Rosaline, former contortionist of Tor arrives, following Blacktongue.

The atrium shrine, the family shrine for the Thrax royals, is unlike the rest of the house. Where there is forboding and grim, gloomy and severe, in here there is light and a welcoming sense to it. Teh proverbial heart of the house almost. Servants mill about to tend to the needs of those who enter, snow piling up in the corners of the glass that gives a view of those coming and going from Thrax's Maw and into the courtyard, but the warmth that comes from adjacent rooms that emnenate into the room, keep it warm.

Colorful carp swim in the massive water feature and if one strays too close, they flick off and disappear off to the other side. Lush greenery provide color and on the west most wall, a portrait of Sanctum sits, waiting to be faced to when one prays.

It's at the alcove with it's benches, dedicated to the triad of the arts that the person responsible for this gather sits, waiting. Her main lady in waiting parked at her side and ready to take notes as everyone is shown in. They are discreetly asked their desired drink of choice and soon enough it will be found in their hand. People are offered to wander if they like or to join that one armed Princess Consort of Maelstrom while she waits for all to join.

Rosalie arrives early to have a moment to greet and catch up with Alarissa before others arrive. She holds a cup of tea in her hands and sits with the High Princess-Consort of Thrax with a soft smile on her features. She's even sporting a brand new ironwool dress! Murmuring softly back and forth before settling in as others start to arrive. As tea is sipped, there is already a lapdesk that's been brought out, with a swan feather quill and pretty pink crystal inkpot, a fresh journal set on top of the lapdesk while she enjoys her tea.

Kiera steps into the room with an air of uncertainty, though not trepidition. she is moe looking around to see if she has the right location. She too chooses tea s her beverage of choice and stands before the Pricess cup in hand "Princess?" she offers by way of question and greeting

Blacktongue is promptly on time and today his beard is dyed the bright blue of a summer sky. He has a writing kit and stuff also as he finds himself somewhere to sit and set up after nodding in greeting to the Princess.

With hair and skin as white as winter, her eyes as pale as moonlight's glow, Lady Sunaia Ashford enters the Atrium Shrine within the Thrax Estate. With her is only one other person: Her adjunct, Colm Teague, of pale skin and ice-blue eyes, a generally-bored expression on his visage. She leads silently, her long legs striding directly to Princess Alarissa; she curtsies, quick-and-neat, drawing out the skirts of her red-and-black Inquisitor's coat. "I'm Lady Sunaia Ashford, highness; and this is my assistant, Colm Teague. I'm very curious about what help you need - though, I presume you'll be addressing the group-at-large when everyone gathers?"

She flicks a glance to Kiera and lifts a brief smile to the woman, then smiles to Alarissa's servant. "Black tea, please. With milk and honeysuckle syrup.."

Almost as soon as Teagan Blackram arrives, Chessa peels off to both visit with friends from her days in Thrax and to help with the refreshments. Doing so gives her more time to chatter during trips to the kitchens. The Marquessa seems to have either expected as much or perhaps even directed her to do so; she doesn't even look after the tall blonde lass. Instead, the woman makes her way to stand by the pond, fingers on the bracelet at her wrist, sifting through all of its charms. When she catches Alarissa's glance, there is a small nod for the Princess, but otherwise: Teagan does not attempt to interrupt.

Thunk. Kerplash.

Metal hits solid ground outside the shrine followed by the gushed splash of water accompanied by a series of frustrated sounds and shrieks. When all is said and over, the Legate of Concepts enters the main area carrying a passibly near empty silver pail while her nose and lips twitch in a struggle to contain laughter. Her blue eyes brightly sparkle and she murmurs to Rosalie and Alarissa as she takes a seat. "Princess Astrid couldn't wait to show off her starfish and crawfish but her feet caught up with her." The small pink starfish and tiny crawfish barely remain within the pail. "She's getting cleaned while I babysit her new pet."

Hamish is lead into the atrium and when asked for his drink requests a mulled wine. As others gather together to talk and reminisce and such, the Archlector of the Queen wanders over to the Alcove of the Lost and pauses to pray briefly before moving on to where the others stand. He offers some quick nods to those nobles he recognizes, then greets his fellow godsworn with a warm, "Sister. Mother." and, smiling for the first time, if even only a bit, "Harlequin Blacktongue."

Rosalie has a brief but friendly smile for all who arrive, though Ailith and Hamish are both treated to warmer and more lingering smiles as she murmurs, "Legate. Oh dear, do we need more saltwater for the starfish?" She peeks into the bucket before the warm smile for Hamish appears and she murmurs, "Archlector. Its a pleasure to see you again." Three Godsworn, its like they're multiplying or something!

With a glass of a delightful citrus liqueur in hand, Kaia would be wondering about by the edge of the massive water feature --attempting to observe the elusive colorful carp-- her stride elegant and smooth. A sweet smile on display for Teagan --who was also by the pond-- as she passed her by on her way to greet both the princess of Thrax, Alarissa, and her dear Ashford friend, Sunaia. "Princess, your home is quite lovely! Such beautiful fish." Her tone would hint of a bit of awe "Thank you for allowing me to come help." Lively eyes, then, moving to her friend. "Sunaia! You are here too? How wonderful.~"

Blacktongue nods back when he's greeted, Perhaps a touch more of a nod to Hamish but that makes sense if thought about for a moment or three. He says nothing yet, but observes the others quietly.

"Oh gracious..." Alarissa's cringing as she looks at the pail. 'Those won't eat the fish will they?" She's not touching the pail. Nope. But MAxene rises to take a hold of the pail with a murmur to Ailith and a gesture to the Legate to take a seat. When everyone that sent word of interest has arrived and she's dipped her head in greeting to nearly everyone - There's a smile for Kaia's compliment of her home - who had just shown, she's soon putting down her own floral teacup and regarding the group as a whole.

As if she doesn't want to say the words that follow. "A year and a half ago, I crossed a mirror with another individual. The why is irrelevant. It is not something that I like to recount. It was a necessary thing, and I would do it again." Alarissa gesture for people to sit if they want, but doesn't demand it.

"I have called for assistance because of what I lost that night. What I hope-" Alarissa pauses, plucking at her dress with her right hand, the left side draped in a prayer shawl and devoid of a false arm. "What I hope to do, is to find a way to give me back what I lost. What I sacrificed that night to save another. To save others. I thought that I could live without it but I can't." There's a hard swallow. "Darkwater, holds a pool of water. Within it's waters, one can find healing. The Claw of Arx was tossed in and where fur would not grow because she was burned, she remains healed. But her ear and tail and eye have never grown back." She looks up from her dress to the others. 'Darkwater will not hold the answer to giving me back my arm. But if Darkwater exists... what if there are other places that exist? That can help others to regain what they have lost?" A deep breath and squaring of her shoulders. "I want help to find places of healing." A shake of her head and lift of her shoulders then back to squared. "Rumored objects lost to time. When magic was something we could do, when...what has befallen me, could be repaired. Others, can be repaired."

Flicking her gaze aside to Kaia when Sunaia hears her voice, the Ashford's smile lifts again. "Kaia, I didn't know you were coming, either. We have a lot of catching-up to do. We should have tea tomorrow or ...soon." Noting Hamish, Sunaia's pale-moon eyes fix on the Archlector. She dips a respectful nod, "Archlector Hamish. it's good to see you, as well." She turns her gaze, then to Alarissa and attends her voice with intent and growing interest while Colm, aside, takes notes.

"Do we have any leads, highness?" Sunaia lifts her voice to Alarissa.

There is a tilt of head in greeting to Kaia. Similar is issues to Ailith and Hamish when they join. Teagan remains standing somewhat to the side; unobtrusive and ensuring there is room for any who may file in. When her drink -- whiskey, it'd seem -- is delivered, she murmurs thanks to Chessa and shoos the woman off again to see her friends in the house after any other glasses she carries are delivered. Taking a sip, the Blackram Marquessa looks to Alarissa as she speaks. There's a slight frown at the mention of a mirror, but the tall woman's features swiftly dissemble. "There is a great risk in pursuing magic," she murmurs, but there is a look to Sunaia and then the Princess once more to see what answer may come of the query.

"We have no leads" The Princess Consort replies. "I have been traveling back and forth to Maelstrom to search the archives there. This is something of a scale far greater than I on my own can do. Hence asking for help."

Kiera nods in approval of the general aim of the endeavor "I'm at home among books and documents and for such noble ends I am pleased to help in this. I'm kiera Wyrmguard, it is a pleasure to meet you all and to see you again, legate, arch lector

"Is it safe to assume that you have spoken with the nox'alfar? Which isn't to say they'd help if they could, or would tell you. It's likely they'd be, or were, entirely useless. Or have some mad demand. Or offer you your arm, but demand your other arm." Hamish shrugs. "But it's always nice to cross something off of a list."

Rosalie listens intently, even if her placid expression would suggest otherwise. She sips from her cup and watches Alarissa relate the story, a brow lifting slightly here or there but otherwise she remains serene. Glancing fir to Sunaia, then Teagan, Rosalie looks back to Alarissa, "You know that what you seek is likely to come at the cost of something else. Magic of any kind never seems to come free of charge. And it may not be a place at all, it may be a ritual lost to time that we do not possess the.. skill.. to currently reenact." Her tone is gentle even if her gaze probes, looking towards Alarissa with concern and curiosity in equal measure in her expression.

Ailith peers further into the pail, quietly replying to Rosalie, "Likely. I thi--" And there's reliable Maxene with a polite murmur of interjection and the Legate smiles to pass the pail over and graciously thanks the woman. "The Princess has buckets full of these pets that Maxene has a system in place since our young one tends to forget them mostly." The thrill of the catch and all. She rises to settle once more and smiles broadly at the sight of Hamish. "Blessed, it's lovely to see you. I hope you found the Lost alcove to fitting for the Queen." A grin then, too, to another familiar face of Teagan before Alarissa starts.

"Ah. If I may ease everyone's minds, the Dominus is quite aware of what happened over a year and a half ago. It was necessary." Ailith nods solemnly. "As for the waters at Darkwater, your Highness, does know the limits considering its cost. I do admire the inspiration as I do know Mother Sophie has longed to uncover any other rumored healing sites. Our Lady of Change does encourage us to renew, reawaken, or reconsider what's been left dormant. I would not be surprised vague references are in noble house records or in bardic books."

Blacktongue nods at Kiera's introduction and offers his own "Donato Artiglio, called Blacktongue the Harlequin. In service to House Velenosa though I'm not attending on the house's behalf." Turning to Alarissa "I came because I am curious, having had my own brushes with the threshold between life and death." And then he opens his mouth to show his literally black tongue.

"I have not spoken to them. Faintly related as I am to them generations past, it has not been an avenue that I have chosen to pursue. The ... potential debt and strings attached with what they could do, likely an arm made completely of spiders, or of living... something, are enough to have had me shy away from such." Alarissa answers Hamish. There's a nod to Rosalie. "I know. My life has already come at an invisible cost that I do not know if I can ever fill. But I have whittled away bits and parts of myself to save the compact and I think, as.. vain and perhaps audacious as it is, I deserve at chance at least. To be permitted that sliver of hope. But if the cost to rebirth an arm is too much that I cannot bear it, then... I will bear it. Nor will I ask that of another. I only ask for the help in finding -something- So I can at least say that I tried, to my vanity which has never recovered. Grayson pride being what it is." There's a glance to Blacktongues black tongue with an unhidden grimace of horror.

There would be a nod given to Sunaia, and a discrete response to her words, before Kaia set her focus on Alarissa's words. Interest palpable, in her delicate features, as more details were shared with the group. A polite smile and nods given, respectively, to those introducing themselves.

The mention of the Nox'alfar bringing one of her eyebrows to lift -- but only for a fleeting moment -- as she took a slow sip from her drink. Thoughtful.

Smiling softly, Rosalie reaches across to Alarissa's remaining hand and gives it a light squeeze. "If the cost can be lessened by sharing out amongst many, you might find you have more friends than you think." Straightening, she gives a small purse of her lips as if thinking of something else, then looks to Alarissa again, "Have you contacted Prince Venteri? Seen if the Marin'alfar can be of any assistance? If not, we may want to have some start there. They are known for healing magics. There may be a clue there that can lead us to some of the hidden places of healing." She doesn't flicker at mention of the Marin'alfar, though her eyes suggest she's glad that Alarissa didn't ask them.

Her initial question answered, Sunaia listens to the rest of the group query the princess for a while before lifting her voice again. "How much effort has gone into research within Arx, Princess Alarissa? What I mean is this: Should we start here, with the Archives and family libraries - which you've mentioned - should we plan to visit more distant libraries?" She glances around the group belatedly and introduces herself, "I'm Lady Sunaia Ashford, of the Society of Explorers and the Inquisition. Here on behalf of myself, exploration of any kind being a favored activity."

At the mere idea of an arm made of spiders, Teagan shudders. She takes a bracing drink of her whiskey and begins circumnavigating the room to end up by Ailith's side. "Mother," she murmurs to the woman softly, with a warmth behind the words. She tilts her wrist to let the Legate see the bracelet she wears. "Thank you, again." It's a quiet aside before she's listening to the others as they respond to Alarissa, processing it herself. "Lady Sunaia has a point. If you can provide us with what you've already researched and any leads you may have, it will help us know what directions we may need to go in." She speaks with some mild distraction, but not for lack of trying. Then again, the news out of Cloudspine might be why...

Blacktongue nods at Rosalie's suggestion and scribbles some notes as he listens to the others. Nodding in agreement he adds "Approaching it methodically with an eye towards economy of effort will be more likely to produce a positive return."

"I have not reached out to the Marin'Alfar. They have far more important things to deal with than the vanity of a Princess, and I do not want them to feel beholden. I know that Prince Venteri would, given the past, but they need to focus on the liberation of Mardomum."

Sunaia's question has a shake of her head again, her free hand gripping Rosalie's. "I have been looking for a month, between my obligations to the house and my people. Where you wish to look, I leave up to you. But if you travel, I will provide the funds to cover the travel and to... grease necessary palms. Indeed, houses's personal libraries may hold information that the great archives has thus far. I am but one person, well, Maxene and I. So I turn to those who are of a more scholarly bent, and many... hands, pun not intended, make light the work." But where has the woman already looked? "My focus has been the Isles. Becasue it's far easier to gain access to houses archives there, than in other fealty's. Little is refused to the High Lord's wife, even if they want to."

Ailith cracks a wry grin. "If you won a Boon," she waggles her brows at Alarissa in a faint tease, "but since we won't chase that glimmer, shall we then," she espies Sunaia, "m'Lady, with your access to the Explorer's libraries, surely you'd find a snippet to start from?" She murmurs once to Teagan, nodding softly. "Wouldn't there be a place along the Cloudspine? I heard even in the North of hot springs."

Sunaia checked composure + investigation at difficulty 15, rolling 25 higher.

"I'll speak to Lou, of course," Sunaia nods to Ailith, "in regards to the Explorer's libraries. And I'll look into the Grayson libraries, too. Count Tibault has just recently arrived from Brighthold; the Laveers may have some knowledge, too. But, are we looking for something only related to water? Or could it be something else? Sands, soil, plants..."

Kiera hms "My brother richard is both a healer and scholar. i shall certainly avail myself of his knowledge on your behalf as well as help search elsewhere

Standing on the sidelines, Kaia would continue to listen and take notes of her own. Private hellos and small smiles shared with a few faces here and there that stood somewhat close. Her attention, drifting from one person to the other as they spoke.

"If I won a boon, but for that I would have to wait more years, and learn to fight with one hand and my beloved sword remains firmly on the other side of the mirror. I do not see that happening." Alarissa shakes her head to Ailith. There's a look to the others present as they speak, the woman listening attentively, less the austere wife of the High Lord and more a woman who just laid her vanity bare on the table before them to be dissected as she asks for help. "Anything. A place where you stand... something you hold in your hand. We ventured forth to collect ingredients for the Marquessa Consort Sanna to grind into a potion... there has to be something out there to help. To... give back. In some manner."

Blacktongue chuckles and grins broadly "It may not have been an intended pun but it was a beautiful one." Then he tilts his head and considers "What about records of sickness or plauge. Places where disease was turned away could be looked into. To discover why they were spared. I will see what records there are that I can get a hold of." Then he pauses and looks at Alarissa "That sounds like restoring something more ephemeral than your missing hand."

Ailith gasps with delight as she broadens her smile to say to Sunaia, "That is auspicious news. Lady Rey Laveer is highly regarded among our Mercies. There was a time she mentioned the moon and Laveer and maybe healing? She tended to speak poetically in riddles. Something I think our Harlequins would find delight to decipher. She may have been referring to a lighthouse and its light being a signal by Lagoma, but it couldn't hurt to look into?" She asks about, tacking onto what Alarissa said. "That potion was among the more difficult to acquire ingredients. Hm. Not a bad example to start from either."

Rosalie lets her eyes drift from person to person as they speak, looking to Alarissa between, watching her reactions and responses. Smiling softly towards her. Looking back to Blacktongue, she murmurs, "Oh it was quite visceral but.. not as noticeable as an arm." Speaking towards the potion for Marquessa Sanna. Looking back to Ailith then offers a wry smile, "Sadly, Archlector Roran is not here to offer assistance. He is travelling the Compact, counselling and ensuring that nobody lacks the warmth of Lagoma's fire this winter." She does nod agreement about the potion. Chewing lightly on her lower lip, she leans in and murmurs something to Alarissa before straightening to catch her response.

"It is possible," Teagan tells Ailith with a small nod for the hot springs. "Unfortunately, things may be quite dangerous in the Cloudspine at the moment." There's something of a weariness in her tone. "But I can search what archives we have in the city, at the very least, and hopefully the troubles back home will be resolved soon and I can reach out. Some of the older clans that have bent the knee may well know of things."

Nodding to Alarissa, she offers a small but warm smile and squeezes her hand once more. Looking back as Teagan speaks, Rosalie gives a small nod, "To that end, we may wish to speak with some of the recent prodigal Houses as well. Clearlake, Stahlben.. they may know some older tales passed down from orator to orator or shaman to shaman. I can check the Archives." Looking to Ailith she murmurs, "I can request access to any more guarded texts that may be in the Archives or Library. The Archscholar is quite busy but Legate Bianca could grant access as well, I believe."

Rosalie checked intellect + riddles at difficulty 15, rolling 28 higher.

Sunaia checked intellect + investigation at difficulty 15, rolling 16 higher.

Teagan checked intellect + investigation at difficulty 15, rolling 47 higher.

Blacktongue checked intellect + investigation at difficulty 15, rolling 52 higher.

Ailith checked charm + theology at difficulty 15, rolling 31 higher.

Kaia checked perception + investigation at difficulty 15, rolling 37 higher.

Hamish checked intellect + occult at difficulty 15, rolling 45 higher.

Kiera checked intellect + investigation at difficulty 15, rolling 33 higher.

Hamish folds his arms, silent while others talk. He has the look of someone trying to remember if he left the gate open on the pen, except the last time he saw it was fifteen years ago and a couple of head injuries ago.

Alarissa watches, as others toss idea's and sources to look into between themselves. On her face, there's a soft and grateful smile.

Having finished taking some more notes, at last the Malvici speaks up. "I too shall do what's proper and inquire on the matter in both Pridehall, Southport and its loyal houses. I can't say I've heard of any legends or tales from places capable of healing. But, if there are any, I shall do my best to find out." She glances at the gathered and offers a nod. "I'm Kaia Malvici nee Bisland, fellow explorer of Sunaia, and knowledge enthusiast, for those of you I have yet to meet properly." Her tone would be calm and proper.

Hamish's eyes widen at Kaia's words. "My lady, whether or not you are an explorer of Sunaia is hardly of importance. But I'm sure we all appreciate your openness."

Alarissa looks between Hamish and then to Kaia before lips press together to keep from laughing, though her shoulders move as if she is.

Kaia checked composure + etiquette at difficulty 15, rolling 36 higher.

Blacktongue doesn't even miss a beat at Kaia's words and the Archlector's response he just turns to Alarissa and says "Well this will certainly be interesting. Thank you for including me."

"Rosalie Redtyde, Sister of the Faith, Scholar, Explorer... formerly of House Redtyde, former ward of House Fireviper and Redwood before it." its offered in light of the introductions being passed around, a smile to accompany it. One that crumbles as her eyes widen at Hamish's comment before her mouth is quickly hidden behind her free hand while the young woman takes a moment to school her features.

The response from Hamish earns a small chuckle from Teagan. It's a brief thing, but there it is all the same. She clears her throat gently to regain the composure she didn't even fully lose. There's a look to Alarissa and an arch of brow. "If that is all, I believe I heard that Prince Rien arrived recently. I may go and speak with him."

"Archlector, with all due respect, I suggest you take your head out of the gutter. I merely meant to say we are both members of the Society of Explorers." Her tone would be polite but quite direct. She would not let such a crass remark to her persona to pass by without a little diplomatic fight. "Nonetheless, I'm flattered that you appreciate my openness."

Ailith lifts her tea for a light sip before she grins as Kaia. "If you chat with Lady Eirene, she'd fill you in on tones of history behind some medical advances. Dear me, you do remind me -- could you relay to her on my behalf that the Queen would gladly meet with her? She'd been doing some research and the leads are best said in person."

Kiera looks at Kaia withoutmust sympathy and warm smile, familiar perhaps with the embarsment of misspeaking "Kiera wyrmguard, recently arrived from blancbier

Ailith says to Teagan, "May your meeting go well, Marquessa." And she leans to Rosalie. murmuring.

"Oh by all means. Go see if you can woo the Prince and ensure that he is worthy." Alarissa smiles broadly. "And whether I chose right." She looks to the others, concern between Kaia and Hamish before she releases Rosalie's hand and starts to rise. "Does anyone else have any questions? Or shall we all spring forth to see what we may find?"

Kaia would nod to Ailith. "Yes, Legate. I can certainly do that. I shall let her know."

Hamish clucks his tongue at Kaia's response, but doesn't reply in kind, instead finishing his wine and looking back to Alarissa.

Kiera waits a beat apparently expecting someone better acquainted with the princess to fill the gap before offering "point the way princess"

Spring forth, it seems, is what it shall be and as some depart to meet to be husbands and others ready to dive into the task, the atrium will soon be devoid of people. There is a mission. Whether it's successful or not, who knows.

1 Templar Knight guards, Sir Daniel the Beardless, a somewhat hapless Templar leave, following Hamish.

3 Armed Confessors, Atanas Pandev, a wry, stalwart escort, Colm Teague, the stolid adjunct of ice-blue eyes leave, following Sunaia.