6 Valardin untrained guards arrives, following Valerion.

6 Valardin untrained guards have been dismissed.

The Audience Hall is pretty quiet. Prince Edain lingers at the head of the room, hands folded behind his back. Towards the entrance, Herald Steve stands, his chin held proudly as he calls out, "Does anyone have business with Prince Edain Valardin, High Lord of the Oathlands, Prince of Sanctum, Hero of the West." Edain is trying to give Steve the 'you don't have to list them /all!/' look but the young herald carries on undaunted.

Alis is sitting at the map table, where all the drinks and bacon have been spread out for the guests to partake of. So obviously she is going to look very amused when Steve goes through the litany of titles. She'll slip him a few extra silver later.

Charlaine moves into the area, she watches as Prince Edain holds his court, she was curious as to see him in action, it had been a long time since he had called official court.

Valerion stands nearby the High Lord's side, off the dais but closer than the rest of the guard. His hand remains on the pommel of his sword, eyes scanning the room lazily. The bulk of those who would come to speak with the young leader about their concerns, had not arrived. When he looked over to the table with the bacon, he wished he had eaten breakfast. Though he had not necessarily been tasked with his duty, he enjoyed it and simply shook his head with a bit of a hidden smirk at Herald Steve's antics.

Perhaps all are utterly pleased with the rule of Prince Edain and have no complaints or requests. Perhaps they simply don't want to look to eager. When it seems clear that no one is about to step forward, Princess Sophie opts to be first to enter the fray.

Dressed in the pristine white robe of her holy vocation, the Mother Mercy of Arx advances, stopping a suitable distance before showing all proper respects that was instructed with her kin. "Princess Sophie Valardin, Mother Mercy of Arx petitions for your ear, Your Grace."

Hustling to get to the hall, Caelis slows hearing Edain's tragically long list of titles and manages a brisk walk. She grins, standing a little straighter. "Oh good. Not so late." She murmurs and stops short, looking to Princess Sophie.

Edain steps forwards and bows, "Of coures, Princess Sophie. Mother of Mercy. What do you to discuss." He looks then to Caelis and greets her quickly, "Welcome Lady Admiral Caelis."

Charlaine looks over to Caelis and she smiles a bit to the woman before she gives the woman a little Curtsy "No not too late, you are welcomed." she whispers

Alis lifts a hand to greet Caelis, and gestures to one of the seats nearby her if the Lady Admiral wants to have a seat during Sophie's petition. She also holds out the plate of bacon. Because these painfully formal court sessions require bacon. She gives Charlaine the raised eyebrow of bacon as well. Want some?

Scooting over to join Alis, Caelis bows slightly before sitting. "Your highness." She murmurs softly, accepting the bacon with a smile. "Forgot to drop off some tea for your brother." She tells her quietly.

Although her golden hair is freshly braided, Sophie is clearly a little worn around the edges from too many hours or work and not enough of rest. This does little to dim the smile she flashes at her Highlord cousin before schooling that into something more formal. "Thank you, Your Grace." Summer sky eyes briefly flit toward the general direction of Caelis, but attention otherwise remains upon Edain.

"As we are all aware," begins the Mother Mercy, "many are the horrors of war, the cost of securing security often so very steep. Now that the majority of the physical wounds have been stabilized, the Mercies of Lagoma are turning our attention to the treatment of a condition known as Soldier's Heart. Despite its name, this post-traumatic affects more than just soldiers. It affects countless people who have experienced tremendous stress, such as those who have been violently displaced or who have experienced some manner of violence, especially in a prolonged manner. I am requesting the aid of House Valardin to help raise awareness of this plight and to provide resources that will better permit the Mercies in tandem with the Physicians Guild to treat members of the populace so afflicted."

Valerion had been rather uninterested in the proceedings. It was not his place, here in the throne room to receive guests and resolve issues. However the guests that arrived were intriguing, the Mother Mercy and all the grace she carried herself with. The corners of his mouth turned up for a moment as he regarded her. Valerion's eyes faced forward once again until he eyed another young woman. This one he was not familiar with but he had to look twice. She had quite the presence and when she was announced as a Lady Admiral. Well he was doubly curious, she reminded him of someone but he couldn't tell who. Perhaps he would have to speak with her later and inquire into such things. His eyes drifted back to the princess who spoke of Soldier's Heart, pitying those who were afflicted by the condition. Perhaps he was a bit merciless in this regard but he had not had very much trouble sleeping since the battle of the Siege. His eyes narrowed as he thought about it, and he felt bad. Prayer, nothing prayer wouldn't resolve.

"Pine needle? Or is he expanding his horizons." Alis murmurs, obviously curious now. "Or did you try the pine needle tea and you're giving it back because it's... an acquired taste?" Her lips quirk upward. She's learned to enjoy it, but it isn't for everyone apparently. And her attention locks on to Sophie when she begins speaking. "So many people. It's hard to quite grasp the magnitude of the problem, isn't it? And to top it off, they weren't just fighting enemy soldiers. They were fighting magically enhanced creatures."

Edain nods to Sophie and says, "I think that is a noble cause... and though I don't think we've always had a name for it, something that we have all been touched by. Either personally or thorugh someone we care about that has been." Edain bows his head to Sophie, "It will be my honor to try and find a way to support the Mercies of Lagoma in helping the afflicted. Both in resources and by raising awareness."

Charlaine listens and she inclines her head slightly "I might be able to help Her highness, if you would speak to me afterwards?" she offers though in a quiet manner and not one of disrespect.

"So many fought, not all of them prepared to see men act as monsters, let alone to confront real monsters." Caelis murmurs to Alis and taps the container she carries. "Nettle and willowbark. The pine needle tastes better. I'll spare you the lecture on what it does. Suffice to say it's good for long days on your feet." Keeping her voice soft as she talks to Alis and looks to all the Valardin gathered.

"It goes beyond combatants, Princess Alis," Sophie explains. "It can develop after a very stressful, frightening or distressing event, or after a prolonged traumatic experience. Battle shock is merely the most common form. It can strike children and the elderly and everyone in-between. It does not discriminate against rank or title, affluence or fealty."

Respectfully, then, Sophie inclines her head to Edain. "Thank you, Your Grace. The Mercies are only so many. The Physicians Guild are only so many. Every little bit helps, and we are willing to train any who are suitable to offer such counseling." A nod, then, to the Blanchard. "Thank you, Lady Charlaine."

"Given our... limited knowledge, it's not surprising." Alis murmurs back to Caelis, glancing over at the container that's tapped. "That's very kind of you, Lady Admiral. I've no doubt he'll appreciate it." Sophie's additional explanation garners an incline of her head. "Yes, Mother Mercy. I'm aware." she confirms.

Valerion seems to blush a bit at something, the stinging in his cheeks only secondary to the one in his heart. When Sophie mentioned the children and the elderly, he realized he had not thought about that. A soft sigh leaves his lips before he can catch himself. Though he purses them and looks up from the ground again. Now he knew he had to help, he couldn't ignore the suffering of others despite his martial nature. Looking over to the rest of the audience he wondered how many suffered silently, even now. His throat tightened and he began a silent prayer, though he was far too distracted to actually pray.

Edain considers for a time and looks to one of the attendants next to him, and the bring him some parchment, "I am writing out a promisary not for some resources, that they can give you latter. This are so you can treat the cases you feel are the highest priority." Edian says, "This will give me time to send word out to our various forces, most of which have headed home by now and find out who is most afflicted and where we might need the assistance of the Mercies of Lagoma ourselves."

Fridrik, a small White Fox have been dismissed.

Once more, Sophie inclined her head. "Thank you, Your Grace. The generosity of the Oathlands is most appreciated and shall not be forgotten. And I urge any and all others to please speak with me if they wish to aid their community in this undertaking. May the Gods bless and keep us all." That said, and after a mild curtsy, the Mother Mercy steps back to let someone else have the floor.

Nodding to Alis, Caelis glances at the princess. "That is the rub of things. It does make for a grand adventure though." She murmurs and looks between Edain and Sophie.

Dame Rosario Nevarre of the Oathlands leaves, following Sophie.

Alis is one of those types who apparently thrives on a little adventure, so she smiles back at Caelis. "Indeed. It does. I do rather enjoy a good adventure. Much to the dismay of .. several." Now the dimples appear.

Edain bows to Sophie, "Thank you Mother of Mercy." Edain says with a smile, "Does anyone else have business they would like to discuss today?"

"Siblings, isn't that always the way of things? My brother is constantly fussing that I'll do some reckless thing." Caelis murmurs to Alis, smiling back broadly as she pushes to her feet. "I have a consideration to request of you, your Grace!" Caelis calls out and bows low. "and a gift. Long days are ahead of us still." She begins, flushing a bit as she speaks. "Arvum as a whole has much to rebuild. Southport Square, and the city itself has opened it's doors and walls to the refugees. However, that number is currently estimated at 200,000 souls. As the head of the Arvum Refugee Relief Group-an effort of Southport and her allies, I hope you might look to Sanctum and see if there is room to offer these souls a fresh start." She clasps her hands behind her back to keep from fidgeting. "I'm sure the Lady General Calypso mentioned the same, but as I bear the responsibility for this group, I wanted to ask personally." She murmurs and offers up the tea, looking more than a little awkward.

"I daresay my own has some cause for concern, since he's seen me leap off a wall to try and land on a Bringer." Alis admits, somehow not even sounding sheepish about it. Instead, she sounds kind of smug! It'll be a wonder if her brother doesn't turn grey. "Oooh, yes, I've spoken to the Lady General. I've reached out to Duke Laurent, and he can offer some seasonal work during the harvest at least. But as for Sanctum..." She'll just let Mister Highlord take it from here, regardless.

Edain nods to Caelis and says, "I will of course do what I can to find work for some of the refugees in and around sanctum. After the toll the war took on us there is much work to be done outfitting new soldiers and knights replacing the ones we've lost. Dame Ida Ferron manages a manor for me near sanctum where she has a forge. If there are refugees that are not afraid of hard work, we could perhaps expand it and offer some familes work and a new home there. There is also our shipyard, we've recently built in Sanctum that... will need new workers to staff it once our contract to build ships for the Mourning Isle's is concluded.. that is another avenue where I can offer work for hard workers or those willing to learn a trade. Would this be of a help in finding the refugees a place in the world?"

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

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

Valerion is deep in thought when the Mercy announces her departure. Though it seemed like she had some pertinent duties to tend to. Giving her a respectful bow of his head, Valerion gazes over to Edain. Looking at his cousin with more than a bit of curiosity. He handled these matters so easily, and conquered the courtly battlefield just as easily as the battle of the Siege. With a raised eyebrow and a smirk the young man was content to stand there for a bit longer. The bacon, and that gaze was almost too much for him to bear. Taking every last ounce of his willpower to not go over and stuff his face. Shame Valerion. Shame.

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

"It would, your Grace." Caelis nods and bows lightly. "It is our hope that we can send refugees into other cities where they can lead productive, and prosperous lives so they might rebuild and rebuild Arvum in the process." She tells Edain beet red by this point. "I will be personally sailing refugees from Arx to Southport. It would be an excellent exercise for your young navy-if it isn't too bold-to ferry refugees from Southport to your lands. It's just-you know-something to consider for now."

Edain bows to Caelis and says, "An excellent idea Lady Admiral. We will work together with my people that actually know anything about boats and work out the logistics of this. Thank you very much for coming to me. and for bringing this wonderful tea."

Alis starts looking for the whiskey bottle after the last couple of messengers. It's here somewhere, right? She does look approving at the idea of sailing refugees as an exercise for their fledgling navy though! "Well said, Lady Admiral. If you will all pardon me." she murmurs, looking momentarily longingly at the whiskey again before she sighs and picks up her tea instead. But she -is- taking more bacon with her as she grumbles her way towards the hall.

Sir Rhys, a Valardin Knight leaves, following Alis.

Valerion will look over to Edain with a smirk before he approaches, leaning down to say a few words before he stands up straight. Looking over to the Lady Admiral his eyes seem to take her in before he speaks, his voice is slightly deeper and more authoritative than his youthful appearance might otherwise indicate,"Lady Admiral, could I have a word with you before you go. You mentioned the Lady General and recently having joined the Ministry myself, I would be curious about whether or not you have some advice about things, here and there." His smile was a slow one, but some might call it casually charming.

Edain smiles as Valerion intercepts Caelis and he looks out at the hall, "If no one else, has anything else I will thank everyone for coming, and I will ask that you stay and enjoy our hospitatlity as long as you like."

Taking the bow as permission to retreat, Caelis bows deeply again and sinks onto a seat. Addressed again, Caelis looks back up to Valerion. "Surely. I would be happy to help if I can your Highness." She nods and offers a quick smile in return. Looking for Alis, she snaps her fingers quietly having missed her exit. She bows from her seat to Edain again. "Thank you for hearing me, your Grace."

Valerion will smile at Edain's words. His sheepish grin makes him look years younger than he is. Though when he hears Caelis, it dissipates and is replaced by a nervous nod and a visible swallow. "Why thank you Lady Admiral, but..." He slowly turns his head to Edain before walking to the table and leaning on the chair,"...please call me Valerion. The formality of the court makes me uncomfortable. You're among peers and a fellow warrior it seems." Valerion peers over his shoulder to make sure Edain was not giving him disapproving looks before he slides into the chair next to her with an easy grace. "Did you fight in the Siege with the rest of the Ministry? You remind me a lot of Lady General Calypso, you wouldn't be related by any chance?"