Ian has joined the Table 1.

Maggie, a really fuzzy raccoon, Lucky Wagglesworth Von Greathound, a mastiff pup, Princess Fluffy Tube, a ferret arrive, following Gerrick.

Atli, a Whitehold Mountain Dog arrives, following Tanith.

Tanith arrives, following Raymesin.

Lucita slips into the meeting area quietly and takes a seat.

Lucita has joined the Table 4.

Felicia has joined the Table 2.

Orion, a healer's surly Assistant, 2 Redoubt Buccaneers arrive, following Azova.

Gerrick has joined the Table 2.

Atli, a Whitehold Mountain Dog leaves, following Tanith.

Tanith leaves, following Raymesin.

Atli, a Whitehold Mountain Dog arrives, following Tanith.

Tanith arrives, following Raymesin.

Azova slips in just a moment or two late and hurriedly finds somewhere to sit where she can simply listen and take notes if need be.

Felicia comes with Axelle, who is carrying a notebook, and after a tight smile and dip of her head in Lou's direction, takes a seat at one of the tables.

Raymesin steps into the Society of Explorers' hall, with Tanith at his side and a mountain of a white fluffy dog at their heels. Resplendent in sleek black leathers, the tall man glances about from within the shadows of his hood, then finds somewhere out-of-the-way to settle.

Aiden finds his way into the society, looking over his shoulder a few times, "I may have guests coming..." he advises, but they aren't immediately there, so he proceeds to look around for a spot to sit.

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

Ian showed up early for this meeting, and already has a seat at a table. Settled into a comfortable slouch, he watches people as they walk in, following them with his bright blue eyes.

Raymesin has joined the marin'alfar wooden bench.

Lou Grayson is standing by the door to the map room patiently waiting for individuals who are interested in the meeting to arrive. She was rather vague about the details of the meeting, but figured using Queen Symonesse's name when telling others about it might grab the attention of a few others who might not normally show up to Explorer meetings. Willen, her trusty Senior Archivist, is aiding those entering into the room by showing them where they can sit, acting as a kind of quick greeter in Lou's stead as she mentally prepares notes. "For those of you who are here already, thank you for coming. I'm sure Willen has shown you the best places to sit in the room." He is indeed working on that. "We'll give it a few more minutes before beginning so stragglers can find a seat before I get started in earnest."

Tanith has her hand in her husband's, following Raymesin to the bench he picks out.

Tanith has joined the marin'alfar wooden bench.

Ryhalt arrives and smiles to Lou as she greets them at the door. Avid adventurer, he takes a seat though he is not a member of the Explorers, utilizin Willen's guidance.

Raymesin glances around again, then looks at something - or rather, someone - Tanith points out. The pair move in short order, greeting Felicia with low murmurs and settling in there instead.

Raymesin has left the marin'alfar wooden bench.

Raymesin has joined the Table 2.

1 Saik Guard arrives, following Neilda.

(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: With some forewarning from one or two sources, this event is planned to take place during the evening. The lamps within the Society of Explorers are brightly lit. Tables are set up with all kinds of beverages and pastries are set out where people can easily grab them. The reason for the evening meeting may soon become evident.

Kiera walks into the room, looking about somwhat noncomittalfy for seating, nodding to gerrick with a bit of a questioning nood " May I join you?"

Wash has draped himself over a corner with a notebook and drink.

Wash has joined the marin'alfar wooden bench.

Tanith has left the marin'alfar wooden bench.

Tanith has joined the Table 2.

Prince Aindre arrives at his favored time which is right on time, minus any entourage of Grayson guardsmen or the assistants that sometimes can be found following in his wake when it comes to matters of business. He's dressed for all the world like he's thrown on something more appropriate to the eye of the public after escaping some rigorous bout of swordplay-training and along with him comes Queen Symonesse Grayson, radiant in her splendor as ever, ethereal in her graces.

Connal, a Northern Wolfhound, Honeymare, 1 Ravenseye Warrior arrive, following Rosalind.

Gerrick enters the room animals in tow, as good luck getting them to stay somewhere else. He sits down at the closest table quietly.

Kiera has joined the Table 2.

Felicia rises from her spot at the arrival of the Queen and offers her a deep and respectful bow before resuming her seat.

Neilda slips in and glances around for a place to sit, pausing just inside the door. She looks tired and - based on that damp head of hair - probably fresh from a bath. She clutches a journal to her chest, and a pouch with writing implements is on her hip, as is typical.

Aiden has joined the Table 4.

Rosalind rushes in, looking like she's roasting. It's hot guys! HOT! The redhead waves anyway, flashing a large smile,"Sorry Im late! I was taking a swim in the river, you know--cooling off!"

Azova has joined the Table 4.

The more people that filter in, the more Ian sinks into a vaguely disreputable looking slouch, glass of whiskey in hand (but mostly untouched).

Raymesin inclines his head deeply to Symonesse when she arrives, then goes back to looking around, and at Lou, with vague curiosity.

Symonesse enters into the Hall in Prince Aindre's wake, looking all around her with bright, curious eyes and a radiant smile. She tilts her chin up to look at the skylight. Her golden gaze skims over the map inlaid into the floor. Overall, if her expression is any indication, the Queen is just charmed by the entire thing. She gives some of those smiles out along the way as she looks for a place to sit in the room, perferably next to the best snacks because yay snacks!

Symonesse has joined the Table 3.

Aindre has joined the Table 3.

Aiden nods to Aindre and smiles quietly to Symonesse, murmuring, "My Queen," he doesn't follow them to their table because he had already chosen to sit with the Baroness Saik, prior to their decision on where to sit. "I should write you back very soon," this to Symonesse before he turns to Lucita to greet her and speak in tones that generally don't pass their table.

Symonesse has left the Table 3.

Symonesse has joined the Table 4.

Beakers - an austere raven, Gorty - an apprentice in a yellow tabard arrive, following Orick.

Aindre has left the Table 3.

Aindre has joined the Table 4.

Rosalind has joined the Table 4.

Tanith beams at the sight of Symonesse, tugging on Raymesin's arm and pointing out the queen. "She chose the best seat! -Food-," she says quietly but with much envy. And her stomach growls; Tanith coughs, and blushes.

Onida, a boglands wolf-hound, Outi the Iron Hound, Gene Erique, Guardsman, 3 Iron Guardsmen, Tero the Iron Hound, Buckley, Tora arrive, following Jyri.

Kiera rises briefly for the Queen's entrance as others have and resumes her seat opening up her journal to a blank page with a quizzical expression

Neilda has joined the Table 4.

Even if Lou is forewarned about the Queen potentially coming, a potentiality isn't always a reality. Though, in this case it is. Lou stands a bit straighter when her cousin, Aindre, comes in with Queen Symonesse and the usually not fussy Grayson does a once over of her explorer's outfit, patting everything down. Symonesse is, after all, the Queen. But, maybe it's the other stuff about the woman that makes Lou a touch nervous around her. "Queen Symonesse, I am so very glad you could make it. Prince Aindre mentioned you might be able to do so," she stands taller even, when addressing the Queen.

When it seems like no more stragglers will be coming, she clears her throat and gets down to business, setting into go mode which doesn't really leave her time to worry about anyone else being there. "Again. Thank you all for coming. Some of you may know that I led a meeting for House Grayson a few weeks ago. That meeting focused on my ancestor, Alaricus, the founder of House Grayson and everything throughout history that I discovered that ties him to the current day situation with Eurus. This meeting is still somewhat associated with all of that, but it focuses on a different matter entirely. The Herald known as the Metallic Traitor, or the Horned God as some of you may know him, or as I sometimes calls him, he who just keeps on coming and coming and coming." Lou's brow crinkles in consternation as she says this. "I've been in the fight against he and his Archfiend for quite a long time, so Queen mentioned during that meeting we need to keep an eye on him as well during the issues with Eurus, I knew I wouldn't be able to be in that fight this time as I have other duties that keep me tied tightly to the Eurus battle. So, that's where those of you who are here come in, for I wish to make certain we have people who are able and capable to help with the matters regarding the Metallic Traitor. But first, before I begin, does anyone here not know who this Herald I'm talking about today is?" There are some new faces in the Explorer's Hall, so Lou's keeping a real careful eye out for those whom she doesn't know and who might not know the whole story behind the man she's discussing might be.

Jyri has joined the Table 4.

Jyri arrives in the last minute, his breathing a bit heavier than normal - it may be that he actually ran to not be too late. He finds a seat after nodding around to people.

Lucita gives a warm smile to Symonesse and a curtsy as she jons the table at which she sits. A quiet greeting is given the others in a lowered tone.

Professor Orick slips into the hall not long after the Queen and moves to find a seat situated somewhere out of the way where he can go mostly unnoticed and listen without interrupting Her Grace. The narrow shouldered academic does not look ike your usual explorer judging by the stoop in his shoulder and his sheepishly downcast gaze as he listens along from his seat.

Prince Aindre offers his brother a pleasant nod in response and a smile to go with it, letting him go on with his conversation in the Queen's direction as he escorts her to the table she's picked out and finds a place for himself at it too, adjusting his swordbelt before he's seated - none of that of course before pausing to greet Lou, "We're very glad we could make it. The business of business almost didn't let go at all!", and if he perhaps notices any of his cousin's nervous touch he tries to press something reassuring into that smile of his.

Neilda joins the table with queen and the other Saik, and is just eyeing the pastries when Lou speaks. "I may not know... as much as others." A pause, and she clears her throat. "Specifics-wise. I've been out of the city a lot."

Symonesse gives Lou a gentle, but regal nod, and says in response, "Thank you for allowing me to attend without being an official Explorer. I am very grateful." She gives Lou an encouraging little smile and then quiets to let her speak and answer questions if asked.

Aiden lifts his hand to Lou, "I'm afraid I know very little about this one." Then he sits back down. He's not a new face at all, but there were so many things to 'relearn' and discover, "Certainly less than I should."

Ryhalt shakes his head to Lou to indicate that he is aware of whom she is speaking.

Rosalind shakes her head, mid pastry lift. "I--have no idea. Ive been a bit not around lately,"the Ravenseye admits.

Jyri doesn't say anything, so assumedly he doesn't need more information. He sits with his back straight, one eye glittering with interest as he watches everyone with a slow habitual sweep of his gaze, just taking stock. There's a tiny nod at Raymesin Ulbran, and a faint narrowing of that one eye, before he grins a wry smile to take the edge off of it.

Lucita's lips tighten and she glances toward Aiden and then Lou. "Those of us who fought in the Lodge War in one way or the other are aware of him, Pathfinder."

Kiera nods "I am aware of the horned god yet there are so many threads or branches to this particular batte that there are entire offshoots i've yet to broach

Raymesin nods to Lou, tilting a hand one way and the other - he knows some, apparently - then meets Jyri's nod with an ever-so-small one of his own. It's difficult to tell if his own eyes are narrowing in the shadows of his hood.

Carissa, a Southport bodyguard, Planchet the Lycene maggiordome arrive, following Eirene.

Ian takes a sip of his drink, and listens more than he seems interested in interacting.

Eirene is late, sadly. But here all the same. She tries to be unobtrusive as she slips in throught the doors.

Professor Orick is quiet with talk of the Horned God but is still listening with a downcast gaze as he fiddles idly with a small trinket of some sort, occasionally he casts a curious sidelong look around the room only to return once more to that downcast angle.

Lou glances over at Ryhalt first, giving him an appreciative look as he indicates his knowledge. She then glances over at Aiden and Rosalind. "The Metallic Traitor calls himself the Horned God," Lou begins. "Largely because that's how he wants people to see him, as a God. Though the Queen can correct me if I'm wrong there. In truth, he is the former member of the Metallic Order who betrayed them, causing their order to fall, which is why the names are interchangeable. He is the Herald of the Archfiend of Slavery. He is the Herald responsible for the huge battle we had in the Crownlands and House Redrain's lands several years back before Gyre War, then again at crisis at the Lodge of Petrichor a couple of years ago. My understanding is he seeks to make himself a God and with the Queen's warning," Lou nods in Symonesse's direction, "we're now aware that he seeks to do so while we are distracted with Eurus. He needs a few items first and one of those items is the original crown of Queen Alarice the Great. Once he has that, he intends to go to Pyre and the Queen has also indicated that we do not want that to happen, for something very bad shall happen if it does. So, there are two things at play here - to find the crown and keep it away from the Metallic Traitor and to find ways to distract him from getting to Eurus himself so he can't go to Pyre. I called this meeting as a way to see who would be interested in helping with both of these tasks and to organize people to help with these matters since I cannot be involved myself as I normally would be."

Prince Aindre raises a hand, finger pointing upward in indication that he has something to say and then goes on to add, "Just a point of contention, he's not really a God, is he? Does anyone know why we call him that? I'm afraid I've never heard, but something more appropriate might be called for? The Horned Bootlicker, perhaps. The Metallic Who Couldn't Cut It? Possibly just that craven bully?", and his tone is somewhere between serious as regarding his question and just looking to take a shot. "Not that it matt-..", and then oh, there's Lou with the answer before he can even finish prodding fun and that answer seems to satisfy the Grayson prince.

Neilda's shoulders roll. "Finding things is what I do," she says. "Let me at it." She flashes a momentary smile, too small for the sentiment, but a smile nonetheless.

Ian takes a sip of his drink, and sets the glass on the table, then says something to Lou in low tone of voice.

Jyri's expression is one of surprise for a moment, staring at Lou, then glancing at Symonesse. He frowns thoughtfully, rubbing his jaw and he looks around at everyone else to see reactions.

Eirene says, "Seeming is being, which is the problem with magic and the Dream. So if he's set himself as a God, he's trying to re-write things to say he is one." She mutters this with a scowl as she realizes she's still relatively early on in the proceedings but that they're pretty dire. "House Riven will lend whatever help is needed. I'm not her Voice but I can speak for Marquessa Mia pretty strongly on that. I just know I'll have a role to play with the fleets so I'm not sure what personal help I can lend."

2 Armed Confessors, Scribble, a Delicate Social Butterfly, Pearl, a Maelstrom Forest Cat arrive, following Delilah.

"What are the other items that he needs? And do we know the status of them?" Felicia elects to ask aloud.

Rosalind is already lifting her hand, probably a bit excited than she should be. "Just send in whatever direction. I'll go that way---"

Evensong, a twittering songbird arrives, delivering a message to Aiden before departing.

Kiera raises a hand "Does he have his n aims seperate from the archfiend he serves. This business of making himself a god was not the primary aim as i understood

Just assume Delilah has been here the whole time. Prospects of bringing notes require a little more effort on her part, otherwise, and she doesn't make a point of standing out as the result of that. Content to negotiate a path free of pastries for the nonce, she instead dips politely if necessary and pulls a pair of pens free in two colours. Because notes may be called for, and backing up Lou on that front with a written copy is important. Questions will follow, but she flashes Felicia a friendly smile in the meantime.

Sir Floppington the Soulful Hound arrives, following Rowenova.

Eirene, Neilda, and Rosalind get a nod from Lou as she hears them openly volunteering to do things. She glances over at Felicia as she asks her question. "Er. As you know, Felicia, I've been embroiled in Eurus research for the last yer and a half. Most of the discussion on him has gone over my head when addressed to me. I believe he needed blood of his kin, the crown, and er...." Lou glances around the room and her eyes settle on Ian and Lucita, with a sort of 'help' look. "Is that something you could help fill in?" she asks of Ian and Lucita. She then glances to Aindre, "Or maybe you dear cousin?" She tags in friends! and Family!

Symonesse raises her voice to add on to Lou's statements, "I will admit, I am not entirely certain that the Traitor will go to Pyre, but there is much to suggest to me that my hunch is correct there. I think perhaps getting some sort of confirmation of where he intends to hold his ritual would be useful. While I know the Thornweave are in a delicate position and still recovering, Oberion Thornweave might be induced to speak of what he knows, if he knows anything. As for the items, yes, the Crown is just one amongst others. Think of it like... he is building a case for himself as to why he deserves to be a god. I think it is best for all of us if we do not allow him to build that case as much as we can. I have assembled a small team of those that, based on some methods I have that are rather dangerous, I think might be able to discover the location of the crown, but the truth is, it is a large undertaking and there are many parts to this. Many hands make light work." Symonesse draws in a breath, a sweet, but sad expression on her face. "If he gets what he wants, we all lose. There is no army that can counter the Traitor. His army is unfailingly loyal and dangerous. If we intend to stop him, we have to be clever, not just through armies at him and hope our luck holds out."

Lucita glances toward Ian and then back toward Lou. "I have some things in my notes but they are not organized. It will take me a few minutes to dig them out.

Ian just shrugs to Lou, indicating that he doesn't know all the things the Traitor needs.

Tarik grins sheepishly as he comes to the meeting a bit late with Rowenova.

Tarik has joined the Table 4.

Rowenova has joined the Table 4.

At Tarik's side is indeed Nova and Flop, the former of the messenger duo certainly sporting an apologetic look for showing up a touch late as they do, must like Tarik's own sentiments.

Delilah has joined the Table 4.

Kiera hms "The threat to Riva comes from the archfiend fiend himself but i believe is connected to the overall goal

Jyri raises an arm, and speaks up. "It might be worth mentioning he is working with two other heralds. One feeds him information, the other... well, he probably helps sparking up conflict and trouble to obscure his work, something like that."

Aiden asks then, after he cleans off a mess of jelly from around his lips, bad pastries. Betrayed him. "Majesty, what else besides the Crown, would he need for this ritual? Is there any information that could help us recognize what the ritual would be, if we saw it happening before our very eyes? Not that he'd do it in the middle of town, but if he did...?"

Orick looks up and softly from the back, "Is the crown made of something..." He selects his work choice carefully in mixed company, skirting a look around the room be asking, "Valuable? Alaricite, perhaps?"

"It stands the more items infused with legitimacy he gathers, the greater his chances for success. His gambit, if successful, would have horrific repercussions. We have had piecemeal ideas of where he might go, so it seems casting a broader net in hopes of thwarting one of his efforts rather than concentrating the majority of energy in one place would be ideal. But I'm not the tactician here." Lilah inclines her head with a measured state, her braids woven in serpentine copper-and-bronze coils, pinned in place. "What parts remain?" The dip of her chin greets Rowenova and Tarik, whilst she settles in and nudges a bit closer around the table. The pen poised in her fingers isn't yet set to the page, awaiting that spark of inspiration to spill forth the notions. "He's indeed allied in troubling ways, and those ripples cast by thrown stones might not be tolerated by other entities. There are different ways to trace his path indirectly, too."

Neilda's tongue sweeps her lips, interest growing in a sort of inexorable way. "Clever is -so- much better than brute force anyway," she says, after hearing Queen Symonesse. Journal still clutched to her chest, she pauses, and then pulls it away, opens it to start taking notes, teeth catching at the corner of her mouth.

Azova has left the Table 4.

Orion, a healer's surly Assistant, 2 Redoubt Buccaneers leave, following Azova.

Lou looks positively relieved when the Queen speaks up. Her attention falls back to Kiera at her question. "I believe initially the thought was he intended to release the Slaver from his prison, but then his plans evolved to be more about him." She glances over at Lucita, nodding. "Take your time, Baroness. Any information you can offer would be appreciated. I didn't prepare notes on the other items myself, just about the warning we were given by the Queen," she says a touch sheepishly. She then looks to the others. "This also goes hand in hand with elements of the True Song that has been going around, a warning which in essence echo's the Queen's instincts on this matter." Lou gives Jyri a nod of thanks, and probably takes a mental note of that as well. Lou looks to Symonesse when Orick asks his question about the crown's make up. Of anyone there she's the only one that's likely ever seen Alarice's crown.

Kiera blinks "so the threat to Riva no longer exists?"

Prince Aindre addresses the room after Lou and Queen Symonesse both do, confirming, "For all that we know at the moment, the crown is what he's searching for. I know little about the blood of kin aspect of it. While there is the concern that he must be stopped from reaching this crown, I think the greater aspect is as the Queen mention. We /believe/ he's going to Pyre but it's not /certain/, and we /believe/ we know all the pieces of what he searches for, but again our certainty waivers. No doubt we will need, as the Duchess Shepherd recommended, to cast a wider net out, one for gathering information as much as one for trying to thwart him with the information we can find. Rest assured that no matter your skillset, it stands to reason there will be something of importance here. Many hands make light work as Queen Symonesse said, but it takes many kinds as well."

Raymesin clears his throat. "So, um," he says, his Lowers accent broad, "Which two other 'Eralds is 'e workin' with?"

Tanith adds, "Specifically," after Raymesin speaks. "What? Sometimes the answers are vague."

Lucita says, "part of what he was seeking is mentioned in a... er... song, the long one I shared with you."

"Ruin and Azazel," Jyri replies matter of factly. "The other two heralds."

"I'm not familiar with that song." Felicia speaks up apologetically.

Eirene leans over to her aide, who is taking notes because her handwriting is typically crap, and mutters something about a reminder for later. "Ruin and the Herald of secrets," she answers Tanith and Raymesin with a deep frown. Almost the same time as Jyri, echoing a moment afterward.

"LORD JYRI!" Lou exclaims, her eyes going wide when he names the heralds. "True names have the power to bring the Heralds and Archfiends attention to us. This room it not warded against such things." It is an admonishment to be certain.

Rosalind is actually scribbling away, for once trying to be professional. "No idea who Ruin is, but definitely sounds likes a ruiner--sounds fitting,"she murmurs.

Symonesse nods to Delilah in response to what she says, "That is exactly it. Just removing one item from his collection won't be enough. We have to get as many away from him as possible or at least slow him down. I think learning as much about him in the days before he was the Traitor could be useful. I don't know what this ritual will be or what he is planning. I suspect it will be something as personal to him and his goals as are the things he seeks to incorporate within it. As for the crown, it was intricate and beautiful, not made of alaricite, but gold."

"He is also searching for something in the Oathlands, getting his followers to destroy full villages for revenge, and what sounds like blood sacrifice." Ryhalt adds to relay information about other searches.

Tanith shifts her gaze about as answers come, looking to Eirene last and nodding slowly, a small frown on the Grayhope's face. "Ah," she exhales quietly. "That's all?" she says aside to her husband, sarcastic and weary.

Ian exhales and seems to sink in on himself a bit more. He cranes his head, taking his time scanning the edges, corners, and shadows of the room.

Lucita rises from her seat, passes a few notes to Lou and murmurs. "Is this the information you were seeking, or part of it?"

After getting seatuated, Nova grunts in agreement with Lou before noting, "Or, others. There have been victims who were innocent and not known to those who spake the names until later it was discovered that the power gain that the cultists received was used to do dark deeds. Even if we never know or see what becomes of speaking a forbidden name, someone can suffer."

12 Grayson House Guards arrives, following Liara.

Kiera nods to Ryjalt "The archfiend wishes to exterminate clan rivenshari. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzi think that too has a brief reference in the song in question

Lou's response cuts off Delilah, but that might be for the better. She pinches her fingers against the bridge of her nose. "Let's refrain from calling them by their given names or titles, if we can, please. Considering what listens?" Her tone softens gently, though she settles a little. "Is he?" Ryhalt's statement is news to the duchess of Graypeak, and one that she marks by lifting her head. The shift of her gaze to the duke is brought with a nod. "Can you illustrate anything more about that? Have the Oathlands determined what he seeks there? Vengeance is a matter of importance on its own, but connected to other matters, it holds a prism up potentially for us to see deeper. I hate to speculate its connections could be to the Thornweaves or more, but it would be helpful to review. Perhaps after." A quiet nod to Symonesse turns appreciative, respectful for the Queen. "It makes sense to pull options from his chest of tools or weapons, as it is. He will need a great deal to pull off the ritual, and scattering or hiding what we can will continue to make it more difficult for him."

Eirene scribbles something down and has Planchet deliver a note to Lou and Symonesse, showing it to them before he resumes his seat next to her.

"Gold." Orick repeats thoughtfully as if he hadn't expect that, nodding slowly, "Perhaps the value of the item is in the memory of it." There is a pause and then he says in Lou's direction, "If there is a group sent to speak with Oberion Thornweave I might like to tag along, I've got a few relevant questions." A pause and he inclines his head respectfully to the Queen first as he introduces himself, "Professor Orick, Guildmaster of the Apothecary College. Arx Chapter, I took an Explorer's practice test some months back but I decided I had more training to do before officially joining the guild. Yet-" He nods, "I can offer academic expertise where needed, as an ally."

Raymesin winces at Jyri's response to his question. "Er. Yeah. Thanks," he says drily to the man, before looking up to Lou again.

Ian starts to raise his hand, lowers it, clears his throat, and then offers to Delilah: "I think... I think it's revenge for the sylv'alfar that got taken from him however that happened. He seems to be a believer in the 'you hit me, I hit your harder' school of diplomacy."

Neilda nods approvingly at Orick, as if the support he describes is every bit as needed as backflipping into a tomb, or whatever the kids get up to these days.

Liara and her entourage arrive, and the high lady slips further on through the room, over to settle in quietly at one of the tables.

Liara has joined the Table 1.

Symonesse's brows lift when Planchet delivers the note. A smile curves her lips and she whispers a response to deliver in return to Eirene before she settles back and glances at Orick, "The value of the crown is in what it represents to the Traitor, not in the materials."

When Lou uses her big voice, Prince Aindre decides it's time to take a vested, if brief, interest in the pastry he's filched from somewhere. After, he clears his throat a little and adds to Delilah's questions about the Oathlands and what Ryhalt has brought up, "Am I wrong in believing that blood sacrifices can often be the conduit for some of the most powerful magic? Anywhere someone is preparing for them you can almost be assured that something powerfully wrong is going to happen. Not that it's hard evidence that the ritual he's planning will take place there, but.. it's worth looking into. At the worst, some may manage to stop a piece of his plan. Or something else almost assuredly nefarious.".

Pasquale has joined the Table 4.

Jyri just raises an eyebrow at Lou and grins a little. "My apologies," he replies with a wry tone of voice. "Won't happen again."

Orick nods to the Queen without lofting his gaze past the floor with a respectful tone, "Is it perhaps not, what is represents to all of us? That gives it value? A crown like that is a relic to the Compact. I only seek to understand, Your Grace. Not question your knowledge."

Eirene gets the reply and nods. Planchet is given another message to go deliver, and he departs. This leaves Eirene with taking her own notes and they are not as neat nor as legible.

Pasquale enters the meeting space and after just a moments contemplation heads to sit on the table near-ish Neilda and Lucita.

Symonesse smiles patiently at Orick, "The crown is important to the Compact, yes, but in this case, the importance lies in what the Traitor hopes to prove by being able to destroy it. That crown was worn by the woman who killed his father and who he feels weakened his people. Destroying that crown proves victory over her."

Lou might say more to Jyri about names and power and such, but Lucita is passing her several of her notes. "Er. Possibly," she tells Lucita. "The first one definitely. I'll have to review the other one later," she tells her. She turns to Ryhalt and asks. "Do you know if he is in the Oathlands himself, or if he's just controlling his followers from afar?" She glances to Symonesse, "I assume he prefers to send his minions that he controls into do most things? Rather than dirty his fingers himself?" She does go back to Jyri after a moment and then more calmly adds, "Having a public meeting is a risky affair on a normal day, but invoking the Eater of Stories's name invites him to come and watch and maybe do more than just observe and make people forget a thing or two. He once kidnapped a whole bunch of children all over the city, kept them prisoner, and made them watch as he ate some of them. Two of those children are my wards as they were orphaned, and they are still dealing with that trauma." Lou then glances to Orick and nods her head succinctly. "I shall make a note of that," she tells him.

Jaq, a solemn looking assistant, 4 Redoubt Buccaneers arrive, following Evander.

After hearing what Lou says, Nova snaps the fingers of her gloved left hand (which muffles the sound but the gesture is visible), and then points her way before nodding firmly that wolf-framed noggin of hers. "That right there."

Orick nods with some version of understanding and remains quiet as he listens to the Queen and then Lou in turn.

Ryhalt nods in agreement with Ian. "That and, if I am not mistaken, killing one of the First Children. Blood magic does produce the most heinous and *quick* results, but I am not sure what for in this instance, other than creation of vile creatures which are nightmareish mixtures of multiple animals and are difficult to kill." To Lou's question he says, "I haven't heard where he is personally, all reports I have are his minions work, but when they all are saying 'We are Legion', it is close to him being there himself."

Wash is taking notes, probably, between sips of his drink.

Delilah nods to Ian, giving him a thoughtful little chuckle. The pastries are somewhere in the background, and possibly the nuanced nod to her assistant results in Scribble dutifully acquiring one for later. Sticky fingers do not mix. "That was my thought too; it relates to the matters of House Thornweave or the sylv'alfar who remain independent. Or their allies. Relations between the Traitor and the Oathlands go back centuries, but it seemed prudent to inquire if it might be a separate matter. If he's rebuilding his successes over his enemies, convincing the Dream by extending a win now, even if it's five hundred years after the fact, is potent. Taking down one of the First Children in /particular/..." Her eyes narrow, a frown briefly flattening her lips, and she takes in Ryhalt's declaration. "Well, that complicates matters, doesn't it?"

Evander's steps are hushed, his arrival announced only by a soft cough. His gaze skips over the crowd, and seeing Wash, he heads towards the man, slipping into a seat next to his brother-in-law. "Wash," he says, quietly, brow furrowed as he catches some of Ryhalt's words. "What did I miss?" he glances down at Wash's notes.

Aiden's attention flicks toward Ryhalt at the mention of killing the First Children, "What?! Has he?"

Evander has joined the marin'alfar wooden bench.

"Thornweave was the vines that you know--wrapped around and sucked people,"Rosalind asks in her Rosa like way.

"If he's wise, I must imagine he won't show up anywhere unless it's mandatory. Mostly he'll have his minions doing the work for him, likely taking as little self-risk as possible until his goal is within his grasp. He is cowardly like that. But this means of course that stopping those who are doing his bidding is just as important as stopping him. By my mind, thwarting those who seek to aid him - these minions - may actually be a fine way of causing him to make mistakes he may otherwise not as he grows frustrated with the increasing need to handle it himself. Every mistake he makes is as good as a blow dealt to him..", Prince Aindre offers aloud, mostly to Lou, but regarding several throughout the room as he speaks.

After listening in for a bit and checking over some notes handed to her by a Grayson-liveried servant of what was said before her arrival, Liara speaks up, "To offer some food for thought for those of you more knowledgeable about the matter, I cannot imagine the Horned One will simply say 'well played' and let the matter rest if the crown is somehow recovered, but rather continue to pursue it. Perhaps somebody has some insight on that and what he is likely to bring to bear."

Ryhalt nods in agreement with Delilah. "It does and why I am in full support of Princess Lou's drive to stop his activities everywhere we are able." Grimacing to Aiden, he shakes his head. "Not yet, but if he does, it will get bad, fast. It may be a step to true godhood as it would be a severe blow to forces opposed to the heralds."

Nova gets up for a moment and gives a squeeze to Tarik before she moves away, stating she will be right back. She moves over to Delilah and says something, doing so with a humored grin.

Symonesse's voice is very soft as she says in response to Liara, "I think we have to destroy it first."

Kiera nods and echoes ryhalt "The Horned God himself has not appeared or even ben referenced in regards to the oathlands as Marquis farshaw says, the archfiend has gone so fae as to name himself, but if the crown is the primary focus, perhaps another meeting is best to sort it out

Aiden looks relieved, "This is why we need to help them... by helping ourselves and doing away with the poison." He sits back and crosses his arms, speaking back among the table when it's clear enough to do so.

Neilda is not in the habit of looking mournful, but the look she turns on Symonesse at that is... unsubtly that.

"Are we certain he intends to collect these items to enact a ritual? Certainly likely, though it occurs to me that he might want them destroyed so that they cannot be used against him. Is there perhaps a way to weaponize the crown and other items?" Orick looks around the room and he asks his questions softly.

"Blood sacrifice gives them greater access to primum. The Metallic Traitor sacrificed whole villages of shav'arvani right before the Lodge of Petrichor, in part to create his gargantuans," Lou speaks up to the topic of blood sacrifice and the Herald they are speaking about. "I know this for fact because I was tasked by the King to do a survey of the shav'arvani to see who would be willing to step forward and help against them. They were too afraid because whole villages would /disappeared/ in the middle of what they were doing. Fires still going, food never eaten. The ones who could use magic were used for the biggest sacrifices." Lou's face is grim here. "As I said, I've been working to fight him for a good long time. I do not know if he's still doing that, because Eurus has taken up my time and still does. But, I wouldn't lay any bets that he's not." She does manage to get Eirene's note and nods to that. She doesn't seem surprised in the slightest about the content passed to her. When Ryhalt mentions first children though, she frowns. "He was after the unicorns and other magical animals that were at the Lodge of Petrichor, so he could sacrifice them for more primum." Were. She doesn't know if they are still there now. "I do not know if he made away with any of them."

After shucky darns, Nova grins faintly before she heads back to her own seat where she sat before. She soon whispers to Tarik afterwards.

"Everyone involved had best bring a hammer with them, that being the case, and in the distant hope that it is that simple," Liara replies to Symonesse, with a small nod.

"Something I will ask you about later," Delilah replies to Ryhalt. "Not to derail the entirety of the conversation." She shifts in her seat to lend Liara a smile, her hands resting atop the book on the table. "The Horned One won't. That much we can be certain of. I fear the loss of the gold and a historical artifact might be far smaller than the consequence of trying to keep such an object safe and free for the taking later. Since he's not bound by issues of time, nothing halts him from trying a year, a decade, or fifty years from now. We or our descendants would be in the same predicament. It's the idea that holds power, and taking away a symbol of that power deprives him of the physical evidence or connection. It's substantial. To say nothing of what other advantages of a more philosophical kind that he could claimf rom that kind of object. Guildmaster, he may just destroy them afterward once he has robbed the power from those items. Indeed, if anyone is /living/, their blood taken or life spent will kill them. It's not a pretty matter, either way."

Evander gives a nod towards Orick. "Professor Orick could well be correct. He could be intending to use them for another purpose. I've read accounts of old items that are imbued with power themselves just by possessing them." He pulls out a notebook and writing implements. "Does anyone know where he is now?"

Tarik nods in an agreement with Liara as he stands up, "Exactly, I don't think that retrieving the Crown or the pieces are going to do much good, unless we are also coming up with a way to stop the Traitor once and for all." Tarik coughs to clear his throat, "I am just a mundane sellsword, but I believe that focusing ont how the ritual should be the last thing we should worry about. It is a Dream shaping ritual. It could probably be perform at a bunch of shardhavens or just one, but I am thinking that if it gets to the point that we are trying to stop a ritual, we probably already lost." Tarik peers around the room. "There are a lot more clever people in the room than me, but I would focus a lot of our attention on how to keep the crown, when we know his more powerful forces are also seeking it out, and how to make sure that he can never use it again.

Ian says something to Liara that's not pitched to carry beyond the table, then goes back to slouching with drink in hand.

Lou sits up as something occurs to her. "His ritual sounds very much like the ritual cleansing ritual in which we destroy 13 meaningful objects to help us bring about what we want in the world for the Dream and see magic cleansed."

When Tarik stands as she sits, Nova looks up to him in more ways than one. Then, she smiles with esteem in her cobalt-blue/kohl-lined eyes. "I agree, it is imperative to plan for his desire to retrieve it, and making sure that we are not doing all the work for him in finding it, then him swooping in to go and take it from us after we are battered or weakened."

Symonesse closes her eyes briefly and then draws in a breath, "He's not seeking to just hold these items. He is using them to tell a story. Magic isn't just about sacrificing primum in order to manipulate the Dream. If you think that is all magic is, you'll never be able to use it. It's crafting a story. It's convincing the Dream that you are telling the most compelling story. That gets easier the older that you are, when you can see stories that have come before. If he were just collecting these things to use them to fuel his power, then I wouldn't be nearly as worried as I am now." The Queen lapses into thoughtful silence.

"Ain't no such thing as keepin' the crown when the enemy's got lots'a minions," says Raymesin drily, his Lowers accent broad. "Anyone else remember the waves'a centipedes in the middle'a the market in broad daylight, or 'ow just one man tore through 'alf'a Solace? Keepin' it ain't gonna work when there's so many eyes an' ears an' centipedes around."

"I was thinking perhaps we outfit a Blessed champion in the crown and other artifacts, to do battle against the foe when the time comes.." Orick clears his throat though and leaves it there adding, "I am no expert on tactical matters though or the nuances of Primum. Perhaps putting the items that close to the enemy is foolish."

Rowenova says, "Ranger Lou, do you think it could be he is doing his cleansing, and since he is so powerful, even having elements of the Dream on his side to protect him, that it will try to follow his desires? Maybe you are right... it sounds an awful lot like it!"

Ryhalt nods to Aiden and to Lou, looking grim. He also nods to Deliah, agreeing to meet up later, letting the conversation flow back to protecting the crown. What Symonesse has to say makes him look thoughtful, grimacing. "No wonder the story eater is destroying our part in this particular story."

Lucita says, "A painting or sculpture of the crown can help retain its memory for us should it need to be destroyed, and my thought is best we lose it than he gain it. I...had a vision six months after Sungreet...that held a figure with a crown.""

Neilda tries to return to taking notes, but the prospect of destroying a golden crown that sat on the head of Alarice seems a bridge too far. She closes her journal. It's only listening to what Symonesse says next that seems to uncurl the claw around her heart, get her to sit back in an easier posture. Her eyes drift around the room, settle on nothing in particular as she thinks.

Lilah emphatically says, "No. No one is going to be a champion in a crown against a Herald. Much less one trained as a Metallic mage, empowered in the darkest elements of the Abyss. A /seraph/ might stand such a chance, but on the cusp of apotheosis, the power and effects that the Horned One can bring to bear far outstrip most anything we in the Compact have. There is little chance of victory in that respect."

Ian snorts at what Orick says. "Not it."

Raymesin glances over to Ian and nods firm agreement.

Jyri tilts his head back for a moment to stare at the ceiling, slowly folding his fingers on his belly. Then he cranes his neck a few times to work out some kinks, and focuses on listening again. Seems he doesn't have much to say here.

"So, then. The items he wishes to possess, need to be found and hidden or destroyed... and he needs to be kept... occupied, while that happens to prevent him from stopping it?" Felicia enquires, eyes going from Lou to Delilah and finally settling on Symonesse.

Eirene is listening to all of this. What Symonesse says of magic doesn't seem surprising or foreign to her. She just nods a silent agreement. "Do we have any leads on where it was last seen, or if the images in the Palace or any other artwork match it? Knowing what we're looking for may help. Also making a copy may diminish the power of the original."

Ian flashes Raymesin a quick, humorless grin.

Nova adds further, "As my Morien man was saying, we need to make sure it is kept away from him, which means we might want to do some distraction and misdirection to keep him busy while it is relocated or 'lost' by a few folk, those who are not on his radar as much as others."

Orick nods to Lucita and he frowns slightly when Ian snorts at him and to the group he comments under his breath, "I suppose I am overestimating the power of belief..." He sounds a touch apologetic but still looks rather concerned about the thought of destorying relics and artifacts of the historic Queen.

Prince Aindre brings up, "If we want to understand how better to take a story from someone who is trying to tell it, we need look no further than the Eater of Stories who has sought to take from us our very own in the past and even now. It's a story the Metallic Traitor is trying to tell, as the Queen mention. Now we have retained more of our own tales than our enemies would like which means we must go even a step further than they have. I believe entirely that we should destroy the crown upon finding it. Someone here mentioned that time is on his side and they are correct. Another mentioned that his eyes and his ears stretch further than any of our own and that too stands to reason. Trying to keep the crown is only a game we will, given time, lose.", with some confidence to his tone.

Jyri raises a hand, slowly. "We might wanna consider doing the ritual to hide information from the Eater of Stories. May help."

Rowenova says, "That is a good idea, as well."

"Not only do we need distraction, we might just have an opportunity to craft a different narrative. After all, nothing stops us from weaving a tale of our own, if it can be done. It's not only magical," says Lilah quietly after Aindre, the prince earning a nod. "The storytelling is not limited to him and him alone. It is a mistake to think we cannot contribute, though it may require many small sentences spun by several hands instead of a single person. If you were to blend variations, taking the crown for example and adding it to our own actions, it could deprive him not only of a lasting victory but strengthens /us/. Consider that we work our own options if it can be done?" For this, she pauses, glancing at Symonesse. "The weight of our tales and the bulk of our awareness is something accelerating his activities, after all."

Gerrick nods approvingly to creating a distraction, with a little smile in possibly thinking of some

Eirene grunts at Jyri, "Expensive -A-F- but doable... we'd need ot know what exactly we -are- hiding from him, though." Lilah's comments are met with a nod. "There's also the issue of the Kindly Voices and the song, but I'm probably not the best versed at discussing THAT story. But it's another sort of 'retelling the tale in the way we want it to be' kind of thing."

To what Delilah says, Nova nods her head about the many sentences required. "Seen plenty. I feel as though whenever we are unified on the narrative, then things tend to work out in the end, but when we are split 50/50, then the narrative unfolds where we are not so successful or foreigners save us."

"What if the items were sacrificed by our side? Instead of simply destroyed? Perhaps we could use the power instead of losing it?" Orick comments off of something Lilah as he looks up from the floor after a considerable time staring down at his feet.

"We all pitch in, it won't be that expensive," Jyri says. "BUt aye," he adds, nodding at Eiren. "Got to be specific. Can talk about it later, just thought I'd bring it up as an option, a little extra thing to aid us."

Neilda, attention drifting, stretches her legs. She might be listening, really.

Raymesin looks over at Orick, and smiles. "Maybe make 'the Crownbreakers' a whole new thing," he offers.

Jyri can't stop a snort of amusement at that.

"It's one thing to know a ritual on paper, another matter entirely to actually do the ritual. There's always a chance it can go awry, and cause more damage than good" Lou remarks to Jyri. "If you can find people who are both aware of the ritual and have the knowledge to properly do it, I'll put together at team to raise the funds needed to do it."

Lou's eyes narrow a bit. "Whitepeak." It's a single word. "There may be information in Whitepeak that can be used." It always goes back to that for her at some point or another. "So, if someone wishes to put together a team to find out information on the Metallic Traitor there - dig through what's left of the library or the rubble, do please let me know." As much as Lou would like to go back, she's not quite able to at the moment. "I think we're mostly delving into speculation now. So, let us take a step back and form a plan. I'm looking for someone to head a second or third group, with the Queen's approval on how many groups might be needed, to look for information on the crown. I'm looking for someone willing to dig into information on the Metallic Traitor. Investigations, that sort of thing. I'm looking for someone to lead groups that might be interested in harrying the Metallic Traitor's efforts. This latter set would need to work with the various fealties to do this, if it is anywhere but in the Crownlands." Lou has authority to speak for the Crownlands, but also Liara is here too!

"And, someone to tell me if I'm missing anything from our discussions?" Lou adds.

Evander pauses in his note-taking. "I can help with investigations," he says, quietly. "I will leave the harrying to others." For some reason, he looks over towards Ian.

Ian dashes off a short note and folds it, then hands it to someone and points towards Symonesse.

"Welll. I happen to know some people that are good with rituals, aye," Jyri replies to Lou with a flash of teeth. "But, we'll see. Depends what we wanna hide."

Neilda's vast attention drift eventually settles on... Wash, eyes regaining focus and then - after a series of blinks - searching his shape, like she might have a fly buzzing about him. In that read, it must land; her eyes settle, and then there's a blink, a grin, and she lifts eyes to his face. When she catches a tiny wave he gives her, there's even a scrap of laughter, unbidden.

Whatever that's about.

Ian is good enough not to repeat the snort/'not it' thing when it's his cousin volunteering him, at least.

Eirene does the you-me-talk gesture to Jyri, indicating they should, indeed, talk. "As for harrying, I'd love to give that fuck what-for. Depends on when, though. I have a role to play with the Eurusi fleet, but if I'm not on a ship somewhere I'd be willing to do what I can in person. Or research. Where-ever my talents best can be lent."

Delilah traces a fingertip against the tabletop, absorbing the information with a steady sort of regard. "There might be information in Whitepeak. I can help anyone going there or accompany you myself, having gone there in the past. There are significant portions of the city untouched at this point and some explored, with varied hazards." Following up on Lou's statement, she tilts her head slightly. "The Scholars can offer the assistance of information, at the very least, for specific needs of keeping the Traitor from having any success. We've collected at least a bit that might surely be of use, though creative solutions certainly aren't in our bailiwick alone."

Nova tells them, "There might need to be 2 rituals. One to hide its location, along with another to obscure who is associated with it in any way, too." Then, "Also, I am up for harrying. I am not sure I can lead at this time, since I have so many irons in the fire, and I do not know what things are going to look like in a few months, but... After luckily escaping having my back broke no less than four times, being bit all over by fire centipedes, seeing what his ilk did at Riverbend, and finally losing my bragging rights concerning something important to me, I am ready to wreck his day up."

Jyri nods at Eirene there, to indicate he saw her gesture.

Rowenova says, "There's more I could list, but I'm mostly ranting by now, so sparing the other details."

"He is taking the items to craft a story to state that he is a God." Tarik furrows his brow, "That requires a rewrite, because that effects not only the now, but what has come before. I assuming that when one attempts to do a such thing th Dream acts in a negative wave." Tarik grinds his teeth, "And noone was saying to keep the crown permanently, but I am pretty sture that we can just grab the crown and destroy in on the spot. Even we were able to do that, we would still face a wrath of an idiot who just denied bein a God. We are going to need to be able to keep it long enough to be able to destroy it, against a person that has an army of many different type of creatures."

Kiera hms "If we determin that the oatjlands matter is connectected i have extensive detail on that side of things , which i'm willing to share

Neilda's eyes snap sideways, toward Pasquale. "Huh? Oh! Yes," this latter toward Lou or - whoever else. "I'd love to go to Whitepeak. Lead a team, even. I've wanted to go since the first word I heard about it." Yes, she's... totally paying attention. A quick nod, then - head tipping back and forth: "Maybe the first sentence."

"The Apothecary College is currently overseeing the production of supplies for the war effort so I can't find the time to travel to Whitepeak, much as I would like.. I've always wanted to see what is left of it." Orick clears his throat and offers, "I will help how I can with investigations and insight into my various fields of expertise, alchemy and herbal medicine, if required."

After what Tarik says, Nova again chimes. "I agree. Not just cause I am biased, but because those are wise words." she tells the group here and now.

"Heard something about some new potion of some plant... Suncatcher something?" Jyri asks curiously. "Helpful for healers? From the sound of it, we might need anything that helps us stay alive longer."

Something at the table causes Nova to crack up in laughter despite all of the talk of the Traitor (which is really serious, really)!

"I would be willing to fund a trip to Whitepeak, though I wish I could go myself." Adventurer and scholar's dream! Still, Ryhalt smiles to Lou. "For gathering information on him, I would suggest contacting Duke Cristoph as his house has extensive knowledge, having encountered his forces time and again the past year and before."

Prince Aindre moves to interject, "There is nothing profound about the crown that will stop us from destroying it. As was said earlier, the actual power of the crown is in what it represents. The Metallic Traitor will use our history against us to rewrite his future if we allow it. The only compelling reason I've heard so far not to see it ended is the mention of how we might use it to weave our own narrative but..". There he pauses for a moment, as if searching, then adds, "Frankly, the thought of that is so out of my expertise that it scares me because I understand enough to know we may also cause irreparable damage if we fail in doing so. And that he is much better versed than we are in these things." As if to reiterate, he states again, "I just can't help but think that once we have the crown in our hands we should take our surest best and see it destroyed once and for all, important part of our history that it is. What we stand to lose is so much greater."

Delilah nods firmly to Aindre. "Exactly that."

Raymesin too nods to Aindre. "Like I said," he agrees.

"How freaking hard can it be destroying a crown? Swift swing of my glaive should do it," Jyri suggests.

Kiera adds ' of course seeing whitepeak is a personal goal of mine, but a goal relative to the mission would be helpful . combing a whole library for broad info seems daunting

Rowenova says, "Any queen who worked as hard as Alarice did would understand why we were wrecking jewelry. I think she loved her people, and she would want us to be safe, but we might also want to thank her for everything she has ever done for the Compact, too."

"And then you have a broken crown." Pasquale says to Jyri. "Its not destroyed, just changed, and quite possibly in a way that makes it an even stronger symbol."

Rowenova says, "and be like, we are just doing this to save us all, but we're thinking about you, too."

Orick looks up and over at something Pasquale says but he doesn't comment on it outloud, just offering a somber nod of agreement.

Jyri frowns thuoghtfully at Pasquale at that, and gives him a reluctant, but conceding, nod.

Neilda licks her lips. "Maybe a crown is destroyed," she suggests, "by insubordination."

Rowenova says, "The Traitor wants to break the heart of Alarice, but she needs to know that we support her, too, that we appreciate her, so she will not fall to woe but know in her heart that we were not just ingrates."

Tarik sighs, "And again after we destroy the crown, even if it easy. We will still be dealing with a Traitor who is now royally pissed off that we stopped him from attaining GodHood with an army of creatures, while in admist of a war." Tarik says, "So as I stated again, what is our plan to deal with that." Tarik peers around, "Or is everyone so naive to think that he just going to snap his fingers and says, "Curses, you got me this time, but wait until next time." Tarik nods. "I would like what is our plan for the fallout."

Raymesin pulls his hood back at Neilda's words, and gives her a toothy grin.

Delilah shifts her gaze to Neilda and laughs, covering her mouth with her hand.

Ian regards Tarik. "I think right now, most of us are figuring we come back from a pissed off not-god easier than a pissed off god," he suggests. "He seems to be in a constant state of pissed off, either way."

"It matters who destroys it though.", Prince Aindre speaks up again, this time to Pasquale who he is unfamiliar with, "For all we know, part of the Metallic Traitor's ritual may involve destroying himself. But if /we/ destroy it we are denying him that right, that part of his story where he compels the Dream into believing he is a God simply because he has told the tale so convincingly. What God is thwarted by a rag-tag group of adventurers, investigators and diplomats? There isn't one. That's our part of the story, and we can take it from him."

Neilda's eyes turn around the room - Raymesin and Delilah's reactions seeming to put her on uncertain footing, though after a moment she grins at both of them, dimple flashing a moment before hiding once more; soon enough she's looking down at her journal, then back up at Wash.

"One step at a time. I think, perhaps, ideas on how to destroy him might come in the process of stopping his plans. This is dangerous. Everyone who participates is risking their lives. No one is naive. No one is being foolish. We are trying rather than standing aside and allowing the Traitor to get closer to his goals." Symonesse says to Tarik, her golden eyes, usually so gentle and kind now far firmer, revealing just a touch of what the Compact's Queen might have once been long, long ago.

Kiera hms "do we have a clear understanding of the story he's trying to tell, or merely that he's trying to aggrandize himself

Rosalind is paying attention. Really. She writing notes and--possibly sketching doodles of trees and rivers as she listens.

After what Neilda says, Nova holds back what was about to be obvious laugh, glancing up to Tarik and hearing out his words. She soon peeks over to Aiden, though, curiously regarding a whisper to and fro.

Ian shrugs to Kiera. "Gods don't lose wars. He gets his hands on Alarice's crown, maybe he makes the argument that he won in the end."

Lou's head goes back and forth to each person volunteering for things. She glances helplessly to Willen who starts taking copious notes about things. She nods a kind of agreement with Aindre. "It's not just about destroying the crown. It's about making his efforts so difficult it causes him delay too." She pauses, going down her list, "So, I have Neilda who is interested in leading a trip to Whitepeak to find information on the Metallic Traitor with Delilah who is willing to guide her and Ryhalt willing to fund the trip." She goes to the next item. "I have Evander, Eirene, Delilah, and Orick willing to do investigations for further information." She goes to the next item. "Rowenova and Eirene, depending on timing, are willing to harry efforts. And Jyri was willing to look into those who might want to do rituals to hide information - though my concern about that is what information are we hiding and why?" she asks, tilting her head. "If the timing works out I might try to go talk to the Thornweave. I know the language at least and speak it passibly well." She looks to Eirene. "Could you ask Mia about who among Riven would maybe be interested in leading that?"

Lilah rakes her fingers through her bangs. "I defer to Her Majesty on this one, but I can see a few ways of telling the story. He is the defiant prince who saved his people from the errors done by his so-called allies, the one who faced betrayal after betrayal and yet succeeded. There was no setback he could not rise from. It entirely depends, I suppose, on what tale he wants to wrap and mesh into his godhood, what he would become. A god of victory is very different from a god of betrayal, a god of judgment, a god of lordship and might. Each aspect feeds into the whole, and he's going to have to braid all those pieces together into a vast tapestry to reinforce them. If victory over the Queen is an injustice corrected, it looks quite different from a tale spun of him being able to defeat his enemies, undaunted, his gifts of guile and resilience rewarded."

"And, have I missed anyone?" Lou asks, looking to Lucita. "Will you be with the Choir for something, or do you have other plans?" She doesn't want to miss the Baroness having recalled she mentioned something.

Pasquale nods at Aindre's words. "I merely say that the way it is destroyed might matter as much, or more, than the destruction itself."

"The Deathspeakers have been going back and forth to Whitepeak, I'll speak with the ghosts next time I am there." Felicia grunts,"See if they know anything."

Rosalind lifts her hand, real fast. "Me! I'll go to wherever! "

Nova points out, "After seeing what can be seen the first time at Whitepeak, then I might be willing to go again. Depends. Though." She looks to Eirene and wolfishly grins, giving her Yes gesture of shaken fist as if happy to team up with the now-Riven lady. She looks back to Aiden and blinks a couple times.

Aiden lifts his hand, "How may I best help?" To Lou.

Evander looks vaguely wistful at the mention of Whitepeak, though pointedly doesn't volunteer.

"I should like to come along if you go to meet Thornweave, I have been learning the language and I might be able to offer some diplomatic insights on the journey." Orick says with an eager smile and a nod to Lou, adding politely, "If you'll have me along."

Lou glances between Rosalind and Aiden. "How is your Sylv'alfar?" She raises both brows.

Lucita replies to Lou. "Neither Princess Tikva nor Sorrel has contacted me regarding the Choir. I can try to take the lead on it, assemble any who may be willing if this is where we are needed most. I just wish I knew 'where' we needed to be so could try to at least myself, if not the others, be there.

offers a smile to Pasquale, "I can agree upon that. After all, the best storytelling comes with a lot of gesturing hands. The method is important in a way. As important as we make it.", and then he's turning his attention back to Lou, "..and of course, as you say, it's about so much more than just seeing the crown destroyed. I was simply attempting to make my point considering all the opinions going here and there. I'm really rather pleased to see that so so many showed up and are willing to take part in this because we may very well need all the hands we can get on this one."

Aiden chuckles, "Uh, non existent. As with most languages. Sorry."

Rosalind grins a bit,"Nonexistent, but I can learn if someone is willing to teach me.."the always wanting to learn Ravenseye declares. A bit enthusiastically.

Kiera hms "wasn't there someone already working with the thornweave . she looks to the baroness saik

"If you want to get to Whitepeak..." Wash opines. "No. Nevermind. Check me after."

Aiden clears his throat, "Perhaps I can fund something? Investigate something."

Eirene advises Lou, "I can speak sylv," she says with a sharp nod. "And I've already sent word to Mia about further discussion wit hthem" Likely where she sent Planchet earlier.

Neilda looks like she will, in fact, check Wash after.

Lou considers Lucita a moment. "I'd assume that your skills may be needed with the Eurusi fleets, to help dampen their magical effects where possible. I seem to recall the Choir helped with that during the Gyre War, yes?" She looks back to Aiden. "I'll put you on the investigation team. Lady Rosalind, if you'd be willing to talk to Duke Cristoph, as has been suggested, about his dealings with the Metallic Traitor over the last year, that'd be appreciated too."

Gerrick looks around the room noting who is offering to help.

"I can send one of my girls over to assist with any research, too." Felicia volunteers.

Lucita says, "I can assist with research at the archives until such time needed if any will just send me the paperwork to let me know where we are focusing the efforts to find information."

Aiden looks up when he's placed on a team, "Information is probably the most beneficial. I will give it my all."

"Likewise, I can lend assistance on research, be that a wider net from the Scholars or another of my assistants," Lilah adds cheerily with Felicia and Lucita piping up. "We might have a circle of paper to sift between."

Gerrick finally pipes in, "I might be able to help with investigations--"

Willen furiously jots down more notes about who is doing what. Lou seems rather pleased with the turn out and all the volunteers. She glances to Symonesse. "Do you have anything else to add before we adjourn for the evening?"

Symonesse shakes her head gently, "Not at the moment. I appreciate the effort that is going into this. I will do whatever I can to help."

"With all due respect, Your Majesty. I have always believe the people that stand up against the Horned God not to be foolish, but heroic. " Tarik dips his head ot Queen Symonesse, "But, I have always believed that someone really needs to point out the grave flaws in plans." Tarik turns to Lou, "I think that we should have one set of investigation, or people that look to help with defeating the Horned God once and for all."

Ian eyes Tarik. "If he's going to get revenge for the breaking of the crown, he'll start with whoever broke it. Just make sure that's not you, and you should have time."

Eirene advises, "He thinks anyone who has stolen anything from him is a thief, and wants revenge for it. He's got a petty mentality." She shrugs at Ian.

Ian looks at Eirene and adds: "Make sure you're not the one who grabbed it, either."

Lou nods her head at the response of the Queen. "Thank you again for coming this evening." She then turns to the room, "And thank you everyone who came to the meeting to volunteer. It gladdens my heart to see how many people are as protective of the Compact and Arvum as I am," she flashes a genuinely bright smile at all of them. "Thank you. Truly. And with that, I call this meeting to an end. Though you are welcome to drink the rest of the whiskey, wine, and other drinks and eat the pastries until you're ready to leave."