Ian bows his head in greeting to Reese, and then seeks out a place to sit. He's careful to sit at the arm of the couch that he chooses.

Ian has joined the Plush Couch.

When Mia arrived, it was as she usually did -- briskly, at a pace that kicked up the hems of her skirts. It seems she had just been writing letters, too, as she had a small handkerchief grasped in hands, which she was rubbing at while wearing a look of mild irritation -- likely because she still had ink on her fingers and it was showing every sign of being stubborn about coming off. That her husband stopped in the doorway was at least enough to catch her attention, reminding her that at least a cursory curty was likely required before she assumed a seat.

Mia has joined the Great Table.

Samael didn't take to his war lessons or his training as a boy but he understands the need for those that did. He's not sure how useful he'll be in these talks but he thought he ought to at least attend as a representative of his brother Duke Gabriel Bisland. He enters the hall and finds a seat.

3 Iron Guardsmen arrives, following Calaudrin.

Esoka strides into the Hall with the too-the-moment punctuality typical of the prodigal knight, not too far behind Thesarin and Mia. A bow is offered all around, before she finds a seat for herself.

Aiden moves quietly into the Hall with Shard not but a step behind him. A thoughtful and otherwise poised expression is on his face as he heads toward the gryphon couches. He pauses along the way to collect a glass of mulled wine before hand, nodding to his cousin as he settles down. He considers the various faces in the room. Glass put aside, he draws out a notebook and begins to write a few things down, presumably who is in attendance.

Tikva is in full Inquisition gear as she strides into the room, dark armor gleaming and badge swinging at her throat. She glances around the room, eyebrows ticked up, and does not immediately claim a perch, standing with the arrested energy of someone on a short lead.

    Merek settles back into his seat, quiet and not voicing much for the moment. It seems he is quietly observing for the time being. He has in his hand a drink of some cream milk coffee with vodka, which he sips from.

Merek has joined the Plush Couch.

Reese is seated upon the couch of gryphons while adorned in garments that while are pink allow for ease of motion. She glances over to Thesarin, having a smile of greeting for him that touches her somber blue eyes. "Count Thesarin." She says in his direction. She then looks over to Estaban. "Oh, no worries. I know you get busy." She says in her gentle voice. She then turns to Tobias. "Yes, I should get this started." Reese pauses for a moment and then opens the meeting.

"Welcome everyone and thanks for coming. Please feel free to make yourself at home. There are drinks and food available. Most who are gathered here, attended recent missions with us, Graysons and you have my thanks. You also have my thanks for coming to this meeting. We have much to over tonight and so I will get right do it shortly."

Shard keeps her head low as she slips in, narrowed eyes flicking about the room to take in the current occupants. She follows behind Aiden for a little ways into the hall itself before breaking off when he goes for the drink--she goes for no refreshments herself, and heads instead for one of the tables, where she claims a seat and promptly sits.

Ian doesn't seem put off by the Inquisition clothing. When Tikva doesn't claim a seat, he offers the couch he's sitting on with a silent inclination of his head.

Killian is dressed in the finest vagabond fashion, looking somewhat out of place perhaps, as he wanders into the meeting and lurks as usual near the rear of the goings on.

Tikva hesitates for a beat and then answers Ian's offer with a smile and lopes across to join him, perching on the edge of the sofa with her hands dropping to rest across the dark leather over her knees.

Tikva has joined the Plush Couch.

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

This isn't Calaudrin's usual thing, but he should probably start occasionally putting in appearances. He slips into the room, keeps out of the way of some other people and looks for a bit of spare space to take up.

Max, an emperor tamarin, Rosalee, The Champion, 1 Grayson Guardsmen arrive, following Ailys.

Thesarin has joined the Great Table.

Esoka has joined the Great Table.

Joslyn is dressed in something that looks as though it wouldn't be out of place in a ball room, and yet is covered in protective leather. Form and function combined. For the moment she's silent, and just listens attentively

Samael has joined the Great Table.

Joslyn has joined the Plush Couch.

Tobias has joined the Great Table.

Samael spots Esoka, someone he likes quite a bit, and smiles at her. "Good evening, Esoka."

"Princess Reese." Thesarin pulls a chair out for his wife, letting Mia seat herself as the various worthies move into place around the table. He turns toward the couch, and for a moment his lips curl upward into a smile. Only for a moment. "Tikva."

Esoka notes Calaudrin's entrance, once she's situated herself in her seat. He and Tikva are shot a quick grin, and a soft, "Good eve, my lord" is offered to Samael in return. For her own part, she's dressed in the combination of leathers that typically make up her 'day wear' in her knightly duties. The only refreshment she's gotten herself is a cup of water, which she sips on as she turns her attention to Reese.

Tikva beams at Thesarin across the room, and gives him a little wave of her fingers. "Thesarin," she says. "Good to see you." Raking her hand back through the bright fluff of her hair in the wake of this, she favors Mia and Esoka each with a tilted head smile, and then returns the high sweep of her eyebrows to Reese with her glance.

Reese doesn't waste too much time, but is quick to continue. "Most in this room are aware of the recent battle of Farhaven. Anyone who has any questions about that which are not answered in this meeting, can arrange to meet with me privately at another time. The short story is that the slaver showed and noticed us. We did experience military loses in that battle. Duke Harald and Lord Faelan showed great heroism. Our thoughts and prayers are with the soldiers who were injured and lost and with their families." She says, her voice softly somber. "Unfortunately, we don't have time to pause for mourning, at least not fully. We have great reason to believe that the agents of the slaver, if not the slaver himself are in the Gray Forest and we don't yet have the power to oppose the Slaver. We will get that power in time and we will defeat him, but for now we need information. We need to know if he is marching toward Arx, the numbers of his minions and where they are headed. I want to send out scouting parties to help discover such, but such will be very dangerous."

Ian settles in with the air of someone who's here to listen. His powerful, focused gaze roams the room, settling on people for a time before moving on. He never casts random glances; every time he chooses someone to watch, there's a definite sense of intention about it.

Shard's eyes narrow a little further. She's listening with a distinct level of intensity, but otherwise doing nothing else.

Calaudrin lifts his hand gives Esoka a little wave with his fingers from where he's entrenched himself for the time being. Reese speaks and his politely quiet while she does so.

There's a nod at the end. Tobias looks about to say something, before he instead shuts his mouth and waits for Reese to continue.

Mia sank down into the chair that Thesarin offered her and -- once sure that the remaining ink was at least dry, and therefore wouldn't smudge on anything -- smoothed the folds of her skirts. She offered Tikva... well, it wasn't quite a smile, so much as a quirk of her lips. But at least it was accompanied by a nod. And then her dark eyes were turned on Reese, sharp and narrowing in thought. "Have any reports trickled in from the Houses with lands in the area of suspicious movements, large parties, or further taint that might give scouting parties an idea of where to begin?"

Estaban looks over when Aiden walks in a small smirk comes to his lips but other wise he is silent looking to Reese as she speaks about things.

Samael raises his hand and asks Reese, "Yes, General, are you suggesting these scouting missions would be volunteer only?"

    Merek remains quiet, though he does nod to Ian, and then looks back towards Reese for a moment. "I'd like to posit something to you. When my scouts found the troops marching, they came in many groups, as many different folk. Why he is the Enslaver of these many, they are not as 'organized' as the enemy in the Siege of Silence, if reports indicate much there. That might be of some use, I hope."

Aiden is writing a few things down but then settles back and seems to show a subtle indifference, lifting his gaze toward Reese when she speaks of the minions in the Gray Forest. His gaze flicks to Mia for the question, thoughtful, and his attention does drift over toward the other seats, watching reactions and lifting his fingers to greet those who note him, such as the Lord Saik.

Reese looks over those gathered in the room, her expression remaining quite somber. "I have no new reports since Farhaven. We know from past missions that the slavers minions have been about the Gray forest and visions suggests he will march through the forest from he north. Visions are not always true, however, but still worth considering." Reese then looks turns her attention to Samael. "I am. We fight against a slaver and I won't order anyone to risk their lives on this scouting mission or else. I believe that in fighting the abyss, fighting against their worldview also matters. I am looking for volunteers. Volunteers who come of their own free will and choice, knowing they are risking their lives. Does anyone wish to volunteer?" She says and then turns to Merek, giving him a nod. "That is good to know."

"Many peoples in the Grey Forest," says Thesarin, the who's in a position to know. He looks toward Reese, although his comment seems to be directed toward Marek. "Making a single force of them is... a challenge."

Tikva rolls her head back on her shoulders and scrubs at the back of her neck as she squints towards the ceiling. "I think it might be wise if I stayed in reserve this time," she says apologetically. "All things ... considered."

Calaudrin shrugs his shoulders and then raises his hand, "I'll go. I need the fresh air." His mouth twists into a rueful grin before he looks over to Merek curiously, but doesn't say anything.

Aiden raises his hand enough to note toward Reese, "I would volunteer." That is really all he's likely going to say in this meeting, with so many others around. He returns to jotting down things otherwise.

"I would volunteer as part of these scouting parties, my own duties to Riven permitting," Esoka says, with a little dip of her chin to Thesarin and Mia.

"Ruby and Copper Company of the Crimson Blades are two hundred of my scouts and archers. Some of the best in the Compact, if not trained by me." Tobias notes, "They know what they're getting into, and are professionals. You won't need to worry about volunteers, there."

"I'll go," Joslyn rises from her seat, dipping her head. "I will suggest bringing a large team of fighters along. We were beset upon by giants last I ventured, and only three of us to combat them."

Thesarin looks to Esoka, his frown deepening, but he remains silent.

    "I can't personally go this time, I'm afraid, but... I can offer resources and assistance to those that will, as much that I'm able, to assure the quality of standard to which you send in," Merek offers, with a small nod to Reese a bit. "I hope it will be of some use."

Ian says nothing. Hopefully, nobody here is expecting him to volunteer. For obvious reasons.

Shard's arms cross over her chest. "The Few are available for hire, as always," she says slowly. "There are plenty of scouts among them, some you've already met." A beat. "I'll volunteer."

"The difficulty of scouting with armies is that the parties usually make too much noise..." Aiden pipes in, "Unless that is your objective."

Samael chimes in again, "I can offer the willing Bisland troops, if this is truly a volunteer mission."

Reese turns her attention to Thesarin, giving him a nod. She then looks over to Tikva. "I think that would be best, Princess Tikva." She says, seeming to agree wit her. She then has a grateful nod for Calaudrin, Aiden and Esoka. "Thank you." She says. Reese turns her focus to Tobias a moment later. "I will consider that. Get me their quotes for doing a mission and make sure they are all fully willing and know of the dangers." Reese looks toward Joslyn, giving her a nod as well. "One can help from home base too, that is okay and thank you Merek."

"In terms of if we should have a fighting force, I don't know. The problem with too big of a fighting force is that it draws attention and drawing attention may be more dangerous than anything right now."

Reese looks upon Shard with a thoughtful expression. "Well, I couldn't find you after your vanished before, so I have faith in your sneaky and subtle, which is what we need. Can you send me quote on what hiring the Few would cost?" Reese then turns to Aiden. "No, we want to be as subtle as possible this time around. It is why I am not going myself. It debated this heavily, but I am so loud." Reese then turns to Samael, giving him a smile. "Thank you, Lord Samael."

Calypso keeps quite as she observes the proceedings. Her legs cross one over the other as she watches volunteer after volunteer come forward. Her Icy blue gaze scans those gathered noting who is stepping forward and who is not, more than likely.

Aiden nods to Reese, "Agreed. Armies can be placed in points of retreats for the scouts, so if they do run into anything, they will have back up."

Shard meets Reese's gaze, but she says absolutely nothing in response.

Reese looks over to Aiden. "I really like that idea. I will then command the waiting in the wings armies and anyone who is not sneaky and wants to help, can go with me."

Mason shows up, a bit late, but he's here. He looks a little out of breath as he sweeps in but just grabs a seat to avoid interrupting the meeting in progress.

"More than a few scouts, you're sending a small army." Thesarin continues to glower, looking over the rest. "But I have men. Know the ground, know the ways."

Joslyn nods to Aiden. "Back up would have been... very nice."

"Checkpoints for falling back are always nice." Tobias notes, leaving talk of business out of it for now.

Calypso has left the Emerald Couch.

6 Malvici Guards have been dismissed.

Adjutant General Vincenzo di Malvici have been dismissed.

Aiden nods to Joslyn, "So I heard." He sighs and looks to Tobias, chin dipping for the agreement on the tactic.

Reese hmms softly. "So I think that small subtle parties going out and us having check points for them to retreat to and check in times would work. If a party doesn't come back, we go looking for them."

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

Esoka notes Thesarin's frown with a slightly quizzical furrow of her brow. The rest of the planning is absorbed, and she nods in spots along with it.

Reese is sitting upon the gryphon couch and conducting a military meeting. "We could even have healers wait at the check points." She says, advancing the plan. She gives Aiden another smile, seemingly grateful for the idea. "Anyways, any further comments on this? I will get more detailed to plans out to those going soon. If there is anyone not at this meeting who I missed, feel free to point them out to me."

    Merek stands up, and then he inclines to Reese, "I shall have the scouts from the Iron Guard send you reports on details that were noticed on their march. Perhaps there is a pattern that we could find there to assist you in your search. I also wish all those going the best, and... While you know the risks, I'll be doing something I've never done before. I... Feel I need to offer this. If you want to learn a bit more about the world, or things that might help, feel free to ask me. I'll help as best I can." He then inclines once more.

"Nothing further on this subject. A simple wide sweeping grid search for hostile forces." Tobias remarks.

Aiden looks toward Merek with a faint look of interest, letting his gaze linger there.

Samantha makes her way into the room, and quickly heads over to the members of House Riven. She consults them quietly to get caught up, and then speaks aloud. "My husband generally handles matters martial, but if it hasn't been said, it's highly likely that our specialist units will be able to assist."

Samantha has joined the Great Table.

Shard flicks a briefly confused squint toward Tobias for a moment, but says nothing further on the topic herself either.

Reese turns her attention to Merek. "Thank you." She says softly. "The other issues to touch on are brief. That is that the forest is dangerous and I am working on a public announcement about that now, but in the meantime, please take care if you venture into the forest." Reese then looks over to Samantha, giving her a smile of greeting. "Marquesa, welcome." She says and then adds. "Also recently I heard rumblings in taverns about killing all the Shavs. It wasn't from anyone in this room. But just as a general reminder, the Graysons are following the way of Gloria in combat. We will not be killing any non hostile Shavs or surrendering Shavs."

A dark frown crossed Mia's face at Reese's most recent words. Her eyes snapped up from the table to gauge the reactions of the rest present.

"Nothing new about that," Shard mutters flatly.

Tikva knuckles along her brow and blows out her breath. "I can think of nothing that would serve the Enslaver's goals more than to turn to unnecessary murder."

Calaudrin sighs at Reese's mention of tavern rumors, rolling his eyes to the ceiling tiredly.

Ian continues to watch and listen, reaction free. It's not that his expression is cold or stony. In fact, it could more be described as serene.

Tobias gives a shrug, "Sounds fine to me. Any shavs that give themselves over will be going directly to Grayson officers, if the Crimson Blades are the ones who find them."

Esoka grunts to herself at the talk of shav-slaughter tavern banter, but there's no trace of surprise about her. She just nods short at the end of that.

Samantha has left the Great Table.

Samantha has joined the Great Table.

Reese sucks in a soft breath, giving a nod to those in the room. "I have faith in those here in this regard. We will follow Gloria and treat the Shavs with Mercy and as Tikva says, we must not act like the slaver." Reese then turns her focus to Aiden. "I want to announce that Prince Aiden is going to be taking the roll of Commander of the Grayson Archers and that Lord Killian is going to be commander of the Grayson Infantry. Marquis Rymarr has been helping me sub command, but he has his own armies to command. Anyways, thank you Lord Killian and Prince Aiden."

Joslyn gives a short nod to the announcement, quirking her lips but not saying anything more.

Shard falls quiet again. Her expression, however, is rather stony and otherwise hard to read at this point. Her eyes flick briefly to those Reese names.

Aiden tucks away his notebook and writing instrument away where they came from, a neat leather bound pouch at his belt. His eyes lift to Reese when she announces him as the Commander of the Grayson Archers, dipping his head as he murmurs, "It will be an honor to serve." A laconic answer as his face remains collected and straight laced, as if he was warned ahead of time this would happen! Otherwise he might be spitting out his wine or something.

Calaudrin is similarly quiet as the others, his expression somber.

Graham is running uncharactisticly late to the meeting but he enters and looks as the meeting has already been going for sometime. He doesn't wish to draw attention away and so just moves to listen froma place where he can do so easily.

"You should speak to my husband about cross-training, Prince Aiden." Samantha suggests from her spot at the great table.

Tikva rises from her seat on the couch, her huff of breath puffing past her nose. She has one eyebrow arched, very briefy, her gaze cast down as she says, "I've got to run, Reese, I have some Inquisition business waiting, but you know I'm at your disposal if there's anything you need."

Tikva has left the Plush Couch.

Confessor Imori, 2 Grayson Guardsmen, Confessor Warren, 5 Armed Confessors leave, following Tikva.

Samael chimes in again, "Since this is a joint effort Bisland troops will fall under Grayson command, is that right? I can consult with our military advisors on that sort of protocol, if needed."

Esoka turns toward Killian as the assignments are announced, crooking a quick grin to him.

Thesarin taps his knuckles on the table, and leans forward, still frowning. "I'm no scout, Princess, but I can ride and I can fight. If we are taking a force in reserve."

"Training with Marquis Rymarr is a great idea." Reese says and then pauses. "So does anyone need any basic equipment or training that we could possibly help with?" Reese looks over to Samael. "Possibly. I can command them if you need and wish. If you have your own commander that is fine too." Reese then turns to Thesarin. "That sounds good, you being a force in reserve with me."

Aiden looks over to Samantha and nods, "I should. I will need it now..." The smile is polite but there is some dubiousness behind it. "Send him my regards that I may inquire aid from him when I can manage time for it? I appreciate the suggestion."

Samantha notes to Samael, "That's up to Father's discretion, but he has previously given Rymarr command." There's an incline of her head for Aiden. "I'll make sure he's aware. We've had some significant success with our Prodigal archers unit."

"Considering the circumstances, I wouldn't mind brushing up on some stealth training," Shard says, although her voice is still low. "I'd rather avoid another incident with rabid foxes." Is that a joke? It is /impossible/ to tell.

Lou is a lot late, but it's better to be late than never arrive. She makes her way into the room and pauses a moment to see where she might find a seat.

Estaban grins over at Aiden as he is named commander of the Grayson archers, he nods his head in his direction.

Reese turns her focus to Samantha, giving a nod. "Oh, the Marquis is an excellent choice for command." She says in her direction.

Samael looks back over to Samantha and regards her with a smile. "I speak for the Duke, here. I will consult with him, though, anyhow. He knows my deficiencies in this arena."

There was a huff of agreement with Shard that came from the Countess. "And I would rather not take another axe to the leg if it can be helped," Mia said. But then again, she hand't volunteered -- largely because she makes an exceedingly poor scout.

Lou nods in Shard's direction. "Stealth training all around for me! I'd rather avoid getting kidnapped again," she grins jovially though when she says this.

Aiden looks to Estaban, though what transpires between that look is lost to anyone but the Saik. Instead he considers Samantha again, nodding to her words and otherwise taking a long drink of mulled wine.

Reese seems thoughtful at the mention of stealth training. "That is something that I cannot provide. I will see if I can find a stealth trainer and will let you know. I have a few ideas of people to ask."

Shard gives Reese a single, curt nod.

Joslyn nods to Reese. "Perhaps I might speak with you after the meeting? You might give me some insight into your experiences behind the lines?" Joslyn asks, a soft smile on her face.

Samantha inclines her head. "Of course, Uncle." Samantha seems satisfied for having at least managed to make some small contribution even having been late, and settles back in her seat.

Reese glances over those gathered here. "So on the agenda for me is looking for a stealth teacher. I will get the details of when we head out to people. We are at this point sending out small sneaky parties with military check-points as backs up for them. I will need to speak with you Lord Tobias, privately soon and I owe you some money." She says, reaching into her pocket and starting to count out silver. "I apologize for the delay. Any further questions, comments and so forth? Also if anyone needs to meet with me privately later, they absolutely can, just let me know."

"Master Estardes," Samantha addresses Calaudrin, "Did you still need to speak with me? As we're wrapping up, perhaps you could escort me home and we can speak?"

Calaudrin looks over when Samanatha addresses him and his eyebrows lift. "Ah, certainly. I'll escort you home." He pushes himself off of his spot on the wall and begins to look more lively.

Samantha has left the Great Table.

"Marquessa," Mia said softly as Samantha moved to leave. She had been unwilling to interrupt the meeting for pleasantries but now, from her seat, she inclined her head deeply to the woman. "Be well. Kiss the little lady for me."

"Marquessa." Thesarin stands, and claps a hand to his chest. "I would speak, when you have time. Military matters."

Joslyn nods to Reese. "I'll be in touch, Princess Reese," she offers with a smile, glancing then over to Samantha, giving her a bit of a smile and a dip of her head. "Marquessa Deepwood. I hope I'll be seeing you later tonight?"

Reese leans back into the couch as the meeting seems to be coming to an end. She has another smile for Samantha when Mia mentions her little one. She then turns to Joslyn, giving her a smile. "Take care." Reese pauses for a moment. "I apologize for the short meeting everyone, but I am going to go. I have something to take care of."

Samantha beams at Mia. "Of course." She then looks to Thesarin. "The Marquis takes military matters in hand, but if you still want to speak with me anyway, I'll do my best." A blink at Do you mean the Bisland meeting? I hope so, yes." With that, she steps out.

3 Iron Guardsmen leaves, following Calaudrin.

Calaudrin leaves, following Samantha.

Esoka rises, offering a bow all around. "I shall see you back at Heron Hall, my Count. Countess." Nod to Thesarin and Mia. "Gods keep." She brushes past Calaudrin on her way out, clasping his arm briefly. And then, off she goes.

Shard leans up and then off of her seat. It's clear she's intending to leave as well, though she doesn't appear to be in any real hurry about it.

Samael is overheard praising Reese for: Fine effort in protecting the Crownland

"Esoka." The big Shav gives her a respectful nod as she turns to leave, and watches her clasp Calaudrin on the way out. He keeps his focus on the watchman, eyes narrowing just slightly and holding his gaze on the man.

Estaban says something to Calypso and stands up he makes his way over to Aiden clasping his shoulder and leaning in to speak with him in a soft whisper a moment before pating his shoulder and turning to leave.

Aiden is overheard praising Killian for: Commander of the Grayson Infantry! Well done!

Ian continues to listen in silence. His gaze follows the comings and goings of people, but he doesn't seem to be in a hurry to jump up and leave just yet. He might be working himself up to it.

Merek is overheard praising Aiden for: For the thing.

Merek is overheard praising Killian for: The other thing.

Aiden is overheard praising Reese for: She knows how to manage these things!

Reese is overheard praising Killian for: New Grayson Commander!

Reese is overheard praising Aiden for: New Grayson Archery Commander!

Merek makes his way out quietly after some words of praise to others!

Merek has left the Plush Couch.

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

Reese has left the Couch of Majestic Gryphons.

Esoka has left the Great Table.

Aiden looks over to Estaban when the Saik is coming over, standing to greet the man with a friendly clap of arms and embrace. The soft words are shared... before the Saik leaves.