It's not a formal dinner requiring a dress code, but House Redrain always embraces delicious and hearty meals. There are roasted meats and fresh greens and bread still hot from the kitchen ovens. Deva is seated already with a map taking up a good chunk of the space before her, along with a stack of notes and spare quills. "Welcome, please make yourselves comfortable," she greets warmly, rising to help show people to empty seats and make sure the staff come by with drink orders. "Unheard of times aside, I hope you are all doing well?"

For the first time in months, easily, Gwenna is actually not dressed in armor despite the times. She gives the staff friendly smiles as she makes her way to the table. "Thank you for scheduling this," is offered to Deva and then she takes a seat with a good view of the map. A white wine eventually makes its way to her, since that seems to be her usual drink. "It is hard to complain while still taking air into the lungs, I figure," she says with a chuckle.

Rosalind was here eaaarly, so every missed her rushed entrance. But as they come trickling in, the Ravenseye is quick with a smile and wave. "Hi,"she greets. "Thanks princess Deva for doing this,"while piling food on her plate and grabbing a drink. Rosa is shameless.

Trailed not by her usual two guards, Elgana arrives with four, but she eyes them, and they quietly shuffle off, leaving her with her lady's maid, Lille, who whispers something before making her exit. A warm smile is given to those present as she makes her way toward libations first, a whiskey soon in hand. "Family! It is so good to see you," she says brightly as she makes her way toward where that map rests spread across the table. She pauses at Gwenna's side to give her favorite cousin a half hug, cautious of both drinks. "And extremely good to see you," she says to Gwenna before that smile lifts toward Deva. "And you cousin. I echo the sentiment. It has been too long since I've enjoyed a dinner such as this." Before she settles into a seat, she gives Rosalind a friendly wave.

Mirk arrives a little early to find a seat and make himself comfortable, looking a little tired but none the worse for wear. He leans forwards, head propped against his hands with his elbows on the table, and looks over the map. "Thank you for extending the invitation to the fealty, as well," he says in a low, rumbling voice. "It feels like it's been far too long since I've sat down with the other families in the Northlands. It seems like we've all been occupied with matters that concern our own House."

"Breathing is an excellent sign, true enough," Deva smiles brightly at Gwenna, and gives the woman's outfit a keen look. "You look marvelous. I wish I had a fifth of your eye for outfits," a finger taps to the side of her head, eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm so glad you could make it, cousin," she directs toward Elgana with a grin and a fluttering of her fingers in greeting. "Even if we don't hammer out everything today, I thought it would be good to at least see familiar faces and see if we can collaborate. It's true, I imagine we've all had other matters," she gestures toward Mirk and nods in brisk agreement. "We don't lack for problems to tend to, that's for sure. To that end, is there anything that anyone in this room needs help with? We can address that first, before we venture on to the problems facing the compact at large."

Gwenna's smile broadens at the sound of Elgana's voice, and remains wide as her cousin takes a seat. "And extremely good to see you, too," she says while returning the hug - equally cautious of not spilling their surely much-needed drinks. Mirk's words lead her to nod her head a few times. "I have rarely known you to be idle even in quieter times, my friend. I can only image what little sleep you must be getting these days. Still, it is exceptionally good to see you and I'm so glad you took time to come." Deva's words make her glance at her outfit and she beams a smile back to her. "You are too kind. It was an outfit I had made right before the attack on the Whisper House. I never really got a chance to wear it much." Glancing over the map next, she says, "I don't have a particular path in mind myself, though I can report that our finances and resources are strong enough to lend support to others should we not decide on an exact path as House Redrain."

"The Compact has never lacked for its problems, that's certain," Elgana muses after a moment, thoughtful. The whiskey in hand remains ignored for the moment as she holds it and swirls the rich liquid about in its glass. "But I have nothing that is pressing upon me that I cannot lend support where required." She tips her dark head toward Gwenna as she mentions the state of finances for the House. "Trouble plagues the Isles on every side, and of course, there is the matter of Bastion. Though, the latter seems inundated by assistance, as it should be, on every front."

Wincing, Deva nods solemnly to Elgana. "I agree-- Bastion seems well supported by many, naturally so, but I do fear for Thrax in the days ahead. The continuation of Helianthus rebellion and denying leadership could cause even greater problems. I should think us of having solid ties with the Isles, and supporting them and their progressive reforms would be in everyone's best interest. In a similar vein, solidifying support of the Faith may also be a good step to take. And there's always the vines on the Shrine of Lagoma..." There is a quiet groan and a rubbing of her forehead. "We could reinforce the Thrax should they want the help. Focusing on the Faith may be more-- broadly accepted?" An uncertain shrug of her shoulder follows.

"The Isles, indeed, seems to be caught on all sides," Gwenna says, agreeing with Elgana. "I wondered about offering them our help, or by leading our own campaigns in that regard. Ivan and his agent did attack our shipping, and putting down the unrest there would certainly ease any further troubles we might have on the waters. We have holdings up along the northern coastline who could certainly benefit from our taking a stand." She pauses to glance to Rosalind. "Stormheart's shipyards could be effected if things keep on, after all. How those Mourning Islander houses sympathetic to Ivan's claims might reacte to Northern interference..." She lifts her shoulders in a quick shrug. "I wondered, too, about the vines. It's not like the Traitor hasn't spread his darkness in just one place, and he is a particular enemy of ours. So...yes. It is hard to decide."

Rosalind sighs at Gwenna's, nodding her head. "That's why Aella went home I believe. Things are esculating and she wanted to be home." She loses interest in her food now, growing thoughtful. "The vines I'm told aren't really vines,"she admits. "They're uh---icky bugs."

"My suggestion, then, would be to examine potential plans," Mirk suggests to Gwenna and Deva. "What can you actually do, and which of those would do the most good? You could, I think, address most of these issues. Dominus Waldo's followers - the word of Redrain would count a great deal for the Faith, I think. You could likewise soothe the traditionalists, as the word of those who traditionally buck tradition, like the most independent-minded Redrains, would go far. I'm not sure what can be done about the vines, in all honesty, and Ruin is best countered with diplomacy, the forging of treaties with one another."

"It's true," Deva says lowly, looking toward Rosalind. "They are bugs, disguised, and disturbingly resistant. I was there shortly after they appeared, and there was a great deal of anguish all around. I'm not sure the answer to that one is easy, although we could throw efforts behind research." Reaching for a glass, she listens to Mirk with a thoughtful tilt of her head before nodding briskly. "My first instinct is to support the faith-- it never hurts to solidify our ties there, and stable leadership there means more stability for all of us. Truthfully I'm not sure how else to soothe the traditionalists other than what we have backed to date, but I am fully open to suggestions on that front."

A glance is sent toward Rosalind as Gwenna brings up the shipyards, a thoughtful nod given. "Gwenna is right about all of that," she sighs before finally indulging in a sip of her whiskey. "We don't want to draw unnecessary attention to ourselves if we can avoid it. But we shouldn't let our allies struggle against the tide rising against them, either." She shrugs almost helplessly as she glances at those gathered. To Deva, she nods and says, "Focusing on the Faith would do much good, especially to those who eye our treating with the Spirits warily. It never hurts to remind them that we all walk in the grace of the Pantheon." When Mirk speaks, she listens and nods in places. "Truly spoke," she says with a wave of her glass in his direction and a smile. Her mouth curves into a small, if pleased smile, as she adds on: "And it would never bother me if we showed that Traitor that while they may have certain strength on their side, we are not toothless. Nor shall we be shaken in our Faith." Her nose crinkles in response to Rosalind's explanation about the vines. "Gross as it sounds, that checks out with how things play out with that one."

Gwenna bobs her head to Rosalind a few times. "I suspected as much. The Traitor does love his disgusting bug minions," she says with a wrinkle of her nose. She listens to Mirk, taking a few sips of her wine as she does so. "Sir Preston and the Templars have come to our aide no few times, so assisting them could certainly show our good faith with the Faith itself. I wondered about the Traditionalists, to be honest, but worry that considering our recent acceptance of Prodigal houses might be something they throw back at us. As well, I do not wish to cause concern in the Northlands. While we certainly can't accept new houses now, with things as they are, I do not want any tribes to feel that door is closed with us. We may need them." A sigh escapes as she turns and listens to both Deva and Elgana, head nodding and a few more sips of wine lowering what's in her glass. "There are merits in each of these paths but, I think, of them all? We might have the most impact with the Faith. It shows the Compact that we are true followers and support the Faith, even as we continue to worship the spirits. It sounds like we might all be leaning more in that direction, maybe?"

"Beautifully said," Deva cracks a smile at Elgana, glass lifted in the woman's direction. "And unshakeable we shall be." Leaning toward Gwenna, she taps a few fingers on the map in front of them both and smiles wider. "Exactly right, we may. I pray we can keep that door open in a way that balances out. And I think you are right, it sounds as if we agree on that approach. It is both important and a place where we can do good, as all of you have said," she then gestures toward those at the table and sinks back into her chair a bit. "So what shall we do to back the Faith? We could invite a tour of them among our lands, we can always back financially, and we can always spread the good word of the Dominus and lend him further credibility. You mentioned Stormwatch earlier," she gestures toward Gwenna and then looks to Rosalind, "Perhaps our focus should be there, where it can spread the most influence to the Isles as well."

"I always like giving tours of my home,"Rosa says. "And if it's going to have an even bigger purpose, then I'm even more on board." She has FOOD?! WHAT FOOD?! "Our village itself is quite a hike up the mountains, but as long as no one minds the trek...,"she starts. Because yeah, the northern place of ships and such, would reside in the mountains...right?

"A show of unity with the Faith, perhaps, in a place where it would hold the most symbolic significance," Mirk says thoughtfully. "Never underestimate the power of a good symbol." He shrugs a shoulder dismissively, clearly not having anything more specific. "I would happily help with it, to show that our shamans are also faithful followers of the Pantheon."

Gwenna taps at her lips a couple of times while looking over the map. "We could reach out to the Faith and see if they have any particular suggestions. A tour of the lands, though, seems like a way to allow everyone a hand in their own holdings response," she agrees and then looks back up when Mirk speaks. "Perhaps a tour that culminates in something at Farhaven? Everyone comes together to...a symbol. Maybe we could create a garden meant to represent the pantheon. Not a statue to each god and goddess, as that gets tricky with how some feel about Tehom, but...a general place of worship? With plants and perhaps a small pool so as to honor the spirits as well?"

"Absolutely," Elgana agrees with further emphatic nods. "If we throw our weight behind the Faith it will accomplish twofold things, lending credibility to the Dominus and ensuring others that even we in the Northlands are faithful, unshakably so." She grins at her cousins. "So it seems we have begun to set a course." Gwenna's suggestion draws a sound of excitement from Elgana and more of those curl bobbing nods. "Yes, I love this. Something that brings together the love we share for the spirits and the gods. A public place, though, that will allow pilgrims to visit." Her eyes sparkle with delight as she leans back in her chair. "A garden space would be lovely and we could put elements of each of the gods and as Gwenna says a pool to honor the spirits. All of this with the tour would certainly send a powerful message."

"If you want it to be a little more targeted..." Mirk says thoughtfully, as he listens to the plan take shape. "The Stormwall has a great many ships coming in from the Mourning Isles. You could use it as a chance to encourage visitors to those to become involved in the pilgrimage, let those of them who had bought into the heresy come forward and attempt to get back into good standing with the Faith. You might learn more about what corners the heresy is spreading from, that way, and perhaps get a high profile reconciliation or two." He gestures with open hands. "That's all just me thinking out loud, though."

There's a cheer from Rosalind. Obviously in agreement. "That's a great idea! It strengthens our relationship in every way! Ravenseye will help in any way it can."

"We could even get the Dominus' brother, Fortunato, to collaborate with northern artists and help us design some sculptures there," Deva's face lights up at Gwenna's suggestion, and even though she's probably the worst person to take notes she is trying -so hard- and begins scribbling furiously with a quill in left hand. She's so rapid that she smears ink around on her hand, but for now that plight is ignored. "You are an excellent hostess, Rosa," she smiles warmly at the Ravenseye and tips her head in the woman's direction. "A good symbol lasts where words sometimes drift. It's a very keen point," she waggles her glass at Mirk before resuming her notes. "I am so glad we could all come together to chart this course. I think it will do a great good for others as well as invest in our people. "It would seem we have next steps to take, then! We can inquire with the other houses to see if they would lke to engage as well?" Her lips press together and she nods to Mirk. "It could be a great starting spot to work back to Farhaven, I quite like that."

Northuldra, 2 Blackwood trained guards arrive, following Cadern.

Gwenna leans back in her chair and smiles as she listens to everyone, head eventually bobbing before she speaks again. "Brilliant, all of those suggestions. Having Fortunato be a part of the designing process would be wonderful, if he might agree to such. I don't know him well but I believe you do, Elgana? And I suspect you as well, Deva? Drawing people in at Stormwall and along the coast is an excellent idea, Mirk, and I agree...you are an amazing host, Rosalind. How could anyone turn such a thing down?" She finishes her wine and grins. "It does, indeed, sound like we've a great place to start."

Cadern slinks in more than fashionably late stifling a bit of a yawn. He catches only enough it seems to ask, "We let Rosalind host things now?" There's a visible look of concern if no particular seriousness to his tone. Even as he flicks his gaze along the room curiously seeming to work to catch up on the topic and formulating plan.

"Ah, I love those ideas, Mirk. That would be a fantastic way to help bring the wayward back into the fold. And glean some information at the same time." The mention of Fortunado gets Elgana's smile to warm further as she nods to Gwenna. "I would be happy to reach out to Fortunado to see if he would be interested at all. Even if perhaps it would be to lend suggestions." Though to Deva, she adds, "Unless you wish to speak with him, of course, cousin." As Cadern enters, Elgana gives a waggle of her fingers in greeting but says to Rosalind, "I wouldn't turn it down. I think I'm overdue for a tour of the northlands again, especially your lands."

"I bother poor Fortunato all the time, so you're welcome to do so, cousin!" Deva flashes an easy-going grin between Gwenna and Elgana, gesturing toward the latter with an upturned palm. "If you do see him, please ask him about his hand. It was very sparkly for a time after the incident at the shrine. I'm sure he would love to tell you all about it." That vague information shared with a mischievous bounce of both brows, she leans back in her seat and looks up as Cadern arrives. "We don't -let- anyone do anything, Rosalind can do exactly as she damn well pleases. But you are, of course, welcome to host as well." There's a grin that remains, brow lifting. "We will be inviting the Faith to a tour of our lands, and throwing our support behind current leadership. It will culminate in Farhaven, with a physical symbol of our support of the Faith in a fashion that does not deny our connection to the spirits as well. Harmony."

Gwenna offers to Cadern when he arrives, head nodding to what Deva has said. "While also possibly swaying some of the Isles travelers to the cities along the coast to partake."

Rosalind grins at everyone. "You're all my favorite."

Khaavren, a dutiful assistant have been dismissed.

2 Redrain Guards have been dismissed.

2 Redrain Veteran Guards have been dismissed.

Cadern smiles brightly at Elgana as he considers the group and then responds to Deva in full seriousness, "Rosalind doing what she pleases is what I titled the childhood section of my memoirs." He nods, "Interesting, I was curious which way you'd lean. Sounds good, we should be careful about the islanders it's a pity we don't have more knights of Solace and Templars in our ranks, perhaps if we're open to it we should see if this is an opportunity to increase their recruiting if we're open to it. It would help us long term if our people were more open to them... within... realistic limits." He says and then pauses, "Speaking of the Faith, Oswyn wants to set up library's in all the fealties. I'm rather fond of the idea. Mikani wants one in Crovane, But I was curious if you all wanted one in Redrain lands otherwise I was going to see about one over on the western side" He gestures towards Mirk, "where some people won't complain as much in case he gets hungry for books."

"It's not like I devour them in any sense except the metaphorical," Mirk says to Cadern in a dry tone, narrowing his eyes at the man. "Please, let me know how I can help with this project," he says to Deva. "I will happily support this effort."

Those brows loft at Deva's words, but she laughs and shakes her head. "Gods and spirits, I can only imagine the story behind /that/, but yes, I'd love to catch up with him. It has been far too long." Elgana chuckles, but she sobers as Cadern mentions the Templars. "It always makes me wonder what my brother, Leif, is up to these days," she sighs and takes a large swallow of her whiskey. "I'm certain he is busy with other duties, but perhaps a letter will find its way to him in hopes that perhaps he'd be able to slip away and assist. A recruitment drive wouldn't hurt matters, either." It is the topic of libraries that shakes away the gloom from Elgana. "That is a brilliant idea. I am for it and always willing to lend aid for such a project if desired."

Rosalind smiles. "I'd help build a library."

"Thank you, cousin. Will House Halfshav be hosting as well? Or would you like to chat about it with the Duchess?" Deva wonders of Mirk. "I'd be happy to talk to her too, I'm long overdue for a drink with Khanne. Gods know we have much to catch up on over these years." Her smile is briefly distant, but no less fond. "I'm sure they would enjoy recruitment opportunities-- one of my dearest friends, Cassius, was a northern Knight of Solace. I'm fond of the organization and would like to see more involvement of ours with them as well. I certainlywouldn't oppose a library, even though I don't spend as much time in them as I should," and she casts a small smile between Cadern and Mirk. "He has made mention of a mural to me before as well-- perhaps it's something he would like to incorporate. Or not! Might be totally separate projects. Regardless, I'm sure he will tell you all about our shrine experiments and how his hand-- well, I won't spoil it," her eyes twinkle and she bobs her head gratefully to Elgana. "Thank you. I will send word to the Dominus and other leaders in the Faith to share our intention and see if we can coordinate further in the time being. Any other matters we should address today?" she inquires, looking around the table at large.

Cadern grins at Mirk, "Allegedly." He nods, "If no one's against it I'm sure we'll be asking for donations to fund the creation from around the fealty. Thank you, more hands will make for lighter work. Given the plans for pilgramages perhaps we can look for wider blessings for the planned sites. I think the idea is to be able to... show a unified appreciation for knowledge across our civilization more than encouraging anyone to spend more time there. But I think for the North it becomes an important piece we more than most have lost more than we should have. I think all of this can help us to...reinforce the sense that the north is an... integrated parth of the Compact and the Faith." He looks to Elgana and then to Deva as they mention relatives and friends in the religious orders, "I'm sure they're all keeping particularly busy they both have...difficult legacies they've inherited and now more than ever they hold an impossible line that we're all grateful for."

"Under the circumstances, I can promise Halfshav's support," Mirk says with a firm nod of his head. "Though I'll write Duchess Khanne and see if she'd like to be involved, as well; I know she usually has ideas of her own, when it comes down to it. I will be donating to the planned library as well, though I'll take some time to think about the particulars of that."

Elgana dips her head at Cadern's words, but she can't suppress the sigh that breaks her smile. "True enough. And I am ever thankful for them both." Her gaze slants towards Deva then as she chuckles, "You are too kind not to spoil such a surprise. My mind is going to race in every direction until I can hear the words right from his lips." It is at that moment that Lille pops back up at Elgana's side, a murmur whispered into her ear that has the Redrain giving a furrow of her brow before she nods and rises. To those gathered, she gives an apologetic smile, "I must attend to something. Please forgive me for leaving such a gathering so soon." And off she goes, the guards and Lille following behind her.

Lille, the dauntless companion have been dismissed.

2 Redrain Guards have been dismissed.

2 Redrain Veteran Guards have been dismissed.

Cadern inclines hishead to Mirk, "Execllent." He says and he waves to Elgana watching her go and then glancing to Deva and to Rosalind and he says to Rosalind, "You're not planning to hide things around the forest for pilgrims to find right?" He says with clear worry. He says as he starts to get up as people start clearing out.