does he voice objection. He just listens, taking it all in.

"I /wish/ for those here to respect Prince Edain's capabilities. As well as that of Princess Alis." Cristoph says cooly, one eyebrow lifting in Demura's direction. Then he tips his head towards Nicia and leans his palms against the table to say something quietly in her ear while still standing.

Roland is overheard praising Edain for: The leader leads.

Eirlys lets Shae pull her back down and she is closes her mouth with an audible click as she listens to all the conversation though Shae is given a thankful look before she overhears Demura and frowns and she stands again, this time she will take Shae with her if she needs to. "You have my sword Prince Edain, as you always have." She looks over at Demura. "Marquissa he is the Highlord. If this is the plan. We follow him. If he says march into the Abyss we do it." However unhappy she is with him and Caelis being a target she is also utterly loyal to her Highlord.

Korka's arms come up to cross over her chest as she listens, pressing her lips together and mostly avoiding a frown. She's quite attentive.

Edain nods his thanks to Cristoph and says, "I understand the risks. And Sir Roland is right. Time is a factor. We have no idea how long we have before they can burn the Oathlands to a Cinder and then /no/ army could stop them. Not even if every sword in the compact descened on them." Edain draws a deep breath, "When the Malardin came for us at Sanctum, They came in the dead of night. They came with magic, they came with steel silk, they summoned demons that looked like the unholy cross of a wolf and bear and something worse. WE call it the Tragedy of Sanctum because it was devastating. We lost much that night. But make no mistake, no matter how horrible that night was. We won."

Edain lets those words sink in for a moment. "When the light of dawn crested over the horizon we were still there. And our attackers. Every. Single. One. we sent screaming back to the Abyss. We reminded them that no matter how fierce, th ey are, there is reason that those that hide in the shadows are right to fear the light."

"I understand that I amm putting myself at risk, but I do so because I believe in the Oathlands. I know that if I give my up my life we will live up. As the World Endures, We Will Remember. That is our oath, and it is one that we must all keep."

Edain Continues, "If we draw the Malardin to a fight we are prepared for, to a ground that we choose, The only thing they will find is us, blades in hand sending them to the Abyss. I am willing to risk this because I believe in all of you. You are all the Dragons of the West, and our roar will deafen our enemies!"

Alarissa has left the Quiet Alcove.

Charlaine says, "Highlord, do we know about the Malardin? such as how to stop a summoning or how to protect our people against Demons?" Asks one of the scholars, or is there anything you need to know we book smart people can help with?""

With Edain's continuance, Demura simply bows her head for a moment, narrows her eyes slightly, then bends to retake her seat - though her brow is furrowed when she does, the lone perceptible slant of an expression otherwise sculpted like in stone.


    Aurelian looks to Charlaine and says, "We've been investigating the Malardin for some time, I am sure we are as prepared in such regards as we can be."


"Anyone that will be surreptitiously guarding the Highlord and his wife..." Alis looks signifigantly at Caelis, too. So far, if she is hurt over finding out these plans along with everyone else, it doesn't show. Because she's still in heart attack mode. "...know that you will be facing /me/ if anything happens to them." She still purses her lips after Edain speaks. And just as calmly as she got up on her chair, she gets back down and sits stiffly back into her chair.

Gaston glances to Caelis as she speaks, savage eyes staring at the woman, head cocked to the right, but he doesn't comment. Instead, letting his gaze slide back to the High Lord as the man speaks. A grim look still on his scarred visage, perhaps not pleased with the news that has been broached today, but well, who could blame the newly minted Marquis for such.

At the culmination of Edain's speech, Reigna and Kael rise to their feet, hands clasped tightly together, knuckles white, chins held high. "Keaton stands with Valardin. Keaton stands with the Highlord. Our strength is yours, our skills are yours. We will fight on whatever field we are fit to stand on."

"So it shall be done, dear Highlord cousin. I shall procure holy water and holy flame," simply asserts Sophie, calm in the the tumult around her.

"My sword-arm stands ready for your command, your Grace." Daemon swears plainly, offering a deep bow to the proceedings as he does.

Monique is silent as the grave, expression strained.

Up Shae goes with Eirlys, having still been holding onto the woman. The arm wrapped around her giving her a faint, subtle squeeze. But she lets her speak and then once she seems done, she is drawing her back down into her chair next to Shae. A momentary glance Gaston's way. Glancing back toward those at her table and then against toward her cousins, Kael and Reigna. A firm nod at Reigna's words, in full support of them. A soft encouraging smile Reigna's way.

Cristoph has already announced his pledge of service and accepted the terms, so after Edain has finished speaking on the roar of dragons, he simply offers in a clear voice, "Steel bends, honor holds!" Then he sits back down quietly and shifts his weight closer to his wife, looking aside to Nicia with a curious expression before exhaling slowly.

To Charlaine, Sophie notes, "As far as I am aware, there in no known way to stop a summoning beyond disrupting the rite. There are recent cases of successfully perdormed exorcisms, but I have yet to find among the many tomes and documents resurfaced in the Great Archive a formal rite for the undertaking. If someone has found such, we might perform such."

Demura says, "Honor holds," Demura echoes her Duke, Cristoph, with a firm nod, leaving her voice to that with a glance aside at him and an otherwise characteristically stoic, characteristically Lyonesse manner and expression. Her silence returns to her after."

Edain nods to Charlaine, "Princess Sophie and Prince Aurelian have done much digging into their past. And the demons they summoned at Sanctum... They were dangerous but they fell before steel. I remember one crawling away from Duke Arn with fear in it's eyes just becore he caved it's skull in with his hammer. The Malardin prey on fear of the unknown. That their fanatical devotion will be enough to frighten us into complacancy." Edain draws a deep breath, "There are some t hings that we need to make this work. Those of you that specialize in the social graces... though you will not be on the front line I am going to need you to help us prepare this 'wedding party' so that at a dinstance we look like wedding revealers and not fighters loaded for bear. Those of you that are scholars, anything you can uncover about this relic will be vital."

He looks around the room and says, "And we need outriders. People that can find their patrols and make certain only those Malardin scouts that see what we want them to see make it back to those caverns and the rest are never heard form again."

Edain is silent for a time, "And there is one very very dangerous mission that might be of great help. If those that can learn enough about the customs of the Abandoned Tribes that the Malardin have been recruited from to perhaps, appear as one that has found them and feed them the information we want them to have."

Eirlys is brought back down to her chair looking very determined. "Princess Sophie perhaps the Holy water and such can be given out throughout those who are there so that it is easy to get to for as many people as possible? I am not sure if it was or not." She clearly looks relieved to have Sophie able to get such items.

When Cristoph sits back down she reaches a hand out, curling her fingers around one of his hands. Nicia offers him the briefest of smiles, one meant to be reassuring before she lets her attention shift towards Sophie when she responds to Charlaine.

Korka unfolds her arms so she can rub her face for a moment, particularly her eyes. As her hands drop her expression is briefly pained, her attention sweeping around the hall at the people and the doors back out. Of course, Edain's mention of the mission pulls her attention right back to the Highlord, expression oh so thoughtful. After a moment she nods to herself, relaxes back down to a more mellow attentive again.

"The Eventide Flotilla will take on that task," Katarina volunteers when she hears the last of Edain's words. "We've already been dealing with the Malardin and their violent tactics for recruitment in the islands for some months now. We know what to look for, Your Grace."

"Scholar or Outrider, I can be either." Daemon remarks to Edain. "I have studied the Occult and I've ridden a horse into battle many times before. I'd be honored to assist in whatever group would have more need of me."

"Duke Cristoph; we will speak shortly on arranging the cavalry properly." Alis says simply, after a few short exchanges of words with those at her table. "And Duchess Nicia, I would like to know more about what you spoke of earlier regarding writs." That she is still so stiffly formal means her temper as not at all cooled. But at least she's got a lid on it.


    Aurelian looks to Edain and says, "When it comes to addresses masses I've learned my lesson, otherwise I can attempt what I can That said no doubt others would be better suited. As to research I've had my hands full of late with a personal project, perhaps after that is finished, or at least after I've had some time to clear my mind a bit." At least he's wiling to help in some way, or try.


Charlaine gives a little nod of her head to Daemon though she says nothing more. She dose however stand from her table, and she looks about once more before moving out of the meeting

Celerity the Tortoise arrives, delivering a message to Demura before departing.

"I'm at your disposal, Princess Alis." Cristoph says to her in a level voice, his attention going from her to the others in the room as he measures reactions. An arm is slipped around Nicia and he squeezes her close for a moment.

Eirlys clears her throat then calls out to Edain. "Prince Edain, if you are looking for someone to learn the customs of the Abandoned Tribes. Wouldn't you want someone who might already be familiar with the area and some of their customs?" She asks, her tone serious and making sure her voice carries. "Someone who can blend in well?"

Sophie catches Nicia's look and offers a kind smile before she shifts to address Eirlys. "The easiest way to procure such would be to have Godsworn on hand to bless such, but I will readily part with some of what is in my possession as Mother Mercy, and I will see what the Archlectors of Lagoma and Mangata are willing to gift from the shrines." Then, at what Alis says, she gently notes, "This is perhaps not the most opportune," read: safest, "time or place for such. Although, yes, a great boon it would be." Kindly, she smiles at Nicia.

Alis makes a frowny sad face at Sophie. "I know not /now/." she clarifies.

Caelis looks to her cousin. "I guess we should figure out how best to "celebrate" properly with our new kin." Her eyes slide to Alis and she looks at her apologetically.

Nicia glances over at Alis when she speaks to her, nodding, "Of course, Your Highness. I am ever at your disposal, of course." She then gestures towards Katarina who had also spoken about wanting to hear more, "As well as yours, Princess Katarina." She then pauses, glancing at Sophie, that brow flicking upwards once more, "I'm certain all of us are aware of the fact that just shouting such things across a room is a rather bad idea."

Charlaine nods her head to Alis and she moves out

Charlaine has left the Cavalier Table.

Fridrik, a small White Fox leaves, following Charlaine.

The Keaton Countess looks around, a determined look on her face as she and Kael murmur back and forth. There's an equally determined look on Kael's face and he moves to stand beside Cristoph, though for the moment he does not speak. As for Reigna she stands firm, looking over to Shae and Eirlys for a moment, nodding to her cousin before looking pensively towards the Highlord.

Calypso grins a bit to Caelis. "I'm sure the details will be arranged. We'll have the whole army with us. Plenty of celebrating."

Fiachra eyes his sister sidelong for a moment as he rises to his feet. "Personally, I would rather have you with the cavalry, given your swordarm." That makes it clear that he knows all too well what she was hinting at, before he looks to Alis, waiting for her cue that she is ready to leave.

"I fear that experience of the contrary with numerous others leads me to err on prudence when such things are even uttered in public, Duchess. No offense was intended." Politely, Sophie inclines her head to Nicia.

Edain nods "Very good then. Again, Forgive me that plan is rash. It is not that I have a death wish. I love the idea of dying old in bed, su rrounded by family. But my faith in all of you is magnitudes stronger than my fear of death." He nods to Daemon thanking him for his volunteering, "We need some time to prepare to head to sanctum so take some time, pray search your soul, decide where you feel you can help the most, and contact Myself, Princess Alis, Duke Cristoph and Prince Fiachra and we'll start forming the groups."

Attention flitting from speaker to speaker, Korka nods to herself again and turns to start for the doors back out, walking quite swiftly. Not so much tryinng to be quiet on exit.


    Aurelian nods to Edain and then turns his gaze to Katarina and Nicia and adds, "I would like to speak with the two of you at some point as well." in his calm, serious tone.


With the apparent conclusion, or near-conclusion, of things, Demura shifts her claymore enough to rise safely and bows formally toward Edain. She spares a look through the room and then, expressionless, gazes toward the Keatons for a moment before moreso at Cristoph in relative silence, hand resting absently at her swordbelt. She sniffs the air but says nothing.

Shae gives Eirlys another squeeze before she addresses Edain. A small glance to Fiachra at his words, but her gaze fully turns to regard her cousin, Reigna. Giving her a soft reassuring smile as the Countess watches her and Eirlys. Leaning in to hug Eirlys she gets up from her chair, squeezing Gaston's shoulder before she heads over towards her cousins. Her movement plauged by her limp. Upon reaching Reigna, she hugs the woman and murmurs to her.

Eirlys looks at Fia and nods. "I will go wherever I am needed. I trust you, Alis and Edain to know where I would be most valuable when it comes to this. I just know that if we want someone to infiltrate their group we would need someone who was abandoned from that area. It would be easier to blend." She explains. When Edain speaks about his plan and not wanting to die she arches a brow. "You and Lady Caelis will be well protected. Very well protected." She states as if anything less isn't even an option.

Desiree has left the Honor Table.

2 House Wyrmguard Guards leaves, following Desiree.

His piece said, Daemon retreats to the back of the room and makes his post just by the exit. He seems relieved surprisingly enough, the way his shoulders slump just a little only telling toward the man's thoughts and the calmness that was pervading over him.

Cristoph is overheard praising Edain for: The most honorable of the high lords.

Reigna is overheard praising Edain for: Bravery at its finest

Alis is probably missing many cues at the moment, but she simply inclines her head towards those in the room at large and rises again with her hand resting on Fia's arm. As soon as everyone is dismissed, yep, she's ready to go. Probably so she can look for the heaviest shoes she has.

Sophie is overheard praising Edain for: Steel bends, honor holds!

6 Malvici Guards leaves, following Calypso.

Jordal, a bodyguard leaves, following Isabeau.

Reigna is overheard praising Caelis for: She will be a remarkable Princess of Valardin

Roland departs when Edain leaves; he has work to do, it seems.

Caelis watches her cousin leave and pulls guard puppy on to her lap as she watches everyone. She'll put her attention into the white fuzz beast.

Reigna returns Shae's hug and murmurs back to her in return. Her expression is warm and there is something wry within it too.

Katarina glances sidelong toward Aurelian. "A time can be arranged easily enough," she voices in quiet agreement. She looks aside to Reigna, gently squeezing the countess's shoulder before she rises.

Nicia glances at Aurelian, nodding to him, "Of course. I will endeavor to be available this week, as well."

Fiachra has left the Cavalier Table.

Eirlys has left the Cavalier Table.

Alis has left the Cavalier Table.

With a simple bow and a swish of her gown, Demura turns to depart, thumbing idly at her claymore's handle while she goes.

Demura has left the Honor Table.