4 Gilden Guards arrives, following Ysabel.

Merril, an Assistant Page, 3 Bisland pride guards arrive, following Lailah.

Ysabel, Lailah arrive, following Gregory.

Ramona - A Guard in Ashford House Colours, 3 Farshaw novice guards, 1 Farshaw trained guards, Bigsby - A Thoughtful Looking Young Man in Nondescript Clothing, 4 Ashford House Guard arrive, following Lisebet.

A pretty display of seats and couches arranged in a circle makes an elegant addition for the evening. People do not eat or drink in the Stacks unless they welcome being thrown out by the occasional knight or Templar, or a passing Confessor following Delilah about. That Confessor in question wears the dark attire of the Inquisition and sits, writing a ream into a notebook on the side. "I told you," Delilah cheerfully notes to him, "this will be a good opportunity to reorganize a few of the shelves. As far as I am concerned, it will all turn out brilliantly well if we can arrange new contributions in the meantime. Winter is the high point for publications, anyhow." She gently inclines her head, and rises, a frisson of copper leaves swirling around her on a suspended body of silk. It's a proper gown rather than her favourite leggings, but such is life.

Ilmia was spending more time the the academy, so she's more than happy to head over to see about testing. Even if she might be a bit nervous about it. The tall redhead is dressed in warmer clothing and quietly finds herself a seat to where she can watch things for the moment. She gives a nod of her head and a smile of greeting to those already present. Not wanting to interrupt too terribly much.

Lisebet is already an associated teacher, but she shows up to show moral support and in case there's anything she can do to help. She might also be preparing for the lecture she's planning on hosting in the not so distant future. She smiles as she sees folks there, as she recognizes some. And like Ilmia, she does not interrupt the ongoings with words.

Gregory sighs. He does that a lot. First the tricky questions, then a ruse to get the stacks sorted. He couldn't tell if she was joking or not. Either way, he arrived to see what would happen this time, and the crowd was already a lot larger than the other day. So he takes a seat, ready to be told what is going on, and ponders on the information that he has gained today, while he waits.

Mikani enters hearing there was something going on with scholars and books. And seriously that was all she needed to know to show up. "Delilah." Mika says warmly as she shows up.

Merek has come to do some testing, and he has on his black scholar robes with hood upon his features, Eurusi scarf on his lower face while he makes to find a place to settle in and relax.

Ysabel enters following Brother Gregory and Lady Lailah more so curious to see what this is being newer to the Scholars also as it seems she was already following Brother Gregory so she also just conveniently was taken here as well. She finds a place to settle in quietly to listen and watch what happens.

Arriving with his assistant, Feundo does not note the arrangement of the seating, looking rather single-minded as he steps into the stacks, talking to said assistant, "I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner. I should have some here first...got too used to experiencing and not reading...lack of patience....and Isi wonders why I envy her so."

Erik makes a quiet entrance, not wishing to disturb those poor students about to be tested. The Grimhall lord takes a seat besides one of the few faces already acquainted to him, "Lady Ilmia." He greets, eyes dancing around the room to watch the initial procedures.

Maru emerges from the maze of shelves, his face set in a stern sort of look. He stops for just a moment, upon seeing all the seating arranged and people there and quirks up one eyebrow, then follows it with the other and a nod. Right. The testing, that's _tonight_, good thing he forgot _while here_. He quietly makes his way over to a seat.

Lailah enters, she's in no need of testing herself but she's come to observe the testing, "Lady Delilah." She greets Delilah warmly, "Considering the amount of people who gathered, would you appreciate my assistance in taking tests?"

Ilmia gives a smile to Erik when he takes a seat next to her, "Lord Erik, how are you doing?" she asks him as she looks to him. "And did the map reach you alright? I was hoping that it did." she tells him.

Mikani grins as she sees Maru. "Lord Maru. Good seeing you again!"

The curl of her fingertips greets Mikani, Delilah hardly occupied otherwise. She gently extracts a pen from the halo of razor-blade sharpness around her woven sunset braids, proving that hairpin to be in fact a writing instrument. Twisting off the cap makes matters rather straightforward, especially when she circles around the front of the table and gestures to the chairs and low couches. "Welcome, everyone!" Her voice carries with a balmy grace, infused by the lilting sonnets of the Gray Forest. Crownlander to the core, her soprano has the quality of honey her complexion does. "I encourage you to all sit and join us for a lovely evening. Have you not had the opportunity to introduce yourself, let's do that now. I am Delilah Whitehawk, lady of Hawkhold and Voice of the Scholars. In particular, I handle the field studies, arranging for people to connect with other organizations, and far too much research. My expertise as a senior scholar lies in the direction of the Metallic Order and associated periods of history, notably the Reckoning and the early years of the War of Stolen Names -- better known as the Elven War." With that given, she dips lightly to those of higher rank -- and there's more than a few. "Lady Lailah Bisland over there, I should welcome. If you're free to prepare a few questions, I would welcome that. Tonight in particular, we are focusing on helping those who wish to advance up to an associated teacher or beyond. As it stands for ranking as a docent, we can teach you the requirements. Advancing to a Disciple of Vellichor, a proper scholar, requires speaking with our Archscholar, Blessed Sina. But we can help!"

Ysabel is still sitting and listening for now until it seems appropriate to speak

Dame Rosario Nevarre of the Oathlands, Anouk Ardennes, Anais Ardennes arrive, following Sophie.

"Very much so," Erik replies Ilmia, returning the smile, "I already have it set up in my study room so I can plan for future adventures or just references." He says, keeping his mouth shut when Delilah begins to explain the procedures, "Well, tonight I'll just watch. But this brings me some memories back."

"I am familiar with the requirements." Lailah answers Delilah before adding something in a quiet whisper.

Gregory leans forwards in his chair, in which he was sitting a little arkwardly due to his bent spine, making sure not to disturb his cane. He waves to those around him. "My name if Brother Gregory Grayfellow, for those of you who don't know me. Adept and Godsworn. Pleasure to meet you all, and I look forward to working with you all in the future."

Lisebet glances around, and when appropriate, she speaks up with, "I'm Duchess-Consort Lisebet Ashford, Associated Teacher. I'm not sure I can help with that testing yet, but I thought I'd come see about maybe learning how, so I can possibly in future do so." She pauses and then adds, "And I think I'm on the list for promotion to Docent sometime relatively soon." Her hair is dark and she's very petite. But there is a kindliness about her that does show, for the most part.

"Ser Merek Black, Admiral of the Iron Fleet, and Senior Scholar," Merek notes to the others. Why he's taking the test is anyone's to guess, but he seems to be satisfied with doing that.

"I am Baroness Ysabel Gilden I recently joined the Scholars and passed my first exam to become an adept. I came to observe the testing process for other levels and to meet more fellow scholars," Ysabel says, speaking in her normal happy animated manner

Ilmia gives a smile to Erik and dips her head to Erik, "Excellent, I was hoping you'd get good use out of it." she tells him. Then she quiets as Delilah speaks. Making sure not to interrupt her. When it's safe again there's a dip of her head as introductions are made, "I'm Lady Ilmia Leary. Docent currently. It's nice to meet everyone that I haven't." she tells them with a smile.

Maru sits back in his seat and looks around the room, watchful eyes studying all the faces. Mikani gets the slightest smile and a wave, but then he's focused on Delilah and her introduction. He follows the conversation around the room, until it reaches him. "I'm Lord Maru Seliki, and I've only just joined as a Neophyte." His voice is a rich baritone that easily fills the chamber, even though he does not speak very loudly. "I'm here to meet people, and perhaps take my first exam."

Mikani takes a seat by Maru and listens to Delilah after a waves to the woman. "I am Lady Mikani Redreef. I would like to join ... so no tests ... but I do have much research done in the fields of Occult and Theology."

Erik clears his throat for the introduction, "Lord Erik Grimhall, I won't be taking the test today. So I'm here to wish you all my best luck and to meet some similarly minded people."

Fecundo stops as Lystra taps his shoulder to get his attention. The Valardin Prince's assistant points in the direction of the gathering as the man tries to make heads or tails of the stacks. When he does turn and look, he ohs softly and wrinkles his brow as if indecisive. He watches and listens to the other and then steps a little closer, "Prince Fecundo Valardin..Academic...no specialty...and apparently a very good knack for not paying attention...not here to test."

Sophie enters, late as usual. Those Mercy matters never seem to stop. She stops near the entrance as people are introducing one another and she says, "Princess Sophie Valardin, Mother Mercy of Arx. I'm currently a Docent in the scholars. I suppose my specialties are varied, but I tend to focus largely on medicine, theology and the occult. I'm also quite knowledgable in the area of apothecary. I came to simply spend time with other scholars, but I could probably take the test today."

"I forgot to mention my area of focus, didn't I?" Lisebet says with a bit of a shrug. "I'm sure I'm not as accomplished as many, but I have been focusing on the Occult and the time of The Reckoning. I'm interested in learning more about the Metallics, their opposites, dragons, and theology, currently." She does have somewhat eclectic tastes apparently, as well.

"By all means, you're welcome to listen and I may well call upon you as the need arises. Tonight, the foremost focus will be to allow the neophytes to progress to adepts with the oversight of any testing. If you have been among our ranks for a time, I can bear witness to the Adepts who wish to become associated teachers and higher. Explanations, of course, are possible. Foremost, we are a teaching institution with a focus on developing and preserving knowledge in equal stead. Therefore you're all encouraged, regardless of your rank, to speak upon matters of interest and encourage an environment that welcomes discussion, intellectual curiosity, and exploration. Should you like to join us, that's as simple as saying so. Lady Mikani, I greet you for that." She dips her fingertip along her browline, pen still dancing in her grasp.

Mikani checked charm + linguistics at difficulty 20, rolling 19 higher.

Mikani checked intellect + occult at difficulty 20, rolling 77 higher.

Mikani checked wits + investigation at difficulty 20, rolling 47 higher.

Even withthe prompting of his assistant, Fecundo stays on the fringes of the gathering, perhaps not quite knowing what to make of it, though he does follow the testing of the members who seem to wish it.

Ilmia settles into her seat and smile as she watches the others in their testing. She couldn't do her testing now, so she was going to wait for a few more weeks and then do it. She gives a look to Erik and there's a smile. Seeing if he's following along.

Ysabel is quietly watching the teaching since she is not one of the people testing currently

Lailah sits on a chair nearby, watching the others as it goes on with watchful eyes, studying the people undergoing testing.

Maru leans in and murmurs something to Mikani beside him, and then settles in for his test. There's questions with answers, answers to questions, and just a few too many blank stares on his face. At the end of it he's come up just short of passing. He frowns then sighs and laughs, shaking his head. "I've waited this long, what's a little bit longer?"

Lisebet has a book, and she sets it down, writing down notes. She glances up every so often, inclining her head. She recognizes many here, including Ilmia. "That's the spirit, Lord Maru. Sometimes it just requires a little bit more research."

Delilah leans lightly against the table without really committing her weight to it, her hair falling down her back in a gracefully coiled braid. "Since we have a healthy number of Scholars here to commiserate, I'm going to offer you the opportunity to socialize with one another. Since our testing begins with two candidates, may I ask for volunteers to help Lord Maru and Lady Mikani? In particular, Duchess Lisebet might be an excellent source of occult information for you, my lord. Perhaps she might see your knowledge of Princess Sorrel's songs about the Metallic Order. For Lady Mikani, if anyone has a particular facility with languages, determining which she knows by offering snippets of your own foreign tongues to test might be rather fun."

Mikani murmurs back to Maru with a warm grin before she settles in for her test. For her the test was easy. Lots and lots and lots of time buried in libraries seemed to have aided her memory for the test.

Erik has his arms folded, with his eyebrows set together in a rather stony aspect, given that he is trying to do his best to scare any nervous exam takers. "Unfortunately, I only speak Arvani. But I'll be on the lookout for an opportunity to learn new languages, especially those most ancient."

Ilmia gives a sad smile, "I only know Arvani, Lady Delilah." she tells her. "I should look into learning some new languages at some point." she adds.

Mikani smiles at them. "I know Marin'alfar ... Isles Shav ... Northlands Shav ... I'm currently looking for my next language. But I am willing to teach any one any of the other languages."

With an arched brow, "Fecundo steps back to look again at the stacks as if deciding where he wants to look , or, perhaps, continue his original purpose here.

"I do not know any other languages yet but open to learn more," Ysabel says

"Superb, Lord Erik. A fine idea there for a lesson or event should anyone like that concept. Ancient languages. Any others that spur interest?" inquires Delilah, warmly clasping her hands together. "Shav languages, the languages of our nearest neighbours, forgotten ones? I'll take lots and see who might fulfill the inquiry. Countess Mia's offered a fine evening in the past of learning. Lady Mikani, Marin'alfar would undoubtedly have a turnout. We might even be able to convince Archlector Madeleine or Marquessa Sasha to come out for it."

Lisebet chuckles. "I can sing any of Princess Sorrel's songs in the Metallic Cycle, indeed," she acknowledges. "Perhaps not as well as a Bard or some of our more noted performers, but - reasonably well. I can also probably provide a copy of one or two of them." A pause, "Oh. And I am looking to learn the local dialect of the Crownlands, since I feel I should be able to assist diplomatically now that I am part of House Grayson. I do speak the Oathlands dialet." No surprise given where she is from and who she has married.

"I would be quite interested in hearing--or reading--those songs, my lady," Maru says, dipping his head toward Lisebet. Then, looking at some of the others he nods. "I, too, only speak Arvani. Though, I'm beginning to think I ought to expand that." He nods, and furrows his brow, seeming to consider that.

Sophie's rather quiet in the back, but when she does speak up she says, "I can speak Sylv'alfar, but I do believe there was a class on that very recently." Then to Lisebet, "I would also love to hear those songs. I haven't had an opportunity to catch any of them, regretably."

Mikani nudges Maru. "It's fun to speak a different language. The world looks different because words shape how we see the world. It's quite fasinating."

Fecundo is looking over items in the stacks, but seeming a bit frustrated as he does so. He does offer, "Marquess Sasha Sanna is a wonderful teacher of Marin'alfar. The only other language I speak...and I am not the best student...", as he comes around to the gathering again.

"Your Highness," asks Delilah in Fecundo's direction, "is there anything that I can help you acquire or search for? And I suppose now is a fine time to open up the floor to general inquiries or comments. Whatever you happen to be researching on, interests you have. Lessons on that shav right now, if you wish. I'll let it go however anyone likes."

Lisebet's cheeks go a bit pink. "I have been learning a couple other languages," she admits softly. "Marin'alfar and Sylv'alfar to be precise. I just - never feel I'm good enough for those. If it would help I can certainly schedule a night of singing, or perhaps sing one tonight at the end of this event if you would like?"

Delilah says in Marin'alfar, "Test."

Delilah says in Marin'alfar, "One by one upon white shores,
The pearly waves are laid;
Each one a new and pristine thing,
Which Mangata made.

Forth from a cauldron ever old,
They swell, forever young;
The softest, dreamy chords
Of the hymn the deep sea sung.

The surge echoes in whispers,
I listen endlessly;
Always, my soul shall resonate
With an aquatic melody."

Dame Rosario Nevarre of the Oathlands, Anouk Ardennes, Anais Ardennes leave, following Sophie.

When Delilah addresses him, Fecundo stops and offers a smile, "Oh...seeking out some errant information on House Aetheris and the Caer'alfar...something of a diversion, really." He shrugs, "Something that I caught a bit of a story about, Lady Whitehawk."

Ysabel listens to the song intently

Mikani says in Marin'alfar, "s Very nice Lady Delilah ....."

Maru looks back and forth between everybody speaking in a language he does not understand. His eyebrows arch and the corners of his mouth turn down, nodding. "Yes, okay. Perhaps I should," he says, aside to Mikani.