Caspian hurries through the door into the hall, jogging his way inside, waving his hand as he calls, "I'm here! I'm here! I'm not late! Shut up if you even dare call me late!" The man lets out a laugh ashe moves to a table to sit himself down.

Caspian has joined the Table 1.

Wynna eyes the petrified cupcake warily.

Keso, a street urchin, Peanut, an oversized mastiff arrive, following Aleksei.

Cadenza quickly made her way over from the Salon as soon as she realized what time it was. Quietly she would slip and as she took that cloak off before looking around. Feeling that tightness in her chest she would look for a seat that would be the less....in the middle of everything.

"You're late," Derovai points out dryly as Caspian enters, having strolled in just before the duelist. He's content to stand by the back wall, though. He hasn't changed his clothes from the Gala last night, for whatever reason, but he's sober. So there's that! He's maybe a bit hungover, though, because he's quiet, content for now to perch against the wall and look on.

Aleksei strides in in a bit of a hurry as he runs a little on the late end, scrubbing a hand through his hair and looking a bit harried. And possibly a bit hungover. "Sorry, sorry," he mumbles.

Wynna thins her lips at the sight of Derovai yet again, seeming vaguely confused at his presence here. She brushes her hair back and goes to sit somewhere unobtrusive to watch the proceedings.

"I'm not late!" Caspian delcares from his seat, pointing to Aleksei, "He's late!" After responding to the heckling Caspian quiets down, looking over to Lou curiously, waiting for her to begin.

"Welcome, and thank you for coming." Lou calls out when people finally start arriving and getting settled. She's standing near the various tables that were brought in for Sparte's meeting less than a month ago. "I know the meeting was announced at short notice, so not everyone might not be able to make it today. Which is alright. We'll be hosting another meeting - with much more preparation - sometime later in the month. However, with Aislin missing," missing, not dead; it's an important distinction, "and with Freja having been brutally murdered just a few days ago, I felt the need to reach out to the Explorers sooner, rather than later." She pauses a moment to allow others to get a chance to get settled a bit more before moving forward.

Alarissa and Skye have made their way in, probably two very unlikely individuals to be here. Alarissa dressed down somewhat, no coronet, nothing just that favourite dress and murmuring softly to the dark haired woman at her side. No mention of being late or anything, nope, just slooking for an out of the place way to sit.

Shard slips in just as Lou begins speaking. She keeps her head down, and moves toward the back with quick, quiet steps.

Sparte is there working. Yes, making sure there are enough chairs and things are ready for the influx of people. Somehow had to be saddled with that task, and he brought the tables in the first place.

Skye follows in quietly, giving shy smiles to folks as she follows Alarissa in. She finds a seat next to Alarissa and looks with wide-eyes all around, taking it in.

Mason makes his way from the door to the map room, the Eurusi man moving quietly in his meticulously wrapped silk robes, the sash about his waist holding his scimitar in place. He wears a matching silk band wound about his head, covering his right eye. The man murmurs something in his native tongue, a little shiver running through him before he moves to stand at Lou's side, clasping his hands behind his back as the princess speaks.

Cadenza has joined the Table 2.

Mason says in Eurusi, "It's very cold in here. I should have had Clyde get a bigger fire going."

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

Slowly, Cadenza would raise her hand. Looking around a bit she would then put her hand back down. For now she'd wait to see if there was anymore information before she would get into the questions.

Lou glances over at Mason, then gives Clyde a curious look, then looks back to Mason, with some exasperation. "We do not keep it /that/ cold in here. You just hate winter." She shakes her head at him, then looks back to the people.

"I'm not late, I'm a Seeker," Aleksei informs Caspian promptly. Apparently this means he can't be late. He offer Mason a quick smile, and then snorts a quiet laugh at Lou's comment to him.

Wynna has joined the Table 2.

Ugarte arrives, following Fortunato.

Stepping in, quietly, and sidling off unobtrusively and out of the way is another monochromatic figure - Magister-Lord Percephon Telmar. Making a quick appearance. He looks only a little harried. But there's good color in his cheeks and his dark eyes are intense in their regard. It's delightful to be so active.

Fortunato arrives in charcoal, save for the wild scrap of seasilk red past his waistcoat. He's running a little bit manic in the manner of his steps.

Mason gives Aleksei a smile and nod in return, but his eyes narrow in annoyance at Lou's words and the archlector's snickering. He contents himself with looking around to the others gathered, offering quiet nods to those he knows personally. -- Clyde? He's rather oblivious to whatever the prince had said and just returns Lou's glance with a confused expression.

Derovai scoffs a little at something said elsewhere, but it doesn't carry far -- just a little noise in all the back-and-forth of the arrivals. He murmurs something quietly and very briefly to Percephon as the bespectacled fellow enters, not moving from where he's perched against the wall, his neutral expression unchanging and intent upon Lou as she sums up the matter.

"You're late," Caspian says back to Aleksei with a grin given his way, though he doesn't say anything else after that, instead he takes a silver from his pocket and begins rolling it on his fingers as he waits.

Caspian checked dexterity + legerdemain at difficulty 15, rolling 20 higher.

"First thing's first. As Freja was the last of our First Seekers, or Voices as some might regard that position, I am on the hunt for people who might be interested in a leadership position. I am not interested in being the cause for a bottleneck for any issues that might arise. I am looking for those who are interested in being both First Seeker, and those interested in being Seekers - who are the officers of the Explorers. First Seekers would be responsible for handling the larger matters that require my approval, normally, should I not be available to handle anything. And Seekers are responsible for helping us shape future expeditions for our Explorers to attend, among other things. There are three First Seeker positions open, and four Seeker positions open, and I'll hold these positions open for the next week before doing interviews and making any decisions. You can let me know of your interest, if you are interested, after the meeting, or any time this week."

Lou says this!

Sparte pulls out a few more chairs for the latecomers, sliding them where they need to be so everyone can have a place to sit. If anyone else shows up, they'll be sitting on a box. Sparte remains standing afterwards, falling back to the side of the room and out of the way.

Aleksei points slowly and meaningfully at Mason when Lou mentions new First Seekers.

Shard picks a spot of wall to lean again, and crosses her arms. Her eyes narrow faintly as she listens, particularly at mention of Freja's position, but she's quiet and offers up no comment of her own.

Skye sits up in her chair when Lou mentions there's openings for Seekers. She looks around curious to see who is going for the positions. Then she leans over and whispers something in Alarissa's ear.

Tapping on the table, she seemed slightly antsy as she listened to Lou. At the mention of the positions open, she'd fidget a bit in her seat. Those blue eyes would move to look to the floor as she frowned slightly. Slowly she'd look back up to Lou to hear what else she had to say. Glancing to Wynna, she'd smile before leaning in to murmur something.

Mason's face grows grim when Freja is mentioned again, a troubled expression taking over his features. He sees Aleksei looking his way and gives a small shake of his head. The man speaks aloud, his voice holding that smooth Eurusi accent that seems to soften all his words, "Please do not hesitate to share your interest, even if you are unsure if you might be fit for the job. There are many strengths we look for to keep this organization running."

Percephon tilts his head toward Sparte, giving the Iron Guard a considerate look for a moment, until he blinks. Glances aside, and bites on his lower lip as though he remembered something, suddenly, that required his attention. He glances down, quickly, to study the tops of his boots for a moment. Inhales slowly, exhales. Then, Lord Percephon Telmar exits as quietly as he arrived.

Alarissa has joined the Table 3.

Skye has joined the Table 3.

Lou gives everyone a few minutes to digest the first announcement, smiling warmly to Mason as he lends his expertise here. "Additionally, I am also interested in knowing if any of our members feel as if they should be full Explorers. A number of you have been part of our organization for a number of years. If you are looking for a promotion in rank, outside of a leadership position, just let me know. Please include a list of expeditions you've been on, either with us or with other groups or Fealties, or ways you've helped out the Explorers when you do. I will be looking to develop a set of guidelines for promotion in the future, with the aid of the Seekers and First Seekers."

Aleksei has joined the Table 1.

Fortunato has joined the Table 1.

Mason looks around, perhaps trying to pick out if anyone seated at the various tables *is* interested in leadership, or moving up in the ranks. "Also, if you're not aware, myself, Archlector Aleksei, and Duchess Calista are all Seekers. You're welcome to speak to any of us along with Lou if that's preferable."

Some of these points Lou has posted on their notice board, but she's determined to reiterate them. "The last big announcement, in case you have not heard, is that I'm working to buy a ship, possibly tree ships, for the Explorers to use for future expeditions. Which ships will be dependent on how many military resources we can raise as a group. I've several tasks running at the moment to help with that, but if anyone else could also potentially run a task, that would be appreciated as well; especially if that means we can get the plans for an ocean class vessel, like the Carlotta - which will allow us to travel to places we've never seen before." And, perhaps, there's a touch of wanderlust in Lou's eyes when she mentions the latter. She grins, "I mean to go and see if that mysterious continent is there past the Eventide Vast at some point. I'm sure there are others among you who also have projects that might require such a vessel. Which leads me to ask, what are some of the things you are working on? And how can the Explorers help you accomplish those things?"

Derovai glances sidelong as Percephon exits, but says nothing further to the man. He remains a black-clad, silk-gloved silent presence in the back of the room, watching, cracking his neck a little to ease some tension in it.

Cadenza would finally sit up as she smiled. Taking a deep breath she would raise her hand then. "Well...." Clearing her throat as she spoke up a bit more now. "Despite the circumstances...I'm itching to get back to sailing. So if you need my help with that....let me know. I don't have anything I'm working on personally so I'd be willing to lend a hand to anyone that might need it."

"I can provide for you the plans for the Caraval." Alarissa offers up. "But I can assure you that the cost of such is significant, extremely significant. Within the realm of tne million silver if you wished it in the nearest future, or near half that, but it would be at a reduced pace and perhaps a few years." Thrax, clearly, looked into it. "What other ships are you looking into? A cog or a dromonde?"

When Lou brings up ships, Mason makes a brief foul expression somewhere between dislike and horror. He's quick to smooth it over, but it's there for any that are watching.

"I know someone that's been working on a design that's light weight, has extra storage for travel and could possibly be smaller and more economical if it's an explorer vessel," Skye also offers as if to help, "It has no military application but it might be useful." She then gives Cadenza a shy glance, happy to meet a fellow sailor.

Lou smiles warmly at Alarissa, "I would appreciate getting copies. It might be something we'd have to save for eventually. I was thinking a mix of cogs and dromonds. Wash

Wynna keeps mum, glancing between speakers - she's clearly no sailor, but nor does she seem in a huge rush to solicit the Society for unrelated aid.

Lou smiles warmly at Alarissa, "I would appreciate getting copies. It might be something we'd have to save for eventually. I was thinking a mix of cogs and dromonds. However, I'd prefer the modified cogs - like Wash has - if I can convince him for those plans. It takes less man power to put them in the water. About 40 people for a crew, vs 70 to 100, as that particular cog is based solely on sailing rather than rowing. But, likely cogs to start." She nods to Cadenza. "I will definitely let you know, Cadenza."

Sparte scans the room a little longer. Seemingly satisfied no more latecomers are going to join and he can rest his feet, he goes to take the empty seat Percephon left behind and settle in his spot.

Sparte has joined the Table 3.

Apollis slips into the meeting as he pulls his hood from his fair-haired head. He pulls his gloves off as he looks over toward Lou as she speaks. He puts his gloves on his belt as he walks over to the pastries. Mmm sweets. He takes up a particularly delicious looking one as he eyes the cupcake. He then walks over toward a table to sit and listen.

Apollis has joined the Table 2.

Lou waits until people are done talking ship logistics, and since no one offered share what projects they were working on, she asks. "What can the Explorers do to help you with ongoing projects? Is there anything you need? Does everyone have the armor that they need?" she asks. "Part of what we do is make certain people are outfitted with gear and the like for their expeditions."

Giving a nod she would return her gaze back to the table. A blink then as she heard the door and saw the new occupant. A brow would raise as she smiled slightly but looked back to Lou. Blushing she would raise her hand and sighed. "I um.....I don't. Armor that is. I just got a new sword." Putting her hand back down she would just sigh. "Actually...I can probably do without for now."

"I have a question about financing the ships," Caspian says back to to Lou, calling up over the crowd. "Since our expedition with these ships would benifit all of Arvum, though right now would not be a good time to ask, once the war is over and a bit of time has passed, maybe we should consider asking the crown and the high lords to sponsor our expedition to the other lands?"

Fortunato notes, "I'm largely pitching in with 'Herald as urgent threat' kinds of measures, although I'm otherwise digging into some esoteric reflection pieces." He rubs the back of his neck. "I don't think there's sufficient armor to make me safe, exactly. You just hope your weak-limbed staff work will be enough for survival."

"If the nobles want to check with their houses /first/ for outfitting them, they likely have larger coffers, though," Aleksei adds a touch wryly.

Mason looks to Cadenza, "These are very dangerous times. No one should be going 'without' where their personal safety is concerned. I'm sure we can figure out something for you." He says with a warm smile for her.

Lou looks over at Cadenza, saying. "We can get you outfitted, but when you're ready." Mild concern touches her eyes when she regards her friend, and fellow explorer. She looks over at Caspian, and says. "The Crown already offers the Society a regular stipend to put towards such financing. It's how we can outfit people for expeditions. But, we also raise funds together, as well. Generally speaking, though, we're often hired by other nobles to survey their lands, and other such ventures, and that's a part of how we earn money to provide for such voyages."

Scribble, a Delicate Social Butterfly arrives, following Delilah.

There's another brief pause, and then Lou asks. "Is there anyone here that's new to the Explorers and interested in joining?"

Wynna dutifully raises a hand.

Wynna quickly adds, "Some day, though. When ready, of course."

Skye sits up in her chair and raises a hand as well.

Shard shifts a little in place. She doesn't quite say anything, however.

A glance to Mason and she would smile. "Thank you....I appreciate the concern." Her smile was warm as she then looked to Lou. There was a moment of hesitation and then she'd nod. "Lou....I can't hide forever. I'm ready...." With that she'd let her go back to business before looking back to the table.

"I meant go more hat in hand to the various high lords and explain to them that sponsoring the building of these boats would benfit all of The Compact. But we can raise the funds more indirectly as well," Caspian says back to Lou after a moment. "But I do have a project with Darkwater I could use help with, anyone who's interested can talk to me about that lately." Looking over to Wynna he gives the woman a grin, "Why not now?"

Wynna eyes Caspian with a slightly blank look. "Because I don't think I'm ready yet."

Derovai folds his arms, his eyes on the conversation at hand, rocking back on his heels. When Lou makes the announcement, his gaze goes to Wynna as she raises her hand and then retracts her offer, but he doesn't raise his own hand. He nods slightly towards Shard from the back of the room, having caught the shifting.

Delilah has a habit of being rather late, and this time is no different - Sorry Sparte. She offers a faint smile to those that would meet her gaze, and she sneaks on in, almost immediately making it over to the pastries. Picking one up, she then shifts to drop into a seat at the nearest table.

Delilah has joined the Table 2.

Skye keeps her hand raised just to make sure folks see it before she puts it down. The young baroness appears eager to do the test.

Sparte glances over as Delilah shows, giving her a friendly wave before looking over to Lou and speaking up. "Pathfinder, I believe there is an opportunity to be had here." Sparte looks to Skye, apparently prompting her. Oh dear.

Lou makes note of who raised hands, or even shifted a bit. Willen does too - and writes that stuff down. The archivist ever busy archiving things for them! She nods to Wynna. "When you are, any member or higher of the Explorers can offer you our test." She then looks to Skye and grins a bit. "You're ready to retake the test?" she asks. "If so, I can offer it to you after the meeting if you have time." She gives Sparte a curious look. "Oh?" she asks.

Wynna nods simply towards Lou, settling back down again - apparently she just wanted to re-state her interest, lest anyone forget.

Skye looks at Sparte and then looks back at Lou. She isn't very comfortable speaking if her body language is any indication but she does manage to say, "The location of Blackshore is ideal launching point for exploration. My ancestors did a lot of adventuring. And I do plan to rebuild the ship building industry there."

"I say you are," Caspian says with no evidence to the contrary, giving a wide grin over to Wynna.

Skye does make a point of adding because she forgot to answer Lou's question, "And yes, I would like to retake the test."

Delilah has a mouthful of pastry but that doesn't stop her from waving out to Sparte and all of her other friends in the establishment. She crosses her legs and chews the food down as she glances over to Skye with a curious look for just a short moment before popping another bite into her mouth.

Lou inclines her head to Skye. "The Explorers would love to talk to you about brokering a contract to do exploration work for you. When you're ready, of course. And, quite probably, not until after we've dealt with a certain pirate." She looks around the room, asking, "Is anyone else here to ask the Explorers for aid? I know Mason is hosting an expedition that is manned with explorers, and Duchess Calypso has people going to Southport to find some things for her."

Caspian raises his hand, calling out, "I lost some socks under my bed, and deep below my matress is a dark, wild place where strange things and horrific things can be found. Can the explorers help me?"

Skye gives a nod in agreement, "Oh yes, of course. After that." She looks very happy at the idea of a contract with the Explorers. Then settles back in her chair as things move to other business.

Lou gives Caspian a flat sort of look and says, "No."

"What are the requirements for becoming a member of the explorer's?" Alarissa asks with no small amount of curiosity.

Caspian snaps his fingers, "Damn it. Guess I'm going it alone. So much for comadery." He sinks sulkingly into his chair.

Fortunato glances over at Caspian. "I'm always interested in investigating demons of disorder."

Apollis waves his hand with a pastry in it. "Princess," he says, "if you'd be so kind. Speaking of Duchess General Calypso, I'm here because a situation we have down at Southport. A large amount of tribesmen are looking to bend the knee. We are currently looking to do some research into the customs of these southern tribes so we can approach this situation properly. If any in the Society has experience with this type of research from their travels, I'd love to speak with them."

Sparte gets a Golden Hart Lucky Envelope from a canvas backpack with leather accent straps.

Caspian has left the Table 1.

Wynna eyes Apollis, pursing her lips. "That might be an interesting point of study..."

Sparte pulls a loose envelope out of his bag, flicking it to try to ping Caspian with it. The very picture of civility.

Shard glances sidelong toward Apollis. She briefly squints.

Mason has been standing quietly, but now that things are moving to more open discussion, he goes to that table with food and pours himself a mug of hot tea. He cups his hands around the mug and nurses a small sip. When Apollis asks about the southern tribes, the prince seeks out Shard questioningly with his gaze.

Shard catches that look from Mason, but she shakes her head. "I'm Northern," she replies. "Besides, customs of Southern tribes is..." She pauses. "Every single one of them will have different customs and ways. Some of them might be similar to each other, but that's it. If they were all the same, they'd all be the same tribe."

Delilah glances slantwise at Apollis and chews the corner of her lower lip for a moment. "I'm incredibly wary of this whole ordeal. Not so much their customs, but I can't help but be skeptical about a 'large group of tribesmen looking to bend the knee'. Though I can't answer your question directly, I would like to speak on it with the Duchess and a few others sometime in short order."

Derovai laughs aloud at Caspian's words, the noise carrying over to the other's table. At length, he strides over to a side table to pour himself a cup of tea -- no sugar or milk. He offers Mason a slight, if unfamiliar, smile of acknowledgment, and follows the other man's gaze towards Shard, brows raising slightly. When she clarifies, his smile tightens a little and he sips his tea, watching the conversation.

Lou looks over at Alarissa, "Generally, we look for people who are interested in exploring the unknown, or like to seek knowledge. We typically share what we know with the Scholars of Vellichor. Before we let anyone into the Explorers, though, we test people on their knowledge skills, combat skills, and survival skills. Because of the dangers inherent in exploring, we like to know people have enough experience not to compound those dangers for everyone else. Or, to put it more bluntly, we want to make sure if you screw up, you don't get other people killed doing it." She says this rather unapologetically. "And, more over, can help others get out of any precarious position you might have caused. So, for instance, if you fall into a deep dark pit of doom, you can find your way back out of it. But, please don't do that. Trust me when I say that if you do, there are likely horrors you can't imagine trying to claw your way back to the surface." When she says this, she chances a look over at Cadenza, perhaps for such a moment they shared saving one another, at some point.

Caspian has joined the Table 1.

Sparte nods in matter of fact agreement to Lou.

Caspian is struck by an envelope, which causes him to rub the back of his head and look behind him to see it. Then he leans down to pick it up and open it.

Mason gives Shard an appreciative smile, "Thank you." He offers quietly for her sharing. He gives Derovai a polite nod, but his attention largely moves back to Lou as she begins speaking again. There's a wry smile for her colorful descriptions of the dangers.

Apollis looks toward Shard and thinks for a moment. "I'm intimately aware," he says with a creaky, honeyed southern voice. In deference he bows his head. He then looks toward his side to Delilah and nods to her. "Certainly, my lady," he says raising his brow. "I can mention it to the Duchess if you'd like."

There was a brief pause as she caught Lou's gaze. Cadenza would smile at her womanly and nodded. Hearing Apollis' question she would lean over to say something but then looked to Lou. Now she just waited to see if there was anything else.

Mason gives Derovai a long, thoughtful study before asking him something quietly.

Derovai murmurs something towards Mason above his tea, and then moves to scrape a hand through his disheveled hair. He's still watching the conversation, though he leans in towards Mason as the other man speaks.

Lou looks over at Apollis, and furrows her brow. "A certain number of us have investigation skills that might be able to help you. However, I'm presently helping someone else on some research."

"If you're looking for research, talk to the Scholars," Aleksei suggests.

"I have a number of discreet individuals in my employ that can assist any investigations or research that some might desire and need." Alariss offers, a glance to Apollis. "As I offer to the scholars as well."

"I'll speak on it with a few others," Delilah directed to Apollis as she picked at the crust of her pastry, "And I'll be sure to include you when I'm able to gather everyone." She popped the crust into her mouth and looked over at Skye with a sorts of curiosity, her gaze then flicking across everyone at that table. And then she squinted at Sparte.

Shard's lips press together. She doesn't say anything further however, even if her expression looks somewhat troubled as she settles a little further against the spot of wall she's picked out.

Skye sends a shy smile when Delilah looks her way and flushes a bit.

Apollis nods his blond head as he looks from Lou to Aleksei and then Alarissa. "Thank you. I have contacts now I can call upon when the time comes. I look forward to joining the Society soon. You're all so very sweet," he says with a small smile. He then looks toward Delilah and says, "That sounds splendid, My Lady."

Lou nods to Apollis, "Glad to have helped, and that others have offered." She looks around the room, then states. "For various reasons, I have come to learn how to teach others. As such, I've posted what I can teach others, and my level of teaching. I'm getting additional training for that this coming week, so I'll be better able to help others. If any of you are willing to teach other explorers, please let me know, and what skills you have. Especially as when we help support each other, we're also helping fellow Explorers become more able to help with various projects and endeavors." She quiets a moment, "And, with that, are there any additional questions anyone has about anything to do with the Explorers?"

Sparte looks back at Delilah, giving her a puzzled sort of expression.

Wynna shakes her head, leaning back on her seat.

"I'm generally always happy to give some pointers," Aleksei offers generally.

Staying quiet, Cadenza listened intently then before smiling at Apollis warmly. Nodding she would then look back to Lou as she continued to talk.

Sparte lifts a hand. "I have a lead on a possible exploration that isn't by sea, a cave that happens to be somewhere on Halfshav lands. For those who rather avoid the water even after the current issues at sea are resolved. Assuming we are given permission to pursue it, as well."

Derovai's quiet conversation with Mason continues. He says nothing to Lou's final question, but he does look out at the crowd again, with a sip of tea, gauging the conversation again, his head tilting a little.

Mason has been murmuring softly with Derovai, but now the man is frowning and bringing his tea up for another slow drink. "That is a conversation meant for more than quiet talk at a refreshment table. Please, excuse me." The prince says politely, moving to pour a second drink and carrying it back to pass to his wife, offering it to her as he retakes his place at her side.

Fortunato stands and bows, light, to Lou, before quietly departing.

Fortunato has left the Table 1.

Ugarte leaves, following Fortunato.

Lou starts to say something, and then Sparte lifts his hand. She looks to him and then nods. "Please keep us updated on that lead, and whether or not our support is required." She easily takes the drink from Mason and sips at it. Once her thirst is sated, she says, "Alright, if there are no other questions, the meeting is adjourned. Thank you all for coming." She looks over to Skye, "Did you have time for the test today?"

Caspian has left the Table 1.