Quenia quietly makes her way into the temple, and moves toward the noble pews. She calmly takes a seat, trying her best to keep her shit together with so many of her family off to war, again.

Rinel enters the Cathedral and bows deeply to the central altar before she starts making her way to the commoner pews. The woman inclines her head to Derovai and briefly moves towards the man. "Master Voss. I have heard your name on the lips of many in recent days. I am impressed."

3 Iron Guardsmen arrives, following Titania.

Suhaina, an Eurusi maiden arrives, following Zaina.

Gia the peregrine falcon, 3 Rubino and Zaffria guards arrive, following Grazia.

Lily, a lithe young woman, Elizabetta, a lissome lady-in-waiting, Valor, a small brown and white corgi puppy, Grazia arrive, following Sabella.

Catalana makes her way in with Lord Romulius in tow it would seem, Rin right behind her. The tall Kennex lady makes her way to a seat for now. Her face is stoic but there's a small smile tugging at her lips. She's totally calm right now.

Skye makes her way into the Cathedral, her face drawn, her normal light a little dimmer as she makes her way to the nobles pews. She gives a shy smile to her brother who is accompanying Catalana.

Skye has joined the Noble Pews.

Zaina is not far behind Elgana, though she splits off to find a place out of the way to watch from behind her veil.

It is with a small group that Elgana herself arrives. The princess walking inside with her handmaiden, Zaina, as well as the Princess Sabella and the Duchess Rubino. There is a little look given to those who accompany her, a small smile before her gaze moves to those already gathered. "Shall we find a place to sit, ladies?" she asks them with a soft murmur.

The grand cathedral is not decorated beyond that which is already was. Pews filled with people who have come on the eve of the great battles for north and south. Along the back, nothing in excess, nothin that requires plates or the like, are tables and servants of Thrax mingling with disciples who serve small bits of food and drink to those who want it. Godsworn and everyone mingles n the hushed drone of people who don't want to be alone.

People who are afraid.

People who seek the solace and comfort of others. Alarissa is up near the front, with a serene smile on her face and moving away from the small group she was speaking with.

"Don't be," Derovai tosses over his shoulder flatly, casually, to Rinel. He's clearly got other things on his mind at the moment, and moves swiftly away from her, edging away from the commoner pews and taking up residence in a quiet alcove, as is his habit. He's content to watch for the moment, leaning back against the wall, arms folded, a black-clad blotch on the stones of the cathedral. No drink or food for him -- at least not yet.

Quenia has joined the Noble Pews.

Small steps bring Isidora into the Cathedral and toward the pews. A thin and plain veil is drawn away from her face as she takes a seat with the others, offering a tentative smile in greeting.

Isidora has joined the Noble Pews.

For his part, Romulius looks like he'd rather be anywhere but here, for some reason he keeps running his fingertips along the haft of the harpoon on his back and glancing off to the south. Eventually though he finds a seat over by Catalana but then he murmurs to her, "A moment my lady." In his deep rumble of a voice before he heads over to Skye and places a large hand on her shoulder, giving a gentle squeeze, "I amhere sister." He assures her, "I did not steal away to war."

Maeve arrives quietly, peering inside the great cathedral. In her arms, she carries a smal bundle wrapped in a soft green blanket. The babe inher arms sleeps peacefully, blissfully unaware of the worried adults all around her. The healer and alchemist makes her way towards a pew, bare feet patting softly against the cold floor of the cathdral.

Zaina looks at Elgana and then around the Cathedral. "I have been here once before," she says quietly. "The way the Arvani pray is... interesting."

Rinel shakes her head at Derovai but says nothing more. She makes her way to the commoner pews and kneels, beginning to murmur quiet prayers.

Looking up to see Sabella, there's a wave to the Grayson princess. Catalana sighs a bit as she looks to Romulius with a smile. "Of course....." With that she looks ahead...content in her alcove for now.

Steve, an ungainly pelican arrives, following Niklas.

Alarissa has joined the Side Alcove.


**********************************************************************
For many military thinkers in the Compact, the strategy used by the pirate king called the Gyre made little sense. If he had as overwhelming force as was claimed, why the glacial pace in attacking? Why the slow approach, rather than quick strikes with force upon near helpless settlements and force the Compact to reach on his terms, rather than slowly approaching and letting the Compact mass forces? But if he is as mad as some claimed, who can say? And so at House Crovane's ducal holding of Stormwall, the largest gathering of military force for the Compact since the Crownbreaker Wars is seen, with nearly virtually all of the Northlands rallying to their eastern most ducal vassal. Tens of thousand of northmen line the beaches and walls of Stormwall, and they aren't alone. Tens of thousands of House Grayson and House Valardin and all their bannermen stand with them, and tens of thousands of templars and knights of solace of the Faith militant stand as well. Meanwhile, near the Lycene city-state of Setarco, the largest gathering of Compact naval forces since House Marin's was destroyed in the Reckoning have gathered to smash one of the three fleets of the Gyre. In the face of that, some thought perhaps the Gyre would rethink his strategy and turn away.

He hasn't.

At Stormwall, hundreds upon hundreds of ships, each swarming with figures, have appeared on the horizon. Many of the ships oddly look like they shouldn't even be seaworthy. Some looking more like wrecks dredged up from the depths, but sail on they do. They are coming.
**********************************************************************


Quenia smiles a bit at Alarissa once she gets settled, recognizing the Princess-Consort of Thrax. Perhaps, also, because she saw her earlier today and had tea. Tea was good! She nods a little to Skye when she takes a seat, and then just does her own thing for a bit - trying her best not to worry too much about everything BIG going on.

Rinel has joined the Commoner Pews.

Sabella gives those who she knows a small smile and a wave as she comes in with her little group. "I shall join you ladies in a moment, there is someone I wish to say hello to." And she breaks off to head towards Catalana. "My dearest friend, how are you holding up? You mustn't get too worked up about things considering your condition. Have you had any word yet?"

Sabella has joined the Side Alcove.

Skye gives a sweet smile of relief, "I am glad that you stayed here brother." She gives his hand a squeeze, "I know it pains you to sit out of the action but I would not have you fighting now." She gives a shy smile to Quenia's greeting and then nods to Alarissa, "I'm so glad her Highness organized this."

Elgana has joined the Noble Pews.

"You must tell me of the way they pray in your homeland," Elgana says softly to Zaina, a smile curving her lips as she looks to the woman. "I would very much like to know." And then to Sabella she smiles and nods again and moves to find a place to sit. "Very well, highness."

Grazia heads towards the noble pews and towards Quenia. "Marquessa," she greets in a voice that is husky and might almost be quite pleasant if it weren't quite so monotone. "It is good to see you. It is a hard night to keep vigil and wait for news."

Zaina looks at Elgana for a long moment. "That is a conversation for another time, Princess," she finally says. "Today is about Arvani gods and spirits." And then she follows after the taller woman to find someplace quiet.

"If not for you, I would be, Sister." Romulius rumbles softly and he tries to smile, it mostly works. Then he gestures over towards Catalana, "Come join me and Lady Kennex?" He asks of Skye in invitation. He waits to see if she will join before he heads back over to Catalana.

A lift of her fingers to Quenia and her group. "I promise I will join you." Even as Astrid is bein brought in by Genaile and the Thrax Heir's guards. She's welcomed into Alarissa's arms, wanting to keep the 7 month old close for the moment. But toward Romuliuis, Catalana and Sabella she moves.

4 Thrax Guards, Bastian, the Reformed Rogue arrive, following Cassima.

Maeve has joined the Commoner Pews.

Titania comes walking into the Great Cathedral looking around her cloak is pulled about her and their is stress and worry on her face, she looks tired and well being with child and going through everything is not the easist thing to do.

3 Armed Confessors, Confessor Dunn, 1 Grayson Guardsmen arrive, following Gareth.

Maeve seems a little out of place in such a fine cathedral. She is a bit of a wild Redrain woman, more into the spirits than the gods. That said, she is still here to show her support for the sacrifices of the warriors on the fronts. In silence she sits, glancing to the various people present, hoping to find a familiar face.

Niklas has joined the Side Alcove.


**********************************************************************
At Stormwall, as the enemy is sighted on the horizon, flashes of lightning are seen in the sky, and rain begins to fall as one of the city's namesake storms begins to swell. Many of the soldiers wrap cloaks around themselves and swear under their breaths, but through the slow approach, at least a few of the enemy vessels are seen to capsize. Good fortune, that.
**********************************************************************


Skye will follow her brother back to his group, of course wanting to be at his side. She does flash a smile in Titania's direction that has just arrived.

Skye has left the Noble Pews.

Skye has joined the Side Alcove.

Isidora remains quiet in the pews while observing those around her. She watches as others arrive and politely inclines her head, should they look her way. Her fingers are laced together and then she lowers her head to silently offer prayer.

Gareth has joined the Noble Pews.

"I am as well," Quenia manages to get out just as Skye decides to get up and walk to the side alcove with people she knows. She gives her another smile, and nods to Alarissa's greeting and words, then goes back to quietly offering prayers and the like.

Gareth has left the Noble Pews.

Gareth has joined the Quiet Alcove.

Sina makes her way into the Cathedral, wearing her usual black, long hair woven into a thick braid down her back. She makes her way forward and makes her genuflect before the altar before lifting her gaze to see who is about. The quiet handmaiden seems even more quiet than usual, looking a bit withdrawn, her silvery eyes shadowed as if from lack of sleep the night before. Still, she seems to recognize a few people. Derovai is spotted, and she gives him a fleeting smile. Princess Alarissa is noted as well, and she gives a respectful inclination of her head. She seems to hover there in indecision, as if not sure where she is going to come to rest for this vigil.

"Of which you are right," Elgana agrees as she leads Zaina off toward the pews and takes a seat, a more serious cast to a usually jovial and light face this day. "Today is about much more than just you or I." A soft sigh leaves the princess as her eyes lower. "It is about those we love who are so far away fighting to keep us, this Compact, everything, safe." Elgana settles and goes quiet as she falls into a soft little murmur of prayer.

Grazia has joined the Noble Pews.

Zaina is led, thusly, to the noble pews by Elgana, though she's side-eying the commoner pews pretty hard. Nevertheless, she sits. And as Elgie starts to pray, Zaina sits there watching those around her, hand clasping the duskstone pendant around her neck.

Derovai tilts back on his heels where he hangs out in the quiet alcove, watching the entrants. He seems content to be by himself -- or so it would appear at first. He nods slightly at Sina, flicking a little wave of his black-gloved hand towards her, before he's joined by Gareth, who gets a quick nod and a brief word.

Zaina has joined the Noble Pews.

Titania smiles at Skye moving over in her direction, "Skye." she says softly to her looking like she may give the woman a hug.


Princess Cassima Thrax is here, looking every bit the somber Thraxian. Black ice silk with lace in coral patterns, a tiarra and earrings bearing Kennex ebon pearls. Black on black on black. She remains at the back, hands clasped, looking more at the people around who are filing in than anything else, just now.


From her seat, Catalana smiles and waves to her cousin Titania. Giving her a way, she exhales deeply then as she nods. "Titania....so glad to see you." She would stand then as she smiles.

Skye gives Titania a hug, "It is good to see you here." She gives a smile to Alarissa and tells her softly, "I am happy to be here and pray for the safety of our troops." She gives a soft greeting as her brother introduces her to others there in the Cathedral.

Rinel stands as she finishes her prayer. She bows once more to the altar and retreats from the pews, moving to the side of the Cathedral.

Rinel has left the Commoner Pews.

Sina finally settles into the commoner pews, near the back of the cathedral. She folds her hands in her lap, gazing up toward the altar at the front for the moment, before bowing her head silently as if in prayer, eyes closed.

Sina has joined the Commoner Pews.

Titania nods her head and gives a curtsy the best she can to Alarissa, "Your Grace." she says softly then Catalan has her attention, "Cata." she whispers and moves for her cousin moving to hug the otehr woman.


**********************************************************************
At Stormwall, fire fills the night sky despite the swirling rain, as burning pitch is launched from the Port of Stormwall's defensive trebuchets towards the approaching ships upon the order of Princess Marian Redrain. Enemy ships are ablaze, but fire rains down in return, and Prince Edain Valardin and Prince Jericho Valardin are seen on the beach shepharding particularly short sighted infantry away from falling boulders. In their defense, many protest that full helms and night aren't a great combination for avoiding burning rocks. Some enemy ships are lost, and an excellent shot from a trebuchet fired by Lady Emily Deepwood has one ship capsize and slow the advance into the port, but hundreds still come on, and soon the massive enemy fleet will be in range to attempt to land on the beach. Enemy fire lands on the port, and word is Marquis Malesh Stonewood has been badly hurt.
**********************************************************************



**********************************************************************
Outside Setarco no storm comes, but on the horizon the darkening of the sky from the masts of the ships that make up Maelstrom's End are visible even from the Silken City. As the people send prayers of hope and strength from the city, hundreds of ships approach the Compact's fleet.
**********************************************************************


Rinel has joined the an ornately decorated large table with tiers and votive candles.


In the back of the Cathedral, the sound of silk whispering on hard floors and soft slippers sliding across stone surfaces are the only real indications that anyone is back there. It is Princess Cassima Thrax, pacing in the back, her dark hair and dark attire almost allowing her to blend into the shadows as she loiters.


As Titania hugs her, Catalana returns that hug tightly. "Ti...." Her voice soft as she whispers to the woman.

Alarissa has left the Side Alcove.

Alarissa has joined the Commoner Pews.

Titania hides her face in her cousins shoulder nodding her head whispering back.

There is a brief glimmer of light as Rinel lights a single votive candle. The scholar bows her head and murmurs quietly over the nascent flame before picking the candle up. She slowly makes her way to the back of the cathedral and wordlessly extends her hands to Cassima--silently offering the gently flickering candle to the pacing Princess.

Titania has joined the Side Alcove.

Rin has returned!! And with little ones! Catalana had a promise to keep and she was going to keep it. As Rin approached with her daughter, Lady Cerilla, the future Duchess of Tyde, Lady Victoria, and the baby Tyde lord she just sighs a bit as she held out her hands for her daughter. Looking to Niklas she grins. "Oh look...it's your yours, Niklas...."

Skye gives a soft smile as Alarissa kisses her cheek before moving to see to the others gathered. She looks to be softly praying so it takes a moment for her to respond to others that are talking softly.

Cassima draws up in surprise when a lit figure pauses before her. She lifts her eyes to the man's face and then nods in greeting. Her eyes flitter down to the candle and she reaches out to take the lit candle as wordlessly as it was offered. At least she doesn't look like some shadow-monster, creeping in the back now. Now she's just casting shadow monsters!

Cassima draws up in surprise when a lit figure pauses before her. She lifts her eyes to the absolutely drop dead gorgeous clearly female face and then nods in greeting. Her eyes flitter down to the candle and she reaches out to take the lit candle as wordlessly as it was offered. At least she doesn't look like some shadow-monster, creeping in the back now. Now she's just casting shadow monsters!

Departing from the group, herr daughter passed off to a Sabella, Alarissa - in her armor likely as some sign of solidarity or the like - is making her way to the commoner pews, toward Maeve and Sina and approaching them respectfully ad with a smile on her face.

Zaina has left the Noble Pews.

Maeve has left the Commoner Pews.

Zaina rises from the pews with a nod to Elgana, and she retreats on nigh silent footfall to Cassima's side. There they stand, two figures in depthless blacks, the shorter one falling into step alongside the taller, pacing one.

Grandt, House Leary man-at-arms, Abalene, the Northern Hawk Owl, 2 Leary House Guards arrive, following Fairen.

Rinel folds her hands behind her back and says nothing, a silent presence standing still near the pacing shadows.

Cassima continues her pacing now with Zaina by her side. They're lit by the single candle in the Princess' hand.

Sina finally lifts her head from her silent prayer, and looks about once more with silvery eyes. She spots Alarissa's approach, and she rises from the pew to sink into a respectful curtsey. "Your Highness," she murmurs.

Fairen has joined the Noble Pews.

When Fairen joins the Noble Pews, Isidora dips her head politely in his direction while conversing with the Marquessa Quenia.

Fairen moves silently into the Cathedral, sliding into a seat next to Isidora at the Noble Pews and returning her nod.


**********************************************************************
At Stormwall, thousands of the enemy are making landfalla at the beach, while a smaller force is trying for the port. The enemy does something unexpected, and starts to rain fire down upon the beach, irregardless of their own troops being engaged in the fighting.
**********************************************************************


Derovai's expression shifts from where he hangs out in the quiet alcove, something more intense stealing over his face. He murmurs something briefly to Gareth, a sharp smile crossing his face. It's not a warm expression, needless to say, though that displeasure doesn't seem directed at the scarred man.

Zaina shrugs at something Cassima says and then she nods, speaking softly once more.


Something Zaina says makes Cassima let out a sudden, single-syllable laugh. She covers her mouth quickly and the smile fades almost instantly.

Fairen has left the Noble Pews.


**********************************************************************
At Stormwall, hundreds of the enemy vessels have tried to land simultaneously, and while Valardin's cavalry charge has cut down many on the beach, tens of thousands are forming up ranks miles down the shoreline and starting to march towards Stormwall. The enemy continues to try to assault the port, and rains down fire upon the defender as Stormwall's trebuchets continue to claim losses. But soon, the land bombardments will be a distraction compared to the massive clash of troops on the beach.
**********************************************************************


"They can be faulted, for questioning what a voice of Thrax decides done. They have issues, they bring it in person. Not airing their displeasures to all and sundry." But Sina hasn't slept and there's concern on Alarissa's face. "After tonight, promise me you will sleep. You will need your strength. Especially in Redrain."

Rinel makes her way back to the pews.

Rinel has left the an ornately decorated large table with tiers and votive candles.

Rinel has joined the Commoner Pews.


**********************************************************************
Outside Setarco, the volley of arrows slows as the fleets crash together, and Captain Ariella Igniseri is the first injured among the Compact's forces. But she breaks off the arrow with determination and keeps shouting orders, undeterred. As the fleets sail even closer, Admiral Wash Kennex rams one of the invading fleet in a perfect maneuver, sinking it even as a ship of Southport sinks beneath the waves. It's early in the naval battle yet, still too close to tell who might win.
**********************************************************************


1 Velenosa House Guards arrives, following Silvio.

1 Velenosa House Guards have been dismissed.

Cassima glances over to the noble pews when Alarissa's voice rises, then turns her attention back to the Eurusi at her side.

Zaina peels off from Cassima and moves to the noble pews. Rather than sit, however, she bends over to speak softly into Elgana's ear.


**********************************************************************
The storm becomes noticeably more violent during the battle, wind and rain battering several of the enemy ships. Suddenly, the darkened sky becomes blindingly bright as lightning strikes several of the ships which had been raining fire upon the shore. Not a single bolt - but for several seconds, lightning strikes again and again, and the enemy vessels catch fire, and then explode in a cataclysm of flame, fury, and shattered wood. Immediately after that, it appears that the enemy fleet begins to withdraw.
**********************************************************************


Elgana doesn't seem to startle too badly when Zaina leans over the pew and whispers into her ear. The princess gives a slight nod and then hands something to her handmaiden.

And then, without a word, Elgana rises, giving a nod to those left on the pews before she makes to join with her handmaiden.

Zaina nods to Elgana and walks back to Cassima with Elgana in tow. She cracks open the bottle of rum and hands it to Cassima first.

Behtuk has joined the Commoner Pews.

A sense of calm and serenity soothes the room, defusing some of the tension.

Alarissa has left the Commoner Pews.

Titania holds Catalans hand she closes her eyes and breaths deeply trying to calm her own fears and help calm Catalana.

Cassima accepts the bottle, and she can't help but smirk. She speaks softly to the two women, then takes a most delicate and ladylike swig in the back, dark shadows of the room before handing it around.

Silvio drifts into the quiet gathering, waving off his guards the moment his boots find shelter and gratuitous company. There is a calm, collectedness about him, and he takes a few steps, looks at his nails, then a few more...then fixes his hair, then finally strides into the throng of well-wishers.

Isidora breathes deeply as tension subsides and she stops the agitated twisting of her fingers. Rising from the pews with a polite parting nod to the others, she smooths the simple fabric of her gown to wander the Cathedral.

Isidora has left the Noble Pews.

Sina squeezes Alarissa's hand as she departs, and then that sense of calm settles over her troubled thoughts. She glances around, silvery eyes taking on a calm and contemplative expression. She seems to relax, just a little, and closes her eyes once more. She bows her head, and focuses her thoughts toward prayer, trying to filter out the whispers and murmurs of the others around her.

Skye gets a look of joy on her face as her soft prayers bring her great comfort. She looks to the gods and thanks them taking this as a sign that they are with them. They are protecting their followers.

Quenia has taken some time to open up to those among the noble benches, and has joined in chatting with them from time to time. Every now and again she sinks into thoughtful prayer. And then, as time passes, some sort of peace falls over her, at least helping to allay her nerves for her family a bit.

Zaina cuts her eyes up at Cassima and responds before handing the bottle next to Elgana.

Looking to Titania, she smiles a bit as she seems to relax. Sighing softly Catalana lifts her locket up, opening it up to look back in the mirror. Wiping her eye she just exhales a bit as she pushes a hair back into place then snaps that locket shut before resuming leaning back on her fellow pregnant cousin.

With a sigh, Elgana takes the bottle that is offered and puts it right to her lips before her head tips back for a long, long moment. She shivers and then hands the bottle back to Cassima as she gives a soft chuckle. "It is nice to see you again, but I wish it was under better circumstances," she murmurs softly.

Derovai is still hanging in the alcove with Gareth, but when Silvio enters, he offers his acquaintance a nod, not feeling the need to break away from the alcove quite yet.

Pellinor, 5 Thrax Guards, Duchess, a graceful greyhound, Chessa, Ovelia leave, following Alarissa.

Sabella has left the Side Alcove.

The two Princesses and the Eurusi handmaiden continue to pass a bottle of Lowers-bought rum around in the back shadows of the Cathedral, talking softly.

Titania nods, "Be safe." she says to Sabella watching her get up then she looks to Niklas.

Grazia has left the Noble Pews.

Gia the peregrine falcon, 3 Rubino and Zaffria guards leave, following Grazia.

Lily, a lithe young woman, Elizabetta, a lissome lady-in-waiting, Valor, a small brown and white corgi puppy, Grazia leave, following Sabella.

Gia the peregrine falcon, 3 Rubino and Zaffria guards arrive, following Grazia.

Grazia has joined the Noble Pews.

After waving to Sabella as she leave, there's a sigh then as she looks around. Seems there's still a gathering as she takes a deep breath. Catalana offers nods to those still present before looking back to those sitting with her.


**********************************************************************
It's the crash of battle outside Setarco, when the fleets drive together, that sees the first hard losses. Five ships go down in that first pass, but six of the enemy's are sunk. To an accountant, this sort of parity means the Compact will win. But at what grave cost? The sound of sailors sinking into the depths is covered by the clash of battle above the waves.
**********************************************************************


Not wishing to disturb those in prayer or soft conversation, Isidora quietly parts from the Cathedral.

Sina remains seated in the commoner pews, her head bowed once again in prayer. She returns to her usual quiet self. She does seem to be in somewhat better spirits, however, a sense of focused calm settling over her as she prays for the safe return of those forces who have gone off to war, for the defeat of the Pirate King, and for the safety of the people of Arvum. After a time, she does lift her head however, and glances toward Rinel and Behtuk as the man joins the benches. Then she rises, and moves away toward the table with all of the candles, drifting over there gracefully. She picks up a lighting stick, and dips it into the flame of one of the already-lit candles, before moving it to light one that has not been lit. She lingers there for a time, her silvery eyes watching the dancing flames of the many candles.

Sina has left the Commoner Pews.

Sina has joined the an ornately decorated large table with tiers and votive candles.

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

Zaina bows slightly to Cassima as she accepts the rum bottle. "Be safe, Princess," she murmurs. "We'll be in touch."

Cassima bobs respectfully to Elgana and Zaina, and then turns to make her exit.

4 Thrax Guards, Bastian, the Reformed Rogue leave, following Cassima.

Elgana offers a nod to Cassima as she departs, a soft sigh leaving her as she turns to look at Zaina for a moment and then at those left gathered in the cathedral. "I wonder if I should pray some more... I feel like it is at least making my heart feel lighter." She pauses as she regards the other woman again. "You do not have to stay with me if you wish to tend to any matters of your own," she offers with a gentle smile. "But your companionship is always welcome."

Zaina exhales and looks at Elgana, head tilting. "My place is with you, Princess," she says calmly. She shrugs. "But we're still drinking this rum."

Quenia finishes her prayers and rises from her seat, making way for the exit.

Quenia has left the Noble Pews.

A bit late, as far as the vigil goes, but Aleksei finally slips into the cathedral. His usual outfit of white leathers seem to fit perfectly here: the gleaming white, the golden stitching of the Faith's sigil. He has the privilege of his sword remaining without being bound by a peace knot, given his position. He walks slowly down the main aisle, fingers drifting over the pews as he goes, an expression of thoughtfulness on his face as he studies who's gathered.

Skye looks to her brother with questioning eyes to see if he wants to stay or go now that people are leaving the cathedral. She feels much better now, having done her prayers ubt seems willing to stay if he wants to socialize.

"That we are," Elgana agrees as she looks back out over those gathered. "Come, then." She turns and heads back toward the pews to re-take her seat, and resume her vigil.

Zaina nods perfunctorily and follows after Elgana.

Zaina has joined the Noble Pews.

Titania looks up and over nodding her head, "Blessed Aleksei." she greets the man softly.

Rinel snorts loudly at something Behtuk has said. Then she makes an "eep" sound and covers her mouth, flushing.

Sina lets out a soft sigh, and finally turns away from the gleaming candles. She glances around the cathedral briefly, then turns to make her way toward the exit, quietly slipping out. After she leaves, a pair of Thrax guards who had been lurking near the doors follow her, and then shortly after that, two more. A few moments later, a couple other figures leave as well, and it's not certain when they entered, but... might those have been Confessors discreetly shadowing the young handmaiden? Surely not.

Zaina pauses halfway down and then stands. She looks at Aleksei. And then, she quietly makes her way over in his direction. "They call you 'Blessed'," she says softly to the man. "This means you are an Archlector, yes?" The Eurusi handmaiden bows belatedly. "Forgive me for accosting you. I just ..had a theological question. May I ask it?"

Sina has left the an ornately decorated large table with tiers and votive candles.

Vald, 4 Thrax Guards leave, following Sina.

Skye takes her leave as well, giving a soft words of thanks to Catalina, Nikas, Sabella, and Titania as she makes her way out of the church. Aleksei gets a respectful nod as the young baroness leaves.

Skye has left the Side Alcove.

Rinel has left the Commoner Pews.

1 Navegant Marines leaves, following Skye.

"I -- yeah, I--" Aleksei pauses, his gaze catching with more focus on Zaina. There's a tension of worry that lingers on his frame, but some wry humor tucks in the corners of his mouth. "Oh, it's -- well, I guess I wasn't last time I, uh, saw you -- anyways. Yeah, of course. Theology. My -- thing."

Elgana gives a glance back at where Zaina has paused, but she does not make to stop the other woman as she speaked with Aleksei, a curious look growing on the princess's face as she caps the bottle in her hands and tucks it back away. Her gaze lingers a moment longer before she simply falls back into her own thoughts, chin tilted downward as her eyes close and she simply prays, hands folded tightly in her lap.

Zaina nods simply to Aleksei and then speaks quietly, a gesture to the open space of the Cathedral given.

Grazia has left the Noble Pews.

Gia the peregrine falcon, 3 Rubino and Zaffria guards leave, following Grazia.

Derovai murmurs something quietly to Gareth where the two have settled at the quiet alcove, his tone pensive. It's a question of some sort, and he watches the entrances and exits for a moment before following it up with a second one, his gaze on the gathering.

Aleksei speaks quietly with Zaina for a moment, both seeming earnest with each other. And then he lifts his head, brow furrowed as he looks to the door, and he seems to excuse himself in a murmur before slipping away from her and heading back out.

Zaina inclines her head. "I understand," she says quietly to Aleksei. "Thank you."

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


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At Stormwall, the beaches are clear of Compact forces after they stage a successful withdraw, with most of the infantry filling the city and manning the gates. Panic from the handful of civilians that had thus far refused to evac was a problem, but Count Thesarin Riven managed to restore order and get them out of the way of the incoming troops, while a short and brutal battle at the docks secured that from the last attacking by ship. But now a hundred thousand of the Gyre's troops are attempting to scale the city, and ladders are being brought up by the thousands.
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Zaina looks at Elgana. "I will be right back," she says quietly, hand finding her janbiya as she walks purposefully for the door.

Zaina has left the Noble Pews.

Suhaina, an Eurusi maiden leaves, following Zaina.

Suhaina, an Eurusi maiden arrives, following Zaina.

Zaina returns after a moment.Her janbiya is peacebound, freshly, and she clenches her left hand into a fist as she walks back to the noble pews to sit beside Elgana. She begins to speak softly in Eurusi, hand making a few small gestures as her eyes close. Praying.

Zaina has joined the Noble Pews.

Behtuk is sitting calmly in the commoners pews. Occasionally his lips move as he tells speaks some private prayer.


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At Stormwall, more and more ladders go up, though it seems that the entire enemy line falters with Violet of the Crimson Blades shoots at -something- in the darkness that dissolves when an arrow strikes it. Still, it's but a momentary distraction, as the Gyre's forces are trying to swarm the walls in ever increasing numbers as pike men and archers desperately try to batter them down.
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Zaina's free hand, the one not in a fist, reaches up to grasp at the pendant about her neck. At one point, she rocks forward as she pleads in soft Eurusi before the gods.


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At Setarco, the battle is well and truly joined - the captains and admirals of various fleets all working together to deliver what they hope to be a rout to the Gyre's Fleet. And it's working, though the lookouts at Setarco can see ships of the Compact sinking into the waves, more of the Gyre's fleet are sinking than the Compact's. So far. Still, there are many wounded, among them Prince Jasher Thrax - bleeding and injured still he stands, doggedly determined to stand against the pretender-king of the Mourning Isles.
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At Stormwall, a brutal push by the enemy against the city's walls is beaten back by a valiant rally by Lord Michael Bisland, who leads the defenders in a counter push that shoves off the walls and temporarily forces the ladders off all the walls. Thousands of dead litter the base of the walls below the city, but tens of thousands remain, with the ladders already being raised ontop of their mounting dead.
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The fighting at Stormwall reaches a fevered pitch, with tens of thousands of the attackers lying dead at the foot of the walls but most now streaming into the city. The Compact forces have fought street by bloody street but have been driven from the port, and have fallen back to the Crovane castle as a last bastion before potentially surrendering the city entirely.
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The waves wash over the rapidly sinking fleet at Setarco. The Compact fleet has lost some ships, true - but not anywhere close to the numbers of the Gyre's fleet. No, this was a resounding victory for the Compact who chose to stand together to guard Setarco. As the Compact carries the day, High Admiral Victus shouts loudly to the open sea, "You come at us swinging Marin, you fuckin' best do better than this. The Isles didn't budge and neither will this Compact. The Compact stands, united and unbowed. Next time," he says with a sneer as the sharks circle below, "bring friends."
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From the passageway near the tunnels leading to Stormwall, a force of cavalry has managed to hold off a terrible attack, and those near would swear they heard something that sounded like the shattering of a mirror. The valiant defense was not without cost, as Lady Eirlys Greenmarch gave her life to protect Dame Esoka Greenblood.
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