Darren sits on the throned of Redrain, elevated upon a dais at one end of the enormous Great Hall. In an outfit of umbra and red silk, with the coronet of the Redrain High Lord on his brow, he looks every bit the Prince of Farhaven. With a solemn and thoughtful expression, he watches as the courtiers and attendees file into the room for this session of open court.

Wulfwin, the Ambitious Squire arrives, following Thorley.

It must be the season for umbra, as Gwenna is attired at least partially in the same. Making her way in with the bevy of others, she offers warm smiles and a wiggle of her fingers here and there while moving to take a seat at one of the smaller tables available. While the telltale ledgerbook is not in the crook of her arm, she does have a quill tucked behind her ear and a small book just in case.

Scout Rowenova and Marquessa Sasha arrived early, the wolf scout helping out with making sure the delicate woman was comfortably seated with whatever the Marquessa might need. For her own part, though, she remains standing nearby, glancing around through the eye sockets of her wolf pelt at all present here.

Arik walks into the Great Hall of the Redrain Villa with a tired look about him and a spring appropriate attire which means as little as possible, to hot! The Sword of Whitehold skips the majority of the crowd instead making his way towards Khanne with a rumbled greeting, "Sister."

Elgana enters the Great Hall as a vision of Springtime, her mahogany curls bouncing with her steps. Not only is she a vision of Spring but her smile may as well be made of pure sunshine from how just /happy/ she appears to be. The Redrain princess gives a few little waves to familiar faces before she notes Gwenna and she makes her way over to murmur something to the other princess before she makes to take a seat herself.

Thorley's arrival is sans Violet. She is out on a patrol, so the knight's here to glean any information that he may need. Even in his red armor that helps him fit in with the court, really - see, he looks good in crimson! There's a bow offered to the others, but it is Gwenna that gets his attention. Approaching his patrol, there's a smirk. "I didn't realize that Violet and I had inspired you //that// much, Your Highness." he clearly teases, before reaching into a pouch at his side to pull out a pipe and a tin of tobacco.

Filing in fairly early, and with something of an annoyed expression on her face, Bliss Whisper looks toward the dais on the end of the Great Hall before she takes a moment to look around. She pauses on seeing Elgana, then, crossing the room to take a seat next to her, turning her head to whisper something quietly to the woman as she settles into place.

"Yep. We are definitely goin' to need some holy water, if we are headin' down there. Maybe get that from Mangata's shrine or somethin'. And one of them nice lanterns, lit with Lagoma's Flame, that'd be real handy, I figure. Make sure you get them on the list, Half.", can be heard, Arthen Dayne arriving, a book in one hand and his baby blue eyes on it while he dictates a list to Half-Mast, his diminutive companion. The little person is making the list, but he isn't shy about the dubious looks he keeps offering to Dayne. "It's goin' to be fine. You know it's always fine.", the explorer promises, snapping that book closed. "Let's get ourselves a seat.", he says, and then he does just that, finding one. On his way, he passes Darren and gives the High Lord a wily grin, "Hey Boss Bear. Lookin' real regal."

Umbra? Umbra? It is not the season for umbra! Not, it seems, at least for Khanne, who wears the colors of spring in the form of crocuses poking through snow. Purples and greens dominate the redhead's outfit today as she waits in the Great Hall for others to arrive, watching as they do. She smiles and nods to anyone who looks her way and when Arik comes near, nods again. "Brother," she says, subdued. She overhears Arthen as he enters, watching the man curiously.

Khanne has joined the Pass Out Couch.

Arik has joined the Pass Out Couch.

Thorley has joined the Small Table.

Elgana has joined the Small Table.

Rowenova sets up writing implements (from her Messenger Bag) on the Bear Table (beside Marquessa Sasha). After a little more looking around, she sits down and picks up her crow quill before carefully dabbing it in an ink well with black liquid inside before carefully writing a report header on beige paper.

Bliss has joined the Small Table.

Rowenova has joined the Bear Table.

Darren glances around as the room begins to fill. He catches Arik's eye, giving the man a nod. He settles a somewhat weighing gaze on Elgana, smiling towards her before his attention wanders onward. It settles on Arthen, and the regal air is broken by a wry grin. "Got to look the part, Arthen," he retorts. A final gaze around the room reveals a general level of settled in, and Darren clears his throat softly, pausing a moment to let attentive silence ripple outward to fill the room. "Thank you all for coming," he intones in a rich and welcoming tone. "It pleased me to see so many of my people in attendance today, as well as a few honored guests from our allies in the Compact. Truly, you grace my house with your presence, one and all."

Gwenna can't help but chuckle a bit at Thorley's remarks, the princess giving a small wave to the empty seats. "It is good to see you, Sir Thorley. Sit if you might like," she invites, tone friendly. Arthen's words draw her attention and she smiles a bit wider. "We have a lantern with Lagoma's Flame, actually! I had the honor of participating in the Ceremony that lit one of the thirteen. House Redrain's, of course, which I brought back here. Oh! It's there," is noted with a laugh as she waves toward the shelf on which it has taken up residence. "It was a very inspiring event." The famed Halfshav Shaman gets a cheerful wave. "Those colors are stunning, Lady Khanne. The violet I could almost die for." Marian, too, is given a warm welcome. As others join the table, her smile remains. "Cousin, Champion Bliss, Scout Rowenova. It's so good to see you all. I wonder what queries may be posed today, hmm?" When Darren speaks again, her attention returns to the front after a glance over the room to see if anyone looks particularly questiony.

Someone is staring! Elgana's gaze lifts and she fixes Darren with that sunshine brilliance of her smile as she waggles her fingers at the High Lord. She then leans in to murmur something to Bliss before she falls silent and gives Darren her attention once more, the picture of perfect elegance.

Marian arrives just in time to witness Darren's opening remarks in Open Court. She is dressed in her ceremonial Everwinter white bear armor, denoting her position as Warchief. She makes her way up towards where Darren, keeping to the edges of the crowd. There are polite nods given to the other Voices, Gwenna and Arik. Then she makes a point of silently greeting friends and family.

"Khanne cheats over half her wardrobe is all Dame Morrighan's custom work." Arik chimes in like the buzzkill older bother that he is. Marian gets a wave while the Halfshav Lord banters briefly with Gwenna.

Rowenova finishes up the report header (recorded place/time), temporarily rests the crow quill in the ink well, then looks up with an admiring smile toward Prince Darren before glancing sideways with the same smile to Princess Gwenna, "Always good to see you, Your Highness." She looks ahead once again!

Khanne receives a message from Drysi and quickly jots something down, handing the paper back to her. She smiles to Gwenna and says, "please do not die for the colors. I am sure they can be found a plenty! But thank you, dear Gwenna. You look lovely as well." She turns her attention then to Darren, smiling and giving him a nod. "Thank you for hosting such an open event, HighLord. It is good to see the other members of the Compact represented here today." And with that, she looks around to see those who have come from outside the Ward. She looks down at her dress and says, "not this one... And, it is not cheating that I value and pay for Morrighan's talent."

After packing down the pipe, Thorley lights up the tobacco and takes a couple of puffs to get it going before he settles it between his teeth. A grin is cast at Gwenna, but his attention remains on the Prince. "Don't really have any questions. I just figured Violet would want someone to take notes back to her. In case the Blades are needed for anything."

Khanne is overheard praising Redrain: I am always proud to be a member of this fealty. To the last!

Just settling into his seat, Arthen Dayne offers Gwenna a smile, "It's a nice lamp, but I figure I ought to find one a little less valuable and all. Congratulations, by the way. On the whole..", and there he just mimics someone putting a ring on. Those baby blue eyes of his wander around, taking stock of the people who have shown up to this gathering, but other than that he remains quiet for the time being, just listening to what's going on with a smile that's casual and easy like a spring afternoon. That attention of his returns to Darren.

Darren settles a bright smile on Khanne. "It is my pleasure, distinctly, Vala Khanne." As he continues, his words and attention are redirected towards the room at large. "Although the people of Redrain and even the Compact know me as approachable and available in a general sense, formal opportunities like these provide one and all with direct venue to bring any issues they have or suggestions for projects on a fealty level to my attention. And so," he smiles, "I invite any present who have a matter for my attention to bring it forward at this time."

Khanne has joined the line.

Arthen has joined the line.

Rowenova has joined the line.

Gwenna laughs lightly at Arik and then Khanne before dipping her head respectfully. "Alright, I promise not to die, but surely I need to send word to Dame Morrighan." A few nods are then offered to Thorley. "I hope Violet is feeling well and I'm sure she'll be grateful for the notes," is said kindly. Glancing again to Arthen, her lips wrinkle. "Well, I suspect the lamp should be used if need be, rather than simply collect dust on a shelf. I suspect it would be yours to use if you needed it. Elysia knows of anyone, you surely would succeed at bringing it back." Then people begin to gather to present their questions to the High Lord which leads to her quieter her conversations and looking back to the front again.

"Oh, she is well. She just had forgotten that she had schedule time for training at the same time as the Court. She sends her regards and regrets." Thorley offers politely. "I fear the only issue I could bring from home is Ryhalt wanting Redrain to buy more coffee." The knight actually rolls his eyes at that.

Marian makes her way to a comfortable spot where she can observe others in the room. When the High Lord asks for those wtih fealty business. She looks on with interest as folks start to move in line. She herself seems content to stay where she is. Thorley is sent a salute as if the Warchief would have a brief word with him before the evening is out.

Noticing the nod from Princess Marian, Thorley returns it and then glances at the table to his companions. "Pardon me." the knight offers as he prepares to rise to go to where the redheaded Princess is.

Marian has joined the Far Corner.

Thorley has left the Small Table.

Thorley has joined the Far Corner.

Arik continues to lounge on the pass out couch while listening to the various conversations in the room, he does idly glance in Bliss' direction giving a lazy wave before turning his darkly circled eyes back to the dias. "Sir Thorley you know if you want Redrain to buy more coffee you need to find the right whiskey to pair with it. Whisk-EE, get it?"

Rowenova writes down every name in current attendance, then she looks up and reaches up her right hand (with which she carefully adjusts her wolf pelt to stay down over her shaded face). After doing so, she scans around toward the noble class, momentarily waving toward Lord Arik and Vala Khanne.

Bliss lifts her hand from where she sits with Gwenna and Elgana to give Arik a small, finger-wiggling wave of recognition to the greeting, the Softest Whisper seeming amused by the whole thing before she turns her conversation back to those near her. One eye seems to always be on the dais, curiously watching and observing.

Darren watches the room, noting those who indicate an interest in speaking and their order. He nods towards Khanne with an inviting smile. "Very well. Vala Khanne, you are first in line to bring an issue before the Highlord of Redrain. You may ask your question from your place if you wish, I have no need to stand on formality here."

Turn in line: Khanne

Khanne lifts one hand up and shrugs her shoulders, looking around at the others. Darren notices her and she smiles, waiting to be called. When he does, she stands, though doesn't go further than that. "I guess I can get us started with something easy, yeah? How often is it that it is something simple brought to the table? Anyway... Nothing overly big or detailed at the moment. I was sent a message by the Seraph Ailith, speaking on a project she hopes to begin working on soon. She wished to be here today, but was unable. I do not know a lot of the details myself yet, so won't go into them, but... just wanted to make it known she wishes to speak to you, soon, Darren." She looks to the Voices each in turn. "Or any of you as well, likely." She smiles and says, "that is all! See. Easy peasy." As she begins to retake her seat she smiles to Gwenna and says, "I do highly encourage you, and anyone else, into sending word to Dame Morrighan if you wish to wear the finest clothing. That Morrighan, wicked talented with blade or needle." She waves over to Rowenova and looks to whomever is next with matters of business.

Darren grins towards Khanne, with a decisive nod. "Very good. I do enjoy the easy ones." He glances around the room, seeking eye contact for a brief moment with each Voice of Redrain in turn. "We will reach out to Seraph Ailith for the details of her project. It's important to show our support of the Faith's projects and goals, lest we be left out of them. Thank you for bringing word in the Seraph's stead." After another smile for Khanne, he nods briskly. "Excellent. Moving right along then, I believe Arthen was next with a matter for the Highlord."

Turn in line: Arthen

Marian gives a nod to Darren when he looks her way, giving silent support to keep good relations with the Faith. She just having finished her conversation with Thorley in the far corner. She smiles at the mention of Morrighan's clothing, once again nodding in support for the skill of their Sword. She glances at Arthen when it's his turn to go.

Georgette arrives, delivering a message to Marian before departing.

Thorley has left the Far Corner.

Arthen Dayne rises from the easy lounge he has sunken into against his chair, when it's his turn to talk. Those baby blue eyes of his range around the room, "Some of you lot might remember me, though I have been gone for a spell, that's true. I always did a bit of work for Redrain here an' there, before I took up an official place in the House. For those of you who don't, my name's Dayne. Arthen Dayne.", and he gives everyone a smile that tightens the corners of his eyes, brief-like, before settling back down again. "I had a couple projects I was workin' on before I stepped out and misplaced myself for a number of years. But I have still got the notes on most of 'em, so I'm lookin' to get back to those soon. The first was an effort to start trackin' down more resource-rich places up in the north. See if we can't get a little more coin kickin' around, bring everyone up a little more. The second goes hand-in-hand with that, and a bit longer-term, really. Not a small undertakin'. That's to take the maps we've got of the north, and go at 'em with a finer brush. More details. More notes. Make them the finest, most complete maps of the north that've ever been. It's hard to place value on a good map.", and he glances over at Darren, gives the High Lord a nod, then looks back to everyone. "This is more for everyone else than Boss Bear, really. It's just an invite. I'm goin' to be headin' these things up in the comin' months, and I want to get a good headstart on them before winter rolls back around. So anyone interested in or wantin' to help is more than welcome to. That's all I wanted to say, really." He stands around for a minute, in that way like where you aren't sure how to end something, before he just sits back down.

Sasha has joined the Bear Table.

Sasha sits quietly at the table with Rowenova, just listening with herself occasionally writing down notations. Her writing pausing and the quill set down as she uses both of her hands to pick up her cup of tea and quietly drink from it, as well as very softly put the cup back upon the saucer.

Wulfwin, the Ambitious Squire have been dismissed.

Darren inclines his head towards Arthen. "Thank you very much, master Arthen. I would like to add that although Arthen is taking the lead on this project to find and develop a profitable mining site, it is in fact a fealty-level project, his first assignment from me upon returning to duty. I fully support the effort, and I hope to see a response from the fealty on this project. Developing our lands is an important facet of preparing for the future, and there will be many ways to contribute to that goal as we move forward. New towns, new ports -- but first, new mines, to help fund those projects." He flashes a smile towards Arthen, which shifts towards Rowenova. "I believe you were next to hold the floor," he offers with an encouraging grin.

Turn in line: Rowenova

5 Sanna House Guards, Petroc, the most unassuming man you have ever met arrive, following Cirroch.

Cirroch has joined the Bear Table.

Khanne looks to Rowenova and says, "sounds like something you would find interest in, Rowe."

Gwenna has been caught up in some quiet conversation at the table, perhaps, between the remarks of those bringing their queries to Darren. Still, she does quiet to listen, her expression betraying some consideration and a nod here and there as well. "If there is a need for any diplomatic assistance for these endeavors, I would be thrilled to offer myself to whatever projects they might be used for."

Darren says, "Who better to bring our allies to back our efforts and invest in them?"

Rowenova deftly jots a few notes in blue ink via crow quill on the beige paper. Looking up (with cobalt blue shining through the eye holes of her wolf pelt), the young scout speaks up in a projecting way which successfully overcomes the muffling effect of her facial masking, "Thank you, Your Grace." says she, "First off, I am directly replying to Master Dayne. Scholar Oswyn has been personally cartographing Northlands maps. It might be good to cross reference whatever he has come up with with our own maps." Then, she nods back to Khanne before standing up (very carefully at a slower speed until finally steady), "Your Grace, as you likely heard, in Halfshav lands there was a cannibal tribe along with landscape atrocities." She does not go into particular details, but simply hints toward what went down. In a grim voice, "Are we aware of any more like those, and if we are, what are we doing to go stop them?"

Arik brings up a hand to briefly cover his face and sigh, audibly, for the room.

When Rowenova mentions the tribe, Khanne also sighs, and has a scrunched up nose, disgusted look on her face for a moment. "The same thing we did with that one, I suppose." Her eyes though, shift to Darren for his answer.

Cirroch is late to come in, but fashionably late, probably, quiet as not to disturb the proceedings as he heads over towards the table where Sasha and Rowenova are sitting, joining next to his wife as he gives a nod to both of them.

Marian just looks over at Rowenova, her keen eyes looking deeply at the woman as she reports the issue with a certain Abandoned Tribe. She respectfully waits for Darren to speak but it's clear that Marian has more than a few thoughts on the matter.

Arthen Dayne lifts one hand and offers to Rowenova, "Thanks, 'Nova. I talked to Scholar Oswyn about it. He's a part of those plans, since we sat down about 'em. He's in on it. But good lookin' out.", and he gives the scout a smile before settling back into his seat a little more again.

Rowenova slowly sits until finally settled, "My thoughts are this: if we can start networking between Redrain factions, helping each other, since those awful things could happen anywhere in our Northlands: might be a good idea."

At the additional comment from Rowenova, Arik reaches up and strokes his formidable beard. He kind of looks like a parent who wishes he could carry his kid out of the room.

Khanne rises from her seat and says, "may I speak?"

Darren chuckles softly, with warm smile towards Rowenova. The smile shifts towards Marian and becomes a shade knowing. He gives her a nod of acknowledgement before he begins to speak. "There will always be tribes amongst the Abandoned who follow heretical and even dangerous ways. As we have always done, we work to find them and end their heresy." He lets the finality of that statement ring for a moment. "This shades into another topic of interest to me, that of finding ways to increase the number of shav'arvani -- not the crazy dangerous ones -- we may bring to join our fold peacefully. I would like to see us increase our efforts in that area." His attention shifts towards Khanne, and he nods. "Certainly, Vala Khanne. All here know you speak with wisdom."

Gwenna's expression remains pleasant, the princess glancing with some faint curiosity at those who speak at each turn. She does slip in, after Darren's words, "I have been assisting other Houses for those exact endeavors, Your Grace, at their invitation. Finding those who would be willing to bend the knee and join the Compact and speaking about the Faith. I would be honored if I could do so for our own House as well, of course."

Bliss seems to have turned her own gaze on Rowenova as well, the Whisper /clearly/ having some thoughts on these matters, and she gives Darren a knowing look before she returns to her quiet conversation.

"As Darren said, there is a long history of these sort of dangerous and twisted tribes in our lands." Khanne looks around, eyes crossing over everyone. "All our lands. Thankfully, in these days, they are very few, and those that exist are usually small and easily managed. This one was a particular case." Her glacially grey eyes settle on Rowenova. "And, as soon as they were found out, a team was assembled to dispatch the problem. It was on Halfshav lands, so we saw to it that business was handled swiftly and fully." She gestures out to the room in general. "We all help each other. We all know that if our backs are to the wall, the others will be there. But, we also take care of our own problems too. Each of our houses is strong in its own right, and together, we make the finest fealty there is in the lands." Humble opinion. "To the last.... so, my answer to that would be just as I said. Should more be discovered? They would be taken care of, as swiftly and completely as the last were."

"Oh..." Khanne clears her throat and smiles to Gwenna then, her demeanor more relaxed. "And we of course are always looking to do the same."

Arik seems a bit grim as Khanne is talking, one hand coming up to rub a thumb and forefinger against is darkly circled eyes.

Rowenova simply nods her wolfy head, "Thank you. My sincerest apologies, then." Going back to writing down on the beige paper in blue ink, she is.

Gwenna smiles back warmly at Khanne and bobs her head a couple of times before inclining it respectfully.

Marian settles down after Khanne speaks on how Halfshav handled the matter. She doesn't seem inclined to add anything. She just gives Khanne and Arik respectful nods.

Arik has joined the line.

Darren flashes a smile around the room. "Well then. That seems to settle that matter, then. I look forward to working with all who are willing towards guiding our Abandoned brethren back into the light of the Compact. While there are many more projects and opportunities to discuss, most can wait for the upcoming fealty meeting; that will be a better venue for everyone who wishes to participate to get involved with the projects we have on the table." He smiles as Arik indicates a desire to speak. "I see we have one more matter for consideration. Very well, Arik -- you have the floor."

Turn in line: Arik

Arik slowly rises up from the pass out couch and rumbles for the room, "As many of you are aware the entire fealty is being visited by Archscholar Bianca Wyrmguard and an escort of scholars and Templar. The Faith kindly asked for permission to enter all of the individual Houses domains even though permission is presumed in all but the rarest of cases. I will be traveling with them as an escort and hopefully able to explain any of the less progressive parts of our villages and settlements. It would appear they are just visiting shrines and other sites that would be of interest to Vellichor so if you have not I would suggest writing home to let the Faith know of the upcoming journey so they can prepare whatever festives they might want to honor the occassion."

Rowenova sits up after finishing up her blue writing, looking up to Lord Arik, paying attention and listening raptly. She writes more after what he said.

"Oh and if you know of a particularly holy place or prilgrim location in your lands please write Archscholar Biance with its location. She has mentioned wishing to make diversions for such sites even if they are not tied to Vellichor." Arik adds.

Darren nods to Arik. "Thank you for reminding me. I have every confidence the hospitality of the Northlands will make our lands an even more popular destination for religious pilgrimages, once word of Archscholar Bianca's experience gets out. I celebrate this and any opportunity for the devout and faithful people of the North to demonstrate our piety to these representatives of the Faith."

"And from what the Arcscholar said we might want to expect... Other visits from other parts of the Faith to their shrines and sites." Arik belatedly chimes in after Darren before retaking his spot beside Khanne.

Khanne raises her hand and says, "I will be working on building or refreshing shrines to Petrichor in Halfshav lands soon."

Darren inclines his head towards Khanne. "Excellent, Vala Khanne. You know how much I value an attitude of cooperation and unity, and such holy sites as our lands may contain are not only our heritage, but that of the entire Compact. An important part of our culture to be maintained and honored." With one more searching gaze around the room, Darren rises gracefully to his feet. "Thank you all for coming today, and to all those who brought matters for the court's consideration, thank you for representing your peers here. It seems we all share a bright vision of the future and I look forward to creating it together. If there are no further issues or concerns to discuss, I believe we can call this session of open court concluded."

Arthen is overheard praising Redrain: What a nice fealty to hang the ol' hat on. Good meeting, good meeting.

Smiling wide as the proceedings draw to a close, Gwenna appears pleased by how it all went and gives a respectful dip of her head toward Darren before murmuring again with Bliss and Elgana.

Bliss is overheard praising Redrain: A pleasant, informative and well run meeting.

Arik makes a beckoning gesture to Rowenova and her seat with the Sanna's, "Row." he calls over to her before murmuring something aside to Khanne.

Rowenova finishes up her written notes, quickly blows over the blue inkings, dries off the crow quill, caps off the ink well, and quickly packs up her Messenger Bag (which goes up over wiry shoulders). All this is only seconds, then she is standing up and moving over toward her beckoning liege with her written notes in her right hand.