The maw is... well the maw is the Maw. Anyone who wants to enter has to step through that shark jaw that the entrace is long been fashioned into - not an actual sharks bone! - the table is set with papers, ink, quills, everything needed for wtiting, accounting. Thralls/servants (who knows anymore they both dress the same these days) mill about offering drinks and most anything else that someone might think about wanting. Alarissa stands with Carita murmuring, before turning to face the king when he approaches, speaking. "Your Majesty. Indeed, Master Rook did relay to me and I in turn to the Lady carita, how much the crown was able to provide. Generous, very generous. Your Majesty, may I present the Lady Carita Darkwater, who will now be spearheading the rebuilding efforts. Lady Carita, meet his Majesty Prince Alaric." She looks over his shoulder to see who else is milling about.

Oh, it's fine - everything is just fine. Carita joins the group that is already gathered in the Maw for the meeting as though it were nothing more than a social soiree. Only, alas, it's not. She

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

Carita, she, greets Alaric after Alarissa has made introductions, dropping into a cursty. "Your Majesty, it's a pleasure to have you attending."

Zoey arrives with Aethan and Jan, presumably representing the Kennex delegation. Zoey looks around the Maw for a moment, paying particular attention to the shark's maw architecture. "Huh." Her focus then rests on Alaric, Victus, and Alarissa, offering the collective a deep, graceful curtsey. She holds it for a moment before rising again.

2 Grimhall House Guards, Gustav, a gruff Islander advisor leave, following Valdemar.

Jan arrives with Aethan and Zoey both, tipping her chin to peer about for a place to sit. She points toward some benches, giving her companions an inquisitive look. There? If they don't agree, no matter - she's marching that way anyway, expecting them to follow.

Synder The Wolfhound leaves, following Barric.

Pellinor, 4 Thrax Guards, Barric leave, following Alarissa.

Synder The Wolfhound arrives, following Barric.

Pellinor, 4 Thrax Guards, Barric arrive, following Alarissa.

Alarissa drops Banquet Table 1.

Alarissa drops Banquet Table 2.

Alarissa drops Banquet Table 3.

They do seem to be. Aethan's expression is as unreadable as usual, and he doesn't give the shark entrance so much as a glance, instead bowing to the king, though it is nowhere near as graceful or as practiced as the newly minted Lady Kennex's curtsey. Shockingly. Then he goes more or less straight for one of the drinks circulating, as is his wont, and once he's gotten that, he's ready to say yea or nay to Jan's tacit question. His answer seems to be 'yea,' if the fact that he starts that way after her without another word. Or indeed, a word. No words at all.

Jan has joined the Roran's Banquet Table 2.

Octavian, a silken spaniel leaves, following Zoey.

Aethan has joined the Roran's Banquet Table 2.

Seymour gives an uneasy look to the decor as he enters, very clearly not a native Thraxian. Still he has some reason for being here, one that outweighs his discomfort as he moves to take a seat.

Seymour has joined the Roran's Banquet Table 2.

Octavian, a silken spaniel arrives, following Zoey.

Pellinor, 4 Thrax Guards leave, following Alarissa.

Pellinor, 4 Thrax Guards arrive, following Alarissa.

Alaric has naught but the brightest of smiles for Carita. "Lovely to see you, Lady Carita. My condolences once again for Lord Darrow and all the valiant defenders of the Watch who fell during the Pirate War. While the losses can never truly be replaced, the Crown hopes with the support of the Compact and the strength of its people Darkwater Watch will once again rise proud and unbowed by its trial." With a light bow to all three of them, he steps back. "Well then, I'll let you begin the meeting. Don't mind me, I'll just be observing." Observing himself drinking some of Victus' rum, that is.

Zoey has joined the Roran's Banquet Table 2.

Victus was stood beside his wife as the proceedings began to wind up, wearing his coat and ceremonial coronet for the evening. His arms were crossed in that stern stature one might expect, the giant of a man looming closer to Alaric when he approaches. Bunches of guards was hardly an odd sight in the Thrax estate of all places. Military was loved! "Your majesty, glad you could make it out. We finally got some good information on rebuilding Darkwater's infrastructure. Thank fuck for that." He gestures out to a table with various drinks assembled. "Come, get some rum or whiskey. Vodka or wine. We got lots of shit." Once the introductions and pleasantries are done, his eyes turn back to his wife. Seems to be letting her and Carita foot this one.

Zoey rushes back in before slowing to a more dignified stroll. Pushing back a curl that has escaped her combs, she walks to where Aethan and Jan are seated and joins them. A bottle of rum is pulled from her satchel and extended wordlessly to the others.

As people stream into the Maw either singly or in large groups surrounded by guards, courtiers, and so many others... Barric was already present and waiting for things to get going. When Alaric arrives Barric can't help but grin wryly and offer a bow to the King, "Your Majesty, it is becoming a habit now. I believe I've seen you more in the past week than I had in years Cousin." He smiles wider, "It is good to see you again." Then he moves away from where he was standing to make his way over towards food, drinks, and conversation. Drinks seems first though. On his way he nods his head towards Victus and then turns his attention that way once he gets some rum for himself. "I hope the word is good. I heard about the shrine and the waters of course, absolutely amazing." He shakes his head a bit, "I look forwards to hearing of it's reconstruction and rehabitation."

"No condolences for Lord Darrow are needed, Your Majesty, for he left the Wheel fulfilling his purpose: to defend the House against the enemy. Perhaps he was smiling while he did so. That fanciful idea alone is what gives me comfort." With another dip, Carita concludes, "With the support of the Crown and Thrax, and of course - with Darkwater's own hard work - we will rise once again." Carita turns cleanly on a slippered heel to fetch herself a glass of water before Alarissa formally begins the meeting.

The King smiles approvingly to Carita before encountering Barric on his way back to find a seat. "Barric, how nice to see you taking an interest in the reconstruction here," Alaric tells his cousin affably. "It's a good thing that I'm running into you more; I certainly could use some help drinking the rum. Shall we?" he inquires with a grin before getting his first glass and invading one of the tables.

Alaric has joined the Roran's Banquet Table 2.

Carita has joined the Roran's Banquet Table 2.

Which Alarissa does, smiling at those gathered, the hall filling. She moves to the large table gesturing for Carita to join her. "As Crovane rebuilds, so does Darkwater. The lands leveled, and left bereft of what it needs to support it's people. And we are thankful to Darkwater that they saw fit to evacuate their people." A glance to Carita. "But in my time married into Thrax and seeing the people of the Mourning Isles, I have come to see their strength. Not just in themselves, but as a whole. When one hurts, I have seen all rise to assist." Alarissa smiles. "Darkwater hurts. Through all that was thrown at it, despite that it knew that no help would likely be coming and against such great odds, while it's ground may be shorn, it's people still stand. And so, the Mourning Isles will stand with it. The Lady Carita can tell you more in what they seek and need to rebuild, but what I do know is that it is within the ability of everyone here, to do just that. The Explorer's will be completing a more in depth study of the lands and relay that report to the Lady Darkwater, but until then..." She sweeps a hand toward Carita to step forward and take over.

Barric has joined the an elegant rosewood harp.

Barric has left the an elegant rosewood harp.

Barric has joined the Roran's Banquet Table 2.

Rising from her seat, calmly, her gaze considers others around the large table as she chooses her words. "It's my desire to see Darkwater watch - with the help of others," her hands open, gesturing to the rest "-rebuilt again. My intention is, as it always was, to see my House attempt to contribute as much as its able before we undertake the process. Will this slow the project down? Likely so. But, I think that this is important for us. Us, Darkwater - she is her people, not her lands. We wish to have a direct hand in the rebuilding before we are prepared to accept the gracious donations of resources from our High Lord," with a nod toward Victus and Alarissa, "and the Crown." With another nod toward Alaric. "But, I am also here to see what the other vassal Houses of Thrax would be willing to contribute for this cause."

Deputy Clerk Anya arrives, delivering a message to Carita before departing.

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

Victus recedes a bit to take a seat of his own in the big chair, his gaze resting solely on Carita as she speaks. When she finishes, his eyes travel back down the line of those attending this evening. "It cannot be understated how blessed we are that Darkwater has shown such tenacity in its survival, with every odd stacked against them as a people. Even after all the chaos of war, we've seen a new presence of life that is nearly unprecedented in the waters that have grown. I believe that when Darkwater rises from the ashes, it will be a much different place. A much stronger place as well for having pulled through to the other side. Darrow's sacrifice will not be in vain. Not a chance." He turns back to Carita then. "We're prepared to see these projects through to the end."

Zoey listens attentively to each speaker in turn, sipping occasionally from her rum. At some point, she pulls a small book from her satchel and a charcoal pencil. She balances the book on her lap and opens to a blank sheet of paper, pencil soon poised to take notes.

"Master Oak! You asked permission to come, even though you did not need to ask, may I ask you if you are willing to aid and how?" Alarissa calls out, shifting the focus to the financial guru.

Jan sits with her arms crossed over her stomach, head tilted to the left and chin raised as she listens to the speakers.

Aethan continues to look among the speakers, and while he doesn't add anything except something quite short at the table at which he's sitting, he seems attentive to each as they say their piece. Once Seymour is called, he looks that way, waiting to hear what the other man has to say.

Glancing up, Carita looks over to make and hold eye contact with Victus as he finishes his piece on the issue at hand. With a stoic smile, she respectfully bows her head toward the High Lord. "Yes, your Grace. Our - rather, my own hope for Darkwater is to be as little of a financial drain as it possibly can be. I recognize that this is not a project that will simply resolve itself quickly, which is why I wish to stagger it out over an extended period of time." With a nod toward Seymour, "If you could, Master Oak, tell us how you will be able to help my House in thie process?"

There has been nods and pleasant smiles at the banquet table, but Barric's attention has been mostly focused on what the others are saying about the Darkwater project and what people are discussing about it. He leans back in his chair a bit looking back and forth at each individual speaker but also drinking rum, for Alaric has requested it of him. He does then speak occasionally to the others at the table but for the most part is letting the socializers do their thing uninterrupted.

Seymour takes a moment to rise from where is is sitting, resting his hands on the table as he looks around the room with a smile. "Thank you Princess Alarissa. For those who do not know me, I am Seymour Oak. I have helped oversee the reconstruction efforts at Stormwall, and I seek to be involved in the reconstruction at Darkwater as well. It is one thing to be given quotes and raise capital for an effort such as this one. I offer my talents in financial matters to enable a reconstruction that is not only faster, but at lower expense. It is through the cooperation of House Crovane that I have been able to do just that for them, and I hope that I might speak with House Darkwater in greater detail later. Thank you for allowing me this moment to speak." Seymour settles back into his seat.

Look! Another Kennex! Or don't look, because it's not like Ian makes anything even close to a grand entrance. He comes into the room, watching his own footsteps as he walks.

Zoey is sitting with ALL THE PEOPLE at a table while certain other people give remarks. She looks over, however, at the sound of a cane and brightens immediately at the sight of Ian. She scoots over a little to make room.

Ian has joined the Roran's Banquet Table 2.

Zoey flashes Barric a grin. "It's a little odd to me, too," she confesses softly. When Ian sits down, she hands him a bottle of rum without a word, leaning in to kiss his cheek immediately afterwards.

Wash has joined the Roran's Banquet Table 2.

"I am sure, Master Oak, that Darkwater looks forward to hearing in further detail how you can aid them. As I am sure, she looks forward to hearing how Kennex will assist it's vassal, so that they are productive again." A glance to the Kennex's at hand from Alarissa. "I think however, the matters of actual coin or resources can be spoken of privately so that there is no jealously." Alarissa grins. "And I am certain, like his Grace, that a stronger and greater Darkwater will rise. Till then, please, feel free to drink, come forward to speak privately if you wish and otherwise enjoy the hospitality of Thrax"

Wash comes in late, heads straight for his brothers in Kennex and plops into a seat.

"Respectable work to want to stand on your own first, Lady Carita." Victus muses back to the Voice of Darkwater. "If there is any need for manpower and the like however, you may feel free to ask. Thrax's own rebuilding efforts of our armies has gone well and we could definitely spare a few helping hands."

Ian angles his head towards Zoey when she murmurs to him, and he nods. He murmurs a soft reply.

"Thank you for telling me so, your Grace. My hope is that once I have reviewed the ledgers and review our long-term goals, I will have a better idea on how many of those spare hands I will need to ask for," Carita returns with a small, gently amused smile.

Zoey gently closes her notebook, unmarked, and puts both it and the pencil away as she listens to Ian. She nods and murmurs a quiet reply, one hand gracefully taking her rum in hand.

3 Thrax Guards arrives, following Coraline.

3 Thrax Guards leaves, following Coraline.

3 Thrax Guards arrives, following Coraline.

Victus has joined the Roran's Banquet Table 2.

Zoey rises from the table with the others and makes her way around to Alarissa's side. She curtsies prettily and rises with a smile. "May I have a moment?" she asks softly.

"Certainly." Alarissa looks to the others before moving to the side to the chairs around the harp and beckons for Zoey to join her.

Alarissa has joined the an elegant rosewood harp.

Wash gestures for a glass of rum. "Lady Darkwater. Good to see you again. Here I am, to show that my offer is genuine before you and all the compact. I commanded the Darkwater reserves at Setarco, what Halsim sent that direction. They are good men, eager to have families and restore their home, I'm sure."

Zoey has left the Roran's Banquet Table 2.

Zoey has joined the an elegant rosewood harp.

Knowing she is late, but wanting to be part of this to learn if nothing else, Cora steps within the Maw and looks for an inconspicuous place to sit where she can hear. Buuuuut that seems to be at a table or something. She moves over and saluts both Victus and Alarissa respectfully before looking for an out of the way but close enough to hear sort of place to hunker.

Ian looks around for something.... ah. One of the servants has seen the look of an Islesman who knows there is rum and is not presently drinking any of said rum, because someone puts a glass in his hands. "Thank you," he says to someone who's already gone by the time he realizes what's happened. He takes a sip of the drink.

Alarissa says in Marin'alfar, "Victus, My brother is getting drunk. Something's bothering him but he will not tell me. Perhaps you might save him from himself, take him to the library and drink further and find out from him what in the Abyss's name is going on for me?""

Alrissa looks over to Victus from where she's sitting, flipping to another language to say something to the High Lord before her attention goes back to Zoey.

Victus says in Marin'alfar, "... Now? Right now? Uh. Shit, alright. Lemme think of a good excuse."

Jan mutters, "What the hell language is that?"

Alaric has left the Roran's Banquet Table 2.

Zelda, the royal messenger, 13 King's Own Guardsmen leave, following Alaric.

Alarissa says in Marin'alfar, "Yes now. He's getting drunker by the minute Victus. last I need is him making more of a fool of himself than he did in Merciers."

Victus tilts his head back at his wife's words, looking a little flummoxed by whatever those noises meant. He replies in a few of his own, then stares ahead for a moment. After a brief pause, he turns his attention to look right at Prince Barric. "Sword of Grayson!" He announces jovially. "Did you know that I have some of the strongest brew right here in the back? At our library? Through that hall?" He points outwards. "I can show you it, if ya' like. It's good shit."

Whatever Alarissa's saying at the harp, she pauses at the end to once again throws words across the room at Victus.

Barric looks more than a little surprised at Victus sudden announcement, and at such volume! He looks back and forth between Alarissa and Victus and then chuckles softly, "Of course, High Lord. I would be honored." He drains his cup of rum and then stands up and walks over to Wash, clapping him on the shoulder, "Don't worry Wash, you can count me amongst them." He looks over towards Victus, "Please High Lord, a servant can show me the way so you do not have to leave your guests unattended. Let me see this library of yours, my sister claims to have quite a lot of books." He says with a sly smile at Alarissa.

Barric has left the Roran's Banquet Table 2.

Synder The Wolfhound leaves, following Barric.

Victus has left the Roran's Banquet Table 2.

12 Thrax Elite Guards, Crow - Thraxian Steward, Lilybelle - Maimed Maine Coon leave, following Victus.

12 Thrax Elite Guards, Crow - Thraxian Steward, Lilybelle - Maimed Maine Coon arrive, following Victus.

12 Thrax Elite Guards, Crow - Thraxian Steward, Lilybelle - Maimed Maine Coon leave, following Victus.

Synder The Wolfhound arrives, following Barric.

12 Thrax Elite Guards, Crow - Thraxian Steward, Lilybelle - Maimed Maine Coon, Barric arrive, following Victus.

Synder The Wolfhound leaves, following Barric.

12 Thrax Elite Guards, Crow - Thraxian Steward, Lilybelle - Maimed Maine Coon, Barric leave, following Victus.

Zoey just sips at her rum and chats amiably with Alarissa by the harp. She looks up at one point and finds Ian, smiling a little as she speaks.

Alarissa looks to Carita. "Lady Darkwater, would you join us for a moment if you are not busy with others?"

Moving over to the table, Cora slips in and waves for some run, because....rum.

Ian is sipping rum and looking vaguely confused by the conversation. So, the usual.

Coraline has joined the an elegant rosewood harp.

Coraline has left the an elegant rosewood harp.

Coraline has joined the Roran's Banquet Table 3.

Spying Coraline, Jan looks her way and tips her chin in a sort of greeting. Her gaze flicks to an empty seat at the table, then back to Coraline. Up goes an eyebrow. She waves Coraline toward the seat.

Carita has left the Roran's Banquet Table 2.

Carita has joined the an elegant rosewood harp.

Coraline has left the Roran's Banquet Table 3.

Coraline has joined the Roran's Banquet Table 2.

Wash passes the rum to Seymour.

Seymour lifts the rum briefly towards Wash as a gesture of thanks before pouring himself a modest glass.

Seeing the invite, Cora moves over to the table from the one she had slipped into and grinning, joins the rest.

Zoey blinks at something which seems to be happening very fast over by the harp, and she looks away at the others for a moment.

Alarissa has left the an elegant rosewood harp.

Alarissa slips away from where the harp's seating is and a quick glance around, satisfied with what is going on, makes her way toward the shackles. Likely to check in on husband and brother.