Willen arrives, following Lou.

Tavish is overheard praising Mirk.

Lou has joined the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Situated at the top end of the large table in the hall is Liara Grayson, with a smaller desk set out behind her, occupied by a pair of Grayson house staff apparently there to take or hand out notes. As the meeting opens, she rises to her feet, and offers a brief smile by way of greeting, "Thank you all for attending. The agenda today will cover the matter of House Blacktree. I note that an Abandoned House having occupied one of the great cities of the Compact will require more extensive action than we will see at Bastion alone. However, there are certain immediate issues requiring attention. Namely, these are the rescue of prisoners currently held in Bastion, and then the removal of House Blacktree's forces from the city."

She takes a brief pause before she continues, "The matter might be brought to a resolution purely by application of force, although that does not bode well for the safety of the prisoners. Therefore, rescuing them shall be our first priority. There are various ways to go about this."

"Before we go into detailed consideration, if anybody wishes to put fresh information forward, now is a good time. Efforts are under way to learn more about House Blacktree in general, although I cannot say whether those shall prove fruitful before a rescue attempt is made." Then she quiets for the moment, gaze turning over the hall to see if there is any initial input.

"Has any further interrogation been made of the House Blacktree prisoner currently held by the Inquisition?" The Softest Whisper inquires politely from where he's seated, hands folded neatly in front of himself. "If not, it would be something I highly suggest and also offer my services for. I am not much good at playing 'bad cop,' but I would be happy to take the role of gentle persuasion."

Grady enters with a rather large folded piece of some kind of paper or parchment under his arm, and goes straight to the map table. "I would like, if I may, to open this meeting by making an observation. I don't know if this counts as new information, but it may be old information that hasn't been seen in this light." He spreads out the folded paper on the map table proving that it is, in fact, a map of Bastion, and begins speaking with more clarity than is usual for him. "The people calling themselves House Blacktree have secured and fortified more or less this part of Bastion here, near this gate." He points. "They've held it against all comers, and one can imagine there have been comers to hold it against. The harbor is here." He points. "Now. If you were able to secure an alliance with House Blacktree, you would have a very secure staging area at this gate here. If you were then able to make a staging area at the harbor, when you decided to make the push to take the city, you could come in from both sides, here and here, which I believe, if I haven't forgotten my schoolboy military jargon, is called a pincer maneuver, and is very much to be desired." He looks up at Liara. "If the battle to take Bastion is long and protracted, there will be no avoiding, will there, destroying the city in the taking. But if you could take it fast, you might preserve a great deal of what might otherwise be lost. I know there are a lot of reasons, a LOT of reasons, NOT to ally with House Blacktree, but I think this is a good enough reason that we ought, before we send in scouts or soldiers or spies, to try."

Deva takes up one of the seats at the large table, with her guards in Redrain livery waved off to the side of the room. She sits with blank papers and a pen in her hand, ready as she ever will be for such things. There is a respectful bow of her head toward Liara as the high lord kicks the meeting off. Her gaze darts from Cesare to Grady as they speak up, gaze open and alert.

Lou is settled at the map table by the time the meeting starts. So long as people don't talk about burning everything down today she might not even be as disruptive as she was last night. For now, she's attentively listening to those speaking, taking notes where she needs to.

Fairen sits quietly at the magnificent map table, oak folio with a sheet of paper in front of him and pen in hand. Peering over the top of his spectacles at everyone in the room from time to time, he gives a distracted, but respectful, bow of the head to Lou and Liara, but otherwise remains focused on the information given, scribbling in a neat hand.

Pasquale has also taken up one of the seats and is sat there with his armored hands folded lightly atop the table. He looks alert and attentive as he takes in what has been said so far but chooses not to speak.

The short princess arrives, with a trio of masked confessors looking dour along with her. Holding a portfolio under one arm, she is scanning the room brief enough to find a place to sit. Having just arrived, she is catching the tail end of the conversation, before setting in a spot she seems to deem appropriate, effective and still allowing her the ability to think and contemplate. As she sits, she puts the portfolio on her lap and flips open to a blank page, by-passing a random assortment of sketches. Her assistant hands off a piece of fresh charcoal and paint-stained fingers accept it. Her attention focuses on the room and those sharing their thoughts as she focuses.

Raymesin, meanwhile, is propping up a wall at one side of the room. Clad all in stylish black, he's apparently here to lurk and listen quietly.

Tavish is standing at the margins, watchful and quiet. "High Lord, if I may. What is known of House Blacktree? I apologize for the interjection, I'm newly come to Arx." He looks from the various speakers back to the High Lord and bows. "Tavish Lelander, steward to Halfshav."

Denica has joined the a mahogany grand piano with an ornately carved cabinet.

Angelica enters quietly, tilting her head as she observes the room. She finds a seat on an empty couch and settles, silent, carefully removing her gloves and then her baldric, sheathed sword propped up next to her.

Angelica has joined the silver seasilk sofa of superb repose.

"Those all comers, Lord Grady, likely have not had the home advantage of those who grew up in the city," Lou points out from the sidelines, 'who've explored it since they could go out by themselves and know nearly every nook and cranny there." She doesn't speak to any of suggestions of alliances, instead she looks to Liara, her expression neutrally guarded.

A red haired woman slips quietly into the room along with the other latecomers, though clearly not /with/ with them. She proceeds to drop into the nearest convenient seat and look forward, eyes faintly narrowed in attention.

"And yet they haven't gotten into the camp," Grady responds to Liara. "Which is proof that the camp is secure, and would make a good staging area to take the rest of the city."

Watcher has joined the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Liara upturns her hand in a small gesture of acknowledgement to Cesare. "Not as yet. I appreciate the offer. It seems a sound idea. It appears that the prisoner was working as a cook, so not, perhaps, the most bellicose member of that house."

Then her attention turns to Grady, to whom she listens quietly, although with a faint purse of her lips, before she replies, "Unless I have missed some information, my lord, of the various issues that we must deal with in Bastion, House Blacktree itself is the one most probably requiring a substantial military response - certainly if they have some greater strength that they mean to move towards the city. While our focus must certainly be on the Traitor, House Blacktree has nonetheless set itself as a hostile force occupying my home."

"Any information is better than none," Cesare replies. "Regardless of station within the house, the prisoner doubtless has at least some idea of the number of forces, their disposition, and their abilities. Often those who serve may be the most observant, if not the best-informed. And I believe it was mentioned that this house is particularly reverent of Jayus - so, as a Disciple of Jayus, I may be able to draw on that to create rapport and obtain information."

"If it were possible to turn that threat to us so that it instead points at our enemies, would that not be the most desirable outcome?" Grady persists. "Considering what could be gained with an alliance, is there a very good reason not to try?"

Liara then turns to supply a response to Tavish - and to the hall more generally: "As to what we know about House Blacktree, it is less than I would like. We know that they worship the Pantheon, although that is not unusual among Abandoned, with perhaps a specific focus on Jayus. We know that they have at least one hundred soldiers in Bastion. The leader of the house calls himself Duke Ranver. They have a sigil of a black tree on a white background, with words of 'Strong roots don't die'." She upturns a hand lightly. "They may be a powerful house with many vassals or they may be a small one with a leader with affectations."

Pasquale looks to Grady. "Assuming we did try to ally with them - We would first have to provide them with something they consider of equivalent value. What would you suggest we offer?"

Denica looks up from her sketching, "I was there during the original scouting and can answer any questions to the best of my ability," she offers. "I can say that the prisoner was a cook, and said there were about a hundred of them, though that information came under duress, for what it is worth. While we were there, there was a shine to Jayus and we were told that Duke Ranver was in prayers at the time we were there," she chimes in.

Tavish tilts his head thinking and lifts a finger, breaking in again. "Begging pardon, my Lord," Tavish bows. "There is a ban on bringing new abandoned clans into the Compact just now. And allying with them is against Compact law. Perhaps we can set one threat in Bastion against another? There are several, aren't there?"

Tavish nods thanks to Liara for the information.

Liara gives a small incline of her head to Cesare. "Certainly. Thank you, Softest Whisper Cesare. It being likely to be the least contentious matter of this entire meeting, would you be so good as to make arrangements for a conversation, and, as appropriate, select any individuals who would be helpful?"

Lou glances over at Grady. "Do you have plans to convince King Alaric to allow such an alliance?" She's watching him sharply, making note of his response likely.

Grady takes a slow breath. "I would suggest," he replies to Pasquale, "that if they prove their good intentions and their ability to assist the Compact by putting their forces behind the retaking of Bastion for House Grayson, we offer them a formal place within the Compact as one of Grayson's vassals, with all of the trade and other benefits that go with it."

"Who should I contact?" Cesare asks, pulling out a small notebook and reaching for a quill to note ti down. "I've written a letter to Faye Ruger asking if such a thing might be arranged - she is the Inquisitor I am perhaps most familiar with - but have received no response as yet. Inquisitor Faye is doubtless busy, as we all are. As I said, your highness: I am happy to help, with all assets available at my disposal."

Not venturing further views on the matter of an alliance just yet, Liara says to Cesare, "Inquisitor Faye is indeed most helpful, although I suggest Princess Denica here may also be of some assistance, or Princess Natasha Thrax, who is also involved with the matter of another prisoner. In any event, I am sure that access to the prisoner will be facilitated without any issue."

Raymesin leans away from his piece of wall and makes his way quietly over to the silver seasilk sofa, where he settles in with a nod of greeting to the current occupant.

Raymesin has joined the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Raymesin has left the a magnificent map table of Arvum made of oak and marquetry inlays.

Raymesin has joined the silver seasilk sofa of superb repose.

Deva slides a look toward Cesare, a gleam of something positive and excited in her eyes. Then she slides a look back toward Liara, nodding briskly as she jots a few more notes down and clearly makes some attempt at doodling the described sigil on the corner of her page. Her attention drifts to Denica, and she watches the woman for what is probablly a too-long moment.

"I see." Pasquale says to Grady's suggestion. "What makes you think they consider membership in the Compact to be any sort of prize? You don't occupy someones land to demand they greet you as friends."

Angelica is reposing, sort of, at her couch. Eyes flick to Raymesin and light with recognition, giving the lean knifeman a nod and a small smile before her attentions return to the discussion being had. Her gaze doesn't rest on just the speakers, however, flicking from person around the room, assessing; she lingers on Watcher a moment or two, eyes narrowing briefly before a murmured word has her looking to the man seated next to her.

Liara's attention picks out Raymesin over doing his watching thing. "Master Raymesin, you are most quiet. Tell me, if you please, just what you would do to rescue prisoners from under heavy guard." Is that a gleam of mischief in the high lady's eyes? She smiles, anyway.

"It is the place of diplomats to help them see the advantage," Grady answers Pasquale with a quick smile. "I don't know whether it can be done. But I think it's worth risking, enough so that I would be willing to take that risk myself if it were required."

The princess hears her name and so she looks up again, charcoal in hand, some half sketch on the surface of the parchment. "Do feel free to write to me," she says, not entirely sure of what she has volunteered for. She might have missed something, "and I will no doubt respond in whatever manner possible." This seems like a valid claim, blinking a few times. "While we never met the Duke, I would be curious to hear if anyone has. Or if we know the fullness of their motivations. My primary concern, as I am sure is with others, is the hostages that we discovered. While the Shavs could be dealt with on a variety of levels, I think that we'd be prudent to come up with a plan that either would force their hand to turn them over, but taking some of their numbers, or be able to go under the guise of night, and free them." Denica seems keen to volunteer for any of these plans or more.

Raymesin looks up at the map table as he's directly called on. "Get th'guards drunk, then send a few ter sneak in th'back way an' break yer prisoners out," he replies to Liara, that execrable Lowers accent of his in full force. "Or if they're goin' somewhere, 'it 'em on the road when they travel."

Liara gives a small nod in acknowledgement of Raymesin's suggestion, presumably having grasped it, accent and all. "Thank you." Her gaze turns to Denica then. "Indeed, your highness. A suggestion about capturing this Duke Ranver was previously put forward, although a potentially risky undertaking. It would certainly force their hand. Another was that a number of the Compact's knights might ride out in full view of House Blacktree's forces such that an engagement is forced, thus creating a distraction for a rescue party, while still, perhaps, being too small a group to cause House Blacktree to threaten the prisoners."

Cesare nods, a motion which turns into a bow of the head halfway through. "Thank you, your highness. I will conduct an interview with the prisoner as soon as I am able, and report back expediently with anything I'm able to

learn."

Watcher clears her throat very quietly, and says, loud enough to be heard, though not necessarily loud enough to draw attention, "Would it?"

Liara inclines her head lightly to Cesare, then turns a curious, contemplative look to Watcher. "I suspect that you have a dissenting view. Please, feel free." She quiets, then.

Pasquale asks "Have you a history of killing prisoners or have they threatened it?" before adding. "I have no doubt that we have specialists who can safely get in and free them. The problem is when those same specialists have to get weak and untrained people out the same way. That is the complicated part. If we are going with the prison raid then I suggest they are either freed and hidden or the team holds the prison itself whilst a larger force attacks. It would require some fairly precise timing but I expect it could work. Most commanders would not kill the prisoners though. They are too useful."

Denica listens to Liara as she mentions both of the options and she is nodding her head, "I think both would be valid approaches, not without risk, but what isn't risky?," she says openly. There is a nod to Raymesin, seeming to appreciate his opinion before she says. "We could do it without risking Knights, but rather create enough of a distraction, the ale isn't a bad idea, one could use herbs to make everyone fall asleep, or merely set something on fire, one of there buildings, they had a large one with supplies, get them focused on that, while we slip in, slip out." Denica presses her lips together, thinking about this, fire seems to be a default option for her.

Watcher responds with a slight shake of her head, "Sorry, merely an observation. Hostages are less valuable as hostages when you have no intention of freeing them. Even under normal circumstances, shavs are likely to doubt whether or not a Compact house would keep its word. If you were successful in capturing this duke, it may be fairly obvious to everyone that he's going to lose his head. Politically, how would you do otherwise?" She doesn't seem to expect an answer to the question, because she spreads her hands, palms up. A glance toward Pasquale, "Executions are hardly rare or frowned on. But considering that the current atmosphere might refuse *any* new prodigals, why would any of them surrender?"

Tavish gestures agreement at Watcher's words, studying her closely.

"Those hostages are why Grayson is not planning to simply overrun them with brute force." Pasquale's response to Watcher has no bite behind it. If he has an emotional attachment to the question he isn't letting it show. "Those hostages have the potential to enable them to walk away in one piece at the end of the day. There are many varieties of surrender and the vast majority do not involve swearing fealty to the victor. Why take prisoners if you do not intend to use them? They cost food and manpower to maintain."

"They are followers of the Faith. Has anyone considered requesting guest rights to see and check on the prisoners?" Lou speaks up from the sidelines. "If they are followers of the Faith, that would mean they'd have to allow us to travel unharmed through that territory, and to also leave freely. That may get us an opportunity to at least see how they are doing and get more information."

Liara responds first to Watcher, simply, "A sensible observation. We cannot necessarily know the minds of these people, although I do note Lord Pasquale's words. Thank you."

Then she gives a small smile as she listens to Denica, replying after, "We shall refrain from setting anything on fire. However, the approach certainly has merit, along with its own risks, as does all of this."

She gives a little nod to Pasquale. "I see your point, my lord. There is a second risk there, namely that if they have people on patrol beyond the city, they might spot any larger force that we bring up, and thus put them on high alert from the start."

Watcher looks as though she might respond directly to Liara, but she pauses, and by that point her words are in answer to Pasquale. "I wasn't referring to their hostages, though for all we know House Blacktree has the same problem. I was referring to any that we take. Particularly if the duke is captured, as suggested. The laws of the Compact are generally well known to the shav'arvani, at the very least those close enough to overrun Bastion. Quietly releasing a few in a prisoner exchange? Maybe. The duke? If I were in their shoes, I'd recognize he's already a dead man."

"In any case," Watcher settles back into her seat. "Apologies for interrupting."

There's a thoughtful cast to Liara's features at Lou's words, and she replies, "Perhaps a letter or two may be in order. It would surely be good for physicians to be able to see the prisoners. And I must emphasise for the benefit of our visitors that this could have no direct relation to any rescue effort; I will not see guest right abused."

Raymesin shakes his head. "First folks were talkin' about makin' alliances wi'shavs, an' now yer talkin' about givin' them shavs Compact folks - skilled ones, too - ter add ter what they already got. Just 'cause they follow Jayus don't mean they reckon Gild an' Gild's 'ospitality're good."

Cesare is quietly listening to the information put forward. "We have at least one prisoner," he acknowledges. "Do we know of any specific Arvani being held prisoner who are people of note? If we were able to make an exchange, after interrogating this cook, we might be able to get a better view from inside the situation."

The mention of fire again leaves Fairen frowning and rubbing his neck. "I think not burning down Bastion is ideal. Anyways, surely the idea of some diplomatic overtures through the Faith to check on the prisoners and gain a rapport couldn't hurt. Perhaps some of the shav'arvani would be willing to turn and hand over their Duke and the prisoners in exchange for passage out of Bastion unharmed. They have to realize that sooner or later the force of the Compact will fall upon them."

Denica chews on her lip, "what is forcing them to allow this? I know they are suppose to, but they aren't suppose to take the opportunity when a city has been destroyed to seize control over it?... There is nothing stopping them from taking them as hostage. Nor can we be sure they will get accurate information, they could easily put on a rouse, if they know people are coming." Denica pauses, nodding with Raymesin who is making a similar point. "I think we'd do better to divide them, to disorientate them, to distract them away from where we want to be and what we want to achieve. The less time they have to prepare, the better."

Watcher says, levelly, "Nothing forces someone to grant guest right, only to maintain it once granted."

Pasquale nods at what Watcher says about them doubting an exchange could happen. He seems to consider what everyone says about the guestright before saying "Its all about Honor and Reputation. If they give guestright and go back on their word then they change the way the other shavs will treat them. It is true that they might not care but if they do that then other clans who might have favored them against the Compact will stand back. It is worth the risk."

Angelica glances aside to Raymesin as he responds, the woman smirking briefly before looking back to the discussion at hand.

Liara gives a light tap of her fingers at the table's edge as she contemplates the similar points made by Raymesin and Denica both, then she remarks after Denica speaks, "They might certainly be more guarded following contact with people from the Compact, however that might go." She gives a small shake of her head at Cesare. "We do not, nor the number held." She says to Fairen, "It has occurred to me that they must know what grave danger they are in, and I find myself wondering if they have a different goal to the immediately obvious one."

Fairen "If they don't grant it, then move to planning an assault through tunnels if there are any," Fairen replies to Watcher, giving a calm nod over to Lou. "We can take a look at the maps in both places to check. Perhaps the Archives would have some as well." The Marquis tips his chin towards Liara, "Exactly. They must know they can't just hold Bastion forever because they have some hostages. They'll be crushed sooner or later. So either they have some sort of plan or their duke is a madman. As much as I'd like to think the latter, it's probably the former. The sooner we act - without fire- the better."

Watcher does indeed look for a moment as though she is biting back words. If she is, then she's successful, because she says nothing.

"Dominion is Petrichor's domain," Lou gently replies to Raymesin, "it would be the laws of dominion we'd be invoking by asking for guest rights." She shows off the little bit of theology she's learned since coming back from Brighthsore. To Cesare, Lou replies. "We have not spoken to this particular prisoner yet that I'm aware," she glances to Liara to confirm though.

Winter, A Highhill Puppy, Angeline arrive, following Kiera.

"Perhaps having captured prisoners and occupied Bastion is, in part, at least an effort to hold leverage so that they might negotiate for something they desire," Cesare says. "As the - this woman noted, they are aware of our laws. They are aware we are not able to give them quarter, legally. So perhaps this is a last resort situation, in order to force our hand. It's something I can ask about. Please - my lady, if you have more to say, share it?"

Liara gives a little nod in confirmation of Lou's words, a light upturn of her hand in acknowledgement to Fairen, but then she is quiet for a moment as she considers the ongoing conversation.

Raymesin eyes Lou flatly. "Sorry, yer princess-ship, but yer might just want ter check," he says. "My family 'as a guest-basket ter Gild, anyways."

Kiera walks in and leans against the wall "Have we considered a possible larger role for House Blacktree in all of this. Normally I would caution against speculation merely on a name. However, the holding of prisoners is an oddity. If this house holds ties to the enemy the holding of prisoners may be a lure

Denica looks unsure of something as she glances between Cesare, Lou and Liara, "if you are speaking of the prisoner we took from the Art District, we did indeed 'speak'," she uses this term very loosely, "with them before tossing them into the cells. Or are we speaking of a different prisoner?," she asks with a level of uncertainty.

"It also may be a means of attempting to force us to talk," Grady suggests. "As we are proposing to do with them. Given House Grayson's reputation, they may be expecting us to value the lives of the prisoners highly enough that holding them would give them a venue to speak with us."

"We might begin to eliminate certain options," suggests Liara, after a moment. "The capture of members of House Blacktree, or of their leader, is a high-risk proposition which entails direct military action and immediately presents a risk to the prisoners, with no guarantee that an exchange would be allowed. I think we might remove that option from the table."

Then she nods to Denica. "That prisoner exactly, your highness."

To Kiera, she says, "There was no apparent sign of them following the Traitor. I would see that as a sensible caution, although it would seem a subtle ploy compared with the Traitor's recent undertakings."

"The one and same, Denica." Lou furrows her brow. "Were they questioned at length then? I don't think we ever received a report on that. Or, if we did, I don't have a copy of it." It's possible during the flurry of Bastion messages that's one Lou might have lost.

Angelica moves to stand, murmuring something to Raymesin as she buckles on her baldric and prepares to leave. Watcher gets another look, this time the glance coming with a small, respectful nod, as the bookbinder takes her leave.

Angelica has left the silver seasilk sofa of superb repose.

Raymesin nods to the departing Angelica, then looks back to the high table again.

Denica gives Lou an empathetic look, so much information at all times, she is no doubt weighted by similar things. "I believe reports were sent-- but I cannot bet my life on it, there is a flurry of information being sent back and forth, but I did give a report out at the debrief session," Denica waves her hands, no doubt mentioning that just to confirm this wasn't withheld, rather she takes the opportunity to speak again. "The prisoner was questioned thoroughly at the time of capture. It was in our best interest to do it then. Information gained under duress is always suspect, but I really doubt he will give any more than he did then. There was plenty of motivation to do so. But I would be pleased to be corrected on that." Denica pauses, "mostly we got numbers, how many of the Blacktree was there. But what is also important to note," says the compact princess, "is that based on what we saw, our group believed that they are killing the hostages. This is why, timing is very important. If they are killing them, they don't see use for them, I would be surprised if they would negotiate, especially for the life of a cook. Their motivations are unclear, though, as to why they are killing them, I would be speculating," she shrugs a bit, giving what information she has to the group.

"Blood magic," Cesare murmurs, almost to himself. "Rituals."

Watcher inhales. Holds it. Exhales. "Entirely possible," she says toward Cesare. "Or they know that prisoners aren't going to help them in the long run."

Pasquale contemplatively says "That is valuable information."

Liara's eyebrows arch up some way as she listens to Denica, and then she says, "That being the case, we shall also remove from the table the suggestion of endeavouring to send physicians or similar."

Lou frowns at the mention of the hostages being killed. She starts to say something, and then Cesare says it for her. Watcher's comments also have her nodding. "Climates being what they are these days. Prisoners only have value if they know they can get something out of an exchange."

"This gives me another set of questions to ask. Are Blacktree related to House Thornweave, or any of the other great Sylv houses?" Cesare rubs his cheek. "They may well be of Sylv blood themselves. They may be what remains of one of the Sylv houses. It's possible they are using their rituals not for the benefit of the Traitor but in an effort to stand against him. Of course - it is all questionable, until I'm able to ask these questions."

"We don't know they are doing blood sacrifices. That's an assumption only." Lou points out to Cesare. She looks to Denica for answers on that, "I haven't heard of this house and seen no evidence of it in the Great Library so I cannot answer that question."

"It might be worth at least asking them what they want," Grady suggests. "That doesn't oblige us to give it to them, but it might fill in some blanks about where they see this going."

Kiera hms " This is precisely why i brought it up earlier softest. i'm reminded of the names of several sylv tribes from the research. speculation at best as i said

"I have someone I can probably ask and they might be able to get information." Lou says after some consideration. "But I make no promises to that," she looks to Liara when she says it. She then beckons Willen forward, whispers to him quietly, then sends him off.

Fairen stares at Watcher for a long moment - then adjusts his glasses and clears his throat. "Very well." However, the question of sending physicians and such in becomes irrelevant soon enough. "Well then. If they are killing hostages, whether for blood sacrifice or fun or food, I think it narrows options down quite a bit as well as the time frame."

Tavish chimes in, "They could just be interrogating them and killing them when done. It's ... not unheard of."

"Or *expediency*," Watcher can't seem to help adding, with a distinct edge. She jerks her chin toward Tavish. "Executions are normal, it's what we'd be doing to them if the situations were flipped."

"We saw no evidence that they are aligned with the abyss in any way, what we witnessed were despicable opportunists. They wanted Bastion and wanted to cause further grief to the Graysons. I cannot comment on whether hostages were being killed for rituals or merely to cause fear and compliance. It's hard to say, and it is very possible that those in the lower ranks do not know the truth of it either," Denica points out. "But, given what we know, I would still humbly," Denica stumbles on the word humble, not really in her vocabulary, "say that we need to get them out as soon as possible, or risk not having anyone left to save. That sending people in would not be safe, but that we need to either show force or we need to do this discretely. I would suggest the later first. There is always time to go bold, but only one chance to be sneaky. I am more than happy to help arrange something, but if that is the intent, would suggest it be a small group, with specific skills and tactics."

Pasquale says "It doesn't sound like there is time for negotiations. I would send in two teams. One smaller team heads in after the prisoners and signals a larger attack when they are in position. If not for the prisoners I would recommend simply starving them out but time is of the essence."

Liara gives a few little nods to the input from various people.

Liara speaks up to the hall in general, then, "I have in mind an outline of a plan now. Two small advance parties shall assemble. One should pose as Ravashari entertainers or similar, something which might be imitated based on Prodigals based on Arx, and function as a distraction to outlying sentries and so on. They should avoid approaching the core of House Blacktree's camp. The second should proceed as quietly as possible to where the prisoners are being held, whereupon they shall force entry, and then send up a signal if spotted. Beyond the city, or otherwise hidden, we shall have a larger force, sufficient to overwhelm House Blacktree entirely. They shall attack when the signal is given."

"I will volunteer myself for the former effort," Cesare acknowledges immediately. "It's essentially the same technique I used to infiltrate the camp at the Western Gate. Should we possibly involve some of the Rivenshari in this effort? Lord Mattheu is a skilled fighter, and knows the culture well."

As people volunteer, the princess says with a heavy tone, "I can assist with the team that goes in to free the prisoners. I am happy to help with the strategy that will need to be in place to carry that out." Denica doesn't elaborate on her skills, but the look on her face says she is quite prepared to do what she volunteers for.

Pasquale watches the two volunteer before saying "My talents are limited to leading troops."

Raymesin has apparently gone back to lurking, albeit on a sofa instead of against a wall.

Kiera adds "Likewise my failure to volunteer should not be viewed as lack of support or concern but recognition that my skills are not suited

Liara says to Cesare, "That is a sound idea, and better yet if he need not even act to pull off the facade, I suppose." There's a subtle purse to her lips, then she nods to Denica. "Thank you, your highness. It will require the most subtlety and caution and quite possibly the greatest capacity at arms, all at once." There's a small incline of her head to Pasquale. "Considering your now-familiarity with what is to be done and, indeed, that the two force approach was your suggestion, I can detach a unit to your command for this undertaking, if you are willing."

"Certainly." Pasquale says when Liara offers a detachment. "It would be my pleasure."

Denica looks up from her sketch pad at Liara's response, "yes, among other things," she says with a cool confidence.

3 Seraceni Corsairs, 2 Ischian Mariner, Faizal, A Judgmental Bearded Vulture arrive, following Avita.

"I would be happy to volunteer as well," Deva indicates, with a gesture toward Denica and a nod toward Liara. "I admire the cleverness and strategy in this room. My apologies for taking my leave so soon," the Redrain murmurs, gathering up her notes for the brisk departure of someone who must go tend to something.

Liara gives a little duck of her chin in acknowledgement to each of the people volunteering - Denica, Pasquale and Deva, too, the latter receiving a quick smile. "Thank your for attending, your highness."

"I couldn't battle a small woodland creature to save my life, that's what my wife is for. Alas, she is in the Leaholdt. If she doesn't return in time, I can offer a contingent of my best soldiers - mainly rangers used to stalking the Gray Forest, if that would suit," Fairen replies to Liara with a lift of his brows. "Unless something I can do ends up being useful, but I doubt it."

Jasper, an unflappable scoundrel, 2 Redrain Guards, 1 Redrain Veteran Guards leave, following Deva.

Avita makes a glorious, tardy, but very quiet entrance as to not interrupt things. She has only come to listen.

"This is one of only perhaps two matters which I anticipate will involve overt military action, my lord. The problems facing us are, by and large, not ones amenable to being solved by simple force. They /can/ be, but it would be terribly inefficient," Liara says in response to Fairen. "That being said, I would be most grateful to receive that force. The more of the main body that can move quietly and unnoticed, the closer it can get before any alarm is raised and the better off the rescue party is."

Cesare is scribbling down notes in his little journal, though he pauses to dash off a missive and pass it to a messenger in the meantime. "I'll contact Lord Mattheu. I suspect he will be eager to participate in an action of significance, and his abilities will be to our advantage."

Liara's gaze turns curiously over the hall. "Would anybody like to put forward specific details which they feel important to this? Obviously some specifics must ultimately be a matter for those who are actually present, and plans do not often come out looking very well after running into reality."

Watcher shakes her head at the question, but then, somewhat contradictorily, purses her lips and says, "I wouldn't count on the Ravashari being considered friendly. It's a mistake Compact forces make often enough; shavs make allies, but they are not allies simply for being shavs."

Cesare nods to the auburn-haired Watcher. "I'll...make inquiries regarding their alliances, if I manage to speak to this prisoner with expediency."

"I would be quite happy to put some of House Leary's rangers at your disposal, Your Highness. They should make for an excellent sneaky first wave. They're quite used to hitting Shavs hard and silently before melting away again," Fairen remarks to Liara with a grim expression. "I will write the Marquessa and see if I can't get her to return from Leaholdt as her presence would be rather helpful."

Tavish looks on those coming forward with some interest. He licks his lips and remains aloof from those, choosing to watch instead, eyes moving from person to person as they speak.

"Most certainly. Thank you, Marquis," Liara replies to Fairen. A look about the hall, a mention of, "If we have any further volunteers just now, if you wish to make yourselves known, planning of specifics can take that into account." Then she adds, "There are still a number of other matters to be addressed, which may require wholly different expertise."


"Myself and my dearest, currently occupied husband would be more than pleased to assist in whatever way we are able. Seraceni, by extension of the great House Pravus, of course, stand with those that lend their aid to others." Avita speaks, from some out of the way place. "We have a rather varied set of skills that are, as ever, humbly at your service."

Liara's attention turns to Avita, and she gives a small duck of her chin. "Thank you, Marquessa. Knowing that your house has quite some affinity for ships, I wonder if the initial approach to the harbour may benefit from some assistance." A beat. "Although the nature of what is on the shore there is a different problem entirely. The matters discussed here today will require some combination of strong acting ability, stealth, and brute force, from various people."


That duck of the chin brings a vague smile to Avita's darkly painted lips, her hands clasping in front of her abdomen as she leans in a shallow bow in retort. "We have only just recently strengthened our naval prowess by a fair measure, and they are, without hesitation, prepared to assist. Our shipwrights, as well, are available to assist in repairs and fortifications to vessels involved in this operation, and any other going forward." Her smile grows a little wider yet, her posture straightening somehow further from where it was before, shoulders squared in no small measure of pride. "And I am all too pleased to lend my penchant for the dramatic to the cause."

The Softest Whisper receives a messenger in return which causes him to sigh and rise from his position. "Excuse me, everyone," he says. "Thank you all for this most enlightening meeting. I will be in touch. For now there are fires to put out. Not the literal kind, thankfully."

Dolente, a mourning dove, Dolce, a collared dove leave, following Cesare.

"Thank you, Marquessa. Certainly, it is that last point - strong personal ability - which I ascribe especial weight to in this specific undertaking. The matters ahead of us do not lend themselves well to simple force." Liara offers Avita a quick smile, then casts her gaze about the hall again.

"Is there any further input for now? Written submissions are of course welcome, and I will be amply available for conversation."

Pasquale looks mildly amused when Avita promises her penchant for the dramatic. He moves to his feet shortly after Cesare does, inclines his head in a respectful approximation of goodbye and then heads out.

Denica closes her sketch-book seeming to have had enough planning for another day. The small princess dressed in sunshine yellow tucks it under her arm as she prepares to leave. As the woman assembles her collection of staff and guards, a smile is offered to Liara and Lou. "Do let me know if you need anything further. I will make myself available for additional planning to bring a team in to the hostages, and would be happy to help assemble that team, if need be," she adds with a shrug. As Denica makes her way out, she passes by where Raymesin is seated and she murmurs something to him before she exits.

Watcher pushes up from her seat. She's frowning, and if it's a somewhat less comfortable frown than the one she was wearing when she came in, her expression is still thoughtful. Stiff, but thoughtful.

Grady puts away a little packet of candied ginger that he'd taken out, but doesn't hurry to get up and go.

Lou inclines her head in Denica's direction. "Of course," she tells the Thrax noblewaman. She's distracted momentarily when Watcher rises to leave, watching the woman as she moves to the exit.

Tavish bows to those gathered, "I'll ferry what was discussed here to my liege lords," and with that Tavish bows and exits.


"Mmm," Avita lets out a pleased noise along with a breath through her nose, her chin tilting upward to stick her nose in the air as she looks across at Liara with a glint to her emberlike gaze, hands moving from their clasped position to steeple her fingers together, raising them upward toward her chest where they halt. "Very good, I shall inform my dearest Ciaphas, and look forward to a chance to partake in the festivities. I do assure you, they will not have so grand a time as I, as my force shall be far from simple." Another bob of her head acts as punctuation to her statement, as her gaze flicks from each party still in attendance. Her smile broadens in bold grinning, and she turns to slink toward the exit.

Liara remarks to Denica, "That would be most welcome, your highness. Thank you." Then she says to Avita, with a quick smile, "Thank you for the offer, Marquessa."