Scarf, the violet serpent arrives, following Raymesin.

Terese happily accepts a cup of warm cider, sipping it and listening attentively for the meeting to begin. There is no hint of emotion on her face but she tries to keep a warm an supportive pressence

Alis lifts her cup in greeting as more familiar faces appear; Patrizio, Audgrim, Terese. "I'll drink to that, Master Wild." is agreed, both hands curling back around the cup now that she's toasted people with it.

Raven has been writing up a flurry of messengers and occasionally pausing to dryheave. Looking miserable and carrying a waterskin she emerges from a tend and makes her exhausted way towards the command tent looking pale and drenched in feverish persperation regardless of the cold. She blink-blinks, "Prince Patrizio." Her jade eyes owlishly wide if dully and glassy looking, "I had not expected to see you here."

Keely sits up a little on her perch beside Corban around the fire, gazing distantly into the flames for a time. She looks exhausted despite having done not a thing since arriving, her face pale and tearstained and the rest of her entirely consumed by a soft, charcoal-colored blanket.

"Your grace." Patrizio's flask is lifted in response when he notices Alis' doing so, before there's the faint smile and a nod to Raven, moving over towards her, and another breath makes itself visible before his features. "Should I not be here? If there's to be a suggestion of fire, perhaps I should be the one to make it, rather than be blamed later." There's a hint of a tease about the matter, and then a chuckle and a shrug. "I figured I ought be here, regardless. If only to also be aware of what's to be afoot, in case other troubles find us while the battle rages."

A crowd has gathered in the command pavilion, including among them some senior officers in Grayson livery. Liara is there, out of her armour for the moment and clad instead in winter clothing. There are no chairs - standing space only. As the appointed time for the council to begin arrives, Liara looks around, and then speaks up to address those gathered, and likely anyone in earshot just outside the pavilion too.

"We have recently received a final report from scouts in Grayhold. As with much of the city, our enemy's touch is evident there." A faint purse of her lips and she continues, "He has used the bodies of the dead to create abominable creatures. The scouts engaged a number. They are dangerous and difficult to destroy. We can only guess at how many there are; one might assume that it is as many as there were dead and the Traitor's pawns had the means to create."

She carries on, returning to slightly more familiar territory. "There is also the prospect of a number of Abandoned being arrayed against us. There has been significant Abandoned activity both in and on the outskirts of Bastion. A substantial number of these are not aligned with the Traitor, and we expect them to remove themselves promptly at the first sight of our banners. However, we cannot assume that of all of them."

An instant's pause, "Besides this, many of the other threats previously present in the city have been resolved to some extent. The harbour is usable and the creatures within it safely removed. The status of the cathedral district is unclear, but it can be skirted and disposed of after Grayhold if the Traitor's leavings are yet present."

A look around the gathering follows. "If anyone has further information to add, I welcome that input now."

Caspian smiled to Terese as she took the cider, and then bowed his head to Alis as she responded to his toast. he looked to Raven, rose and moved to hold out a blanket to the woman, feverish as she was. "you should take a moment to sit..." he looked to Liara and fell silent as she began to speak.

"Gargantuans?" Felicia can't help but ask of Liara from her spot.

Raven steps forward and bows, "Highlord, I have information which is relevant." She manages to project so those gathered can hear her even if her voice sounds a tad wane, "By your leave?"

Raymesin ducks into the tent at the back of the gathering, and a few moments later is leaning against one of the pavilion's poles with a tankard in his hand, listening in silence.

Tesha is standing in the back of the crowd that has gathered in the command pavillion. She was on hand to provide military expertise, but she was hear to listen and to see if any of her experiences from going back to Bastion could help them. She gives quiet greetings to those that she knows, but quiets when Liara starts to speak.

Liara gives a faint incline of her head to Felicia. "They are a possibility. We might assume that at least one Sylv'alfar mage is present."

Then she turns her attention to Raven, upturning her hand. "Please, go ahead."

A red haired woman in hood and extremely worn leathers appears at some point along the edges of the gathering. There's little to mark her, and she makes no efforts to provide any.

Alis begins making notes as Liara speaks; things she can pass along to any who will need it in the field before they come upon the enemy. "Is it known where they gather, yet? If we can cut off the abandoned, it's even more likely they will leave once they see the banners raised? Assuming that hasn't been discussed already, I mean." They could very well have those plans. Though when Raven speaks up and is given leave to provide more information, her quill pauses and she looks up intently to listen.

The tall, thin form of Raymesin is soon followed by another tall figure that takes up post to stand beside his fellow Ulbran. Wagner doesn't hold his typical sneer, but he does suck his teeth once before nodding to Raymesin in silent greeting, pale eyes beginning to drift over the crowd as he settles in to listen.

Icelyn has stepped in quietly to observe, standing at the back of the room straight postured. Her eyes scan across the gathering.

(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: There is a substantial gathering in the large command pavilion at the centre of the camp. It's standing room only, not a chair in sight.

Terese is listening with full attention given, she is sipping her cup of cider while sitting near the fire, no blankent covers. She still has no real readible emotions as she listens

Patrizio turns his eyes to Raven when she speaks, and is given leave to do so, and the flask is drawn down, as if he's putting his full attention on the briefing being given.

Keely appears to have a subtle, wordless exchange with Audgrim, and a moment later is lifting something to tuck behind her ear.

Lucrezia stalks along through the forest and into the camp. Land is not her domain, but she has come to listen at the very least. She comes to lean against a tree as she listens to the meeting, an anchor to keep her from pacing.

"They're gathered in places across the city, is my understanding." Prince Aindre says, finally speaking up from where he's been quietly standing in his warm winter cloak, his words for Highlord Alis, "They're less one unified fighting force and more an array of tribes drawn in by the promise of having a city for themselves to divide up if they can hold onto it. Some of them may cling to that dream more stubbornly than others when put up against trained soldiers. Some of them might fight simply because being pushed out into the Gray Forest in the cold of winter can be a death sentence all alone. At any rate, I expect some of them will try and make a stand."

Raven draws in a deep breath, "I relayed your request to the scouts and have received a report that the city does not seem to be a shardhaven but is suffused with a perverted, sickly magic which is often Legion's calling card. This magic originates from Grayhold and spreads outwards. Additionally, a flash-like a vision but quick like the blink of an eye-was seen. A carpet of crimson red flower with blood on their pettles like dew-being devoured by legion. I messengered Lord Ian Kennex and he seems to believe the flowers are elfblight orchids and that this vision indicates the armies may be facing not just Shav-but Sylv'alfar."

Liara looks to Alis at the question, and then defers to Aindre's answer with a small incline of her head. Then she looks over to Raven, listening intently and with a growing frown. A simple question follows: "What would be the source of the magic within Grayhold?"

The jade eyes are watching, flicking from speaker to speaker when the briefings are being given, but there's a faint - but distinct - frown from Patrizio when Raven speaks about the fact that there are greater dangers than simply the Abandoned within Grayhold. Though that has him looking now to Liara, his well-plucked brows descending slightly as he's weighing question asked, and the gaze strays about to see who might answer it.

"Understood." is Alis initial reply to Aindre, brow furrowing in concern. It certainly doesn't get any better with what Raven reports to them all, and a breath is taken in so it can be let go slowly. It's obviously less than ideal.

"Bastion, like Sanctum and the Necropolis of Arx, was crafted using magic in the time before the Reckoning. So the stones themselves would retain some of that primum." Felicia elects to grunt thoughtfully, sipping her adulterated coffee.

Tesha has joined the House Grayson's command pavilion.

Felicia has joined the House Grayson's command pavilion.

Alis has joined the House Grayson's command pavilion.

Raven shakes her head, "It would have been suicide to get close enough to tell. Usually it's some artifact or some desecration ritual that roots power in some native source of primum but the truth is I don't know and finding the answer is likely to be exceptionally dangerous. All I can do is speculate, I don't know." She tugs off her ruclsack, drops it, then flops on it.

Audgrim has joined the House Grayson's command pavilion.

Watcher has joined the House Grayson's command pavilion.

Caspian listened to the others speak, not being able to offer much insight of his own. Black eyes flitted around those gathered, noting the faces of those who had come to help. as the council spoke of Sylv'afar, he exhaled slowly. "it was good work, the scouting that was done." he nodded, "know a lot more then we might have."

Raven gives Caspian a sidelong look.

Tesha shudders a little at the reminder of what she and others had seen the last time they were here. Her side also remembered the trip given wounds were still pink from it. She gives a frown when more reports are given. She quietly takes down the information as others speak.

Raymesin has joined the House Grayson's command pavilion.

Raja finds a place in the back, leaning against whatever is around to lean on. The Culler woman remains silent, gleaning information where she could.

Raven says, "All I can say is that Grayhold is the seat of the power that permeats the area."

"There does not need to be a source for the magic, I don't believe. Not that I'm saying there is not one present in Grayhold.", Prince Aindre adds in the wake of both Raven and Liara. "The Traitor himself entered the crypts beneath Grayhold, it's possible the infection of his very presence simply lingers there. I have seen something similar in the Gray Forest, after whole villages and towns have been harvested. A foul corruption begins to taint the area." He pauses for a moment, thoughtfully, and also a little sadly before adding, "If there was a source to be found, I would stake much on it being the tree that was found in the crypts so much like a ritual of desecration." He turns to Raven then, "Your vision does sound like it involved elfblight orchids. Visions are tricky though. It could mean anything from a possible Sylv'alfar presence to a flash of metaphor involving the Traitor disarming us of our weapons and allies further as he's so skillfully been working at already."

"It is my understanding that that holds true even of Bastion's outer walls. If it is an object within Grayhold, perhaps a jewel, for example, would simply striking it with a hammer suffice to deal with the problem?" Liara muses after the information provided. "If there is no discernible focus point, how then do we remove it?"

Liara takes another look about the gathering and adds, "Before we delve too deeply into this specific matter, if anyone else has information to add in any way pertinent to Bastion, please add it, and we shall deal with each item in turn."

Raymesin murmurs something to Wagner, but for the most part he's listening and drinking whatever's in that tankard. "Can't recommend smashin' somethin' with that kinda power," he offers with a flicker of a smile. "I mean, do it by all means, but I want ter be about three 'undred miles away when yer do."

Raven gives up her attempt at pretense, " I could -feel- the sickly magic that threads through the city and originates in Grayhold, in something there. For a second, the image of a carpet of crimson flowers dripping with blood like dew and a swarm of insects devouring them, permeated my mind, but then the image dissipates. There is dangerous magic in Grayhold. That is all that I know. That there is something in Grayhold that is the origin point."

Terese is still quietly listening, she does take a mental note of Alis?s reaction but nothing changes about her manner as she sips more cider and eats another muffin

"The first time we went to Bastion, a creature with flowers for eyes attempted to lure us into Grayhold proper saying that there was someone waiting for us there. I'd posit it's probably the so-called 'Lady of Flowers', but I don't know much more about her than the name." Felicia chimes in.

Wagner's lips twitch as if a frown, or a smile, may escape but neither one does. When Raja appears she gets a narrowed eye glance, but beyond that the pugilist only lifts his tankard in a silent toast of agreement as Raymesin makes his suggestion.

"I assume it will still be possible for us to retake the city, despite the foul magic emanating from within Grayhold?" Alis pipes up again, considering. "If so, perhaps dealing with whatever is in there last, is the safest course of action. Since we don't know what will happen if and when whatever is in there is dealt with. On the other hand, if that is dealt with first, it could weaken the other... whatevers, that hold the city." It makes sense in her head, surely.

There's no subtly to the lift of Patrizio's eyebrows at the description of the magic that's suffusing Grayhold. His flask once more makes the trip between its resting spot and his lips for him to take a pull from the thing, a good swallow, and then there's a shake of his head. Felicia's words, too, draw his head slightly and he nods, as if that might well make sense to him. "It seems as fi we ought to be shoring up our own sources of magic, as paltry as they might be." And yet, a frown as if he murmurs, "A problem that cannot be solved with fire."

Watcher's eyes narrow very faintly as she listens.

Audgrim looks thoughtful as he remains quiet, listening closely to everything said. The Lady of Flowers seems new, so he looks curiously at Felicia there.

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

"I shall certainly take that into consideration, although the particulars of how we do deal with it are a mystery to me," Liara offers in response to Raymesin. She gives a little nod in understanding to Raven, then to Felicia, she suggests, "It has been speculated and seems a safe assumption that a mage is present. That may be it."

She looks over to Alis after that, saying, "It may have a corrupting influence. I believe it should be dealt with promptly." Then to Patrizio, she remarks, "I would be glad of such help from those able for such. However, we should have a contingency which remains operable without any such intervention."

Prince Aindre doesn't immediately speak up again when Liara's question about removing the source of corruption is heard. He opens his mouth and closes it again, seems to consider, then finally does step up and offer. "I believe the first step to cleansing Grayhold is simply to retake it, as is prudent from a military standpoint also. It's important that we take it and hold it because it means clearing out the rest of the city will be that much easier. It also leaves the shav who have gathered with a very clear warning that the winds are changing and it's their time to blow on out again. A warning I can only hope many of them heed, as the more of them we kill in this battle, the fewer of them there will be to fight at our sides in the much tougher battles to come..". A moment later, a little more hesitantly, he adds, "..But it's important to remember that the Traitor is fighting this war on many different levels. It's more than just a physical thing for him. In toppling Bastion he's convinced the Dream itself that the story he's telling it is true. The story of how he's mightier than we are, of how he deserves this godhood he's been working to achieve. When we take back Grayhold, the heart of House Grayson's power, it will show the Dream that we are not nearly as easy to push around as he believes. It'll be more than a physical act. It won't feel like magic, but in a way it will be."

Deva has been caught up working with Redrain troops, probably. She makes her way into the camp proper, armored and armed, and nods sharply to familiar faces-- Liara, Alis, and Aindre in particular. Her expression is particularly grim as she nears close enough to hear the conversation, but there is a determined clench to her jaw.

Lucrezia seems to have nothing to add for she listens without comment. Listening is hard, though, so she folds her arms beneath her breasts. Each speaker receives her spearing gaze. Her face is stony like she sees an enemy fleet off the horizon, but still she is silent.

Raven says, "If it were me I'd go all in sorted out whatever's at grayhold. Otherwise you're just going to do more damage to city, greater loss of life, and then be locked in a war of attrition, like trying to make a garden in a bed of thornweave but that's just me."

She snaps her fingers and points emphatically at Aindre and bobs her head. Both her good hand and somewhat uncoordinatedly her almost useless left arm joins in, "That. Yes. That. SO MUCH, THAT."

Alis nudges Deva in greeting when she appears nearby, glancing a certain way when she does so and resulting in a slight frown of concern. She can be heard muttering something like 'mightier than we are my ass' under her breath before stepping back to refill her cup.

Keely listens attentively to the proceedings, eyes moving from speaker to speaker. As Aindre takes his latest turn, the young princess watches him with growing admiration, a smile touching her presently-pale lips.

Terese is quietly considering everything being spoken. She is still where she has been sitting by the fire

A mindful nod from the Prince of Pravus when Aindre speaks, though his hand rises, briefly rubbing at his chin, the expression turning far more pensive. "There's going to come the point that we need make a sufficient stand to try to break out of the status quo. This might as well be it, in terms of the ongoing conflict, and if it draws out our foe more directly against us..." His voice trails off. And then a shake of his head. No, whatever was coming to mind is not helpful, at least to him.

Tesha looks to Aindre as he speaks and there is a nod to what he says. There is a look to the others that lend their words to the planning, but she's not offered her own for the moment. She clasps her hands in front of her as she continues to listen.

Liara turns her gaze attentively over to Aindre and listens in quietly, and supplies afterwards, "I entirely agree. Grayhold will be our focus." A few taps of her fingers at the table's edge, then, after seemingly considering the matter, "We have the option to move the army into the city as a cohesive whole. By not detaching elements which present targets to Abandoned, I suspect that no single group of them will dare to attack the entire army. However, that would pose a difficulty if the Traitor's creatures seek to ambush us."

Raven has joined the a cleared space around a firepit.

"Honestly, I wonder." Alis has apparently refreshed that cup of scalding caffeine. "Is it strength alone that will convince the Dream that the Traitor is worthy of anything? Being better than the Traitor, in word and deed and intention is something to consider as well. We mold the Dream with that as well, not just with what land we hold. But, also how we hold it. Yes?" Her voice trails off, slightly.

"I like the option to move our men as a single unit, at least initially.", Aindre says by way of agreeing with Liara. "When we were recently in the city, there were very few shav near Grayhold. Presumably, they're smart enough to avoid the corruption that's festering there. The abominations we put down inside were no easy dispatch." That said, he suggests, "I say we form a spearhead and sent it right into Grayhold. Once it belongs to us and we're certain it's clear, we can sweep Bastion to the outskirts from there. It will make an effective way of giving the shav who are camped there adequate chance to escape when the tides of battle turn against them." He pauses like he's searching for the right turn of phrase before he says confidently, "The less we fight them, the less soldiers we stand to lose. And I firmly believe that in these, our darkening days, every person is going to count." He nods in Prince Patrizio's direction, "It's as he said so succintly. If we're going to make a stand, Grayhold might as well be it. We'll have momentum from there."

Deva gives Alis' arm a squeeze as she settles into an open spot. She has no input at this time, but seems keen to listen and scribble some hasty notes as people chime in. "Mm. Every person counts," she seems to agree heartily, nodding as she looks around the camp.

Alis gives a very succinct nod of approval towards Aindre - he doesn't need it, but she gives it anyway because that's just what an Oathlander does. "Yes, every person." is verbally agreed with Deva as well. "You're going to want your strongest at the front of that spearhead. And your most stubborn. And a healer with a strong stomach most likely." is added.

"Indeed, your grace. This is a war of righteousness," Liara opines to Alis in fairly brisk reply. Then she looks back to Aindre, giving a couple of little nods, then her gaze turns over the rest of the tent. "Has anybody reason to suspect that there is a significant concentration of the Traitor's creatures anywhere in the city apart from within Grayhold? I myself am unaware of any."

Raven calls wearily, "Aye, it will. This is a beginning not an end. Life is precious. Almost as precious as choice." she echoes.

Raven says, "I have not seen any, highlord."

Reedy, a King's Own aide have been dismissed.

Deva salutes Raven for those words. "I've received no information to suspect that, Your Grace," she tells Liara.

Raja continues to listen before she is nudged. She sighs before righting herself and departing.

2 Culler Brutes, 1 Culler Boatswain leave, following Raja.

Icelyn has joined the House Grayson's command pavilion.

"You've already seen our report, High Lady, but a mage did possess one of our people when we freed the souls of the gargantuan at the harbor. It was, fortunately, temporary. But it... represents a trend we've been seeing. Souls tied to this plane, unable to move on to the Shining Lands and held in torment. The foci of these spells appears to be... necromantic rituals, for lack of a better word for it. Corpses bound in a particular place. And destruction of the object does appear to break the ritual..." Felicia's eyes flitter over the gathering,"...but be advised that it can also cause worse to appear. So if any encounter such an object, be very wary. Mark it, if possible, and avoid it. At least until it can be dealt with properly."

That particular bit of news from Felicia has Raymesin outright wincing. "Bugger."

Raven oh's and rises, "I have briefed the highlord but it bears reiterating: The Traitor now possesses the writs of the Fractals. I don't know the scope or limitations of his control but it bears noting for the battle and in general, something to keep in mind."

Alis sets her cup down after a rather large gulp of it. "If I may suggest..." is added. "Have a second force that waits to come in from just outside of the city when Grayhold is taken; we can't check every building and every alley and every entrance into the city beforehand. There could be abandoned, there could be creatures from the traitor hiding in the city buildings in wait to surround us. Let's not be trapped by our assumptions."

Liara draws in a faint breath before she replies to Felicia. "Thank you, Dame Felicia. If we encounter such within Grayhold, we shall have to break the ritual. Might I surmise that it would cause a demon to manifest?" She gives a small incline of her head to Raven and to Alis.

"As is being said, I also have no reason to believe the Traitor has a significant concentration of creatures anywhere in Grayhold still. Many lingered after the battle there, of course, but so many scouting parties have helped in no small way to search out and sometimes even remove the wandering remnants. At least wherever there are shav camped, we can be sure there likely are not lurking monstrosities. Not to mention I believe our foray into Grayhold just recently softened any sort of resistance we might find there. I killed..", he's saying, but he pauses again, "We killed..". He looks a little pained, if just briefly, before setting his jaw more tightly. "We removed what we believed to be the largest trap left in there for us. I'm not saying it will be easy, but easier by far than it would have otherwise been. The same can be said of all other scouting parties who have searched Bastion. It's been a fine work." By that point, the prince's expression is looking a little tightened too and he clears his throat. "If the war council will excuse me, I think I've said my part. I need some air." He moves to do that, stepping outside the command pavilion and back into the winter cold.

"Thank you," Liara says to Aindre, and then, earnestly, "That was most insightful."

Aindre has joined the a cleared space around a firepit.

Raven's gaze follows Aindre and there's a small, worried frown but she only offers a bow as he excuses himself. There's an owlish blink-blink-blink at Liara's question but fortunately Aindre answers and she seems to have nothing to add.

Keely has joined the a cleared space around a firepit.

"Yes." Felicia advises bluntly,"At least, that is what happened when we broke the one we encountered. If one appears and running isn't an option... hit it with everything you have. We didn't run when it first appeared, and did not have the force to face it... if it hadn't been tethered to the place we found it, my team would have been wiped out entirely."

Tesha listens intently as talk of the scouting groups and other things are brought up. She wondered how many others there had been. She does give a bit of a frown at some of the new information, but it was at least something that they might be able to handle.

"Running is not an option. Should we encounter any of these, then we shall indeed have to stand and fight," Liara advises Felicia, with a faintly pensive mien. A beat of pause, and she goes on, "Princess Alis makes a sound point. We shall leave our cavalry beyond the city, being less than useful if our primary goal is Grayhold."

Felicia gives a slight, acknowledging nod for Liara's words,"Wherever you need me, High Lady, there I shall be."

Patrizio has joined the a cleared space around a firepit.

Caspian has joined the a cleared space around a firepit.

Deva has joined the a cleared space around a firepit.

Raven wearily perches near the firepit, chatting with those gathered near it for warmth.

Willen arrives, following Lou.

Alis has spoken her piece, it seems, and gives those present a quick nod before heading to sit at the firepit and warm both her drink and her arm.

Alis has left the House Grayson's command pavilion.

Alis has joined the a cleared space around a firepit.

1 Templar Knight guards, Oliver, a page arrive, following Oswyn.

Liara takes a moment, likely in thought, then says, "Very good. We have the broad outline of a plan. The entire army, bar the cavalry, shall move into Bastion and proceed direct to Grayhold. Unless we are attacked, we will ignore any Abandoned. Once at Grayhold, I suggest that we proceed through every entrance possible, including the usage of ladders where feasible. It remains unclear how we might dispose of the magic within Grayhold, although, as Prince Aindre says, possession of the castle is powerful by itself. I am conscious, of course, that plans struggle to survive contact with reality."

She turns her gaze over the gathering, "If anybody wishes to address a more specific matter or detail, we might move to those now. That includes any questions people have about their own role in all of this."

Some number of hours have passed since Lou went to sleep in her tent, after being up all evening since her return from a Grayhold excursion the night before. For those that saw her earlier, she's changed clothes. Her messy hair is now brushed neat and pulled back out of her face. She still looks gaunt and completey and utterly traumatized, however. No matter the amount of cleaning up a person does, that doesn't wash away. There's also a new decanter of whiskey in her hands that she got from somewhere. She's making her way toward the fire pit when she hears the sounds of voices and she's a moment to actually register she's missed part of the meeting. In response, she takes a swig directly from her decanter of whiskey.

Oswyn also had a nap that went on a bit too long. The Archscholar, now with a sling securing his bandaged and splinted left arm to his chest, squints as he comes up to join the standing-room-only war council.

Vitalis appears back at the campsite after an indeterminate absence. He arrives just in time to hear a summary. Good. He sidles up to the Pathfinder, drawing near another late comer. "Apologies for being late to the discussion, Highness." Vitalis bows, "It may be known to others, but I've learned something about one of the mages. The one who ...assembled the gargantuan."

Liara's gaze finds Vitalis among the gathering, and she replies, "Very good. Please, go ahead, my lord."

Ian emerges from the medical tent, in the process of pulling a shirt over a very, very bandaged midsection. He knew the meeting was going on, he had to have, but either getting up was too difficult, or the medical staff were trying to keep him where he was. Hell, the medical staff could have been keeping him where he was by refusing to help him get up. Either way, he's here now, moving stiffly, and with a tension in his jaw, but showing no other real signs of pain.

Watcher stirs a little from where she's been standing. "If I may," she says, quietly, but she's close enough for that not to matter too much, "it's no guarantee Grayhold can be taken, even with the full force. Probably. Hopefully. The soldiers should certainly believe so. But if I were the Abandoned commander, if I had not been able to take the keep myself, or if I'd been unwilling to risk doing so, then I would certainly let you do it without resistance once I realized that's what you were attempting, and then I would prepare to close behind and wait to see what happened." She shifts in place, grimacing at something or other, and adds, "if you couldn't take it, I would pinch you between forces. If you could, I would attack from the rear when that became obvious. They've been there for a year, their supplies will last a siege." Pause. "But I am not them, I don't know their command strategy."

Oswyn has joined the a cleared space around a firepit.

Clowder of the Nine, they have been fed don't let them trick you, Shekies, A black and white marbled cat with yellow eyes, Capt'n Waddles the small cock with a bell, Ariesse - a spirited wildcat kitten arrive, following Zakhar.

Tesha looks curiously up when she hears Vitalis and there is a bit of a frown when the talk turns to the mages. She listens quietly though, hoping to learn more before the battle. Her stormy gaze goes between those who are speaking.

Clowder of the Nine, they have been fed don't let them trick you, Shekies, A black and white marbled cat with yellow eyes, Capt'n Waddles the small cock with a bell, Ariesse - a spirited wildcat kitten leave, following Zakhar.

Ian had enough trouble getting off the damned cot in the medical tent and isn't going to go sit on the cold ground, but he does stick around. He leans on his cane near the entrance to the medical tent and listens. He could easily pass unnoticed.

Vitalis listens to Watcher's words, eyes tracking to the strategists in the assembly. He is no battlefield commander. He draws up under Liara's call, "Yes, High Lord." He clears his throat, the normally quiet man lifting his voice to carry, "When Godsworn Juniper freed Thornweave from the Traitor's thrall, not all saw it as a boon. Oberion Thornweave's sister Helena is one. I believe that's one of the-" his eyes slip past Tesha, "-agents at work in Bastion."

Watcher's eyes narrow on Vitalis. Focus, rather than temper. It's apparently new information to her.

Ian has joined the a medical tent.

Liara hears out Watcher, giving a couple of little nods as she listens, then she replies, "They do not, to my knowledge, form a unified force. It is a valid concern all the same. One hopes that the presence of our reserve outside the city may deter meddling. However, if there are any suggestions to further dissuade them, without engaging in combat, I am open to listening."

Then she looks over to Vitalis, lips pursed. "Thank you, my lord. Does the name 'Lady of Flowers' mean anything to you?"

Watcher's voice seems to be a beacon for Lou. She walks over to the red-haired woman and moves to stand beside her, offering a silent nod in greeting. She's not really paying attention to the planning session. Watcher is just someone familiar to her. She might also be playing with something, a star? In her hand.

Lady of the Flowers might mean something to Oswyn; his brow furrows and he gets a pensive look on his face.

Raven is seated at the fire looking feverish, wan, and like she just REALLY wants a nap somewhere warm.

Tesha had quietly said something to Felicia before her attention is drawn back to the tent at large. She looks like she would love to know what the Lady of Flowers is as she looks around those in the tent.

Vitalis cocks his head, thinking, a flicker of recognition, "I recall... something in a tale about Cerdic?" he squints, it's a dim recollection. "And the Suthryn Wastes." He shakes his head, "That's all I can summon without notes."

Raymesin just listens quietly, drinking from a tankard on occasion, leaning against one of the poles keeping the pavilion upright.

"Suthryn dahlias," Oswyn pipes up, squinting in Vitalis' direction.

Watcher nods toward Liara. "The Compact can be very...unifying," she says, grimly. "Thank you." She seems to consider for a long moment, before saying, "I don't know much of anything about these tribes. Blacktree are, as far as I know, just people, but people that believe they're right, believed they've been wronged, and believe they deserve where they are. But that's all I know. My only suggestion is to never underestimate a force with that kind of motivation, and certainly never underestimate a force that doesn't need motivation, if..." She gestures toward Vitalis, "anything like that is waiting for you."

Liara turns her gaze from Vitalis to Oswyn, then she supplies, "From what Dame Felicia has indicated, it is plausible that this Lady of Flowers is the mage within Grayhold. She may have been the figure spotted by early scouts. I believe she was described as lying on the floor, possibly surrounded by flowers."

Then she looks back to Watcher, and offers, sincerely enough, even if it's rather lacking in specifics, "I shall keep that in mind."

Raven looks up and watches Watcher, An eyebrow liiiiifts at the unifying comment and her head tiiilts as she studies the other woman briefly.

Watcher nods at Liara again, and appears to have entirely said her peace. She then turns toward Lou just a little, though that means her hood hangs low enough that her expression is entirely beyond view to anyone not close enough to see under it. The last glimpse seemed faintly relieved.

Vitalis watches Watcher with a similar intensity, but looks to Oswyn, "The daliahs, yes." He's about to ask why that'd be relevant at all when- oh. "Mmh. Well, I can't say that she's there. But she..." he looks down, away, "Made herself known in Bastion. At the Harbor." He looks up, "We didn't know who she was. I inquired to Oberion himself, though-" he shakes his head, "-it wasn't a thorough discourse. By his words, she is fueled by anger and loss of... one-ness." He draws a deep breath. "Maybe she is this Lady of Flowers. Helena Thornweave."

"She was the one riding the gargantuan?" Ian's voice carries well when he speaks up, confident even after the long silence.

"A woman and gargantuan attacked two villages in the Crownlands earlier in the year, too," supplies Liara. "She may be far away now or she may have been operating from Grayhold. I do not know."

Icelyn has been like a shadow on the wall for the entirety of the discussion. Solemn and silent, absorbing the conversation with patient glances. Their words seemed much more important and advised.

Whatever passes between Lou and Watcher, the latter jerks her chin toward the back of the gathered and turns to head that way. As she does so, however, there's just the faintest fingertips touch to Lou's shoulder.

A thought perhaps strikes Liara and she notes, "When Bastion was attacked, I believe a Sylv'alfar mage struck at the cathedral, the space later found to be entirely overgrown."

Vitalis winces, "I couldn't say for sure." He draws a breath and looks at Liara, "I have surmised the-" he glances at Tesha and back to Liara, "-agent in Bastion, mmh, spoke to us at the Harbor and those we were there to save feared someone's return. Likely hers? I can't be certain."

Deva has left the a cleared space around a firepit.

Caspian has left the a cleared space around a firepit.

Caspian has joined the a cleared space around a firepit.

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

Lou turns toward the back where Watcher directs her, allowing herself to be directed. Whatever goes on between Watcher and Lou, Lou seems to trust Watcher.

Liara gives a little nod to Vitalis then, and looks over to Ian, then muses aloud, "If they feared the return of the one from the harbour, who may be this Helena, and we can guess that she was quite possibly the one who attacked villages, then we should assume the possibility of her presence in Bastion, as well as this other mage, the 'Lady of Flowers.' I am not the best-versed in any of this, so I am open to correction."

There are a few moments of silence on Liara's part, then she ventures, "Unless there are any other matters to be raised, I shall call the formal meeting to a close. The matter of mages and gargantuans is one that shall likely have to be disposed of as it ever was: with steel." She takes a last look about the pavilion in case any other business is arising.

Felicia is overheard praising Liara.

Felicia is overheard praising Vitalis.

Terese is overheard praising Liara.

Icelyn is overheard praising Liara.

Felicia has left the House Grayson's command pavilion.

The casual reference to disposing of mages and gargantuans with steel has Ian raising his eyebrows and shaking his head.

Raven belatedly spies Ian and offers a wearied wave, looking him over.

Audgrim has left the House Grayson's command pavilion.

Dodgy, a brown rat leaves, following Audgrim.

Liara spots Ian's headshaking, and she speaks up, "If you have alternative suggestions, my lord, speak."

While many are leaving the pavilion, Raymesin continues to lurk, though his tankard does go on the table, empty.

"No, that's pretty much how I've always tackled it," Ian says in a dry tone.

Ian is a little bit notorious for getting dragged into the Saving Grace half dead.

Vitalis is overheard praising Liara.

"That is, until better means come along, what we shall have to do," says Liara. "One can hope."

Then she looks to the rest about, saying, "Thank you for attending. If there are other matters to raise, less formally, please do raise them."

Patrizio has left the a cleared space around a firepit.

3 First Legion Centurions, 3 Setarcan Royal Shields leave, following Patrizio.