Keso, a street urchin arrives, delivering a message to Monique before departing.

Tikva has joined the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

"Of course, Dame Alexis." Regi replies when she asks to sit next to her, reaching over to pat the seat next to her, "Have a seat...We can stare at everyone together."


    Sabella gives a dip of her head, a soft chime in return to Reese, "It is a pleasure to be back in the city once more. Ever bustling with activity that I have so missed." She does not step up to the table directly for the moment, her cerulean gaze yet intrigued to gaze about the gathering once more. The soft silken sweep of her path draws her slightly behind her younger sister and off to once side. Her hands remain clasped before her as the slow sweep of her turn comes to rest, her stance elegantly poised.

Margot has left the Emerald Couch.

Margot has joined the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Rickard has joined the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

    Merek takes out a cigarillo and lights it with a phoenix flint striker, before he inhales the dark smoke, and looks to Reese while he keeps it between his fingers and in his mouth, "Well then, if you called me here, I can only wonder," he muses to her. He doesn't get called to such things often, his hood still up, but to some he's quite recognizable with the cloak bearing the sigil of House Fidante.

    The highly-anticipated arrival of Doll occurs at last. She struts in and salutes the room in general, parasol slung over a shoulder. Her legs direct her own perfectly-shaped backside over toward one of the tables. Definitely the most prestigious one available, next to the most prestigious person available. Unfortunately the King isn't available, so perhaps Calypso will have to do until someone more appropriate arrives. Doll sits. And looks at Calypso. Then she looks around with a scowl, "Where's the food?"

Doll has joined the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Sparte has joined the Couch of Majestic Gryphons.

Reese sets her tea aside on the table as she realizes the official time of the meeting has started. "Greetings everyone. Welcome and thank you for coming. We have many gathered here this evening, much to cover and limited time, so I may seem rushed at times. I do first wish to thank everyone who attended both our last Gray Forest Mission and the Mission to Maelstrom. We have a few orders of business on the table and I going to rush through some of the quicker items. The first one is that if anyone who is part of the Grayson faction is interested in a position as a commander of part of the army, please let me know. Lord Killian, I believe will be one our commanders. Thank you, Lord Killian." Reese says, but continues.

"Then the mission to Maelstrom went very well. We did good things. We defended the city. We had good relations with the Thrax. The problem is that was just one battle and they will need our help again. We will be heading out again. If anyone wishes to attend that future mission, please let me know. Our mission to the Gray forest went well as many know. We have another mission into the forest and I will be leaving on such in a few days. That is where I going to focus most of this meeting on."

Nyx, a black falcon arrives, delivering a message to Lou before departing.

Tikva, as she wanders into the meeting, is chewing on her own knuckle with an abstracted look on her face, standing to her full height in the dark leathers of her Inquisition gear. The stir and murmur of voices is not enough to draw her attention from whatever she is thinking about; she hitches a hip into the table and folds her arms loosely across her chest, breath huffing in a long low chuff past her nose. Only when Reese starts speaking does she lift her gaze to study her friend and cousin, although she does not immediately say anything, or remove her hand from her mouth. A faint cinch touches her brow.

Leona gives Margot a nod and a smile as she joins the table, pointing at the food as Doll inquires. "That way," she says with a shrug of armored shoulders, her spaulders clanking only slightly before returning her attention to Reese, falling into silence as Reese begins the meeting though, taking her attention from the Grayson princess only to regard Killian with a thoughtful look.

Kaldur leans forward when Reese starts to speak, resting his chin in his hands. Clearly, the young man is interested.

Esoka has settled in, sipping from her cup of water, a generally businesslike look about her. Which gets even more focused in businesslike once Reese starts talking. A dip of her chin to Killian, when his position is announed. And she listens, particularly sharply once the word Gray Forest is mentioned.

    Merek lifts his brow when he notices Doll, and blinks a few times, but then his gaze is back upon Reese. He then nods a bit and listens for the time being. He exhales smoke, and then takes another puff, seeming to keep his mind on what's said as his cigarillo is twirled about.

Lou is a wee bit late to the meeting, but she's able to slip in relatively easily. She heads over to the table and takes a seat.

Lou has joined the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Olivia makes her own way in, and promptly looks somewhat cowed by the large number of people. Isn't it always the way? Still, she makes sure to stop and offer Reese a curtsey as she arrives. "Thank you for inviting me, your highness." Bid to find something to drink, she shuffles off to do that, even taking a wine over her usual tea. Perhaps to steady her nerves. When she spots Killian, she shuffles over toward him. Safety in numbers, for the Ashford.

Killian gives a slight nod at the pronouncement, but otherwise doesn't comment, hanging near the back still. His eyes are wandering over the various persons present. He gives his cousin a small smile when she moves over closer.

Sparte sits quietly by himself, listening to the things discussed while taking occasional notes in a small book in his lap.

Shard crosses her arms over her chest and leans back in her seat. Her eyes narrow as she listens, although, for a brief moment, she does flick a distracted glance toward Doll's entrance, and there's a half squinted, incredulous glance that crosses her features before she turns her full attention back on Reese.

As the map table starts to fill up, Ian lays a hand on its surface and rises, pushing himself to his feet as much as standing. He retrieves his drink and withdraws to a couch; he's only here to watch, after all. The seat is better occupied by someone who's more involved than he is.

Ian has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Ian has joined the Emerald Couch.

Calypso gives Killian a nod of approval (not that he needs hers!) as she hears of his promotion. Though she glances up as Reese announces another Mission in to the Gray Forest. Assuming more information is coming on the mission, she simply gets out her quill to take a few notes with out interrupting.

Alexis refrains from food and drink for now, leaning back in her seat, and listening idly to Reese. A hint of a smile crests her lips.

Keso, a street urchin arrives, delivering a message to Monique before departing.

Alistair arrives in his typical silence... not looking happy about... anything? He stands with hands clasped tightly behind his back, keeping to a lonely corner of the room that he very much enjoys to himself.

Mason is a few minutes late, but the man moves into the room from deeper within the house, heading quickly to the table and sinking down into a seat beside Lou.

Mason has joined the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

    "Ain't we got servants for that?" That Doll sounds impatient, snapping her fingers at somebody in livery while Reese goes on about less important matters than getting food, "Ey! Food!" She points toward where the food must be - at least according to Leona - curls her fingers at herself beckoningly, and leans back to kick her feet up toward the table at first. But thenshe squints at the table before instead kicking up onto another chair. Maybe the angle wasn't quite right? She grunts and looks eventually toward Reese... then right back to the food.

Merek checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 15 higher.

    Merek looks aside to Doll, and voices nothing, gaze soon back to Reese.

white-tailed eagle, other white-tailed eagle arrive, following Mia.

Fergus doesn't really have a lot to say for the time being. Mostly, he's going to hang back, lean against that wall and listen into what's being said. Don't expect him to talk unless he's got anything worth saying. For the record, he does at least look like he's paying attention to what's being said.

Reese seems surprised by the arrival of Doll as well. She gives a polite nod of greeting, but there is wariness in her blue eyes. "Please help yourself. The cake is my favorite." She says in effort to regain her manners. She glances over those gathered. "With the permission of Redrain and upon Princess Freja's request, we will be marching into the Gray forest and heading toward the border between the Redrain lands and our own. We intend to stay on our side of the border as much as possible. We have several goals in mind with this action."

Regla's not getting anything to eat or drink herself, not even pulling out a flask to partake of. Instead she's just remaining seated, letting her attention shift between those present, or arriving, for a short time before she let's her attention swing towards Reese when she begins to speak.

Margot takes a seat near Leona and folds her hands lightly upon the table top. She purses her lips a little at Doll, but then her gaze settles upon Reese as she begins to speak.

Rickard maintains his post nearby, eyes drifting from Reese to the other Graysons in the room. When Reese begins to speak, he keeps his attentions respectfully constrained to her.

Estaban nods his head listening to Reese, but Doll seems to get his attention and there is a bit on blink then he looks back to Reese shaking his head. He ignores Doll for the moment and continues to listen to Reese speak.

Leona leeeans over to Margot when she takes the seat next to her, murmuring something softly to the Tyde Duchess, but her eyes are still fixed on Reese.

Esoka does give Doll a look of some bafflement, but with a shrug she directs her attention back to business.

Corban is here and not late, totally not late, filing into a seat to take in the information that the Princess is offering up. Spotting Monique, he sidles towards her, to join wherever she is located.

Rymarr watches Reese as the meeting gets underway. He takes a moment to glance around the table. Noting those present it would seem while he considers faces. After a moment the Deepwood Marquis' attention shifts back to Reese. Her explanation draws a stoic nod from him, but he doesn't speak up immediately on the topic presented.

Ian settles onto the couch, close to an arm (because he wants to be able to get up again). He keeps his cane close to him and goes back to nursing his drink and watching.

Looks like Fergus got himself a wall budy. Aksel easily slides next to the other northern and just stands arms crossed over his chest listening. It is quite possible one wouldn't even notice that he's there.

Ailith folds her hands together, settling them upon her lap. The Palace Seraph observes the assembled, eyes darted to the left and right while occasionally tapping her forefingers together in consideration.

Mia arrived as she so often did -- at a brisk pace that caused a flurry of her skirts and a flaring of her hems, the sort of gait that distinctly said she was about business and it was best to either help her or simply move out of her path. Her eyes scanned the room, cocking one black brow at a few of its occupants before dipping into a curtsy to their host. "Your Highness," she said briskly, offering Reese the faintest of smiles before assuming a seat somewhere in the general vicinity of Esoka. And preferably Rymarr if they're anywhere remotely near one another.

Tikva glances at Doll, and then kind of side-eyes in Reese's direction, for some reason. She shifts, folding her arms over her stomach so that she is no longer gnawing on her knuckles. "I mean, if House Redrain is literally asking us to investigate an issue that adjoins their territory, would it not make sense to pay more attention to the issue than to the which fealty claims the territory? If it's a joint mission... I mean, since we appear to have representatives from most of the Compact here for some reason, isn't this kind of a Ministry--" She tips her chin in Calypso's general direction. "--involvement issue?"

Lou smiles warmly at Mason, and reaches out to take his hand as he sits next to her. She then turns her attention to her sister Reese, and then to Doll when Reese addresses her. A slight frown visibly forms on her features, but as she's not armored today, and Reese has welcomed her, she lets it go for the moment. The matters of Grayson Redrain seem of more importance, and so she glances back to Reese again.

    Eventually, thankfully, that Doll spots Sparte after giving Reese a nod of a reply. Finally, someone who doesn't look like a damn noble. She raises her hands overhead and claps twice, then snaps her fingers and points at him, mouthing really widely without speaking aloud, "Bring. The. Cake." Then she points at the table in front of herself, slouching in her chair and looking back toward Reese. She gives the other fine, upscale people like her at the fancy table a thumbs-up and a wink afterwards.

Lady Teldra, a Lycene noblewoman, Sir Bristleworth the Hedgehog, 3 Grayson Guardsmen, 1 Armed Confessors, Steadfast, a guardian dog, Buchanan, a Champion arrive, following Cara.

Merek checked composure at difficulty 20, rolling 7 lower.

Reese stands at the map table now. Maybe she wants to seem taller. She is not short and she is not tall, but Reese is rather average in size. She then looks to Tikva and finally over to Doll. "Mistress Doll? Will you please step outside. You may take what food you want with you. This is a military meeting and I did not send an invite."

    Merek looks to Tikva and Reese, then to Doll, then to Sparte, then upwards, then downwards. He then smiles at Reese when she solves the issue before he even has a chance to speak!

Sparte glances around the room, then gestures to himself to make sure he read Doll's gesture right. He thinks for a second, sets down his writing instrument, and makes a gesture at Doll with one hand that roughly translates to Get Bent. He then returns to note taking.

Calypso nods to Tikva. "The Ministry of Defense is here to help with coordination but we have no jurisdiction. My recommendation at this time is to follow Redrain's lead. They have asked Princess Reese to secure the Crownland-Northalnds borders. The threat has been seen in both. There will be plenty of cross fealty involvement in this. But we must respect Redrain's authority in their own lands."

Willen, 2 Armed Confessors arrive, following Aislin.

Cara has joined the Plush Couch.

Esoka isn't too far from Rymarr. She offers Mia a quick bow of her shoulders and scoots some to make room. Her eyes flit about the room at Calypso's words, seeking out the Redrains in attendance.

Mason watches quietly, content to hold Lou's hand and be an observer for now.

Aislin makes her way in a bit late, clad in leather armor as is her usual wont. The Ashford explorer settles in near the edge, content to simply watch rather than try to throw her hat in the ring as part of the discussion.

Reese continues to stand at the table. She seems to be waiting to see how Doll responds. "Yes, we are working together on this." She says in agreement.

Graham finaly decides to take a seat, he will look to Reese as she speaks nodding. "I've pledged my support and that support continues, I will travel along with whomever goes to the forest or back to Maelstrom or both." He comments easily enough it wasnt really much of a question on going for him at least.

    "Oh! Well shit, why didn't you say so?" In response to Reese, Doll drags her feet off of her footrest-chair and her ass off of her ass-chair, getting up and looking back toward Sparte, who for some reason is not bringing her the cake yet. She sighs irritably and goes over to get some, biting in to sample it briefly before she shovels a bunch more onto a plate that she starts toward the exit with, apparently content.

Even as others continue to stream in, often quiet slips of figures drawing through the outer doorways, Sabella watches each quietly in turn. Another slip a smile alights upon her face as Lou heads draws towards the table. A slight, silent dip of her head given even as she listens to Reese speak. She remains standing slightly off to the side as move join the table and attend to the either the matters at hand or the food and drink offered just beyond. There is but a brief flicker of her stormy blue eyes towards the figure that catches her younger sisters eye though it doesn't linger.

Monique looks up from her position when Corban joins her, smiling at the man and reaching out a hand to touch his shoulder gently. She leans in to whisper, under the current of the more serious matters.

Olivia studiously avoids whatever sort of fuss is occurring with one of the... guests? Or the not-guest, and sips her wine. However, she does seem quite interested in the Gray Forest talk, looking back and forth between Calypso and Reese as they exchange political details. Oh, but there's Aislin. Reinforcements! She's already standing by Killian, but quickly waves down her sister so she can see where they are.

Justice, an elegant hunting falcon arrives, delivering a message to Mia before departing.

Reese seems relieved when Doll starts toward the exit. "No worries, enjoy the cake, Mistress Doll." She murmurs, but seems paused in her talking while the woman is still in the room for some reason or another.

Rymarr offers a brief nod toward both Esoka and Mia, but soon enough his blue-eyed stare shifts along to regard Reese. It lingers for a moment, studying the Grayson princess for a moment before he speaks up, "I had plans to dispatch a number of our Prodigal rangers on a particular objective. Something I believe may be of vital importance for the future... however, if they'll be needed? I'll refrain from that order for now. Will the rangers be needed again?" Rymarr remains rigidly straight in his seat, shoulders broad and his chin inclined ever so slightly.

Reese has a gentle smile for Graham at his words. "Thank you Lord Graham."

    Mmmm. Cake. Doll continues outside, chewing loudly, spilling crumbs on the floor while she goes.

Doll has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

At Doll's performance Leona's eyebrow - just the one - goes way, way up. When Doll leaves that same eyebrow lowers again and she's back to looking rather carefully neutral. "I'll be sending a small group of the Hundred to assist again, as the King is also rather concerned about matters in the Gray Forest and wants to show his personal interest in a swift and just resolution to matters there. Is there a particular commander with whom you want them to coordinate, Reese?"

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

    "If you need people from the Iron Guard, we'll need permission from Command of both Grayson and Redrain for me to bring people in to assist if you wish, unless you had another desire for me to act?" Merek asks, while he looks to Reese curiously. The matter about the Doll seems forgotten as he focuses on the conversation at hand.

"Redrain plans to hold down our own lands, with Grayson watching the border between the two fealties, since it's speculated that various tribes and moving between both. We'll also be searching for particular weapons that we believe will be of help to Grayson that are thought to be somewhere in the North." Fergus utters from his spot against the wall, arms folded across his chest. "As Warchief and Duke Halfshav we'll be overseeing the northern portion of events."

Cara arrives quietly and takes a seat on one of the couches - the plush one, which is her favorite. Her lady in waiting brings over a cup of tea and takes up a position behind her, periodically leaning in to murmur things.

Reese turns her focus to Rymarr. "They certainly would be useful. Maybe we should talk later in more detail? Where is the better place to bring them might not be a black and white issue." She then turns to Leona. "Thank you Dame Leona. I think with Marquis Rymarr would be best if he is willing?" She says, looking in his direction. "They should be used to working with him." She then pauses. "So I wanted to talk more about why we are doing this and that will help answer some further questions, including possibly ours Merek. See don't want to leave things fully undefended here.

Lou seems to relax visibly after Doll leaves. She goes back to listening to Reese talk about the mission, and the many people who offer their troops.

Tikva hooks a faint smile to Reese and then reaches up with one hand to rub the pad of her thumb over the curve of her eyebrow. "That's good to hear," she says as she leans into the brace of her hip against the table. "What-- what exactly are we doing? Again?"

Shard's eyebrows lift faintly, but she's remaining quiet.

Regla lifts one of her hands up, "I can bring some of my marines, although we're better at movement on the open waters, we're capable on land as well. Although..." She glances around, then observes, "If you do not need them, though, I'd still like to volunteer my time and effort..." She then glances towards the Northmen, including them, "On either side of the border, I've offered my sword to Princess Freja in things since she aided with a rather dangerous mission recently. So, where ever I can help the most."

Rickard remains quiet until and unless called upon to actively participate. When acknowledged, he offers a nod in return, if not a vocal greeting. Else, he's a lurker. A lurky lurker.

Margot continues to listen silently though though she does fill two glasses with wine, setting one before Leona and one before herself. Getting the sense they may be needed.

Lou glances over at Tikva and nods at her question, seeming to want to know the same thing. "What is the overall goal of the mission? Ideally, with the first one, it was to see if we could get the shav'arvani to form alliances. But, I missed the purpose here with the distraction of Mistress Doll."

Though no one really called on him or asked him anything, Kaldur lifts a hand speaks for himself. "I can bring myself! Sounds like a blast!" Even if he isn't quite sure what he just volunteered for.

Rymarr offers a nod back to Reese's answer, which he responds to promptly, "Then I'll delay that order. Thank you." Again he falls into silence. Though the brief exchange between Leona and Reese seems to draw a frown to the Marquis' expression. He watches the pair for a moment. Then his stare shifts to Leona. He studies her with the usual amount of open scrutiny before he offers a nod and his own answer on the topic, "If the Lord Commander of the King's Own wishes for her people to report to me? I'll accept that responsibility. Familiarity is there, after all. I'll accept whatever will increase the odds of as many returning home as possible."

Esoka offers Aksel a slight grin when she spots him, in her scanning for Northerners. She keeps quiet for now, looking between Rymarr and Mia as Reese describes this mission.

Aksel tilts his head to listen to Fergus as he speaks remaining silent as he speaks. He nods once before listening to the proceedings.

Tikva's grin crooks wide across her mouth as Kaldur volunteers, and she huffs a little breath past the brightness of her smile. "What a charming attitude, Lord Kaldur," she says. "Let it never be said that our Divers shied from a challenge."

Reese looks toward Regla. "If Princess Freja requires your services, that is completely fine or you can come with us. Either way." She then pauses for a moment. "First we are forming a protective shield for compact against the slaver. Much like we did at Maelstrom, we are protectors, the shield between the abyss and the people. Then we are going to recruit as many Shavs as we can to our side. We didn't get that close to Redrain lands the last time we went out, so we should have some new chances. Like before we will not be killing Shavs who are not actively hostile us. We will try to woe them over and keep them from being enslaved. We will fight the abyss where we find it there and while on the way there. We will fight the agents of the slaver we run into and weaken his presence. We will stand ready back up Redrain if needed. We can use warriors to fight. Healers to heal our injured and any Shavs who need such. Diplomates to help us recruit and scholars to help us look for information. There maybe information that the Shavs have that might help us defeat the slaver."

Lou glances over at Kaldur an grins. She remembers him. "And you said you didn't want to be an adventurer."

Alexis gives a few more nods of greeting, to Aksel and Esoka, but the bulk of her attention is on Reese - and the various other speakers. Still, she remains silent.

    Merek blinks a bit towards Kaldur, but then turns his attention to Reese and nods at what she states, deciding to listen for the time being. "So basically this is like the first mission, but further out, and meant to buffer him from gaining foothold closer to Redrain or Grayson lands?" he asks curiously.

"Details are fucking sketchy right now, but there will be missions to undertake in the North. Once shit is hammered out in a better fashion, I'll make people more aware of it." Fergus says with a hint of a growl to his tone, which could be just the way he talks. "Redrain ain't gonna ask anyone to throw themselves at whatever is we happen to run into. But if you're feeling frisky and don't mind freezing your balls, tits, whatever off, I'll be your point of contact if you're looking to help out. Or Duke Halfshav. Say again, ain't looking for volunteers, but ain't gonna turn them away either." Reese is given a nod. "Or if you're looking to stay in the Gray Forest with the Princess Grayson over there, have at it."

Leona looks over at Fergus. "Don't be Thrax, man. Don't be Thrax," she advises. "Everyone in the Compact for the good of the Compact."

Rickard glances around the table, gauging the reactions of those present in response to Reese's words. He does not acknowledge Kaldur's outburst. His attention then shifts to Fergus, and then back to Reese. He idly fingers his blade. Idle hands, and whatnot.

Kaldru returns Lou's grin with a little smirk of his own. "I said that? That doesn't sound like something I'd say."

Ian shakes his head and takes a long drink from his glass.

Olivia fidgets a little beside her family members, particularly looking over with a bit of wide-eyed awe at Kaldur's uninformed enthusiasm. If only she were half so bold. It does cause her, after a fashion, to ask in a smaller voice (that might easily get talked over amidst the conversation): "Princess Reese, is the effort... purely military? Do you expect any other... strangeness present? I've offered myself on some of these efforts before but sometimes I feel as much a burden, needing to be protected. I can work in camp as a medic if that is needed, but probably there are others more robust who might do the same."

"Then don't fucking insult me by calling me one." Fergus grunts at Leona.

Killian pushes off from the post he'd been leaning on and says, "Mobility would be a tremendous asset. Now that things are thawing, fodder for horses won't be as big an issue..a strong unit of cavalry could serve to break up enemy advances. Especially if they're anything like what we faced at Maelstrom. A half a hundred warhorse could have mopped that field clean in just a few charges..though they need open area to maneuver. If we're looking at amongst the trees, I'll ask my cousin for more rangers than we had last time. Most things have trouble keeping up an attack with two dozen arrows sprouting from them."

Tikva breaks into a bright laugh, despite herself, and then shields her mouth with her hand, eyes bright as she slants a look in Leona's direction.

Lou glances over at Fergus when he mentions additional information. "I might be of use in the North, believe it or not. I've gone as far north as the Everwinter in my explorations. I've possibly even been over Redrain lands, depending on where we're ending up." Lou is quite well traveled, she is. "In any case, I know most of Arvum like the back of my hand, and probably have a few good maps that might be of use.

It seems only after most have gathered that Sabella form turns from alongside and behind her younger sister. She sweeps easily around the table, lifting a glass from a servant even as she moves, a bright spark of mischief in her gaze. The young damsel drifting in spring silks to towards Lou's side, a slight dip of her form seating herself next to the woman's side. A soft brush of silk flickering against Graham upon her other side as she finds a cozy spot. She gives the man a warm smile even as she tips her head towards Lou with low words so as not to disturb the meeting. Her gaze remains steadfast however upon those speaking in turn.

Regla glances over at Leona at that, her brows flicking upwards, before a frown curves the corners of her mouth downwards, but any thought is bitten back for the moment, whatever passably good mood she had seems to sour rather quickly.

One of Mia's black brows arches mildly at Fergus' statement, the corners of her mouth turning slightly downward. Of course, given how easily that expression rests on her face, that may simply be how she looks at everyone. "If you would, Your Highness," she said to Fergus, "be so kind as to give us a general sense of the state of the shav'arvani in the North, I think it would be helpful -- particularly from the diplomats among us. My only exposure to them thus far has been taking one of their axes in my hip, and it's an experience I'd rather not repeat if it can be avoided."

Aislin has joined the Plush Couch.

Ailith smiles overhearing something or another, then her attention shifts back toward Reese.

Sabella has joined the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Inquisitor Jonathen arrives, following Laric.

Margot looks from Fergus to Reese, "I will be happy to go where ever you believe I may be most helpful." She notes softly.

What a rare occurrence! Laric Grayson, in the flesh, at a function. He makes his way around the crowd with a purposeful stride, sparing a faint smile here and a nod of recognition there. He's just passing through, though, and doesn't stick around.

Shard's lips purse. "I can't foot the bill--or half the bill--" she adds, with a nod toward Reese, "--For the Few again, but there's a fair number of them that have been downright itching to get involved in this shit that weren't in on the last round, or Maelstrom. As far as I'm concerned," One eye narrows. "...I suppose that depends. You can hire me anywhere. But if I'm volunteering, I'm from the damned North. And quite frankly...it's been about too long since I was back there."

Leona raises one eyebrow at Fergus. "Don't be insulted, just don't be isolationist. In times like these, it doesn't help anyone. And people like to help. And to fling themselves into the breach to aid each other. Even my beloved family is coming around to that idea." There is absolutely no hint of sarcasm in her voice when she says this.

Reese looks over to Merek. "It is similar, but things are more urgent now." Reese then turns her attention to Fergus for a moment. There is a thoughtful silence that comes over her. "Anyone who wishes may volunteer for Prince Fergus' missions." She says after that pause. "We stand with the Redrains on this and Princess Freja has requested this action. Together against the abyss we are allies." She adds. She then turns to Leona, giving her a nod. She smiles to Olivia. "More than military. We need many types, including those who know the lands and plants."

Inquisitor Jonathen leaves, following Laric.

    Merek's features seem to be hidden by his hood, and he does not reveal his emotions much even with the slight amount of bickering. Instead he seems to wait, listen, and watch. Another small puff of smoke, "... I have one question, we're sure our enemy is a Herald?" he asks. He then tilts his head a bit when almost all the talk about assistance is towards Redrain, and he doesn't know if this is one mission or two. Still his question seems to stand.

Reese turns her attention Margot. "Thank you Duchess Margot. I would like you to to the border with me. I will do my best to protect you. I want you to help recruit any Shavs we met. I would like the same of Countess Mia." Reese then turns to Shard. "Give me a quote and I will see what I can do in terms of paying them."

Shard waves a hand. "Talk to Audric. He can give you a quote /and/ numbers. And he'll make it sound nicer. But I can pass this meeting on."

"How much would the Few require -- ah." Tikva wonders of Shard with the high sweep of her eyebrows, as she scrubs at the back of her neck with the palm of her hand. She smiles as Reese expresses the same idea, and says, "You will find that House Grayson is not without capital."

Reese looks over to Shard, giving her a nod. "I will talk to Baron Silas."

The eternal annoyed look on Fergus' face swerves to Mia. "Same as fucking usual. They're nomadic, moving, the usual fucking patterns for Northern shavs. May of even written a couple of reports to that to the General." A glance at Calypso, before looking back. "There's been a general sense of them moving southward toward the Gray Forest, which is why Redrain's Voice wants a host there." A nod at Reese, clarifying said host. "So, yeah, shavs are still fucking there and are being gathered to...His service, not gonna say his name, but figure most of you can fucking sort that one out yourselves. But, it's not hopeless to try an sway them, if that happens to be your goal." Which sounds like is not his goal. His solution is likely far more violent.

Alistair might look like a statue to some, considering he doesn't seem to move or even breath as people chat about the mission that Reese lays out before them. His eyes shift to Fergus for a moment, staring at the man before he regards some others who are present.

Shard eyes Fergus for a moment. There's a faint tightening around her jaw, but the moment doesn't last long. She looks away soon after.

Rymarr's attention drifts from Leona and Reese to regard Fergus and his response cast toward Mia. Rymarr's attention drifts toward Mia for a moment, considers her, and a lone eyebrow shoots upward. He watches and waits, turning his blue eyes from Mia to Fergus, and back again.

Margot considers Reese and then nods, "OF course. I speak Northern Shav fluently as well." She agrees.

Shard adds, "As do I."

Graham finally does sit at the table to listen to all those who speak and what the plans will be and the troubles they face the young Stonewood is still sure of his promise to help, but he doesnt usualy blindly run into things if he can help it at least.

Lou nods quietly to something Mason says, giving him a grave look. One he should probably understand.

"The situation has become much more dire than simply swaying Shav away from the Horned God and the one he serves. There will be much that needs to be done. Military, Adventurers, Diplomats and all in between." Calypso says with a nod. "The Lyceum will be meeting soon to determine its actions in this in assistance with Redrain. And the Oathlands have dedicated their forces as well. I've not yet heard back from the Thraxian War Leadership on their efforts but if you are having trouble finding a place to assist, let myself, Princess Freja or Princess Reese know."

"I shall be where Riven requires me," Esoka says simply, for her part. She leaves it at that. Her gaze is steady on Fergus as he lays out the situation with the Northern shavs. Then she grunts, sips her water, and looks between Mia and Calypso.

Synder The Wolfhound arrives, following Barric.

"He is not a god," Leona says firmly, "and we should not call him so. He is a traitor, and he is a desperate creature and a servant of dark, but he is not a god."

Aislin finally speaks up, when Calypso mentions 'Adventurers'. "If there's anything the Society of Explorers can do, General, you need only ask myself..." A nod towards Lou. "Or one of the First Seekers."

"Thank you for that, Prince Fergus; frankly, I'd rather no one say his name at all, but quite a few people that can't seem to scrape together quite very much sense between the lot of them stubbornly insist on doing so with entities they shouldn't, and on a regular basis at that. I very much appreciate you being far wiser." Her lips purse faintly. "As for my goals, with so many lives likely on the line, I'd prefer to avoid fights where we can, and trust our military commanders to lead our soldiers well when we can't. I'm not so foolish as to think we can sway everyone; not even half. A quarter, and I'd consider us extremely lucky. But I am just foolish enough to think we ought to //try//. And if I'm the one that gets stabbed for taking the trouble, so be it." She looked, then, between him and Calypso. "If you'd forward copies of those reports to me, I'd like to peruse them and see what can potentially be done."

    Merek looks at a document and considers it, while he listens to Reese speak, and others, and looks to Leona. He frowns a bit in thought, "... Hmm. You will have my assistance in this matter, at the least. Reese... This is quite an important task we're set towards. I'm going to see about getting you support that can extend past... Our usual means." He looks up in thought, "He might not be a god, but he's going to be a powerful Mage more than likely, for certain."

Mason frowns, gazing at Lou for a long time, then reaches to snag some wine from a servant, taking a small sip. He gives his wife's hand a squeeze, nodding quietly at something she murmurs to him, then focuses on the others that are speaking again. Then after a moment he leans over and whispers something else to Lou. Then he comments to Leona, "He is not a god, no, but he has amassed a tremendous amount of power and should not be underestimated. The one he serves corrupted an entire land to slavery." He looks to Reese, asking, "Are the lands he walks in the north blighted?"

Ian finishes off his drink, and cradles the empty glass in his hands as he listens.

"It's important to maintain distinctions between the Archfiends and their servants," Tikva says firmly. "Let's not make matters worse than they are." Her mouth tucks a little wry and she doesn't expand.

Rymarr slowly nods along in agreement to Leona's words, though he remains silent. Absently he leans toward Reese to quietly murmur in her general direction.

Aksel turns his head and whispers something to Fergus before his gaze goes back to the rest of the room.

Patches, a three-legged mutt arrives, following Tristan.

"Any life we can spare, we will spare and I do expect there will be lots of action in the forest. Each and every life we safe is worthwhile. Even if we only sway a single soul away from being enslaved, it was worth the effort. Dame Esoka, you coming with me to protect Countess Mia and the other diplomats makes sense." Reese says. She seems to be struggling a bit to keep with the speed of his meeting. seh then turns to Merek. "I don't know for sure. But I know we are doing what we should do." She then listens to Rymarr's words, giving him a nod.

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

Calypso nods to Leona. "I find it to be incredibly confusing and the source of many.. many disagreements being forced to call these abyssal entities by one hundred different names at any given time. If they are seeking to destroy us through chaos, simply point to the culture that has created. Horned God, Metallic Traitor, I don't care what he is called, we know who he is and he needs to be stopped." She gives Aislin a nod. "There is something I would like to discuss with you after this if you have a moment."

"Grayson will hold the line at the border, so expect heavier fighting in the North. Or just fucking conflict of some kind. Whether its trying sway certain tribes who haven't under Metallic Traitor's sway and wiping out the ones that have. Again, from what my sister fucking tells me, there's rumors of weapons in the North to help with that, probably not unlike what those folks found out at sea. So if that's your thing, getting your hands dirty and trying to prevent more from falling under that fuckstick's sway, talk to me." He sniffs, then rubs at his nose lazily. "I can tell you this, his goal is Farhaven. And he's been amassing power and bodies to throw at it. It's just a matter of when that'll happen."

Stepping forward from where he was leaning against the wall, Barric goes to stand by Reese, giving her his wordless support but otherwise not adding more to the discussion. At the moment.

Tristan slips in very quietly and leans against the back wall as he listens.

Aislin tips her head towards Calypso in acknowledgment, but falls silent to let the military discuss things.

"... Farhaven? What an odd place to make a first move," Merek mentions.

Rickard maintains his post, offering a nod to Reese. Support is a given.

Alistair shifts from where he stands, finally moving and perhaps breathing for the first time? The High Inquisitor does need oxygen. As he moves to depart he stops to speak briefly with Reese, to share some quiet words before he leaves.

Monique rises, too, murmuring something to Corban briefly, then slips out after Alistair.

Shard shifts in her seat, before sitting up a little straighter. She looks uncomfortable, to say the least.

Kit, the grey fox, Brigid the Genet leave, following Monique.

2 Armed Confessors leaves, following Alistair.

    "... I'm going to see about what resources I can come up with to assist. If you can, keep me updated where you'll need me," Merek tells Reese, with an incline, "Until then it looks like I'm making preperations for my next trek away from Arx."

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

Rymarr glances about for a moment before he leans in the direction of Ailith. A quiet question is asked of the palace's very own Seraph, judging by the twitch of an eyebrow upward.

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

Estaban sits there listening after a bit he looks to Reese, "Princes Reese, how would you like House Saik to aid in this." he is new to being all in charge and crap so hey how else is one going to learn to do things.


    Sabella watches the turn of events and conversation, a soft tip of her head towards Lou bringing a slight blush to her cheeks as soft words are exchanged. She hides it with a lift of her cup in hand, tilting it until but there is naught but the lowered gaze of her lashes visible over it. Her gaze flicks to Mason for a moment as her drink is lowered, a warm smile slipping across her lips at the interaction between the pair before her attention turns away. It is apparent in her absence there is much the princess has missed. Her svelte form tilting towards Graham upon her other side for a moment with a quiet aside upon the matters at hand.

Reese sucks in a soft breath as she looks over those gathered here. "If they wish to join us, they are very welcome. The large the force the better on the this shield wall. We are also the distraction, hopefully distracting enough to keep the evil focused on us instead of those searching. It does have an element of danger.

Mason whispers more words with Lou, then pulls out his writing case and withdraws paper and pencil to sketch out a note. When he's done he passes the message off to a servant and gives Lou a quiet nod in agreement to something quiet she said. Sabella gets a warm smile from the man when he sees her looking his way.

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

Landroval, the Eagle arrives, delivering a message to Reese before departing.

Calypso looks to Estaban with a quaked brow. "The Lyceum is having their meeting just like this one on Wednesday. House Saik will be fighting with the Lyceum I should hope."

Graham writes out a quick messege. He will pass it over to a server near by with a nod over to Reese though he looks to his side at the lady he'd briefly met before leaning to speak or to listen as well. The young soldier is keeping his focus open.

Mia folded her hands together in her lap, idly toying with her fingers. Picking at her nails, really. Though she was normally a stern woman, she found the subject a decidedly unsettling and unpleasant one, and apparently wasn't above showing it. "Lady Ashford, if you have a few moments to speak before you leave for the evening, that would be lovely. If not, I'd be happy to continue our conversation by letter." Her eyes lifted to Aislin, then, as Reese had paused briefly in the agenda.

Ailith meets Rymarr's gaze and taps a forefinger against her lips before lowering her hand back to her lap. "There are a few others I'd recommend Princess Reese including additional healers. We can discuss particulars after the meeting."

Keso, a street urchin arrives, delivering a message to Mason before departing.

Aislin tips her head towards Mia in acknowledgment, before turning her attention to the discussion at the table once more.

Estaban looks to Calypso, "Yeah of course Dutchess General Calypso, okay I should say how can I help the Princess, I have help her in the past with the patrols in the Grey Forest." he looks from her to Reese.

Reese looks over toward Ailith. "I would be happy to meet with you after the meeting." She says gently in her direction. "Anyways, we march out in just a few days. We don't have much time to waste on this all. Thank you for your support. I believe what we are doing at the border is very important and could crucial to keeping all of Compact safe." She then turns to Estaban and Calypso. "Wherever you needed. In this Compact stands together."

Leona looks over at Rymarr, tilting her head and looking at the door and then back, one eyebrow raised in silent question.

Sparte raises his hand to signal Reese, looking towards her as though wanting to say something to the group. Rather than interrupt directly he tears a sheet from his notes, stepping over and semi-discretely placing it by her on the table before returning to his seat.

Rymarr offers only a stoic nod of his head in return before he leans away once again. Briefly his gaze passes over the table, then back again to regard Mia and Esoka. He studies the pair for a moment. Briefly his tongue presses into his cheek before his gaze whirls around to regard Reese again, at which point he speaks up, "If someone decides to be brilliant and go searching for him in his lair? I'll advise against that for your own future. It's imperative that he be drawn out of his lair, into the open. Which is of course the goal, but it warrants ensuring that it's understood - do not attempt to wage a war with him in his home." Rymarr's attention drifts away to regard Leona for a moment. He offers a stoic nod of his head before the Marquis rises up to his full height. His helm is collected, he offers a shallow bow toward Reese, then turns and begins to make for the door.

Rymarr has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Esoka has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Ian's aura of calm doesn't waver, even when the discussion starts down these dark roads. He cradles his empty glass and listens from where he has parked himself on a couch.

Keso, a street urchin arrives, delivering a message to Mason before departing.

Estaban listens to something that Calypso says to him a brow raising high on his head looking at her like perhaps she grew a new head. He shakes his head and leans in to whisper something to her.

Leona nods. "I'll review the strategem and decide where my people will do the most good, Princess Reese. I'll reach out in a day or two and let you know our plan and we'll speak. Thank you." She stands, collecting her own helmet and moving from the room quietly, starting to speak to Rymarr quietly as they step outside.

Leona has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

4 King's Own Guardsmen, Rymarr leave, following Leona.

Esoka stands, straightening, and answering Rymarr with a grunt. "It shall not be me, Lord Rymarr." She looks between him and the Countess. "If there are further orders as to how Riven's forces should be deployed for this, or against the Horned God generally, I can relay them to our people. I shall return to Heron Hall for now." A bow in the general direction of Reese, and then Calypso, before she gathers her things.

Calypso gives a nod to Esoka as she sees her leaving.

Reese turns her focus to Rymarr. "Take care Marquis Rymarr. We will talk soon." She murmurs. She then looks over to Sparte. "Master Sparte would like to bring up that he is investogating the Battle of Black Waves with the help of others, and he wants to invite those interested to speak with me if that is a topic of interest to them."

"Think we said our piece, Sword." Fergus grunts to Aksel, pushing himself away from the wall. "Princess Grayson, I figure you and I will be working closely together on this. So. Gonna have to coordinate shit, alright? Keep me in the fucking loop on your end an I'll do the same."

    Merek stands up and then offers an incline, "I must think on things for the time being, be well Your Highness," he then blinks, and waits to listen to Reese and Sparte.

Regla starts to get to her feet as well, inclining her head to Reese, "Your Highness."

Mia pressed her tongue into her lower lip, rolling it from side to side. Eventually, she swallowed, looked up, and said lightly, "Princess Reese." And here, she paused. "I cannot express strongly enough the importance of heeding the warning that Lord Deepwood has just issued." And with that, she fell silent again, looking briefly towards Sparte.

Olivia has little enough to offer on all the matters of military strategy, and less regarding dealing with luring a powerful not-a-God from his lair to defeat. The idea looks rather terrifying to her, with her head bowed and hands fidgeting. But still, as the meeting seems to be coming to an end, she does assure Reese, "I'll make myself available as you need, Princess. I imagine you'll know better where and how I might be useful, but I will do my best in whatever way I might."

Margot gets up slowly and stretches. "Princess Reese, let me know when you wish to set out. In the mean time I'm going to have the Peace Keepers prepare to come with myself. We will make sure we bring with us plenty of food and supplies for the Abandoned."

Estaban nods to Calypso running a hand through his hair and speaks softly to the woman.

Barric turns a slight frown at Fergus, narrowing his eyes slightly at him for a moment. "I will, of course, assist in all ways that I am capable, cousin." he remarks to Reese, "Largely contributing with stabbing things in the face repeatedly if they start looking Abyssal." He flashes a faint grin, letting a hand rest on Elvesbane's pommel.

Aislin moves from her position to rest a hand on her sister's shoulder for a moment. Just a moment, enough to offer some reassurance to Olivia, even as she turns to face Reese again. "I'm not exactly a career soldier, your highness, but if there's anything I or the Society can help with -- just ask." Then she, too, offers a nod to Reese, Fergus, Leona, and the other assembled notable military sorts, as she moves to depart.

Aislin pauses in her departure, her attention drawn to Elvesbane just for a moment by Barric's gesture. She sort of stares thoughtfully at the heirloom blade of Grayson, but then shakes her head and resumes her exit.

Shard pushes up from her seat, as it seems the thing to be doing now. There's still noticeable tension in her jaw as she does so.

Reese looks over to Fergus. "Of course, Prince Fergus, Maybe we should talk later one on one."

Lou rises from her seat and walks over to Reese. "Mason's coming. We may need to bring extra blankets, and Sabella is considering it, but needs leather armor at the very least." She waits to see Reese's response to this, an impish look in her eyes.

Alexis rises, gathering her swords, offering a bow to the gathered nobles. "Thank you for the invite, Princess Reese. I will talk to my liege and see what I can do to aid you." She offers. "Have a good night, and may the gods look after you."

Aksel gives a shrug of his shoulder to Fergus, and responds with a dry tone "I'll be sure to be quieter next time." He turns and heads towards the exit.

Ian sets his empty glass on the couch and then goes through the process of, with the arm of the couch and his cane, forcing himself to his feet. It takes him a couple of tries, and it's not a graceful process. Once he's stable on his feet, he retrieves his glass, so he can put it somewhere more suited to empty glasses.

Reese looks over to Lou, nodding in response to her words. "We need to get her armor then. I will have to search for someone to make a rushed order." She murmurs and then gives her sister a smile.

"If you need help paying for it, I have money sitting around in my account." Lou tells Reese, then gives Sabella a reassuring smile.

Margot has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Lou has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

6 Crimson Blades Sergeant arrives, following Tobias.

Killian has been, mostly, quiet throughout the meeting. He looks across to Reese and says, "I'll be in touch, but there are arrangements I need to make if I'm leaving again," he says to her with a little nod. Turning then, he'll head for the door after the crowd exiting, his face impassive.

Regla waits until goodbyes and things are said before she heads out.

Regla has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Alexis has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Alexis leaves, following Regla.

Ian sets down his glass in some place where glasses go, but he doesn't take off right after that. He lingers, leaning on his cane, waiting to make sure the meeting is really drawing to a close.

Between the soft conversations between Lou and Graham upon either side of her, Sabella keeps an ear yet towards the conversation at hand. As Lou rises, the damsel lifts her gaze towards Reese and gives a dip of her head. "I ought to attend," she chimes softly, "To assist in anyway I can." She isn't quite as savvy as her sisters as of yet though the steel in her stormy blue gaze seems determined if nothing else. Her attention shirting towards Barric for a moment as he stands besides her younger sister, Reese.

Reese looks over the room. "I am heading to the study and will have open office hours if anyone needs to still peak on this issuue or missed the meeting."

"Well, time to spread the good news," Ian mutters to himself with a twist of a dry smile. And off he goes. Slowly. On a mission of news spreading.

Ian has left the Emerald Couch.

Shard slips out much as she entered. Without a word.

Mason just shakes his head when Lou mentions needing extra blankets, a smirk on his lips. The man rises from his chair and gives Reese a quick, "I'm going to go tend to some matters since this seems to be rushing along. Thank you, Reese." He offers a graceful bow to all others gathered, "Thank you for your commitment to the safety of the compact." Then the Eurusi man slips away.

Shard has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Mason just shakes his head when Lou mentions needing extra blankets, a smirk on his lips. The man rises from his chair and gives Reese a quick, "I'm going to go tend to some matters since this seems to be rushing along. Thank you, Reese." He offers a graceful bow to all others gathered, "Thank you for your commitment to the safety of the compact." Then the Eurusi man slips away.

Reese smiles gently to Sabella and then over to Mason. "Oh, no problem and thank you for your support."

Kaldur mostly listens now- and while some people seem to be going, this particular young man remains seated where he is.

Aislin has left the Plush Couch.

Willen, 2 Armed Confessors leave, following Aislin.

Merek has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Aneka, 3 Iron Guardsmen, Meeka leave, following Merek.

Calypso glances up to Reese with a grin. "Well run, Princess."

Whisper the Snowy Owl, Frostbite the Wolf, Eclipse the Chevallian Destrier, Lisette of Ashford, Cosette of Ashford leave, following Killian.

Reese picks up Ashwood Liquor Cabinet.

Reese picks up a stylish mahogany-framed bar buffet.

Estaban has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Graham looks over to the young lady. "I dont think we'd want to put you in danger, but any resources or anything is always helpful." He looks back "I took it that you werent a fighter, appologies if i'm wrong." He says sincerely.

Reese turns her attention to Calyspo and gives her a smile. "Thank you, Commander." She then pauses. "I am often around and answer my messages quickly. Please feel free to contact me with any needs."

Sparte tucks away his notebook, glancing around the room from his spot on the couch. He made it through without saying anything, and may be a little proud of himself for that fact. Or he just grins like an idiot normally.

Estaban stands up notting to all, "I need to handle some things, have a good evening." he makes a hand movment and Gunther gets up to follow him along with his guard and the small Stoat that peeks its head out of his bag once ina while.

Mason has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Reese looks over to Sparte and has a gentle smile for him. "Anyways, heading to the study if you need talk further follow along and thanks for coming."

Mia swept up to her feet and sank into curtsy. "Princess Reese, thank you. I imagine we'll have a very great deal to discuss when you have far fewer people seeking your time. Another night, soo?"

Synder The Wolfhound leaves, following Barric.

1 Saik Guard, Gunther, a Rottweiler leave, following Estaban.

Reese has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

6 Crimson Blades Sergeant leaves, following Tobias.

Tobias leaves, following Reese.

Tikva has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Confessor Imori, 2 Grayson Guardsmen, 2 Armed Confessors, Confessor Warren leave, following Tikva.

Ailith rises from her seat to set off on a task or another.

Ailith has left the a mahogany grand piano with an ornately carved cabinet.

Rickard has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

6 Crimson Blades Sergeant arrives, following Tobias.

Tobias arrives, following Reese.

Ulf leaves, following Fergus.