Raven strides in sans her usual retinue, looking exhasted and her satchel hangs heavy with what must be books or more bottles of rum. She makes her way to the Setarcan benches and flops down with a graceless motion and a soft grunt-after giving the Voices seated a respectful bow of course.

Raven has joined the Setarcan Benches.

Drake comes to the assembly, though he hasn't in a while. He's even on time, or close to it. He slides into the Valardin benches, and sits with a fairly typical slouch, as if he expects this to be a little dull rather than something he'll apply full alertness to. But he's here.

Assisted by his normal attendant, Rupert, Cristoph swings his way into the Assembly of Peers. While swing would not normally be the way he moves his body around, that's sometimes what a person has to do when they're using crutches and they're in a hurry. He's trying to be on time, and he's moving at a rapid clip for a man with a cast on his leg and a bandage around his shoulder. Rupert is moving at a trot to keep up. "My *lord*," he implores to him. Really, this is unnecessary. They aren't even late. He takes his seat at the lowest and closest bench in the Valardin section. "My writing implements please," the duke requests.

Vitalis has joined the Valardin Benches.

Raymesin arrives quietly, clad all in black leathers marked with a spider-and-knife sigil, and makes his way up to the commoner seating.

Lady Sylvie Zaffria arrives early, despite how against her nature that may be. But, such a thing is necessary when you have to claim a place for the better benches in the commoner balcony, versus having a reserved place for you amongst the highest in the Lyceum. Indeed, that is where Sylvie makes her way to, the former, scanning the benches of commoners and making her way to the Softest Whisper and claiming a seat next to him with a warm smile and a murmur of greeting.

Rook has joined the Commoner Benches.

Tesha had gotten out of the Tower to run a few errands prior to the Assembly. the woman arrives by herself and heads for a seat at the end of the Valardin benches, giving a quiet murmur of greeting to others as she passes as she's not wanting to be rude.

Thea comes accompanied by Rocco. She slips quietly into her seat, prepared for whatever notes she may have to take. Because well, always prepared.

It's difficult to be both a commoner and to have a spring in one's step when arriving at the Assembly of Peers, yet Sydney seems to be doing her damnedest to manage it. The tall woman strides in as though it were a favored tavern - or at least, she sure as hell seems to make quite the show of somehow making her footfalls as loud as possible. She seats herself at the commoner's benches and immediately folds one leg over the other, idly bouncing her dangling foot as she makes conversation with her peers.

Sydney has joined the Commoner Benches.

From the Setarcan benches and /not/ for once at the Voices Table, Patrizio's ensconced with the others of his House, his folio settled across his knees and his stylus in hand, though he's not yet moved to /open/ the folio, waiting for the beginning of the session proper, while he's engrossed in conversation with those closest to him.

Caprice arrived early to secure a good spot for studying people..'s clothing. It's charcoals rather than quill and ink that meet the stack of papers in her lap - quick, discreet sketches made of individuals as people settle in at the various benches.

Vitalis arrives, mirror to Sydney's boister, moving quietly and quickly through the gathering to the Valardin benches where he bows to those present and takes a seat.

At the appointed hour, Sir Corban Telmar, sitting in the center seat, rises to his feet and clears his throat. Ahem. Ahem. Ahem. He glances down at the paper before him. Deep breath. And:

"On behalf of the Crown, I hereby call gathering of the Assembly of Peers to order and declare it convened." His eyes drift to the Faith's benches. "I invite Archlector Udell to offer the gods' blessings upon us and declare their Sanctuary over this gathering."

Seated quietly among his fellow commoners, Rook settles back to watch the proceedings with interest. He has a small pad of paper available in case he needs to make any notations.

Lamora, Quartz, a very sneezy kitten arrive, following Auda.

Settled at the benches housing the Voices of the Realm, Sebastian is dressed in his vibrant steelsilk outfit of blue-and-steel, the Pravosi colors perhaps unneeded but indulged in regardless. He's leaning to murmur something to Alis, looking faintly amused, though he straightens when Corban stands, leaning back on his chair and looking on seemingly attentively, though his gaze sweeps the room and settles somewhere on the Setarcan benches.

Kiera quietly joins drake and thea on the valardin benches

Samantha has left the Voices of the Realm.

Auda slips in quietly, making her way to the commoner benches with barely a look around. Just a dipped nod for the odd person she knows.

Auda has joined the Commoner Benches.

Samantha has joined the Grayson Benches.

Udell stands from his seat with some slight hesitation and looks over the gathered throng before inclining his head respectfully. He opens his hands in genuflection and looks upwards slightly before he speaks, raising his voice to all:

"Faithful and cherished Peers, everyone, let us welcome the Gods among us for this assembly so that we might praise Them in upholding Their ideals for the good of all. May Vellichor grant us the wisdom to do what is needed, Gloria grant us the strength and resolve to do what is right, and the Sentinel watch over us all in the holy grace of Sanctuary while all meet in the spirit of hope and cooperation. May all the Gods remind us of Their virtues on this day and guide the choices made here."

With this, he bows his head once again, retaking his seat solemnly.

Patrizio dips his head respectfully during the benediction, before his head lifts once more to consider those settled at the head table.

The blessing delivered, Corban resumes his seat and glances down at his paper once more. "I note that there are no agenda items planned for this Assembly, and so we will proceed directly to the reports from each of the fealties of the Compact. For its part, the Crown notes with approval and gratitude the outpouring of generosity and charity towards the refugees of Bastion from the people of Arx and pledges its ongoing concern and support for the Crownlands during this time."

With that, then, he turns towards Lou. "Have the Crownlands further to share with the Assembly?"

Ryhalt rises for the blessing before settling once more in the Valardin seating.

Raven rises and stands with her head bowed respectfully during the benediction and sits when her betters have settled. She flashes a quick smile and dip of her head when those she knows aknowledge her prescence.

Edris bows his head respectfully as the blessing is spoken, remaining quiet as he retakes his seat and continues to listen to the proceedings.

Alarissa rises with the others for the benediction in a rustle of brocade, silk and feathers till Udell finishes and with a bow of her head to the Archlector, takes her seat again.

Lucita keeps to a respectful demeanor through the opening and benediction. She remains silent as she listens carefully.

Lou bows her head when the prayers are said, and then rises to speak on Grayson's behalf when called forward. "Plans for Bastion are coming along nicely, so far. We've got smaller groups for everything we want to do in place and nearly ready to go. If all goes well with those groups, all within the Compact are invited to help us make a final push to retake the city."

Grady's offering of something from a waxed paper packet to Keely is interrupted by his scramble to rise respectfully for the benediction, but he goes back to it once everyone's sitting down again.

Alis has been engaged in quiet but amused conversation with Sebastian since seated, though she bows her head respectfully and joins the rest in prayer when Udell provides that benediction for them. That done, she glances over towards the Valardin benches to seek out the fellow Oathlanders and greet them silently.

Medeia quietly joins in standing for the benediction before settling back into her seat to turn her attention to Corban and the Voices of the Realm. Something said quietly among the Islanders has her bowing her head to hide what might be a smirk.

Tesha bows her head respectfully, closing her eyes as Udell leads the blessing. When he's done, she opens her eyes and resumes quietly watching the assembly unfold. She returns Alis' silent greeting with a dip of her head to their High Lord.

Vitalis rises to stand and bow his head for the benediction, a murmured affirmation following, before settling again.

Keely rises and sits along with everyone else, and as Grady crinkles his parchment packet in and out of his coat pocket, she has to bite her lips together, a flutter of full lashes accompanying the closing of her eyes. Judging from the curl at the corners of her mouth and the way her gloved fingers grip one another, she is fighting off a laugh.

Watcher has joined the Commoner Benches.

Corban nods his head during Lou's report, making a point of being quite attentive like he has seen the King do. "Thank you, Princess Lou," says the First Captain. "Assuming no comments beyond our continued commitment of support to this endeavor, what has the Mourning Isles to report?"

Lou inclines her head to Corban and retakes her seat in the place Liara usually occupies.

Monique has joined the Valardin Benches.

Alarissa rises in that rustle of fabric and thunk of arm against the edge of the table. "The Mourning Isles at this time has nothing to bring before the Crown that has not already been presented in the past." Her voice pitched to carry as far as it can. "We thank the crown for the privilege and opportunity, if there had been." And with that, she takes up the seat again, with that delicate chin lifted just a fraction.

Corban nods his head once to Alarissa. A succinct report! His head then turns to Alis. "The Oathlands, Your Grace?"

"Thank you, Sir Corban. The Oathlands likewise has nothing new of note to present to the Assembly at this time." Alis reports succinctly, her voice carrying just as if she were addressing a battlefield army. This is kind of the same, right? Right!

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

Sir Corban's quill moves down his page. Well! Another one down. He then notes Sebastian. "And the Saffron Chain?"

Deva has joined the Voices of the Realm.

Pushing to his feet, Sebastian takes a moment to smooth down his jacket, perhaps unnecessarily, though one could guess it's merely force of habit. He has an effortless charm that he uses even in a moment like this, his smile brilliant as he announces, "House Pravus flourishes, and we bring no news to the Assembly." With a tip of head towards Sir Corban, he re-takes his seat.

Deva juggles some notebooks and pens under her arm. Ponytail askew, like she just ran miles to get here, she smiles with deep apologies and head bowing before settling into Redrain's seat at the table.

Raven looks up and watches Sebastian attentively then there's a sigh and her frame relaxes a bit. No business is good business today it seems.

{"Flourishes. Very good, Prince Sebastian. Thank you." A mark from Corban on his sheet. He notes the poor haggard Deva's approach. "And what word from the Northlands?"

"The Northlands are well as ever, working on some projects, nothing of note to report to the assembly," Deva announces, with a brisk smile for Corban and then the Redrain benches.

"Ah. And no news is good news from the Northlands. Very good, then. And." Corban glances down at a sheet before him. "And I am told there is no word from the Lyceum. So ..." After pausing for the flaming ballistae public service announcement, Corban continues. "We come to our open forum. If you would like to address the Crown and Voices of the Realm, step forward, if you are a peer. If you are a commoner, a peer must sponsor your petition."

Something said at the table has Alarissa's eyes wide and looking horrified. Utterly horrified!

Deva is very obviously drawing something on a piece of paper while glancing up occasionally with such innocence at Alarissa across the table.

Corban looks around, his eyes scanning the floor this way and that when no one comes forward to claim the floor. Anyone? Anyone? Buehler? Anyone?

From the Setarcan benches, Patrizio's looking around, as if surprised that there's no one rising to speak, and quietly takes another sip of his flask. His flask containing something delicious and probably flammable.

Raven watches the horrified expression of Alarissa with idle curiousity, her gaze flittering over others at the table as if curious who has earned such a reaction out of the Princess.

"Now would be the time to bring something to our attention if there are issues you ned aid with or the Compact needs to adjudicate or be aware of," Lou remarks as a reminder. "It will be a few months before the next meeting happens. Likely after whatever happens at Bastion, at the very least." Or, so Lou is assuming!

"Well. Seeing nothing and there being no business laid before the Assembly." Sir Corban rises to his feet. "On behalf of the Crown, I hereby declare this Assembly of Peers ended. I thank you all for

Deva is overheard praising Corban: Such efficiency!

Monique has left the Valardin Benches.

coming and joining us."

Thea has left the Valardin Benches.

Alis is overheard praising Corban: Record set for shortest Assembly!

Desma enters the Assembly just as it finishes and 'ohs' before backing out slowly.

Alarissa is overheard praising Corban.