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

Herald Steve bangs the butt of his halberb on the ground three times, which signals, some servants to bring out the referensments for courts. There are a variety of cheeses, many warm individual loaves of pumperknickle bread. There is also fresh asparagus spears wrapped in bacon. Once food is at the tables, there is also wines, ciders and meads placed out, and Edain stands to greet everyone.

"I would like to thank everyone for coming. I apologize, that this will not be a particularlly exciting session of the Valardin Court, but I thought it would be wise to hold open court incase anyone has any matters they wish to discuss with me in the wake of the war with the Pirate King, or in looking towards the future." He nods approvingly at the servants as they place food and drink, "There is plenty for everyone, so help yourselves to food and libations."

The Prince folds his hands behind his back and gives a few minutes for people to settle before adding, "If anyone has business they wish to put before the court, you are welcome to come forward now. If you wish to discuss it in discretely we can speak in the audience nook." which is where is oval oak table is.

Kit, the grey fox, 1 Telmarine Armsmen, a tiny man with a BIG unpronounceable name, Margret arrive, following Monique.

Ian is in the back somewhere, out of the way, with a flask full of wholesome apple juice. Really. (Not really.) He seems to be here to drink and watch, which is what he's doing right now.

Gareth has joined the a square meeting table with dragon carving.

Alis watches people file in, a nod given to each in turn while one of the servants brings her some of the food on a plate and a cup of tea and looks at her -sternly- until she makes a face and puts cheese on pumpernickel to start eating. There was definitely a scold going on there from servant to princess. Some people are just really good at the silent unimpressed face. And then she waits, to see what issues people might bring forward publically.

Balian, a Templar squire, Guy, a hunting kestrel arrive, following Preston.

Arriving just before the announcement made by Edain comes Kael. Solo this evening, it seems. He enters the audience chamber and steps swiftly off to the side, bowing his head politely as the High Lord talks. It is once refreshments are being made available that he is on the move once more, declining those in favor of finding a relatively quiet spot out of the way.

Derovai slips in, claiming whatever recess he can find in the room to settle back and watch. He doesn't take food or drink, more interested in the goings on than the actual food. At the servant's stern look towards Alis, though, he smiles. Just a little. And nods her pointedly towards that slice of bread.

Sir Alren arrives, following Bianca.

Rohm the Blackguard, Karrigan's Watchful Avalanche, a Snow Shepherd puppy of ultimate fluffiness arrive, following Caelis.

Ven enters and hangs up his cloak after shaking it out. Surveying the room he notices Derovai observing from a shadowy corner and sidles on over next to him.

Arriving fashionably late Margret and Monique come into the Audience Hall quietly, and take their place at an open table as unobtrusively as possible.

Jericho looks towards Alis then, before faces like Echo and Caelis arrive that he truly recognizes, giving both women a kind smile. Though he remains silent when it is asked if anyone had anything they'd like to bring forth to discuss.

Tapping his way in, leaning heavily on his cane the scarred Inquisitor Prince makes his way to one of the tables, easing himself into it slowly as he watches Edain and company quietly. Gareth does not touch the food yet, though his hard gaze does flick down more than a few times to survey what is available.

Bianca slipped in with Sir Alren at her side. She moved briskly along the outlying side of the hall toward the greater belly of the room so as to hear. A glass of wine as well as three bacon wrapped spears.

Preston steps into the audience hall, the Templar's armour clanking slightly. Still, if the armour didn't give him away, the fact his helmet is being held by Balian does. It's Preston! The blond and young Templar. A bow of his head is offered to Edain before he moves to the side, taking a chance to look over the food options, trying to decide what is the most pious and proper food to eat in company, and while he decides helping himself to a delightful fruit juice of the non-fermented kind.

Caelis is pretty quiet about slipping in, a few strands loose from the hair pins she uses to keep her dark hair up. She finds a spot along a wall to lean and watch things out of the way. Jericho getting a nod and soft smile in return.

Catching sight of Margret and Monique, Alban makes his way over towards the pair offering a nod to Preston and a quiet, "Brother." Before he deepens the bow of his head respectfully on the way. When he approaches Margret and Monique however he quietly greets them both with a small smile and; "My Ladies, may I join you both?"

Echo returns the smile to Jericho and wiggles her fingers out to the Valardin prince as she makes her way inside, casually inspecting the asparagus bacon-spears before finding a quiet place to settle.

Unobtrusively picking up a slice of bread with a soft cheese, a flagon of mead in his other hand, Ardoin gives Monique and Margret quick smiles in greeting, followed by one for Kael. A deep bow of the head in Archscholar Wyrmguard's direction, and then he's back to being half-obscured behind a plant, nibbling away.

Ramona - A Farshaw House Guard arrives, following Lisebet.

Monique slips in with Margert, arm in arm, stealing to a seat. "I'll get you some food and drink, Cousin?" Monique says, pausing a moment to wave to Bianca, flashing the Archscholar a sunny smile. At Alban's arrival, that smile slides to him easily. "That would be wonderful. I was just going to get a plate. I'll be back momentarily." She salutes to Ardoin, giving the man a cheeky grin.

"Lord Alban." Margret says with a gentle smile and murmurs softly, "Of course. Please sit with us." She returns Ardoin's smile with one of her own and gives Monique a smile when she says she'll get her some of the refreshments. "Thank you."

Derovai stares flatly at Ven for a moment, before he slips over to grab some food from that same servant that Alis had just taken some food from, selecting some cheese and bread from the same plate, willingly abandoning his spot where he was going to perch and watch. That brief smile he'd shot Alis resurfaces as he adds something quietly to the woman.

Bianca inclined her head to both Ardoin and Monique as the pair greeted her, though as no one seemed to speak up to Edain's call for audience... she moved to the High Lord!

Edain grasps one of the still warm loafs of pumpernickle from the tray that gets set down on his audience table. He looks around the room and says, "Well then if there is nothing anyone wishes to address openly. I can start taking private audiences with anyone who needs one." He turns then and smiles to Bianca, "Archlector. It is good to see you." He motions to the Audience table, "Shall we?"

Margret has joined the a square meeting table with dragon inlay.

Alban has joined the a square meeting table with dragon inlay.

Bianca dipped a bow, hand bearing glass of wine shifting to covet her heart even with full hands. "Thank you." And she settled in at the audience table, her voice lowering.

Bianca has joined the an oval oak audience table.

Monique has joined the a square meeting table with dragon inlay.

When Ardoin offers a smile in greeting, Kael is inclining his head respectfully in turn. It's when his chin lifts that he's considering the Prince, curiously -- it's not an impolite thing, for what it is worth, but more contemplative. He nods his head once more, deeply, then turns to focus on the proceedings. He's content to just lurk it seems.

Alis points at the bacon wrapped asparagus on her plate at something Derovai whispers to her, looking amused. "See?" she murmurs and then says something more quietly as a few join her table.

Lisebet slips in quietly, offering a polite curtsey to the front of the room. She doesn't notice her cousin right away, and instead simply finds a spot to listen for the moment. Alas, there's not necessarily going to be something to listen to, it seems. Still, she finds a good spot to people watch quietly.

Upon catching sight of Derovai, Ardoin gives him a flash of a smile in greeting, then notices the Count peering at him, whereupon the Prince quirks his good eyebrow at Kael with an inquisitive look, taking a sip of mead in the meantime.

Ven reacts to Derovai's wordless departure with an expression of mystified hurt.

When no one brings anything to be publicly addressed to the attention of the Voices or the Prince of Sanctum, Katarina presses her mouth into a faint line and rouses from her casual recline against a wall in the back. "I do have something," she pitches forward in quiet offerance, golden eyes swinging from Alis to Edain and back, waiting. "Privately, when there's time for it..."

Jericho smiles softly then to Caelis as she returned his silent gesture, before he looks to Echo, the warmest smile for her as well before he pays attention to the proceedings, presently sitting fairly alone as he waits then. Though he looks to Katarina as she speaks, he nods softly as she asks that it be a private thing.

Derovai oods towards the asparagus, though he doesn't seem terribly convinced by its presence, on some level. He murmurs something briefly towards Alis, and then scans the room for a moment before adding a last comment to her, shaking his head, before he takes his own bread and cheese, slipping away. He shoots a faint smile back towards Ardoin, before circling back to where he'd stood. "So tell me," he remarks to Ven.

Ian takes a drink from his flask of probably-not-apple-juice and quirks an eyebrow when Katarina speaks up. But he doesn't make any move to rise from whatever bench against a back wall he's found to sit on.

Preston looks up, his eyes following Derovai for a moment - but quickly flicking onto Katarina as she talks "Mm. Actually, Princess, when you have a moment, I did have a question for you. About a compass. And where it points now."

Kael's response is a half smile toward Ardoin before he finally does cave and venture off toward the refreshment table. There's no easy snare of this item or that, but rather a quiet consideration. After that long stretch, what his choice? A simple glass of water. Still, refreshment.

Jordal, a bodyguard arrives, following Isabeau.

Alis looks up from her table conversation briefly to glance between Katarina and Preston, eyebrow raised slightly in query. But rather then speaking aloud she just does one of those smiles that means she'll ask someone later. And, goes back to her quiet discussion.

Abandoning her appearance of idleness, Caelis wanders over to Jericho. "Prince Jericho, how are you doing?" She asks quietly, checking in on the man as people meet and chit chat.

She might be back by the esc - erm door, but Lisebet does finally manage to catch sight of a few folks she recognizes. So she starts to make her way forward. The refreshment table is a great excuse and she heads there first, pausing shortly after Kael gets his water to examine the asparagus.

Alban offers a smile and a wave to Lisebet when he spots her, gesturing for her to come over when she is ready.

Katarina wanders the periphery of the audience hall to step up toward Edain and Alis. Her words are hushed for her brother and sister, a knee bent to allow the admiral an easier time of glancing from one older sibling to another in her quick address of them.

Isabeau has joined the an oval oak audience table.

Giving Lisebet a wave in greeting, his bright blue eyes turn towards Count Kael speculatively, and the Prince sidles up next to him at the refreshment table, slowly nibbling upon his bread and cheese.

Derovai shrugs as Ven whispers something to him, his gaze drifting back towards the surroundings, silent.

Jericho smiles softly then to Caelis, offering the Princess a small bow of his head. "Princess Caelis..a pleasure to see you. I'm...alive, so that's something." a kind smile for her then. "What of you? how do you fare?"

Surely, Princess Isabeau has been here this entire time and had not, instead, come home from work to fall asleep while petting her cat. No, indeed, she has been here, seated with Edain and Alis. Yes.

Ven shakes his head in disbelief at Derovai, walking over to retrieve his cloak and then leaving.

Bianca rose, accepting Edain's offer to rise to her feet by way of a supporting hand. "May the light of the gods continue to shine through your actions, your grace." And she dipped another small bow before making her way back to the side of the room to finish nibbling on celery.

When Lisebet moves toward the refreshment table, Kael is inclining his head politely to her given their close proximity. "Good evening," he murmurs. Then there's a slight smile as he adds, "Count Kael Keaton, I--" ah, and he is the one that spies Alban's wave and gesture. He indicates the man with a tip of his head and a rather rueful grin to go along with it. Now there's also Ardoin who approaches, and after a nod of acknowledgement he shakes his head and offers a few brief, amiable words quietly in response.

Lisebet takes one of those individual bread loaves, some cheese, and one of the bacon wrapped asparagus thingies on a plate. She also gets some wather. Ardoin gets a polite and respectful nod of her head, but she doesn't interrupt as it seems he's about to speak to someone. Instead, she moves towards the table where Alban is, offering her cousin and whoever else is there a winsome smile, along with a quiet settling into her seat.

Bianca has left the an oval oak audience table.

"Home with family, I'll take my blessings where I can. Not to say that my heart doesn't ache for those who gave their all." Caelis gives Jericho's arm a light squeeze. "But I've found seeing my kin-even by marriage is heartening." She keeps her words soft and quiet, peripherally watching the crowd.

Lisebet takes one of those individual bread loaves, some cheese, and one of the bacon wrapped asparagus thingies on a plate. She also gets some water. As the fellow introduces himself, she smiles. "A pleasure, m'Lord Count. I am Lady Lisebet Farshaw. And you have noticed my cousin beckoning me. Thank you." Her own smile is polite and friendly. Ardoin gets a polite and respectful nod of her head, but she doesn't interrupt as it seems he's about to speak to the count. Instead, she moves towards the table where Alban is, offering her cousin and whoever else is there a winsome smile, along with a quiet settling into her seat.

Lisebet has joined the a square meeting table with dragon inlay.

Derovai doesn't seem bothered by Ven's exit. In fact, he seems a little relieved, simply settling back to watch as before, a gloved hand moving to scratch his jaw. He rocks back on his heels, only now taking a drink from a passing servant with a tray, taking a judicious sip as he watches.

"And may the gods walk with you always Archlector." Edain says. He smiles to Katarina then and says, "Princess Katarina, I believe you were next?"

As he waits for her to come forward, the Prince of Sanctum looks out to the rest of the room, "I would like to take a moment to recognize someone though. As you entered here today, many of you might have seen a beautiful new statue dedicated to the late, Lord Commander Dayne Valardin. It was a gift from Lady Monique Telmar. Thank you Lady Monique, we are truly humbled by your generosity."

Edain is overheard praising Monique.

Katarina is overheard praising Monique.

Alis is overheard praising Monique.

Ardoin is overheard praising Monique for: For the impressive new statue of Lord Commander Dayne Valardin!

Kael is overheard praising Monique for: For her generosity with the new statue of Lord Commander Dayne Valardin.

Katarina brings her hands in soft applause when Edain brings attention upon Monique for the creation of the new statue, lips spreading in a faint smile. She draws back a partial step from Edain, as though she were going to retreat back in to the crowd.

Monique murmurs something aside to Alban quietly, before turning to the room at large. "I was moved by our High Lord, and his actions. I sought only to replicate the honor I saw in him. Thank you, Prince Edain. I may not always be worthy of your kindness, but it is always appreciated." She dips her head and settles back down.

Jericho smiles warmly then to Caelis as she speaks her kind words, bowing his head softly to the woman. "I thank you for your words...it's good to see so many alive...I only weep for our dead." he smiles weakly to her then, sighing a moment. "It is what it will be."

Jericho is overheard praising Monique.


Also present in the room, and totally not late to the party is Talwyn Valardin, the young Prince standing near one wall of the room alone and partially hidden by some ornate decoration. The man steps forward slightly, out of the shadow of whatever it was that had been hiding him from view, and approaches one of the tables to take a seat.

Ian puts his flask away and applauds, since everyone else is doing it, with the air of someone who does not belong here but is REALLY trying to blend in, anyway.

As the High Lord of House Valardin announces his praise for Lady Monique Telmar, the beautiful blonde Voice who is -not- is sister lifts her hands from her lap to politely claps. Princess Isabeau even brightens her polite smile as she directs her blue-eyed gaze toward the woman, but that's about as close to outright praise as she gets.

Bianca inclined her head toward Monique as she was acknowledged, but maneuvered her way over to Alis and murmured something.

Bianca has joined the a square meeting table with dragon inlay.

Lisebet is overheard praising Monique.

Bianca is overheard praising Monique.

Talwyn has joined the a square meeting table with dragon inlay.

Kael pauses from his quiet conversation to look over toward Monique when the praise is offered. He dips his head politely, flashes a smile, and claps along with the others that are doing so.

Caelis smiles back. "We're fortunate to have time to mourn, and celebrate those amazing people." She tells Jericho quietly and pats his arm again lightly. "Your joy does her honor too, Prince Jericho." She glances up at all the clapping briefly but seems fairly intent on her conversation.

Edain murmurs quietly with Katarina and then bows and smiles as she fades back, "Thank you Princess Katarina. Does anyone else have business they wish to bring before the court?"

Rather than wait for an answer as Katarina is taken up to the High Lord, Preston gives a smilw and claps dutifully for Monique at Edain's words before he takes a couple of steps towards the exit. He pauses and looks back to Alban with a smile "If I have not said it, Lord Alban, I am glad to see you were able to make it through." Derovai also gets a nod "Master Voss." And then he clanks his way out.

Balian, a Templar squire, Guy, a hunting kestrel leave, following Preston.

Speaking with Count Keaton by the refreshment table, Ardoin glances up to give Monique a beaming smile in gratitude for her generous contribution, a pleased expression upon his visage.

Derovai looks over towards Preston, raising his brows, but he says nothing, going back to his drink. If he has any thoughts about the statue, he keeps them to himself.

Bianca inclined her head to Talwyn though attention soon turned to Lisebet. "Lady Lisebet Farshaw, yes? I am unsure if we have been properly introduced." Her hand lifted to rest over her heart in indication. "Archscholar Bianca." The introduction also turned in part toward Talwyn.

Lisebet joins in the clapping for Lady Monique's lovely statue, but otherwise stays generally quiet.

Jericho looks to Caelis then, nodding a few moments as he smiles to the Princess. "..t-..thank you, Princess." he offers her with his eyes matching her very own.

"There is one further thing, High Lord," Monique says, rising, "if I might. There will be a memorial tournament some days hence to celebrate the wonderful life and light that was Lady Eirlys Greenmarch. But there will also be another effort, spearheaded by Prince Jericho, Princess Echo, Dame Esoka and Greenmarch. Anyone who was close to Lady Eirlys, we would love if you would be a part of it. If you reach out to one of us, it would be an honor."

Quiet, a Valardin champion, Aioni, a regal snowy white owl, Pawn, the courtier's apprentice leave, following Katarina.

Monique's comment has Echo standing just a /little/ bit straighter. She glances over to Alis curiously for a beat before lowering her head in a gentle curtsy. "Yup! We're planning a few things, so... I'll get you involved, if you'd like."

Alis looks up at Monique, and then over at Jericho and Echo from where she's sitting. "I would love to be a part of something that is done to memorialize Lady Eirlys. Whatever I can do to help I am willing." is offered sincerely. "I should likely sit out a tournament though, or she will find a way to haunt me for 'overdoing it'."

Ian watches Katarina go, and then returns his attention to the goings on in the audience chamber. There's an intensity about the way he looks at things (and people), a sense that he's turning all of his focus towards the subject of his gaze, that for a moment, they're the only thing that exists for him.

Edain bows his head to Monique, "Of course, Lady Monique. Lady Eirlys died a hero, and she should always be remembered as such." Edain smiles sadly at the somber topic, but he continues, "May I inturn ask something of the Greenmarch? I.. well I do not know how riding a war elk works, but if she used spurs, I was wondering if I could ask for a pair." This seems a strange request, "My father had a tradition. When a knight fell in service to him, his arms and armor would always be sent to his kin so that they might be worn by their successor. But he would keep their spurs and bury them in a small shirne in his Garden Chapel. I was hoping you would allow me to remember Lady Eirlys in such a way. I know that she was never formerly a knight by oath, but I always considered to be one by deed."

Alban also speaks up at the mention of Lady Eirlys, "I would also help, in whatever fashion I may, to honor the Lady. She must never be forgotten."

Marie, chef of Keaton Hall arrives, delivering a message to Bianca before departing.

As everyone speaks of honoring Eirlys, a single tear falls from Jericho's eye before he wipes it away just as quickly. Seemingly proud that this is happening. "I will help where I can." he says softly then, as the fiance of Eirlys, it's his duty to.

The smile that Monique gives Edain is soft. "But of course, High Lord. It would be an honor. I'm not entirely sure she wore spurs, as riding war elk is not common among our people, and Eirlys was singular in her ability to do it, but I'll find something fitting." She essays a curtsey to him.

Edain bows to Monique, "Thank you, Lady Monique." And that said he looks to his cousing Isabeau and says, "Princess Isabeau? Would you like the floor for a moment?" Edain says. Trying very hard not to look down at his little loaf of pumpernickle bread he has not gotten to devour yet.

The mention of Eirlys brings a somber look upon the usually good-natured Ardoin's brow, standing quietly after mentioning something to Count Keaton, his head bowing to Jericho at acknowledgement of his terrible loss.

With the mention of Eirlys, Kael is ceasing his conversation, bowing his head and closing his eyes for a stretch of time. When he looks up, it is only to spy the Keaton chef making her way from the hall. He glances to the recipient of the messenger, nods his head to himself, and then speaks a few more words to Ardoin. It is brief, for a messenger is tapping him upon the arm soon enough and, with apologies issued, he executes a bow to prince he converses with, the High Lord and his Voices, then slips out. Vern is left to take notes.

Caelis gives Jericho an encouraging nudge before wandering off to find her own loaf of pumpernickel bread. She picks at it with a smile to Edain before wandering over to her next target for conversation.

Vern leaves, following Kael.

Monique's gaze slides to both Jericho and Echo in solidarity, even as her hand reaches down from Margret's, seeking it out blindly, maybe using it as a guide to settle once more upon the chair.

Margret reaches up to grasp Monique's hand, and gently puts her hand on her cousin's elbow to help guide her into her chair. She leans over to murmur something to the other Greenmarch woman before squeezing her hand.

Count Keaton having left the Hall, Prince Ardoin languidly wanders over to the square table, leaning against it while chewing upon his repast.

Ardoin has joined the a square meeting table with dragon inlay.

Gareth has left the a square meeting table with dragon carving.

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

As Ardoin joins them at the square table, Lisebet murmurs something to Bianca and then turns to acknowledge the Prince's arrival.

Echo shared a knowing and somewhat uneasy smile with Jericho before moving over to the refreshments and taking this short silence as an opportunity to pluck out a drink. That obtained, she stepped on up to Monique and leaned in to share a quick whisper with her.

Jericho nods softly then to all those who nodded to him, keeping it appropriate where needed. Though he was nudged by Caelis, he rubs thge back of his neck then, a kind smile for her. but he sips his wine and remains silent, mourning was always difficult, but he can recover from this. Course he could.

Alban bows his head politely to Echo when she approaches, but doesn't try to intrude on her conversation with Monique. Instead turning his attention to the others at the table and the quiet conversation therein.

Isabeau stands from her position at the table next to Edain and lightly clears her throat before she announces to those present, "House Valardin will be hosting a bonfire celebration in the coming weeks to honor those who proudly served with our banners. We will recognize those who have returned to us, and remember those who did not. All are welcome!"

Bianca shifted after Isabeau spoke, finishing her wine and motioning to stand. Her hand gently squeezed Alis' shoulder in indication of her warm departure and a nod of farewell went to those she had shared the table with. She paused though as Ardoin spoke, leaning forward to hear his words before nodding again.

Edain smiles to Isabeau, "Thank you Princess Isabeau. It will be a time that all will be welcome to share stories of the fallen, or speak of comrades. It will be a night where your hearts on your sleeve in the company of those that have been through loss as well. And we thank anyone that wishe to share such a night with us." And that said, Edain looks around, "I want to thank everyone for coming. IF there is nothing else anyone wishes to bring court to a close, but you are all welcome to stay and enjoy food and reshment as long as you like." He pauses though before officially calling it.. waiting to see if anyone had anything else to add.

Margret murmurs something else to Monique, and then releases her hand as Echo comes over so Monique can give her her full attention.

Bianca has left the a square meeting table with dragon inlay.

Bianca moved to Derovai, murmuring something briefly.

Monique murmurs something to Margret as her cousin let's go her hand, and leans in to Echo on her other side, a sorrowful smile sliding across her lips. Something else is whispered low, in deference to the larger conversations.

Since it seems like Edain's getting a bit of a breather, Caelis wanders over with a smile as she picks at a small loaf of bread. She has an easy smile for the hHigh Lord as she gets a bit closer to him. "I should have seen to it you ate before."

Bianca slipped something into an inner pocket of her robes, dipping a nod to Derovai before retreating to wait at the entrance of the room.

Edain smiles at Caelis, "Well I mean I did eat like an hour before this.. but well.. everytyhing smells so good." Ahh.. the famed Oathland Appetite. He clears his throat then and says, "Very well then, I declare court closed, I thank you all for coming, and invite you all to stay an enjoy food and drink as long as you like. May the Gods walk with you all!" And he gives a nod to Herald Steve who thumps the butt of his halberd on the ground three times, formerly ending the the session.