Lou has joined the Table 1.

Mikani has joined the Table 1.

Lou has just finished setting up the last of the tables, with Willen's help, and taken a seat. She holds a polite conversation with him as she waits for people to arrive.

Deliverance, an albino falcon, Rascal, a hyper terrier, Rosalie, a lady in waiting, 1 Grayson House Guards, Peaches, a lovely white war filly with a peach saddle, Stormy, a silvery gray hunting hound arrive, following Reese.

Mikani slips in and takes a seat by Lou giving her Patron a smile.

Reese arrives while wearing a warm cloak over her normal pink gear. She peeks over the area, trying to get a feel for things. Both Lou and Mikani get a warm smile that touches her blue eyes.

Rhiannon arrives with the groups of people in and out. For now, she takes up a spot against a wall, watching and observing. She's very well-trained for the watching and observing.

Not an explorer, Helena steps into the hall, not having been here before, looking around curiously. Her eyes fall on Mikani and Lou at the table and she smiles, a little uncertainly, and then one is given to Reese and Rhiannon as well. "Hello," she says, pushing her red hood off her head. "I just came to see what this is about," the Redrain princess says, voice soft but clear.

Reese peeks over to Helena, having a warm smile for the Redrain princess. "It is nice to see you again. I am here because my sister runs the explorers an well they are absolutely amazing too." She says toward her. Rhiannon is giving a smile of greeting as well.

Golden, an Oakhaven bloodhound, Gunther, a Rottweiler, Micana, 1 Saik Guard arrive, following Lucita.

Mikani smiles at Helena and Reese, "Good to see you both again!" She calls out before nodding to Rhiannon who she thinks she met but isn't sure. "Hello."

Vitalis is likewise one to watch and observe, though he is rather noticeably observing a spot on the great mosaic, booted feet bracketing either side of where Ostria is picked out on in the sprawling map. Though his attention is apparently riveted floorward, it would be unwise to think he hasn't noted the comings and goings.

After several minutes have passed, Lou rises from her seat and says, "Good afternoon. I'm Lou Grayson, Pathfinder of the Society of Explorers." There is a decided lack of title in there with regards to her royal status; very likely purposeful. Reese gets a warm smile before she continues. "Thank you for coming today. I figured that not everyone knows what it is the Explorers do, entirely, and so I felt I'd do an open house of sorts. If this goes well today, I may have another next month as well." She rocks back and forth on her feet a bit, seeming at home in the Explorer's Hall where anywhere else she'd be lingering awkwardly by a wall. "So, today is about meeting some of our explroers, some of whom I see have arrived, and also give people a chance to ask any questions. And, of course, we get a chance to pick a few stories about our adventures for people to hear." The last is said with a light grin.

Spring may be sprung but winter seems to still be lingering. Thus when the door opens and Lucita walks in, she is accompanied by a few snowflakes and a cold puff of air. She sees her guard dogs and guard are left well out of the way of everyone and a guard to watch over them. Her cloak is shaken off, boots tapped to clear off any lingering bits of snow clinging to them before she walks further into the room. She stays quiet as Lou begins to speak.

Reese peeks over to Mikani. "It is nice to see you as well, Lady Mikani." She says and draws down her hood revealing golden locks tangled up with lots of pink ribbons. She has a gentle smile for Vitalis. "Lord Vitalis. It has been a while. I still owe you an eye painting, if I ever finish." Reese turns to Lou as she speaks and she beams over to her sister. Lucita is then given a smile as well.

"You both as well!" says Helena to Reese and Mikani, smile blooming on her face and taking away that tinge of uncertainty that comes with walking into a group meeting one doesn't belong to! She quiets when Princess Lou rises and begins to speak, nodding before taking a seat. A journal is taken out with a quill and a pen, in case she might want to take notes like the eager adept scholar she has become.

Helena has joined the Table 2.

Neilda arrives with the Saik party when its Baroness enters, and she greets her compatriots with a warm and easy smile. Though she has helped the Explorers in their ventures, she's been prone to take a bit of a back-seat, but now she is here, and makes her way to introduce herself to her comrades.

Vitalis lifts his gaze when he's directly addressed, gray eyes falling on Princess Reese, "At your pleasure, of course, Highness." His attention shifts to Mikani there and he smiles, bowing to her, before turning on the ball of a foot, careful not to stamp on Ostria, standing well into the ocean in no danger of treading upon other holdings save unknown sea-dwellers to give his attention to Lou and the proceedings.

Lou glances over at the three explorers she sees in the hall, and grins encouragingly in their direction. That's Lucita, Vitalis, and Neilda, of course, that she's grinning at. "Dear Explorers, would you mind terribly introducing yourselves and telling a bit about what things you like to Explorer? That's part and parcel why we are here of course," she says, putting them on the spot a bit. She then turns to the group at large and does the same for herself. "I've already given you my name, of course. As Pathfinder, I take running the organization of the Explorers very seriously; particularly since I am not the first Explorer to hold that title. The first to hold it was Lady Aislin Ashford, who disappeared from the cabin of a boat coming back from the Blackshore expedition just a two years ago." She looks sad a moment, and surprised it's been that long already. "She was our fearless leader, in truth. As for myself, I explore pretty much everything, for the sake of exploring it. Remote locations as far north as Everwinter or far west as the Eventide Vast. Places at home. Things nobles hire me for. Or, even, other mythical places like the journey I'm preparing to Whitepeak. Sometimes, I visit the shav'arvani tribes, for one reason or another. The main purpose of my exploration is to discover, or re-discover, lost knowledge, which often gets shared with the Scholars."

Lou adds. "And, to explore for exploration's sake." There's a light quirk of her lips as she adds the latter.

Reese listens to Lou's words with close attention. The Princes then peeks over the room as if waiting for the explorers to introduce themselves. Neilda is given a gentle smile of greeting.

Rhiannon closes her eyes for a moment at mention of Aislin, then looks back at Lou again, listening very quietly. She barely even moves to breathe.

At the talk of the missing Aislin, Helena's brows draw together and she gazes down in a sort of impromptu moment of silence for the lost explorer. The talk of far-off places and hard-gained knowledge, though, has her eyes up and bright again, before she glances around at the other explorers, to hear their motivations and interests.

"Charmed," Neilda curtsies a little when Lou introduces her, and grins too to Reese, the other Grayson princess she knows well. "Neilda Saik, at your service, as the princess has so graciously introduced me. I have largely been an independent explorer myself, and took a particular interest in relics and ruins. Interests of my house has hampered my activity as of late, but I am looking forward to those days of trawling through rubble with just an axe at my hip. A certain romantic way of exploring, yes," she grins.

Lucita reaches over in an effort to link her arm with Neilda's and gives her a reassuring smile, wether to reassure herself or Neilda is left to question. She says softly. "Baroness-Regent Lucita Saik. I'm more known as a singer-musician than anything else but there is a side of me that likes to know things too, Likes to know well enough to put up with cold muddy treks, and sleeping on the hard ground, occasionally dodge an arrow or a falling branch, sometimes wielded by by a bandit. I'm not a good fighter, to be an explorer, one does not have to be. Nor am I very good at figuring out puzzles or riddles, but I have other skills that let me scrape by and pull my own weight a goodly part of the time. I sometimes find old instruments, old songs or musical scores, meet new people and learn of things about which to create new songs, find sights and events to inspire music. That makes it worthwhile to me. One of my Igniseri family helped form this Society of Explorers." She speaks in a modest tone of voice.

Mikani listens to those around her. She smiles at Vitalis and nods back to the man.

Vitalis' eyes flicker to Lou at the mention of the former Pathfinder, dropping down to the floor briefly. It's the risk and reality of what they do. Grimly present for a moment. He lifts his attention to hear Neila and Lucita speak, noting their interests and proclivities, stored away. He begins, "I've never met a door I didn't want to open." Vitalis grins, expression slipping lopsided "Most closed doors aren't locked. But until you try them, they all are, mmh?" Innocence. "I'm Journeyman Vitalis Mazetti. I've never seen a horizon I didn't want to touch. A mountain I didn't want to climb. A cave I didn't want to delve. Being an Explorer is not so much something that I do as something that I am." He turns that grin at Lou, though still addressing those gathered, "Most of the doors here are open. If you were wondering."

Lou nods at Vitalis, agreeing with him. "Indeed, they are. And, I know most of the people who introduced themselves today are noble, but we have many non-nobles alike. The only bar to entry into the Explorers isn't really a bar at all, but a test of skills to join. And, if you do not have the necessary skill to pass the test, we simply ask you to learn some more and come back and try again. Everyone deserves a chance to be able to explore. Arvum is large enough that there are always things to discover." She nods to Armani as she arrives, but looks to the others. "As this is a meet and greet, might we learn who you are, and where your interests lie? Or, whether or you have questions for us about what we do?" This question is largely fielded toward Helena, Mikani, and Rhiannon.

Gruffudd, a ridiculously fluffy large cat arrives, following Ysbail.

Lucita's words draw a smile from Helena, the princess also not a fighter like some others of the Redrain line -- including her sister. She nods once at the word 'worthwhile,' perhaps a little inspired by the talk of the findings of new knowledge and new understanding. Her eyes shift to Vitalis, whose grin evokes one from Helena as well. It's clear she's curious by nature and can empathize with that. When Lou speaks again, she looks surprised to be addressed, among the others who are not already members.

"Hello," she says with a smile to Lou. "Thanks for hosting this. I'm Helena Redrain," she too leaves off her royal title, as well as any others. "I'm just...curious. By nature and in general. So I've been thinking about joining the Society. I've only just recently joined the Scholars. It's nice to see such a variety of skills and members in the Society -- I wasn't sure if I would have anything to add to such a group."

Reese listens to Vitalis' words, giving him a smile. She then looks over to Lou, listening to her sister once again. She looks all proud to be related to her. She turns to Helana a moment later. "Oh, you joined the scholars? Congrats!" she says in her direction. "I think the explorers are super great. I think about joining sometime, but I am not sure only because I belong to so much already. But I think they are best organization to join for adventuring and one of the most welcoming too."

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

Ysbail slips into the hall quietly as she is able, but cobalt eyes take in the scene with bright interest, making a bee-line first for the refreshments table, or at least it would appear that way until she spies several familiar faces in the group.

Rhiannon does actually step up to introduce herself in a break. Certainly not the first to step up. "I'm Lady Rhiannon Ashford, Commander of the Ashford Tree Scouts and cousin to Aislin Ashford. I would much rather be out exploring things than in the city. I don't even much like being indoors. You can learn to sleep in a tree, I have learned."

Reese peeks over to Ysbail having a warm smile of greeting for the Lady that reaches her blue eyes. She seems to be in a cheerful or maybe hopeful mood.

Mikani listened to those around her. Her dark eyes watching. "I am Mikani Redreef. I've always loved adventure and digging around through sites that give me more of an insight to our past and any information really. But adventure will always be my first love." She smiles as she speaks in her usual warm and calm voice.

Turning at Reese's comment, Helena smiles and nods. "Any organization that's about gaining knowledge and understanding is one that has my support, certainly," she says, softly, before turning back to listen to other introductions. Ysbail too draws her eyes and earns a warm look from the Redrain.

Reese looks over to Rhiannon as she speaks and her blue eyes widen, the Princess seems impressed. "It is very nice to meet you Lady Rhiannon. I admired Lady Aislin a lot and I am the Grayson General. So we might find ourself working together at some point." She says toward her." Se then listens to Mikani's words, nodding in response to them and having a smile for her. She finally turns to Helena. "They are great organization. I should showed you my library sometime. If you want."

Lucita smiles warmly toward the others as they introduce themselves one by one. "This is a good group of people and a wonderful spot to seek information about things or places that interest you, places others may have ecplored or know about, and a good place to find people experienced in many fields who might have an interest in helping explore new places with you."

Reese is overheard praising Lou: My sister is absolutely amazing Explorer and Pathfinder!

Ysbail offers wide smiles to both the Grayson and Redrain princesses, making her way over, Rhiannon's introduction drawing her attention for a moment. "I apologize for being late, I confess I got caught up in reading one of Lady Aislin's histories and lost all track of the time.

Vitalis barks a bright laugh at Rhiannon and her avowed distaste for the City, "Arx is a wilderness all its own, Lady Ashford." He nods at Helena, "There's rather a lot in common between Scholars and Explorers. Including membership," the duck of his chin includes himself in that number. He takes up a decanter and makes the rounds, topping any glasses offered him. There's a smile for Lucita as he moves past, "I've taken up the lute this past year. Music, I've found, is a great way to pass time on long ventures. And meet people." Gray eyes glitter before he moves along, nearing Reese.

Armani Gilden appears in the charter hall fashionably late, using swaying steps to walk along the wall of the hall and look over the crowd that has gathered for the meet and greet. Faces she recognises earn a swift wave of her hand with wiggling fingers until she eventually completes a full circuit and arrives somewhere near Lou and the others. "Armani Gilden, admiral, explorer, writer, collector and admirer of all things that glitter in the sun."

Reese look over to Ysbail, nodding. "They are easy to get lost in." She says softly in her direction. She then turns to Vitalis, having a gentle smile as the Lord moves closer. Reese listens to Armani's words next, seemingly interested in such.

Lou smiles over at Helena, and addresses her first after listening to a few people name their interests and such with regards to exploration. "One of the things we've learned over the years is that we really need to think out of the box, and sometimes, just sometimes, a skill you wouldn't think would come in handy as does." She grins a bit, "One of my favorite stories to tell was how Sparte once sparked up a performance in the middle of a battle with abyss tainted cultists and ran them around in circles in a merry chase as he /sang/ at them. So, yes - we've a diverse set of skills among our group." She gives Reese a look of gratitude for her praises, and then continues on. Her attention goes to Rhiannon next, and a sad look comes to her eyes a moment. "Aislin and I would often run off to just go camping from time to time, to get away from the city, so I get it. Truly, I do." And then Mikani gets an encouraging look, especially, from Lou. She is Lou's protege, after all! "And I will assuredly drag you on lots of adventures," she grins at Mikani. "Whether or not you are an explorer, dearest protege."

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

Ysbail grins as Lucita speaks, discreetly snagging a slice of one of the minced pies before returning to the conversation. "As a Scholar myself I can appreciate those who have the skill to seek knowledge where I may be unable to, though the tales of the explorers are something I admit that has utterly fascinated me. Have any of you ever explored north in the Everwinter?"

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

Lucita shakes her head. "No, I'm from the south and admittedly most of my interest has, of necessity, been turned more in that direction. Wnen Neilda and I looked over some of the survey maps of Saikland we found a couple of spots of interest and are gradually working our way through checking on them. Once that is complete, perhaps we will steady our nerves enough to try some of the colder climes, and I've heard it is very cold up in Everwinter."

"On more than one occasion," Lou addresses Ysbail, but did not seem to catch her name. "The first time was to go as far north as I could, and I managed to find a sheer wall of ice with foot prints walking away from it as though someone had walked out of the wall of ice. The second time, it was to the lands of House Morien, where we found the stone shield that was used to help protect the Lodge of Petrichor. That shield will likely be used in additional forays to come." She smirks a touch wryly. "During that particular adventure we encountered a bear, a basilisk, and a guardian that was set there to protect the shield, and we managed to get out of the building before it came collapsing down on us."

Lou adds quickly, "And traps, so many traps."

"I have been north, though I too am from the Saiklands," Neilda confesses: "I have travelled about to many places bar the Mourning Isles. Not far enough for Everwinter, though," she laments a bit, "But I'd certainly enjoy seeing it."

There's a small shiver at the story of Sparte's song and Helena laughs, a little breathlessly. "I cannot sing much, either," she murmurs, but she still looks intrigued and curious. "What does it mean to join? Are there tests like in the Scholars? I admit I would like to do more -- to help discover any knowledge, any light to shine in the darkness, as it were, with whatever meager skills I can. I mostly wear pretty dresses and read a lot, but I'm willing to learn to do more," she quips, cheeks blushing a little at some of the truth behind that statement. Her life has not been one of that many accomplishments, compared to some of her peers.

Reese seems so very impressed as she listens to Lou's words about them finding the shield and her blue eyes are still pretty wide.

Rhiannon glances down at her own utilitarian garb that is fairly weatherproof and warm, but certainly not pretty and girlie. She's returned to her spot on the wall. She's certainly not a Lady that's comfortable doing 'Lady' things. She nods to Lou at the glance and mention again of her cousin and dips her head in acknowledgement. Aislin is legendary to more than the Ashfords.

"I joined the Scholars before there were tests to join," Lou admits, "So I do not know much about the tests for the Scholars. But, for the explorers there are two tests each in the categories of survival, knowledge, and combat. However, if you can use singing, tailoring or woodworking as skills and justify them for combat or survival, we'd consider your justification, so you are not stuck with the 'normal' thinking of what survival and combat should be, since very likely we'll be in situations that are hardly considered normal at all." She grins, "Like, the time that I traveled to the Northlands to visit with the Wolfheart Tribe, who were related to Ylaria Wolfheart, one of the hierophants that worked with Pena Stormryder. On our way there it was dark, and we got caught in a storm, and wolves started chasing us. Only, they were not chasing us, just seeking shelter like we were. We got to a cave to wait out a storm, and then by some miracle we were not eaten by the wolves, and instead shared the cave with them for a night, no harm no foul. As for what it means to join, I suspect that's only something you can answer for yourself. We frequently have nobles hiring people out for things they need. For instance, Baroness Skye Blackshore is hiring explorers to explore the Suthryn Wastes and get samples of the soil to compare against the ruined soil in Blackshore - ruined by dragon attacks."

Ysbail brightens considerably when Lou mentions her adventures in the north. "I hope you have time later Princess, I would love to take notes on some of your adventures in the north, perhaps in your considerable experience you may be able to shine some light on a mystery or two. I had not heard about the shield, though I did hear of Gargants, and something about demonic bunnies?" She seems particularly curious, falling quiet again as Lou answers Helena's questions, only to go slightly bug eyed when the druids are mentioned. "Books have their value too, I think Princess Helena, and survival skills can be learned over time. Do any of the explorers offer their skills as tutors from time to time?"

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

Mikani feels her eyes twinkle as the adventure stories come into play. She knew being Lou's protege that she would be 'dragged' into adventure. Wasn't something she was going to mind.

Lucita says, "I think I may be going there with her to see if any of the samples are similar to some I ran across in exploring. It is hoped there will be a spot on that team going that either I can go or perhaps Neilda if it is an area she wants to check upon."

Lou glances over at Lucita, offering her a warm smile. "I am just managing some names and people of interest for her, at the moment. She'll select her final team, when all is said and done. I think if you've already spoken to her, chances are good." She nods over at Ysbail. "Certainly. And, as far as teaching goes, explorers tend to be very generous with teaching others the skills they know. I am, myself, an expert teacher, with an expertise in survival and investigation." She looks to Helena. "It's important to note that the Explorers do as much researching as the the Scholars do, and we can always use people skilled in investigation."

Reese looks toward Lou, giving her sister another smile at her words. "She taught me a lot of stuff." She says, but then adds. "While I am not an explorer, I am often willing to help train explorers as well." She offers up.

The litany of skills (that Helena doesn't have) make the Redrain laugh softly, and she nods. "Thinking outside the box is good. I usually just try to talk my way out of trouble, but it might not work against the worst of our enemies as well as it might against a more mundane cutthroat or footpad, I think." But then Lou mentions investigation as a skill, and she brightens a bit with a nod.

Neilda is more than happy to chime in with Lucita, "I hope my axe would serve you all well in such an investigation," she grins.

"Very true," Vitalis adds to Lou's suggestion that investigation is key to the Explorers, "You never know what bit of knowledge might be useful on a venture. Sometimes just noticing the right thing at the right time is enough." Like traps. There's definitely a watchful air about the young explorer. He laughs at Neilda's offering, "I'm sure you could cut right to the heart of the matter." The young man has made a turn of the room, now selecting a few things from the refreshments for himself.

"Knowing languages, a bit of the occult, or even something about riddles is useful too. Or, you know, how to disarm and disable traps and locks. If you're inclined toward such a thing," Lou doesn't seem to judge on this. She looks back at Neilda. "I'll add your name to the list as well. It is a growing list, and again Skye'll have the final say." She blushes at Reese's praise. "When putting together groups of people, we try to tailor the groups to the skills we need. Or, think we need, because often times, like the trip to Whitepeak I've already planned, I'm not sure what we're going to need because no one has seen Whitepeak since 200 - 300 years after the Reckoning when Lorwroth Kinsbane purportedly destroyed it."

Mikani looks at the rest of the group. Mika had no qualms with being quiet. Languages she knew. Well more common ones.

Brother Chester arrives, following Jeffeth.

Ysbail says, "While I've got about as much knowledge on survival as your average northlander, as a Shaman, I think I have some fair knowledge of the occult. I would love to speak to you at length another time."

Rhiannon glances at Vitalis and quietly murmurs. "That might be something that I might be able to help with. I am a Tree Scout, after all. Sneaking is what we do."

"All right. How do I sign up?" says Helena with a smile -- it's only a little unsure, but mostly has that same edge of curiosity and eagerness about it. "Not for that trip, as I have another upcoming, but in general -- to the Society?"

Lou inclines her head to Ysbail, "Certainly. Just let me know when you'd like to talk and I'll make myself available. Like some here, I'm more situated to woods settings than social ones, but I find myself at home here in the Explorer's Hall to be able to talk to people." IE: Lou won't be found in the froo froo Ambassador's Salon any time soon. She looks to Helena. "Put in a petition when you are ready, and we can have an Explorer test you. All Explorers are authorized to give tests, even the newer ones - since they've been through it themselves."

Neilda laughs toward Vitalis, "I promise I shall, my lord," she dips her head, and nods about at the discussion of other matters pertaining to the Society.

Helena smiles at Lou and nods. "Thank you. I will give it some thought -- and maybe study up on my survival skills," she says with a laugh, before rising to her feet. "Thank you for hosting this. I need to see to some things. It was nice meeting you, or seeing those of you I already know." The small number among them each get a quick smile, before the Redrain makes her way to the exit.

Helena is overheard praising Lou: So informed and welcoming!

Ysbail positively beams with delight. "Even if I can't manage to pass the tests, there is a good deal of comfort in knowing that such a group exists, and I would be happy to transcribe any records of your adventures for the library if anyone would be so inclined as to share such details." Her attention shifting to Helena, "Rest well Princess Helena!"

Rhiannon gives a dip of her head as she steps away from the wall. "Thank you for hosting this event. I will be available should anyone need me. For now, I must attend another meeting. Please excuse me."

Reese looks over to Helena. "Oh, take care." She ays in her direction. She then waves to Rhiannon as she speaks of leaving as well. "It was nice to meet you, Lady Riannon."

Vitalis bows at Helena on her way out, transition to her ranks as she moves from under the Charter Hall's roof, "Well met, Highness. And good day to you."

3 Thrax Guards, 2 Thrax Elite Guards, Teonia Redreef, Aryka Wyrmfang, Marquessa Pudding, a pudgy pup arrive, following Sorrel.

Helena has left the Table 2.

2 Redrain Guards, Lucien, a bright-eyed pine marten leave, following Helena.

Lucita glances around the group and then murmurs to Neilda. "I need to head back to the tower. I have a meeting there soon." And to the others she says, It is always nice getting to see others at a meeting like this."

The meeting seems to be wrapping up after a couple of hours of time. Lou addresses everyone who came and says, "Thank you all for coming. It's been quite a delight, and perhaps I'll do another one of these next month." She looks then to Vitalis. "I think you and I have a long overdue conversation, if you have time?" she queries.