The journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. It's time to get the ball rolling on the infrastructure needed to support a domain without thralldom, and to start ingratiating those efforts with landed Islanders. Prince Victus Thrax is gathering his diplomats and administrators to start laying down groundwork and doing it well.

With Victus' proclamation enforced in the capital city, he will begin to lead the people in slow reform. The first steps being to start slowly releasing thralls to meet their 15% quota by the end of the year, starting for now with strictly family units. Thralls who have children or elderly relatives specifically who are all indentured, as they could (in theory) support one another better in freedom. All of them being freed at once will hopefully build good will, while also ensuring they have people to fall back on and not immediately slip into crime or starvation. And those in chains via debt inheritance can finally be freed.

Debts sworn directly to Thrax itself will be lawfully forgiven, rather than requiring a payment in full. He'll also be ensuring that the standing military of House Thrax will be front and center to keep the peace during all of that.

Alongside this, there will be a new need for freed workers to replace those bodies. Victus will start by preaching the end of the last institution of slavery. How it is a holy quest with Skald's choice. How it has held Thrax back and that the new future without it will be great and strong. Specifically selling it to skilled workers who would like to partake in that future, where new jobs are suddenly becoming available with actual money being paid!

When it comes to actually putting action to words, money and resources will be leveraged to do just that. Lending to incentives for landholders at Maelstrom and newly freed thralls alike. Tax grants will be offered to minor lords and employers who partake in the hiring of freed workers and those who will be supportive of Thrax's endeavors in the abolition. Freed thralls will be offered proper housing if they wish to stay and take on a craft on Maelstrom. Both of which will (hopefully) lead to more effiency and less hemorrhaging in the long run.

It is Prince Victus' hope that this small beginning in lessening Thralldom's hold on Maelstrom will serve as an example to the other Houses of the Mourning Isles. That it can be done, it can be done well, and here's what they can expect to happen if they choose to follow. So of course, he's really, /really/ hoping it goes well.

Alarissa promised that no matter what, she would stand beside Victus and see this through. She also is the firm believer of living by example and that if Thrax expects the rest of those who make up the Mourning Isles to follow, then they need to take the first step. No matter how painful. So where Victus goes, she goes when it is appropriate. A united front and to use her diplomatic and propaganda skills to converse with the freedmen and with the thralls still in service who will be either released in the future through the 15% or just from completing their debt. This is a ambitious and profound step for Thrax and the Mourning Isles. A painful one. Long has the isles profited upon the backs of those who refused to bend the knee, or fell upon hard times. But now, they would like to ask for the freedmen's assistance, those who were under Thrax direct, for assistance. It's strange, it's hard. They're asking them to trust them. But Alarissa asks anyways. Stay. Help to build the Mourning Isles to the glory of the seas. If they choose to depart, they understand. Between ARRG and the Liberators and willing houses, they will have a plethora of choices of where to start this new phase of their life. But for this to succeed, they need the strength of them, the freedmen who endured, to remain behind and help. Side by side, they will set the tone, set the stage, set the future. But without them, they will fail.

The same is said to those who held the debts. She promotes the incentives, the fact that while now labour will be paid, they can start to slowly charge a little more, then a little more, recoup these costs and they'll find a broader market because people will now be willing to pay for goods not made by slaves but by other citizens of the compact. Flourish alongside those they ruled over before with an iron fist and work side by side with some elbow grease and set the ground for an even more stronger Thrax, Mourning Isles, even more stronger economy if they're willing to put in the work. She and Victus will stand with them, have placed their fates right beside theirs. Fall together, or rise together. She's putting her own money where her mouth is alongside that of Thrax's. Liquidating investments, calling in favors, all of it. She cannot ask them to sacrifice if she is unwilling to do the same. She hopes, she tells them, that they will sacrifice with them with the goal of a better life for all, for the landholders, business owners, farmers, artisans, captains of the sea. All of them. Hard work, this is what those of the Mourning Isles have known. They have built their lands and jobs on hard work and the Gods willing, they will with all that hard work, find further propsperity, peace and prove that those of the Isles when they put their mind to it, will see a hard job done right and through to the end.

Being a hands-on Minister of Finance, the Countess is now also becoming well versed in just who to speak with in order to get things accomplished in projects such as this; that are efficient and long lasting. Thanks to her work with Darkwater, in the North with the Halfshavs project, and with Grimhall's newest naval academy, and the great success with Kennex's recent endevours, she has a few goals for this project to aid in pushing it forward.

Firstly, keeping track of those freed with debts washed away.

When Victus preaches about the future being stronger without thralls, Carita is there to help those that step forward to partake in the tax grants for minor Lords and employers that would like to hire these freed people. Should they need more space for living quarters, she knows just the right people to ask for such a thing, and even has a few plans on hand to help ease minds.

She makes a list of willing workers for future endevours and makes sure to direct those interested in the High Lord's generosity should they wish to stay in Maelstrom, in connecting what is needed (employers) with what is offered (laborers) to help deflect with what could possibly be hemorrhaging in the long run. She'll have a small list of suggestions for the willing to help with the flow of money.

Baroness Skye Blackshore, Minister of Infrastructure to House Thrax, uses her city planning skills to figure out ways to expand needed housing as well as make improvements to the current living conditions. Her economic know-how allows her to phase in the costs of the project so that it does not become overwhelming for Maelstrom. She works closely with her other ministers to make sure the tax grants, lending incentives and other economic ventures are fair to both those partaking and Thrax family.

Duchess Tyde, Voice of Thrax is an ever calm presence on the trip, letting her own attendance be a reminder of what great set backs can be over come with determination. While Victus makes public statements, Margot steps back and observes, identifying key influencers and then finding reasons to interact with them in more private venues. She listens, intently to their concerns, because she knows that the first step to soothing a anxiety is acknowledging it and then engages in conversation that feels like it is open minded but lays the seeds to change thoughts, to encourage actions and always ends with an open invitation to continue said discourse in correspondence after they leave.

As the Warlord to Highlord Victus, Prince Galen of course agreed to take lead of this project. Using his extensive knowledge in war tactics and his natural leadership skill, along with his skills in combat and the like he hope to help make be the edge needed to get a sucessful outcome.

When this was originally in the works, Aureth promised Victus his personal support as well as the support of the Faith, so it's time to pay the piper -- but it is gladly done. The Faith and the Liberators will come together to provide funding, transportation for those who need it to go elsewhere than the Mourning Isles, social connection and support for those who need it, and fine grandiloquence in Aureth's own inimitable style to the effort to begin to ease Thrax in their transition towards freedom. This will include the attached 2000000 silver, 1000 social resources, 1000 economic resources, and 500 military resources from the Faith.

Princess Caith is tagging along on this endeavor, serving as one of the aforementioned diplomats. Her focus is going to be on the traditionalists -- she is going to throw all her charm and empathy towards them to hear out and (hopefully) alleviate their concerns. First and foremost, she is going to listen to them; she's not here to just tell them how it is going to be and tout how great it all is. From there, she will discuss the future in context of their fears and worries. It is her aim that they can work /together/ to make peace with the changes that are coming. Caith plans to tackle this by addressing three points that she suspects weighs heavily on the minds of the traditionalists.

1) The loss of cultural identity
Change is scary and people worry that with this radical shift, Thrax will no longer look like Thrax anymore. She will point out that there is so much more to Thrax than thralls; if anything, taking thralls is just a minor aspect of what makes Thrax so great and unique. She will point to the things in their culture that will be unaffected by this change: how they will continue to rule the seas, how their men will continue to be fierce and feared warriors, how their women will continue to be strong in heart and mind, and so one. She will recount tales of Thrax pride and sing songs of legendary moments, making certain to pick things that do not feature or mention thralls. She will also point out that their taking of thralls is the point that other fealties whine about they disparage Thrax -- with that taken away, they will -have- to recognize Thrax's glory. Isn't it about time to take Grayson down a peg or two and boot them off their high horse?

2) The economic impact
Caith will let the people she visits speak at length about their concerns regarding the financial strain of having to pay for labor which has been 'free' for centuries. She will recognize that it will be tough! She's not about to deny that. However, she will make certain that people are aware of the incentives and tax grants that are being made available as a result of this change. There might be an initial hit as everyone adjusts to the new reality of things but once everything settles, they are likely to see a surge in efficiency and productivity in the freed workers -- she will point out that people tend to be more invested in what they are doing when they have hope for their future. Improved efficiency and productivity equal: PROFITS.

3) The fear of increased crime
Many might worry that without the ability to make the conquered into thralls, they are opening themselves up to increased danger. After listening to families express all their concerns regarding their safety, Caith will point out that just because Thrax will not be taking thralls doesn't mean the fealty will suddenly grow soft. The conquered will have two choices: bend the knee or die. Those who bend the knee will be much less likely to be hostile towards Thrax than thralls because they will have been given a choice to join and did so by their own volition. And those who are hostile to Thrax, even after being conquered? Well, they will be dead.

In the end, Caith will do everything in her power to hear out the people's concerns, discuss those worries and work with them so that they find a way to accept the coming changes /together/. THRAX STRONG.

Prince Victus has offered Lucita passage to Maelstrom to assist with this effort. Alarissa is a friend of hers and Lucita owes Thrax a few favors, for providing the elite troops and Lord Ian's assistance during wars and risky ventures, such assistance keeping her alive. What better way to to show her appreciation? While using propaganda primarily, she has a variety of skills which she hopes to use as circumstances dictate. There is performance to reinforce propaganda with songs of Lagoma reminding how change is good and leads away from deadly stagnancy. And there is diplomacy and propaganda that work hand in hand to help sooth the way and prevent flareups. Lastly there is stewardship she can incorporate into her propaganda as it lets her see a clearer path to help cut through delays and get to the people who actually have the ability to do something useful, not just pass the task to someone else. She leaves the fine details and precice nuances of things to Victus and his people and lends her skills to bolstering up and strengthening their efforts aimed at stability and peaceful changeover while freeing Thralls.

Victus' changes are not popular. They just aren't. No matter how much they try to get ahead of it - and they /are/ trying hard - the traditionalists in Thrax are not appeased. All the things Caith mentions - economic impact, the fear of increased crime, and especially the loss of cultural identity - these are the things that Traditionalists also worry about, and as fifteen percent of thralls are freed across the Mourning Isles, many lean back and point to the general unrest and say - "See? Told you so." They'd be rather more smug except the general unrest is across the Mourning Isles in total, save only with the exception of Kennex holdings.

Still, the Compact as a whole supports Victus and these changes. So where they lose some internal trade because the traditionalists are choosing different markets in which to spend their money, they're gaining some in trade with other Great Houses. It doesn't hurt that Legate Aureth is backing this change, and the power of the Faith is behind Victus and his changes. Alarissa is working hard to make sure the economic impact is as small as possible. Skye shows them how it has worked for Darkwater in the rebuilding efforts. Carita as Minister of Income is doing all she can to minimize potential financial ruin. Galen is trying to keep the Navy ship-shape (though he has troubles of his own), and Margot is using every ounce of diplomatic know-how she can engage to sooth ruffled feathers. Lucita doesn't hurt either - as a symbol of alliances outside the Mourning Isles, her faith in these changes and in Victus' leadership provide a counterpoint to the internal doubters who think this will never work.

It's hard going, and it's definitely not easy. The economy is taking a hit, it's true - but it's not as terrible as it might be if they were just blindly freeing thralls. They don't need to call on the Compact to help, not yet. But the Traditionalists are not appeased, crime /is/ up - owing to some pointed raiding on the outer islands, particularly of those domains sympathetic to Victus' reforms - and everything has the feeling of a House balanced on a knife's edge.

Only time will tell if Thrax will rise on the tide or sink to the bottom of the Mourning Sea.

We're going to the catacombs.

It has taken a while to get everything set up and learn about the catacombs. Tunnels change. It's hard to navigate. There are servants of the Queen. Certain parts are more dangerous than others. After learning a good amount, plans are being drawn. They will take the secret entrance into the tunnels under the Murder of Crows. Fitting since there objective revolves around a Murder. Jeffeth has information (Clue 2833) that suggests information about crows and their unusual history may be lost under the city in the catacombs somewhere. So a crack team has been assembled and they will take an expedition into the catacombs to search for this information.

Magpie made a deal that if he opened the door, he comes along. So with Magpie providing the entrance under the Murder to the tunnels. Magpie is along for the trip. Mae knows the way from the tunnels to the catacombs. And Aureth comes to keep Death's servants from harassing the group too much.

Once down they will let their need for the information guide the way. They bring along a lot of items that have been suggested for navigating the catacombs. A lot of chalk. A few very large balls of string. Extremely long wooden poles. A lot of candles.

This is Jeffeth's trip, but he's not the most keen on digging up information or finding things. So he will mostly be focusing on protecting his companions, hoping his more sharp eyed friends find something that may help them.

We go searching for crows!

Does Caith have fighting abilities? Nope. Can she heal people? Nu-uh. So why is she down in the catacombs where she might encounter living skeletons and other assorted peril? In a word: ADVENTURE. Armed and armored with her trusty Jeffeth, she is going to use her tingly senses to help figure out where they should go. Mae is the authority, of course, but maybe something will jump out at her (hopefully not literally). One could say that she intends to stretch out with her feelings..

Surely everyone going along is very capable and formidable. However it's always good to bring a healer along and Juniper is just that person! She packs up a little first aid kit, sets aside her natural uneasiness at the possibility of facing animate skeletons (Death likes her, right? Please please please please) and goes along with the team to help keep people alive.

Mae's been asked about the tunnels under Arx. Fact: No one knows them better than Mae. Okay, maybe someone does, but really, Mae knows those tunnels quite well! So, she's going to be going down with Jeffeth and his team, acting as a guide. Jeffeth's assured he has one of Death's Chosen (Aureth) with him, so that should keep the skeletons from attacking. Hopefully. Right? Mae will then lead the group onward, to Death's domain.

Sir Andry Bayweather may not be quite the warrior his brother is, but is quite good at other things such as finding things which are lost or incoming deadly rolling boulders.

Aureth is not a warrior at all. He doesn't exactly stroll into the catacombs entirely secure in his own person; he comes wearing the spider's silk tunic in all its steelsilk protection that was gifted him by Death, for example, and he doesn't come without being armed, his trusty (crappy) crossbow and its set of bolts packed along for the ride. He can't leave behind his escort because after all he is a Legate of the Faith even if he is a Legate of the Faith doing something rather silly. But his aid in this endeavor is primarily to come, and pray to Death, and generally to let it be known to any nervous or upset skeletons or zombies that he's okay with Jeffeth. Jeffeth is an okay guy. It's fine.

They travel down to the catacombs without further ado, looking carefully for any sign of crows or murders or something. They begin of course in the Murder of Crows bar. That's a good sign right? And since they're going under the city and down to the catacombs and the Necropolis, they bring Legate Aureth and Harlequin Mae and they hope they don't wreck anything important.

Mae knows the tunnels, at least the ones near the Murder, and so she takes the lead with torch held high to illuminate the tunnels. It's quiet here, the only sound their steps and the skittering of crawling things in the darkness that pervades. It's a little eerie, but worse is when they hear a howl of something that sends shivers down their spines. Mae quickly redirects them in a different direction.

Danger averted, it's Caith now who holds up a hand. "That.... way." They are standing at the junction of two paths, and one leads down and one leads up - and she strangely points to the one that leads up. Isn't down where they want to go? Caith is adamant. And so they go.

Up goes the tunnel, and then sharply down again, and now it's Andry who pushes them all out of the way as a statue, previously unseen, comes crashing down from an alcove. It narrowly misses them - was this a trap? Or just a weird coincidence? Spiders skitter out of the hold left by the statue toward the group. Spiders everywhere, and the torch Mae holds blows out, plunging them into darkness.

The spiders converge on Aureth, running up his legs, covering him completely until he is nothing more than an Aureth-shaped mass of spiders. And then he turns and takes a step toward the alcove where the statue was. One step, then another ponderous step, heard and not seen while Mae struggles to relight the torch.

It's Juniper that finally gets it going, just in time to see Aureth vanishing into a hole in the wall made by the statue that fell. Step. Step. Step. And through to a path that leads down, a path that has not been walked in decades - perhaps not in centuries.

At last they come to a halt as a snake slithers toward them. It's a big snake with a book in its coils, and as it stops before them the spiders at last release Aureth, vanishing into the darkness and cracks as the snake stares at them all.

Jeffeth steps forward bravely - this snake is big enough to devour a person, even someone of Jeffeth's size. But it does not move quickly, no. Instead it releases the book from its coils, hisses at them once, and then slithers back down the tunnel, leaving them to their knowledge.

The journey back is thankfully less eventful. Though strangely, when they leave the alcove the wall is repaired as though there never were a statue or an alcove in the first place.

Strange.

Sorrel gathers friends and family to her, around a warm brazier. "The time has come," she says, "To cleanse the primum and to sing the world as it truly is. This is my song. This is my ritual. Yours may be different, in turn, for it must truly come from you. I pray that each of you supports me wholeheartedly in this and that you take this as a sample to perform your own ritual."

"Let me sing you a song of love in thirteen verses, each one carefully written with time and creativity. Let me sing Love into the Dream with joy and sacrifice:"

Each bit of the song is pinned to a scrap of fabric that is meant to represent the person or thing the verse of the song is about. The first one is a scrap of violet baby blanket. The second one is a square of gray fabric with a Thrax sea serpent embroidered on it. The third is simply plain gray fabric. The fourth is a bit of aeterna, very plain. The fifth is another square of plain gray fabric, this one with the sigil of the King's Own. The sixth is a square of green seasilk with a sword worked upon it. The seventh is white silk with a spiraling red vine embroidered on it. The eighth is white aeterna edged in gold threads. The ninth is a dirty piece of wool. The tenth is brilliant green seasilk, embroidered with tiny clovers all over it. The eleventh is umbra with the sigil of House Wyrmguard embroidered thereon. The twelvth is also umbra, this time with the sigil of House Thrax. The thirteenth is umbra edged in gold. As the song is sung, the appropriate bit of fabric is placed into the brazier to be consumed.

1 Kyrios is a hope for the sanctity of life, a beautiful new thing being born, something that can grow into something new and greater than that which proceeded it:

Precious love of mine
For nine long months time
Small one within me
No greater love than thee

2 Galen is love. Passion, ambition, attraction, and all the things that attract people to one another. Let the world be full of love and lovers:

My great love for you is a burning flame
Now one and whole, we are never the same
Half of me is you; what am I to do?
To your dear love I will always be true.

3 Leona is faithfulness and fidelity, the choice of a dearest friend. Beautiful and true, a close bond of spirits in trust and friendship:

Sister not of body but of spirit.
To you do I tell secrets; you hear it.
A special bond of choice and freedom dear:
Our friendship in the purest sense is clear.

4 The Choir is a group of us with similar talents who all sing the Dream as it really is. Freedom and love and beauty:

Beautiful dreamers, listen now to me
Hear my song truly; it lets you be free
Power and strength coming with every note
Let the world be as my song is so wrote.

5 Corban is strength and honor, the true knight. Given the opportunity to do something the right way, he will take the path of righteousness:

Brother you are, though no brother you be
Like my own kin is how you are to me.
To you I entrust the most precious weight
Knowing that you are a knight very great

6 Luca was a Champion, and he stood for the honor of others. He also fights for the Light as a member of the Inquisition. Although he may not be a knight, he is a great man, admirable and true:

A fighter you are, champion to all
Dueling for true, never taking the fall.
Working for Light yet behind the closed door
We're lucky to have you give 'em what for!

7 Tikva represents sisterhood and platonic love. The sort of love that comforts you through tears and is joyful for you when you're joyful, love that melds in harmony:

Beautiful singer, sing your songs with me
Together meld in perfect harmony
Best friend and girl friend and companion true
I'll always be found singing next to you.

8 Ailith is Faith, a friend who has recently found her way to greater heights. Faith and love of the gods is important, a real true religious sort of love:

Peaceful, faithful, knowing of mystery,
Joyful, respectful, caring of history.
Guide me in the ways of the gods and love:
Advice that is tempered by those above.

9 Ian is loyalty. Love born of loyalty between soldiers, comrades in arms, in the field true. Love that is camaraderie:

Always at my back, you do yourself ride
Your right sword hand always at my side
Forever my protection with your men
Come! An adventure! I'll need you again!

10 Clover represents family love, the love that comes from sharing the same life growing up and the natural love and loyalty that inspires:

Beloved sister, bound by blood ties --
We would be best of friends yet anywise.
Bubbly temperament, always a joy:
When you were born, I was glad not a boy!

11 House Wyrmguard is where I grew up and how I developed my fascination with dragons. The love of House Wyrmguard, an ancient house, is one of fealty and devotion forever:

Though on the ground, the wyrms may yet lumber
The House recalls: Not all dragons slumber.
Danger is near? They will not surrender
As Valardin lives, they will remember.

12 House Thrax is where I married and to whom I currently owe fealty. Although I am not a sailor, I am learning to love the sea, and though I have reservations about some of their traditions, I am learning to love their culture:

A mariner's dream, so the current flows
Whenever the tide is out, there Thrax goes
Rough Islanders living off of the sea
One of their number is where you'll find me.

13 Music is what I want to fill the world with. Beautiful music is the song to which we should all live our lives, singing the Dream true and full of love:

A song is a song, but in the right key,
It can be a balm for you or for me.
All the world's dreams can be sung in music:
Finding the right words is the only trick.

Cora will learn the ritual through being present when Sorrel performs it so that she might perform it herself to teach others.

Sabella will quietly watch Sorrel's ritual with rapt attention!

Charlaine will learn the ritual through being present when Sorrel performs it. Charlaine will definitely try to perform it herself later in order to spread the knowledge and asisst in cleaning the primum.

Sparte will be present to observe, learn, and lend support.

Amari will sit in to watch Sorrel enact the ritual so she might learn and perform it herself (not nearly as awesomely, but she'll try her best when it's time)!

Having been invited to witness Sorrel's ritual, and hoping to learn it, Alexis attends to bear witness - and if necessary, offer protection, presuming any danger is even physical.

Carita will observe with awe, take notes as she listens, and quietly lends her support to the cleansing of the primum. There are moments when Sorrel's song brings tears to her eyes, or a smile to her face and while she might want to close her eyes to let that song wash over her, she doesn't so that she can witness every last moment.

Invited to bear witness to the ritual, Denica will stay with them and study with her so that she might perform the ritual herself someday.

Caspian watches the ritual with interest, and when it is over, he can already be seen scribbling down verse ideas!

Katarina is but one of many invited along to bear witness to the ritual that may very well begin cleansing the primum of its poison in the land. She listens, watches with rapt attention and intrigue, ready to help however she may.

Sina has been invited to witness the ritual to learn it. She has agreed to bear witness and learn, that the primum may be cleansed.

Ohboyohboyohboy! THIS IS IT! IT IS HAPPENING! /MAGIC/!!! Well, the first step towards it anyway. When Sorrel invites her to come observe the ritual, Caith is the first one there. Bright and early. Probably even before she and Galen and the baby are even awake that day. 'Don't mind me,' she'll shout through the door at the Thrax Estate. 'I'll just wait out here in the hall until you guys are ready!' A few minutes will go by. 'Are you ready now?' A few minutes more. 'How about now?' Five minutes later: 'Do you need help in there? Have you fallen down and hurts yourselves? Come on! Let's get a move on! IT'S RITUAL DAY! WHEEEE!' Caith is there with paper and pen and ink, all bright-eyed and bushy tailed and ready to take /NOTES/. And when Sorrel is done, she will ask /QUESTIONS/ to double-check, triple-check and cross-check her notes. Because, and maybe this isn't clear but: Caith is VERY INVESTED in this.

Bianca will also be observing so that in the future she too may perform and teach others for the betterment of all humanity.

Sasha will sit and carefully watch the ritual as Princess Sorrel performs it. She is eager to learn to so she can help the Primum be cleansed.

Olivia is likewise joining in to watch and learn!

Edain willl participate and observe the ritual. He will be somber and respectful, but he will be paying close attention. His intention is to attempt to perform this rite at Cairn Valardin in the very near future.

Desiree will be there to witness and study the ritual. She is hoping to learn to perform it.

Zoey will be there as well, watching and, knowing her, probably taking notes. Because ritual. Learning rituals. Et cetera.

Fredrik will, of course, join in these proceedings, knowing how valuable this ritual is, both for himself and for the Compact as a whole. For all our futures, it must be spread.

Reese will join this and will try to assist Sorrel however needed. She will attempt to pay close attention and to learn how to do the ritual herself so that such can be done when the time comes for her own. She will be respectful, helpful and largely quiet during the ritual.

Richard will be present in Sorrel's ritual. So that he may learn it and use it in the future.

Victus is here to learn. He doesn't know much about what he's looking at, so he's taking down notes with a quill and parchment and saving all the details in his head.

Kace will be joining in on the ceremony in order to learn the ritual that she might complete it herself someday soon.

Sorrel gathers friends and family to her, around a warm brazier. "The time has come," she says, "To cleanse the primum and to sing the world as it truly is. This is my song. This is my ritual. Yours may be different, in turn, for it must truly come from you. I pray that each of you supports me wholeheartedly in this and that you take this as a sample to perform your own ritual."

"Let me sing you a song of love in thirteen verses, each one carefully written with time and creativity. Let me sing Love into the Dream with joy and sacrifice."

And then she sings, feeding each slip of verse and a small piece of fabric into the fire, and with each one she weaves love through them all. The love of a child, the love for her husband. For her sister of the heart, for the choir. Freedom and strength, chivalry and righteousness. Honor and comfort, joy and harmony. Faith now, and loyalty. The love for family and home, the love for duty carried long through the generations, for fidelity and for music and happiness.

With each verse her love, deep and abiding and joyous, wraps around all of them. It pushes away the darkness, it pushes at the poison. She is seeking to reshape the future and her contribution is love, and there is one timeless moment where everyone assembled feels that love course through them. And while it fades, each of them knows they will remember always the strength of Sorrel's heart as she fights for the people she loves the most, for her family, for her friends, for the Compact, for humanity.

Since the weather has gotten good again it's time for the Second Annual Season of Free Children's Plays to start up in Nightingale Park the Lowers! Princess Sabella Grayson along with a host of others has pulled together some of the city's greats for one night a week while the weather holds to entertain the many orphans and poor families of the Lowers. Just a way to bring a little art and fun to the lives of those that need it! Light refreshments to be served at each performance with actors, painters, playwrights, musicians, and of course Princes and Princesses able and willing to talk to interested children about things after the show! The season will run until the cold of winter makes it prohibitive to sit outside. The current lineup looks to be:

The Seafoam Princess, The Fox and the Rooster, The Grumpy Gryphon, The Brothers Redrain, The Dragon and the Mouse, and The Reflection's Wish.

For the most part Niklas' participation is in writing the plays and helping Gianna write the songs. Otherwise, he goes where needed. Need an actor for a show? He's there. The Nightingale's got a cough? He'll sub in. Need a background painted? Well, it's not really his thing, but he can do it! Whatever it takes to make certain this series is a big success! He's also willing to hobnob so as to add his celebrity to bring more attention to the cause.

Tabitha will be happy to use her painting skills for set design and the creation of props, aiming to make them eye-catching and lovely in a way that will charm young minds. After each show she'll also be delighted to talk to the children for as long as they want, possibly doing some wax crayon drawing with them if seems like a fun and fitting idea.

Gianna leads the Bard's College's efforts to help the plays be a success. This means composition of music (themes for characters!) and possible involvement in Acting if there's a need for someone dignified and beautiful. No? Fine. Music, then. If Gianna has a soft spot, it's dealing with disadvantaged kids.

Who is that bubbly woman wearing a rooster hat and trilling out a merry cock-a-doodle-doo? Who is that laughing lady with the faux-fox tail pinned to the seat of her trousers chasing the children around before the play? Who is that spirited lass huffing and puffing dramatically in her dragon get-up for all to see? Why, it's Princess Caith! Every show, she shows up in some outfit (let's just tell it like it is: they're costumes .. ridiculously cute costumes) themed to whatever play is being performed. She plays games with the children as they wait for things to begin! She offers her lap to anyone who doesn't have a mommy or a daddy here with them (let's circle up and watch together!)! She hands out little stuffed toys (foxes! roosters! gryphons! dragons! meeses and mices! a princess doll with brushable hair!) after the shows and gives out hugs to any kid who wants or needs one! 'Wasn't this fun? Oh, I do hope to see you again at the next one! I will save you a spot beside me!'

But she's not just here for the fun of it (although it /is/ super fun). She's also representing the Heart in Hand charity! Caith has care packages for the parents, things that they will find useful in their daily lives. Bread and hard cheese for the tummies. Blankets for a good night's rest. Hats and mittens in the colder months to keep warm, lighter cloaks in the summer to keep off the rain. Things of that nature. And if they need something else, she lets them know: reach out to Heart in Hand because Heart in Hand can help!

Evonleigh will perform in the plays as an actress, happy to draw on her years of acting troupe performances to put on a show for the children of Arx. She will of course happily talk to the audience in the post-show talks as well.

As a child of the street, Jareth is looking forward to lending his name, aciting talent, and story to help those in the burroughs. Jareth the great, even in his own mind, being a great example of a way out of the slums and dangerous life of crime and poverty that ends so many lives prematurely. Also the fact the Princeess Sabella has asked if he would help, for one cannot say know to a patron of the arts like the princess!

Alessandro is here to help in any way he can! Be it ushering, looking lawyer-ly to discourage pickpocketing, or whatever Sabella needs on the day. He has also brought along his and Margret's new ward, Valarienne, one of the children rescued by Prince Ainsley, so that she can see the show and perhaps play with some of the other children.

When the question is asked, 'Won't somebody think of the children?' - inevitably Princess Sabella answers back, 'I'm on it!' And with this particular venture, The People's Princess arranges for the Second Annual Season of Free Children's Plays to start up in Nightingale Park the Lowers!

With the help of Lady Tabitha with set design, Gianna Whisper - the Nightingale Herself!, Lady Evonleigh performing, Jareth the Actor also performing, Prince Niklas filling in wherever needed, and Lord Alessandro making sure everything goes smoothly, the plays are put on exceptionally well. The Seafoam Princess, The Fox and the Rooster, The Grumpy Gryphon, The Brothers Redrain, The Dragon and the Mouse, and The Reflection's Wish - all wonderful children's stories the children of Arx know well - come to life on the stage.

And off the stage, Princess Caith is handing out smiles and stuffed animals to all the children who want so desperately to attend, paying special attention to children who seem like they might not have too many toys at home. All in all it's a grand, joyous affair, and the people of the city are happy to see Princess Sabella taking the lead in being so wonderful to the children.

Jeffeth Bayweather got the High Lords and the King to sign the treaty as agreed to previously.(Action #2328). He has raised a good amount of funds. It is time to get to business!!! Jeffeth himself will be using his crazy physical prowess to help do the actual manual labor, he'll be hauling stone and moving logs all the livelong day, singing as he goes. Come on guys! Back to work! Yay!

He would like to thank: Archduchess Eleyna Velenosa, Prince Victus Thrax, Prince Darren Redrain, Duchess Belladonna Pravus, Archlector Aureth Grayhope, Marquis Orvyn Harthall, and Prince Edain Valardin for their generous donations to see that the site get built. Let it be known they were the ones who funded this endeavor!

This is to be an orphanage and an abbey. It is meant to honor the Gods and honor Sandrine as a Hero of the Faith for her sacrifice long ago as told in the story of Sandrine. (Clue 29486). But it is not a gaudy shrine or statue, there will be a plaque telling the story of Sandrine, leaving out the part of her current residence. Other than that it is an orphanage and an abbey. Originally Jeffeth had been raising enough resources to build a combination, but people wanted to give and give. So the site shall be one building to serve as the abbey and another as the orphanage. Both will be inside a wall with the inclusion of two watch towers on either end of the walled in bailey. A small area for gardening and farming and some housing to support the staff, soldiers, and clergy who will be serving at Morning Mist Hill.

Jeffeth will also be including a special room in the orphanage. Bigger than it ought to be a room for one person that will more than likely go empty most of the time. It will be comfortable, but not lavish. It will have a large window that overlooks the entire yard where the children will play, with a sword rack positioned to face the window, designed so that the hilt of the blade can face outwards to the window.

Jeffeth will be working hard to help make sure the site gets built, and that it's know that this is now a place of pilgriamage.

Thena contributes the services of the Knights of Solace out on the road to guard and protect those moving to and from Morning Mist Hall, and adds it to the regular Solace patrol routes. The Hall will also become a waystation for Knights moving through that area. She is also SUPER PROUD of Jeffeth even if she doesn't tell him to his face (but she might, who knows).

Being an orphan herself, Harper has volunteered her time with the Knights of Solace as a way to pay them back for helping orphans. So when Jeffeth tells her about this project, she is not only willing to help, but she is also enthusiastic about the entire project. She will pitch in alongside Jeffeth to help build it and to provide whatever support is needed that she can offer. If Jeffeth needs an errand girl then she'll be it. If it's climbing up ladders or other nimble feats to accomplish it then she's more than happy to do that as well.

Jeffeth had no idea how close to Aureth's heart this was going to be, but it totally is, and he supports him wholeheartedly and vocally, both in rounding up support for the project, and arranging for prayer books and Faithy, Deathy accoutrements for the abbey itself. Aureth can be a real powerhouse when it comes to marshalling religious support about something about which he is really passionate, and Roland and Sandrine are pure and good and lovely and he loves them, so.

There are many things that Orvyn does well, but there are some things that he needs to do better and when it comes to charity work, this would be one of those areas that he needs to learn more from. Sir Bayweather has been a long time client and almost friend, sadly the two have not had an opportunity to speak with each other as much as they would both likely enjoy, however the Godsworn Knight of Solace has always been a shining example to Orvyn when it comes to what to put one's effort behind. With that in mind, Orvyn has studied the Knight closely, following his rise in charity and in doing so, has found something that he can finally apply his skills to. Offering funding from the Harthall coffers, as well as his expertise in economic facilitation, Orvyn will ensure that all funds sent to charity will be utilized to their utmost and that not a single silver goes unaccounted for. Unforatunately he knows how beuracracy's work and it is Orvyn's will to see Jeffeth's dream and orphanage realized to the utmost.

With roots twined with the Lowers and having been an orphan himself, Andry eagerly volunteers to be the project's jack of all trades. If there's something that needs to be done, he'll do it. Whether it be assisting with the heavy lifting, or taking on extra Solace patrol duties, spreading the word, building things -- if it needs getting done, Andry's the guy to make it happen. One piece of the project that he takes particular care overseeing is the outdoor play area and the building of physical structures for the kids to enjoy. He makes sure there are plenty of things for the kids to climb on, crawl through, and swing upon. Hey, he might even test a few those swings and crawl spaces out himself just to make sure that, you know, they're functional (and fun!). He won't sing, but he will most certainly whistle while he works.

Martin was delighted when Sir Jeffeth brought this particular project to him. Like many others who are donating their time and energy to the cause, Martin, too, spent many years after he retired from the road as a teacher and caretaker within the local orphanage in Arx itself. He donates what he can in the way of silver and other material goods, as well as the assurance that once it is built and functional that he will continue to offer his time there as well, as a teacher of both religious and secular subjects.

Sabella is talking to all her noble friends about what an amazing endeavor this is! How helpful it will be for the children, how important to the Faith, and how wonderful it is that legends such as Sandrine are honored in this way. She will talk it up while not so subtly hinting that donations would be nice--materials, money, but also manpower to help get this built. The faster it is, the better for the children! She will also stress how wonderful Sir Jeffeth is to have put this all together. What an amazing man to have risen as he has!

What's an orphanage without people to fill it with love? Without priests and knights to open their arms and welcome the orphans, Morning Mist Hill would be just a building and nothing more. So as the site is being built, Caith is going around and talking it up! She is telling people about Sandrine's story, about their journey through the Grey Forest to find the site of her last stand, about how the Reaver's would only allow them to build an orphanage in her honor on that spot if the Compact would agree to a treaty to leave their lands alone, about how all the High Lords AND the King came together to sign the treaty because they all believed in the importance of the orphanage /that much/ and about how now -- right now -- the orphanage is being built. She is bringing people together and she is recruiting folks to staff the orphanage so that on day one?

Morning Mist Hill will be more than an orphanage. It will be even more than a shrine. It will be a HOME.

Sir Jeffeth Bayweather, fresh from the events at the Tragedy, has not just cleaned the orphanage but also continues to show his charity toward orphans. Working, or so it is rumored, with the Nox'alfar themselves he has gotten approval from the Compact's allies to build an orphanage. There is also a rumor that the King and the High Lords of the Compact have signed some sort of treaty protecting that area, and Sir Jeffeth has raised funds himself to build it. And so the Morning Mist Hill Orphanage and Abbey is built. While he hauls rocks and helps the workmen, he is often heard praising all those who gave aid and generous donations to assist in the establishment of this place special to his heart - Archduchess Eleyna Velenosa, Prince Victus Thrax, Prince Darren Redrain, Duchess Belladonna Pravus, Archlector Aureth Grayhope, Marquis Orvyn Harthall, and Prince Edain Valardin.

The Morning Mist Hill Orphanage is not just an orphanage though - it is also an Abbey. Dedicated to the Pantheon, Sir Jeffeth makes sure that the Gods are honored here, and works with the Faith to ensure that the orphans housed there have every opportunity to learn about the Faith and to potentially find in it the home he has.

And they have heroes of their own, too. This is no ordinary site, but the location where it is said the Dame Sandrine, Knight of Solace held against demons to protect orphans from the forces of the Abyss until relief could arrive. There is also a library there, a quiet place for tales of heroism and faith to be read, and this he makes sure is dedicated to Brother Martin, who has inspired so many to walk a path of Faith and Honor.

Grandmaster Thena adds the Orphanage to the list of waystations, and many a Knight of Solace takes an evening's rest there - to recover, to recouperate. In some cases, Knights recovering from grevious wounds ask to work and serve there helping with the orphans. It benefits all concerned and starts to become one of Solace's favorite places to be.

Archlector Aureth also supports the effort, representing the interests of the Faith in the Abbey, making sure its distance from Arx does not cause it to suffer any neglect. Harper Ashdown, an orphan herself also gives what aid she can. Jeffeth's brother Andry helps quietly, with Princess Sabella, Princess Caith, and Marquis Orvyn aid in spreading news about this new orphanage, recruiting staff, and making trade arrangements to ensure that the highest quality materials are used at excellent prices, so that it is built to last.

And everywhere, the memory of Brother Martin and the legend of Dame Sandrine are waiting - in every quiet corner and every stone, from floor to roof this is a place that speaks poignantly of home, love, and chosen family.

Action: The newly established Bard's College has been given a task by Bliss Whisper on behalf of the Whisper House: they are to use 500 social resources the House already donated to find some of the best instrument makers in the compact and see if they can discover new sounds.

This is also a great opportunity to talk about the Bard's College in various villages, towns, and cities: hopefully this will encourage traveling musicians to make a stop at the College in Arx and might lure some musicians to the city as well.

Gianna will be holding performances as she travels, testing instruments by playing them, and so on and so forth. Basically, she will use her charm and skill to hype the college as much as she can, which should help legitimize it in the eyes of the Compact.

Porter isn't what one would call connected within the musical sphere of influences, but there are a number of musical instruments that do have their uses in the navy. Drums to keep the beat of the rowers, signaling horns, and even more for parades and events. And he has a few ancillary connections, socially, that he can direct toward the Bard's College. Porter will primarily seek out his military contacts, as they are industry sources. Even if they aren't able to meet the needs, they surely know who the bespoke instrument dealers are.

Performances you say? Well, performances need audiences and Caith is just absolutely adorable and charming AF -- she is sooper dooper good at flittering into bars and taverns, salons and dance houses, theaters and halls and getting people excited about hosting a performance by Gianna -- THE Gianna -- from the Bard's College. Oh yes, the Nightingale herself! These concerts become the /must-attend/ events everywhere they go and anyone who is aaaaaanyone makes certain to be seen at these parties.

River has been touring the various taverns inns, and concert halls putting his harp skills to good, use, using his small area of skill in the area of social areas to talk up the bard college. While he doesn't seem to have much in the way of military connections he is plenty connected to the various circles of lords and ladies, his music and talent allowing him to be at various parties and events, where he is able to let others know of the Bard's college's work. This increases his donations of silver, with many benefactor's pushing both social clout and Economic backing to the college.

If there is one thing Princess Elgana Redrain loves it is a good show. When word reaches her about Gianna's tour she jumps at the chance to bring the Nightingale, and her talent, that much closer to the North. She'd accompany the tour as far north as Gianna dares to travel in winter using her own social contacts, and pull as a Princess of Farhaven, to spread the word amongst the populace and help secure lodging and even helping hands for the tour. She'd ensure that not a single person was left not knowing of the Bard College or Gianna, the Nightingale. Back in Arx, she'd see about working with any others on getting crafters excited to be a part of the Bard college by either helping fix up the college itself or create musical instruments for its use.

Sabella will happily reach out to any contacts she knows, both those in the crafting world when it comes to people who might make instruments and also just people in general in the areas that Gianna is traveling to in order to secure lodging and talk up the Bard's College. If nothing else, maybe it will allow her to stay in elevated lodging and play for some nobility while she's at it! To add to this (and ensure the nobility trust that the Bard's College is totally serious and on the up and up), Sabella will accompany Gianna on a few of her stops, happy to talk up the Bard's College, but also the perform with the Nightingale (should she be all right with it!) to show that hey, if the Bard's College can teach a princess to sing that well maybe there's hope for everyone!

With a mission and with friends, the Bard College denizens sally forth to find better quality musical instruments, and maybe even uncover something new! Lord Porter helps, with contacts far and wide. River Whisper helps too, holding concerts and showing off his harp skills. Princess Elgana helps as they travel north, introducing them around and bringing the Nightingale to cheer the Northern taverns and push away the cold up in Redrain.

Princess Caith and Princess Sabella choose to divide and conquer, working together to spread the word far and wide in support of the Bard College and the concerts they're holding. And overall it's a huge success. In the dead of winter, the warmth of music is an almost tangible thing, and the travelers find themselves welcomed everywhere they go. And the merchants are glad to show them their finest instruments, and these journeymen bards get their pick of some of the best instruments in the realm.

And the absolute best find is a beautiful, masterfully carved instrument something like a viole, called a "citole" by the peddler who offers it to them after a particularly fine performance, telling a story of how it was passed through her family for generations, but she can't really even play it. And so they return to Arx, their mission successful and a new instrument to try to figure out during the rest of those cold winter nights.

We are going to Morning Mist Hill. A place lost to maps. A day or so northwest of the Twilight Court, heading towards the Mother river before it branches into the daughter. The mission is to find the ancient site of the orphanage and abbey that Sandrine fell at. We have the knowledge that Gray Forest Reavers, an abandoned Tribe, may have a shrine at this site, and they may be Teindpayers. Also Nox'alfar may be here? Unsure. Prince Tyrval has provided rough directions. A small team is going with Jeffeth Bayweather on this expedition as a scouting operation. The intent here is to get a look at what's going on and how possible setting up a future orphanage and abbey would be, setting up a holy site for pilgriamage.

Sir Jeffeth Bayweather will be ranging. His primary task will be making sure everyone survives to get to the location in question. The others will be brought around to make contact and BE NICE! We do not want to hurt or kill any Gray Forest Reavers here. If there is hostility, Sir Jeffeth is expecting the more social creatures in his crew to smoothe things over and make contact, learn about any potential paths forward. It also doesn't hurt that Jeffeth is bringing gifts (resources) to gift to the Abandoned tribe (or whoever they find), finely made things and treats that they may not be able to get all the way out here!

Bliss is not a diplomat. Nope. In fact, the Whisper loves nothing more, it seems, than riling up those around her - except, perhaps, attention. She can handle herself with her sword if need be, of course, but what she can really do is charm with song. Likely working with Niklas, she will use the universal language to soothe any worries or impress the Gray Forest Reavers.

But what she's really hoping for is an appearance from some members of her fan club. After all, that's why she's been asked along, isn't it? And if the Nox come out to meet their idol, she is just going to have the most wonderful time with them. She's even brought souvenirs - dolls of herself and the like. In a big box. Presumably dragged along by a mule. Someone is bringing a mule, right? Well, if not, there's Jeffeth.

Korka is coming along! She will assist in defending those going, and do her best to assist with smoothing any trouble over with the Abandoned (as she can). If they do make it to the orphanage/abbey, she'll scout it out and gather what info she can on who (and what) all might be using the ruins.

Princess Caith is here to FITE and be a BADASS!! Haha, no, don't be silly. Her role is to charm her little patoot off and soothe any hostilities that may arise. She is good at reading a room, figuring out the emotional wants and needs of a group in order to diffuse a situation. Plus? She's just delightful company! Stories, puns and laughter -- when appropriate. Always when /appropriate/. See: earlier 'reading the room' comment.

Niklas is going along with Jeffeth to act as the group's diplomat just in case any diplomatic crises break out. And to play the banjo just in case people need the morale boost! But mostly the diplomacy thing. While hiding behind Jeffeth for the most part.

Off Jeffeth goes, and he takes a merry band to travel to Morning Mist Hill, the place where Sandrine once met her end in the protection of children. They travel through the day, north and west of the Twilight Court, following the exceptionally vague directions Prince Tyrval gave and hoping they don't get accidentally caught in a Folly and killed. Though perhaps a few of them are privately thinking it would be nice to be caught in a Folly and survive (never tell them the odds).

And then Korka notices something in the trees. They're being followed. No one else notices it, mind - but she does, and when she points out the movement, an extremely aggravated and marginally embarrassed Nox'alfar shows himself. "Humans," says Norever, with a roll of his eyes and a heavy sigh. Even the sight of Bliss isn't quite enough to cheer him.

"You're running into Reaver territory," he says to them. "And if you get into a fight with them I'm going to help them win. Don't kill the Tiendpayers." He glares at them but then as they start to turn away to continue on, he blurts out as though the words are torn from him, "Can I have your autograph?" He hands Bliss a paper and pen and then slices his wrist open, offering it to her to use for ink. Not until she has signed are they allowed to proceed.%
Duly warned they move forward with caution. Jeffeth's size alone intimidates the people who come at last to meet them. But with Caith and Niklas doing more of the diplomatic talking, punctuated occasionally by very earnest comments about Sandrine and the children on the part of Jeffeth, they finally explain their purpose. The Reavers think about this for a long while.

"Alright," they say at last. "But we want a treaty with the Compact to leave our lands alone. We leave the orphanage alone and let pilgrims pass, and you leave our lands alone." Their main diplomat is man who speaks impeccable Arvani. "And don't think you can just agree here - you have to have a signed agreement from the King and the High Lords or we won't agree."

And then the Reavers leave the group with their hefty demands and an elf who crossly encourages them on toward home and away from the Gray Forest Reavers.

Gareth and Cassima will be putting their big brains together and placing down coins to make a profit. The two have decided to together with their intellectual and economic prowess try to play the market and turn a profit. Gareth will be fronting the investment for this venture and will be seeking out businesses and trading companies to buy and sell off of to make good on their investment money.

Cassima will take Gareth's initial investment and seek to turn a profit off the origional by investing the money wisely. Additionally she has added 50k of her own silver seeking a greater return. All returns will go to Gareth for him to split as necessary or desired.

Caith doesn't bring money to the deal -- she brings her considerable charm. She goes to butter up merchants and encourage them that they are in safe hands with Gareth and Cassima. Long soothing talks, pats on the shoulder, understanding eyes. This is a risk, but don't worry -- these people know what they're doing.

This business of investments is difficult, but they manage to make it work. With shrewd investments on the part of Gareth and Cassima, not to mention some smoothing the way and buttering up merchants by Caith, they find their investment profiting - as 150,000 silver turns to 200,000 silver. Profit indeed.

Venturo is drumming up business with a variety of the fine houses of Arvum. Specifically, he's working with them to craft trade deals that will result in the lease of lands in the houses domains to create breweries and cultivate local crops. Additionally, he will be starting the establishment of The Kismet Carnival, a festival in each of these geographical locations, one that does honor to the Raconteur name: games of chance, and small entertaining stories played out by showmen, acrobats and more. These small snippets and games are all too appeal to the everyday man.

Venturo's role in this endeavor, beyond pulling together the group that is helping, will be pulling all of his old strings to call in favors. Builders, performers, merchant, tradesmen and the like that he can use to help align the endeavor for success.

It is no secret Khanne has enjoyed the brews and stories of Master Brewer Venturo Thayne. So when he came to her with an opportunity that would bring his talents to her lands while helping to show the rest of the Compact some of the best aspects of Halfshav lands, she jumped at the chance. She helps him find a good spot in the city of Whitehold to open a brewery and not too far away from that, a parcel of farmland to grow the unique ingredients that can thrive in the tundra climate. Of course, she would work into the agreement the caveat that he must always offer some variety of Whiskey as well.

She is, personally, most excited to help promote the aspect of the Kismet Carnival. While the North knows how to enjoy life, such treats as the carnival would help boost the morale of the people of Whitehold and nearby. That it is a traveling fair would benefit not only the Halfshav Duchy, but all of the Redrain region, of course something she would be proud to be part of.

In addition, Venturo has asked her to travel to all the regions he will be starting this project in, to help analyze the lands available for farming and help create a land management plan that would help grow the most beautiful, healthy and hearty plants he can. She agrees to do so (with the permission of those leasing the lands to him of course) and looks forward to seeing the homelands of others, perhaps in areas she has not ventured to before.

An undertaking of this scale with so many moving parts requires contracts, and someone to write and review them all. That's where Amari the lawyer will come in, focusing on making sure the agreements are all a) legal and b) fair for all parties. With input from Venturo and the partners he's already brought on board or will yet, she'll formalize the deals and write up stipulations that will cover contingencies so that whether the venture succeeds or fails, everyone knows what to expect from beginning to end. This, hopefully, will put investors and potential backers at ease, knowing there's a solid framework behind the business.

She'll be happy to explain all the particulars of the trade agreements, and address and amend any sticking points throughout the process until everyone is satisfied.

As her own mother hobbies at brewing in Farhaven, Gwenna was quite excited by the opportunity presented by Venturo along those lines. With the limited growing season of the northlands, the cultivation of more crops in Farhaven could help with both trade and what may be stored over the winters. Lands available for lease for that purpose, with the permission of their owners, would surely been a boon. The north loves their whiskey, so a brewery that would not impose upon, but rather work in harmony with the others in that region, is also an ideal opportunity. She will speak with those locally in charge of such things and hopefully sway them to the ideas.

What truly draws Gwenna in is the festival though. Considering the recent Pirate War and the losses experienced by those in and around Farhaven, The Kismet Carnival would be a welcome activity and surely bolster spirits. Gwenna brings 10,000 of her own personal funds for use by families who many not have the disposable income for such things after the war. She will spend the first day of the festival handing out the silver herself and warming people to the ideas of both the festival as well as potential commerce.

The scope of such a large endeavor requires many elements to be drawn together from the permission to lease lands through out different cities in Arvum, the contractual agreements that must be drawn up, to the building of structures for a brewery or stages and stands for the kismet festival. There is also the hiring of skilled workers for all stages from building, to service and performance that requires careful oversight and strategic set up. Terese has offered her assistance on the global scale of the project in order to aid Venturo in the latter tasks once the agreements and contracts for land have been finalized. She is willing to travel to each of the sites as needed in order to best assist in coordination efforts.

Jonathan is a man of the soil, and always has been, and has recently been made the Keaton advisor to all things agricultural! As such, he is in an excellent position to provide assistance to Venturo's efforts in his own land, helping to clear out space to grow all the hops, corn, and (in the case of the Keaton Lands) pumpkins that will be used to brew the fine concoctions of Master Thayne. In addition, Count Kael has already cleared a brewery to be set up in Oakhaven, adding to the economic flow of this already-burgeoning county. He will, of course, welcome the input of Lady Khanne, as well as any others, and also in turn assist them in planning out the plots growing in other lands, expanding his own experience and hopefully providing his own insights into the deceivingly complicated art of squeezing productivity out of lands that otherwise might run barren or go unused.

Pasquale agrees happily to lend House Malespero's support to Venturo's efforts. He puts some economic power behind it to promote the project and get the breweries established, and will assist in negotiating with representatives in the Lyceum wine country as to securing a location. Most of his passion though, likewise, is for the Kismet Carnival and its possibilities as a boon for the land following the devastation of the wars in Setarco. He directs the sailors and merchants under Nilanza's direct authority to spread the word of it and support it as they can, asking them to play it up as an initiative that could restore cheer and the coin throughout the region.

Natalia is assisting on behalf of House Keaton in the establishment of Venturo's venture in Keaton Lands -- Elmhurst, to be specific. She is coordinating with the others on the project where it relates to the branch there, smoothing the way for the industry moving in and selling it to the locals, helping people work together, and all of that fun stuff. She is putting a significant focus on putting locals to work for the project, working to ensure that those employed in Keaton lands are from the Keaton lands -- or are heavily vetted for their 'fit' with the local community. Her focus is the long-term success of this project where it relates to Elmhurst.

Jaenelle uses her influence as not only a master economist, the Voice of Velenosa, and knowledge of infrastructure to see that the Lyceum welcome Venturo's Carnival with as much smoothness as possible. She personally assists with finding an appropriate location within Lenosia for the Carnival to stop, as well as offering backing by providing monetary and resource assistance. Beyond the location, she assists with finding local tradesmen to help, providing jobs and boosting moral, especially with the influx of Prodigals who've arrived lately who might not have had the opportunities to find stable work yet.

Oh! Caith has found just the PERFECT spot for Venturo's brewery on Maelstrom. It will be a great way to not only bring a bit of commerce into that particular area and be an opportunity to teach thralls and former thralls life skills but also: who doesn't love a brewery?! It's fun and joyful! A place for the community to come together and share laughter and stories over drinks! And to get people excited about this, Princess Caith throws a party with all the food and drink (Raconteur, of course) people could want. There is dancing! There are stories! There are songs! But she is also on hand to listen to any concerns people might have and address them -- she is extremely empathetic and wants to make sure that everyone is onboard. Cheers!

Aureth's role in this is as representative of the Faith (and occasional consumer of fine beverages). He's not entirely unfamiliar with the economics involved as a former purchaser and purveyor of liquor and beer, but primarily what he is here to do is to offer his prayers and blessings over the croplands in honor of Petrichor and the Pantheon, and also to noise about quite a bit about having done so with the showmanship of a fair to decent propagandist.

Grady assists by involving the Deepwoods. After speaking with Marquessa Samantha, the Deepwoods allocate land for Venturo to use for farming, and on which to build a brewery. They commit resources to helping this be established in as expedited a manner as possible. They send guards as well, and work on trade roads throughout Deepwood lands, to improve and ease passage and to keep the area safe. In return, they expect the bump in trade to be good, and besides, everyone's happier when there's good beer to be had right? It's a good deal for them, as increasing economic activity, finding jobs for more people who live in the area, and generally improving the quality of life is what Grady feels the ruling family should do for those in their care.

Cambria has given her permission for Venturo's project to expand its reach into Ostria as well. She invites both himself and Lady Khanne to tour available lands for lease, herself traveling with the pair as well. Funds are allocated to the endeavor to assist in establishing the brewery and acreage for farming and cultivating local crops. Guards are called in for safety's sake, and Cambria also calls in her advisors within Ostria itself to begin drafting plans to see that local roads are kept in good repair, and reminds her cabinet as well that with the recent boom to their population, there are plenty of locals ready and willing to work - be it at the brewery itself, or in conjunction with the Kismet Carnival. Rumor has it the Marquessa of House Mazetti is considering the notion of expanding another series of walls around Ostria, should business continue pouring into the city-state to offer additional safety and security to those who both work and call their home the Walled City by the Sea.

Venturo Thayne, proprietor of Raconteur Brewing, rolls out a new plan for what he's calling the Kismet Carnival! Designed to highlight the best of the breweries, to expand his brewing ventures into new lands and reach new civiliations, he has been making huge inroads in many areas. In Whitehold he opens a brewery, and Lady Khanne is on hand to help with the opening and promote it. She also travels with him to various points of interest around the Compact, helping select appropriate places to harvest, so that he can create local vintages unique by domain. It's an aggressive, interesting plan and the people seem to love the idea.

In Farhaven, Princess Gwenna Redrain finds a good place to lease to him, working with him - and donating some of her own personal funds to the venture - to help bring a bit of lighthearted cheer to her people who have undergone such travails of late. Jonathan Fieldstone and Natalia Whisper coordinate efforts on the part of the Keatons, careful in their selection of an appropriate place to locate a brewery with the blessing of Count Kael. Lord Pasquale arranges room in Nilanza, Princess Jaenelle in Lenosia, and Marquessa Cambria in Ostria - ensuring that the Lyceum does not go without the joy of the festival.

In Old Oak, a new brewery is established under the direction of Lord Grady Deepwood, whose complementary wines go nicely alongside the famed Deepwood Cider. In Maelstrom, Princess Caith Thrax has found the absolutely perfect place - or so she tells literally anyone who will listen - and she is excited, nay, THRILLED to guide construction there.

Lady Amari Keaton draws up the complicated paperwork, and manages to keep all the names and places straight - the mark of a good lawyer. Princess Terese Valardin helps as well, working as strategic direction overseeing so many buildings and workers all going up at once. And Archlector Aureth also assists, talking up the project and encouraging people to work together and to enjoy some truly excellent vintages.

It is a massive undertaking funded by a great many people, but as people flock to the market and enjoy the wares of the Kismet Trading Company, they remark that this is the best of the Compact - and it's hard to argue when drinking the fine vintages.

Also hard to argue when drunk on the fine vintages. Which is probably all part of Venturo's master plan.

Rejoice!

Jeffeth has been told that he was spared the night 100 Knights of Solace disappeared because the Leer saw potential in him. Potential for great darkness. This made Jeffeth very sad. He doesn't want to have darkness in him. He has been counseled by trusted individuals that this could be a lie to make Jeffeth more susceptible to the influence of shadows. In opposition of this the Knight is trying to rely on one he has always relied on, Gild.

Jeffeth believes he has a connection with Gild so is going to ask her over and over in prayer for guidance. Why was I spared? What do I do next? Jeffeth will spend hours and hours in prayer going all night for multiple nights if he must, sacrificing sleep, showing that he truly wants to listen, that he truly wants to serve. He will listen and force himself to stay spry, to listen for the voice of Gild or any guidance she may give.

Jeffeth has apprised Thena of his recent findings and she is naturally very, very wary of any truck with the Abyss. In recognition of Skald’s teachings she has chosen to merely do her best to help him find the right path rather than take any further action. To that end she prays with him when she has the time, spending hours on her knees in the shrine reaching out to Gild for guidance, forgoing sleep and food. She MIGHT let Caith hug her. Maybe.

While Jeffeth might be spending his time in non-stop prayer, Caith is hoping to catch Gild's attention in another way. Where has she been? In orphanages, reading to and playing with the orphans and bringing a bit of light to their days. In the House of Solace, sitting with the wounded soldiers and holding their hands when it hurts too much or just listening when they need to talk. In the soup kitchens, making sure the hungry get fed. She's hugged a lot of people lately -- this isn't terribly different from her usual behavior but she's stepped up her game in recent days. She loves helping people but she is also hoping that her actions will appeal to Gild when she does lift her prayers up to the god.

'Hello Gild. I hope you can hear me. How are you? I hope you are well! I have a favor to ask you but not for myself. Please, please, please help my friend, Sir Jeffeth Bayweather. He is praying to you presently. If I peek open one eye, I can look over at him right now and he is trying so very hard to hear you! I want you to know that he is the kindest, nicest, most compassionate, sincerely /good/ people I have ever met. He is seeking your guidance now and he could really use it. See, he was told by Mirari, a member of a very bad group of people working on behalf of EVIL, that they want him, that he was spared the night 100 Knights of Solace (see Jeffeth's secret) were taken because the Leer saw the potential for darkness in him. This has caused him so much pain and despair. I have told him that he is good. I have told him that we all choose who we want to be and he has chosen to follow the path of the light. I have told him not to trust the words of liars and deceivers. I think he believes me but he has so much guilt and so much pain due to being the one who wasn't taken, the one who was spared, that he needs some help. If you could guide him, Gild, and give him a sign of what he needs to do, it would give him so much comfort and fortify his resolve. I love him -- for how steadfast and true he is, for how dedicated and devoted he is to you, how he has given himself to your service so completely. I know of no better person. Please, please, please. Help him.'

All of them have the same dream. 100 silver coins laid out on a table. On by one, each coin vanishes, until one last coin remains. The coin looks tarnished, covered in some sort of black tar, and it is left alone. Then the table catches fire, and slowly the tar burns away, but the coin is no longer silver, it's gold. On the coin are the words, "Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men." The fire fades, as does the table, and the golden coin stays there, suspended in air for what seems like an eternity. Then the dream ends.

"People of the Mourning Isles. I come being the bearer of bad news. We are beset upon by by an enemy who shrouds himself in his ignorance. He has bent the knee to those who would destroy the world, taken every evil in his path for power. The Deep 'King' and his followers hold onto a dying past which they seek to rebuild on top of our ashes. For one thousand years Thrax has held these Isles together with the force of our might and we shall do so by a fucking thousand more.

The Isles will stand united as one. One fleet, one legion, one order to destroy the tide of darkness that seeks to swallow us all. Bear arms and army, ready yourselves across the deck. The time of Thrax is now and forever. We do not fall.

Tears in our wake, never at our wake.."

After fighting and dying against the forces of the Gyre for centuries and then some, High Lord Victus Thrax has launched an ultimatum: No inch of ground will be given without wading through an ocean of blood. The Maelstrom has stood the test of time and the Gyre's fleet shall not be appropriately named so long as he stands.

Victus calls the banners from every corner Thrax's influence reaches. Forces that owe allegiance to the Sea Serpent's banner and Allies of the Mourning Isles are called to join. The High Lord himself will be donning the mantle of General and Ruler, calling all armies and fleets to the Maelstrom to organize into one solidified presence. The 1st Thrax Fleet and the 1st Thrax Marines alike. Those with the skill of diplomacy and propaganda are asked to send his message through every street and upper echelon, to motivate and drive every Thraxian in defense of their home. In survival as a race.

Grimhall, Tyde and all vassals below them will receive similar calls to action and be invited to participate. The might of the Grim Legion, Tyde's Fleet and all those like them that would pledge support in this pact. Whether it's soldiers, agents, smugglers, diplomats, or priests offering prayer - all are welcome. All are going to be needed in this coming battle, and Victus calls them all.

He dubs this unified front "The Mourning Onslaught". He will spend his preparation ensuring that the name will be heard as a beacon of hope for all as its strength is soon to be put to the test.

Duke Grimhall sends his heralds throughout the domains loyal to his house. The letter they read is not subtle: all warships are summoned to battle. The foe which approaches is the enemy our race was born to fight, all true hearted warriors of Mourning blood will join the coming battles. Of the rest, any who refuse will be held in scorn and named faithless before Gods and men, treated as traitors once the war is won.

When Victus makes his declaration to Thrax and calls for the banners, Alarissa is standing there beside him literally and figuratively as a proper High Lord's wife - in the traditional sense - a solemn, respectful and calm figure, even going so far as to make sure she's holding the heir to thrax who has been carefully wrapped and swaddled in that thraxian shade of red.

In the subsequent days, she's visiting noble houses of those in the Thrax fealty, both high and low that Fatima hasn't. Where it is the liberal leaning houses, she brings Astrid with her, conversing with the house so that she can have with her a visual reminder of the change that they have been fighting for, has happened and the future that each house if they throw their full might or as many as they can spare, into helping overcome the pirate king. She's not above using her daughter for a little propaganda pimping. Yes, the wives if the nobles even get to hold her if they want and start the threads of their investment her future and that of Thrax - and in turn theirs and their children. The losses will be hard, but they are Thrax. They know hard and how to overcome and Alarissa is proud to have married into such strong and able people. That she looks up to them in these tumultous days for the strength to help Victus lead and protect all that they and she hold dear.

For the more traditional houses, she goes with Victus, having fed him the lines that he likely needs to speak if he needs them. She borrows a line so recently heard from Harald and encourages them to do the best thing for Thrax and that's to set sail with all that they have and can spare and "Make their ancestors jealous" of the stories that will be told in the days to come. She plays that part of proper wife, not a hair out of place and with complete confidence that Thrax will get through this with their full support.

Then there's the ladies. The wives of the sailors, the soldiers, the supporters of the men who lead, the ones who manage the finances and at times, know how to tip a spouse one way or the other to what they want and to make it seem like it was the spouse's choice. To tea she invites them, small intimate affairs of 'frank' conversations. It's going to be hard and in truth, some spouses will not be coming home. This is the fight for thier lives and the odds will be so much better if the full might of the fealty combines into the Onslaught. They are in for a battle, a war that has been a long time coming and it's time to face it with all weapons, at the ready. Even if it's just ones two hands tearing up cotton to make bandages to be used to help with the wounded.

Fatima, as a Voice and Princess of Thrax, is taking her place in gathering the banners. She starts by visiting all the Thrax nobles in Arx, having quiet, one-on-one conversations with every lord that has soldiers, sailors, or influence. She spreads out to the more distant lords next via letter, and then personal visits when necessary. She reminds them of the might of House Thrax, the alternatives of failure, and the rewards to be gained for a successful campaign. And above all else, she's going to go personally visit every noble that previously showed fear for her and ensure their banners are called.

Margot calls the banners of all of the Tyde Vassals to support the efforts to fight the Gyre. Insisting that the Northlands turn out (and quietly insinuating that she will be very disappointed if they can't put out a better showing than the Grimhall vassals).

As General of the Thrax Marines and by very nature of their status, Galen knew his men would be ready to fight. His cousins and diplomats had no doubt reached out to every noble across Arx, but Galen was different than the others, he certainly had many of the same connections, maybe even more than some, but, he also had the benefit of having literally sailed to every known port in the compact, a few very strange ones, and even Port Defiance, though this he didn't speak of openly.

Regardless the Prince knew how desperate these times were, so he summoned together his crew, his most trusted loyal men, and gave them some simple instructions, "Send word, by whatever means as far and wide as you can...To everyone, and I mean everyone who has ever had our aid in any way shape or form, let them know I am not asking for such in return, but now I need help, and I would appreciate such." his crew knew what that meant. You see, the Prince was known on the seas for both being a force of swift justice when needed, and the saving hand of grace, to people of good, or questionable character who found themselves in trouble and in his path, though if we are being honest, often Galen's path was directed toward them. His men would carry out his command with haste, to those around the isles and beyond, merchants, mercenaries, various ports, no doubt even to some of the Abandon themselves.

Galen know what was at stake, he wondered if the reason he was given what he had been given and done the things which he had done, had all been for the culmination of this moment, of this action, a need so great that he himself had to risk all favor he had earned, all alliances he had made, after all, this wasn't just for him, or his family, this was for everyone!

Magpie receives the notice from Victus and stares at it intently for a long time. Then the man stands before his people -- the Free Nation of Magpie (A Grayhope Enterprises Division) -- he raises his voice loudly, and calls out, "Magpie! Will you help Thrax in this battle?! Will you stand strong and fight with them?! Will you follow Victus Thrax to the tentacles of death?!?" ... The man lets silence settle, then finally answers himself. "Probably. If I have nothing else going on that day."

When it is time to raise banners, what can a commoner do? Answer the call, of course. But is there anything more?

Sparte has decided to speak with others of his choice to join Thrax in their darkest hour. To sign on with the banners in the face of the deadliest foe they've known since the reckoning. His audience may be Crownsworn and Prodigals, mainly, but he speaks to those in Arx who still seek a purpose for themselves or have had one stolen.

"I am not someone who was destined for greatness. I am no prince or lord. I herded sheep." Sparte gives a self effacing chuckle. "But when times were dark, and the Iron Guard gave the call, I answered. With so many others, I helped hold these walls. Just as I now stand to protect Thrax. Not because of faith in myself or the gods, but because of faith in people. Because I believed that there are those unable to protect themselves who are deserving. I don't know who they are. They may be mothers and fathers, they made be children, the sick or infirm. Injured soldiers who fought for us once, and can no longer raise a blade themselves. They may be righteous souls or cads and blagarts, I don't care. When true evil rises against the compact we know in our hearts if he has the strength to stand and fight."

"I am not asking you to follow me, I am not even asking you to join me in pledging to Thrax. I am asking you to find that fire within your own hearts. To recognize that no matter how dark the day may seem, the light of tomorrow must be fought for to see it through. All I want from you is to be able to say, when times were dark, others stood with me. Please stand with me, if you can. For those who cannot."

At the call by Victus, Catalana is compelled to have the people listen. Wanting to make her family proud, this Lady Kennex speaks to all of the nobles with the reach of her voice and beyond to plea that in order to survive this, we must unite. "Please....this is no time for petty squabbles. This is a time to set aside differences and to unite as people! We will face this head on and show our enemies that this is not a group that is divided...but united!"

Caspian Wild is going into every tavern and inn of Arx, singing renditions of popular Thraxian war songs that have a twist of being about fighting for The Mourning Ises and Thrax against The Gyre, with the goal is to inspire Thraxians to join the fight. To help things along he'll be buying rounds of drinks.

Many people find it easy to be around Caith -- she has a friendly and unassuming air about her. She is also a passionate and evocative storyteller. Leaning on these qualities, she goes around visiting various vassals. She spends many an evening with them by the fire, sharing a drink or two, listening to tales of their past glories and trading stories of heroic deeds.

The princess tells them tales of legendary heroes, of battles won, of days saved when all hope was thought to be lost. And as they sit together by the warm, rosy glow of the fire with drinks in hand, she tells them that it is in moments such a these -- this precipice that they all find themselves on -- when heroes rise up and legends are made. She points out that she can only tell these stories now because people, when faced with the toughest options in the darkest hour, made the brave choice. They stood up. They answered the call. If they had not, their names would have faded into obscurity until they were entirely forgotten; however, their heroic actions granted them immortality, their names and deeds living on beyond them.

Caith urges the vassals to become heroes themselves. Their deeds today will become the legends that will be spoken of for all time. Glory and honor!

High Lord Victus steps up next, calling on all Thraxians to prepare to set sail. No inch of ground, he declares, will be given without wading through an ocean of blood. Forces that owe allegiance to the Sea Serpent's banner and Allies of the Mourning Isles are called to join.

Duke Harald hears the call and stands now not just as Duke but as Warlord of Thrax. All warships are summoned to battle. All true hearted warriors of Mourning blood will join the coming battles. Any who refuse will be scorned and named faithless before Gods and men.

Princess-Consort Alarissa stands ready, solemn and respectful and calm, exhorting by diplomatic turn those who the others fail to reach. To progressive houses she brings Princess Astrid, encouraging them to respond to the call to banners while holding the visible reminder of the change they've been fighting for. She praises the strength of Thrax, knowing full well the might of the Isles and reminding them that this is the time to show that will and strength. To the more traditional houses she goes with Victus, encouraging them to make their ancestors jealous of the stories that will be told in the days to come. And of course, knowing how much power there is in the quiet talk of women she makes sure to speak with the women - whether they lead the houses or not - encouraging them to form a united front among progressives and traditionalists alike in supporting the call to banners.

Princess Fatima personally visits each noble Thraxian in Arx, using one-on-one conversations to encourage them as she might. She reminds them of the strength of Thrax, of the results failure may bring them, and the rewards for a successful campaign. She targets those who she knows already hold some awe (some might even say fear) of her, using intimidation where she can to its best effect.

Duchess Margot calls all Tyde sailors and vassals, insisting the Northlands turn out. In her own way she encourages them slyly - It sure would be a shame if Grimhall turned out more numbers than Tyde, wouldn't it? Let's not let that happen, shall we?

Prince Galen reaches out to people he's met in his travels across the land, asking everyone who has ever had Thraxian aid to come forth and join them. The Prince himself is well-known as a hospitable spirit, a man who will buy the drinks in a bar for complete strangers, and sometimes has a habit of turning up at just the right time when someone is in desperate need. And now it's time for old debts to be repaid.

Officer Sparte, newly in fealty to Thrax, shows his loyalty. Now he goes to the Crownsworn and speaks to them. I am not someone who was destined for greatness, he says. But with so many others I helped hold these walls. Just as I now stand to protect Thrax. Not because of faith in myself or the gods, but because of faith in people. Because I believed that there are those unable to protect themselves who are deserving. When true evil rises against the compact we know in our hearts if he has the strength to stand and fight. His speech wins the hearts of the commoners, and even more answer the call.

Lady Catalana emphasizes the need to stand together. Wanting to make her family proud, inspired to answer the call by Victus, she urges people to set aside petty squabbles and unite as people. To show their enemies that this is not a group divided, but united in one common goal! Meanwhile, Caspian visits the taverns and inns of Arx, singing renditions of popular Thraxian war songs. Everyone loves a good sea shanty, and every really loves to sing good sea shanties when someone else is buying the drinks.

Not to be left out, Princess Caith visits various vassals, spending evenings by the fire sharing a drink or two, listening to tales of their past glories, encouraging them to tell stories of heroic deeds. In turn she tells them of legendary heroes, battles won, of days saved when all hope was thought to be lost. And as they sit together by the warm, rosy glow of the fire with drinks in hand, she tells them that it is in moments such a these -- this precipice that they all find themselves on -- when heroes rise up and legends are made. She points out that she can only tell these stories now because people, when faced with the toughest options in the darkest hour, made the brave choice. They stood up. They answered the call.

With tales of glory, drinks in hand, with the urge to stand united, with diplomacy and orders and threats and cajoling, by any means possible the word goes out. Thrax is called to war!