Thea has joined the dark walnut coffee table.

2 Sea Rover Bodyguards arrives, following Artorius.

Quenia is already settled at the table when people begin to arrive, with a small stack of notes settled close by. There's refreshment for those who feel the need to take it, of varying varieties. She seems to be waiting for folk to get settled before she gets started.

Raven has joined the dark walnut coffee table.

Making his way into the room, Agostino bows and tips his hat to the nobles in the room before quietly taking a seat.

Thea makes her way a bit slow, but a lot more straighter than she has been in previous weeks. There's a slight smile on her lips as she greets everyone as she passes. Thea makes her way to the table, greeting Quenia as well. "Marquessa. Good evening!"

Raven arrives on wary step, glancing about with equal measure curiosity and wariness. She pauses and gives a quick twice over of the room, and those gathered. An eyebrow liiiiiiifts as she takes in the pets and retainers and her lips twist wryly as she strides for the coffee table, bows to the Hostess, then again to the other nobles present and waits for them to be settled before she too finally claims the seat she'd staked out while waiting for her betters to get settled.

Artorius finds a seat in the back row, if there are rows. He eases down with a nod to the others of the Mirrorguard, but as a new Unbroken he hasn't had much time to make acquaintances. Behind Thea's greeting, he also notes, "Thank you for hosting, Marquessa Quenia."

Pasquale has chosen the sort of spot that shy people and scholars tend to choose when trying to avoid attention. Unfortunately any attempts to avoid notice are ruined by the fact he keeps having to muffle coughs behind a handkerchief. The gleam in his eyes shows that he's far from incapacitated by those annoying coughs.

Quenia nods her head to each of those who've arrived. "Good evening. Thank you for coming. I figured it would be good to recap on some of the things discussed at the Velenosa meeting and also see what things others might be working on that they might need help with. I know not everyone was able to attend the larger event." Quenia glances around the room until her eyes alight on Raven. She nods to the woman she's only met once or twice. "And, I specifically left the meeting open in case others might have insight to offer." She offers a smile to Artorius when he offers thanks. "You are welcome," she tells him.

"So, first thing is first." Quenia glances around to make sure they understand she's addressing them all here, "A contingent of the Mirrorguard joined the Archduchess to start our search for Malrico's treasure, now that he is dead. Some leads were discovered, pointing in the direction of Caina. That's where we intend to head next. Those details are yet to be forthcoming, but I wanted you to keep it in mind should you wish to participate in that search."

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.

Zakhar stumbles in, his feet sloshing along as if he just washed his boots and didn't dry them completely. Only to see the crowd and try to quietly as possible settle up against a wall to listen.

Hardly a long walk from the Velenosan estate to the Mirrorguard Tower, Isolde seems entirely at ease as she makes her way to the meeting room - though her boots may be a little heavier than the rest of her garb. She settles onto a seat quietly, not wishing to interrupt Quenia as she addresses the gathering.

Raven bows her head respectfully, "An honor to be afforded the rare opportunity." She makes a face at this announcement, a flicker of irritation followed by a ripple of mild exasperation. She draws in a breath and smooths her expression, "I will of course assist or-ah-participate as much as permitted." She looks up and her eyebrows loft and she looks over Zakhar. Assuming the rest of him's dry she pats a chair beside her in invitation.

Artorius clears his throat, "Where exactly is Caina?"

Caspian slips in, giving an apologetic smile and bow of his head. he moves along the back, careful not to interrupt the meeting.

For log purposes, the question has been retconned!

Aspira, Quenia's assistant, steps up to whisper something into her ear. She frowns a moment, checks her notes, and sighs. "Caith. I meant Caith," she corrects herself.

"The second matter I specifically have is that during my journeys in the north, I had something of a run in with those who were seeking to gain favor with the Maw of the Blizzard. It is a creature that some shav'arvani seem to worship, but most assuredly is likely a dragon. A very cranky, cold, dragon, hence the name it was given. Considering I was nearly sacrificed to this thing by these shav'arvani, I now have a vested interest in this matter. I am conducting research into the Maw and would welcome anyone that might like to assist." She settles back into her chair, then asks, "So, there are rumors around the Lyceum that there are money shortages when we just started seeing our coffers flowing again after Malrico's death. Has anyone experienced this that you've heard? Does anyone have any information on it? Any theories?" She glances to those around the room to see what they might have to say.

Agostino listens carefully to the matters that Quenia brings before them. At the question about money shortages in the Lyceum, however, he shakes his head. "First I'm hearing of it, my Lady," he says, before joining her in glancing around the room to see if anyone else has information to add.

Caspian seems to get very interested when conversation moves to the maw of the blizzard. he bobs his head when she mentions accepting any help and gives a smile, making a small note for himself.

Raven grimaces a bit again and begins to pat herself down, rummaging in pockets of her coat for something. She notes, "You or another may wish to speak with Lord Mirk unless is something which originated from him. He's a wealth of information on the topic. If you or others are not able to meet with him I can make my library available and share what information I've gathered on the Maw of the blizzard. As true with such things, it may be more than what it seems but that's almost always true these days."

"First I've heard of it but I ain't Lycene so empty coffers ain't something I'd expect to hear about."

Artorius mumbles, "I've made certain ... securities against the sudden vanishing of silver, but so far there hasn't been any dip in my accounts." He addresses that fact, though he seems a little unconvinced, "A dragon? Are we chasing bed time stories now?"

Zakhar has been knocking at his head trying to dislodge small bits of water, must've taken a bath recently. Then finally takes the seat offered by Raven. Moving slowly as not to slosh too much about.

Quenia raises a brow slightly at Artorius. For a moment she might say something, but given she's left the meeting open to those that might show up, she says instead. "I'd be glad to fill you in on the larger experience of that later," she settles on. TO that end, she furrows her brow a bit as she glances around the room. "My personal working theory is that whatever's been happening in the Lyceum may have to do with whomever took over after Malrico. But that's a theory only. I am curious if there are any here who would be willing to look into the matter? It may take a bit of leg work to do, but given that the people of the Lyceum are up in arms, it's assuredly something we should do sooner than later."

Raven looks at Artorius and gives a flat look, "They're real, An this one supposedly consumed an Ice spirit. Part of dealing with the Maw may inevitably mean trying to free the spirit which is likely to be dangerous because it is-justifiably-likely to be VERY pissed off." She looks to Artorius, "You are in the wrong business, my lord, if you think that's fanciful." a pause and a squint at him, "Who're you? And where the four winds you been?" going from irritable to just plain baffled. She has just enough grace to look abashed with Quenia shows her how such things SHOULD be handled. She looks around the room for volunteers, knowing that no self respecting Lycene is going to let her anywhere near their coffers. She ahahs and whips out her flask, looking relieved as she unscrews the cap.

"Of course, Marquessa," Artorius says in grateful thanks in part to the offering of filling him in and not apparently derailing the meeting. Because everyone knows dragons are real now? No, the general population still doesn't. He's likely included in that, by his sentiments alone. His arms fold across his chest and he listens to the room at large.

Zakhar grumbles from his seat, "Oh the fucker is pissed off alright, it's not a likely to be. It is." He doesn't appear to give two figs to who heard him as he's looking to Raven with her flask and pulls out a a cobbled metal teacup and saucer placing both upon the table and giving Raven a small nudge to fill the cup.

Thea looks at Artorius, her cousin. "I used to think the same thing, but then Fiora talked to me about such. And then my husband---I assure you they're very much real." She considers, head tilted. "Dom was started to lean toward them too."

Caspian looks around the room as Quenia calls for volunteers, his brow arching slightly. he looked to Quenia and shook his head, "I'm sorry, if i had any insight to the dealing of the prodigal's money i'd offer it. But i dont know anything about why the money mught be vanishing. i'll keep an ear out though and pass along anything i learn."

Quenia gives Artorius an empathetic look. She, too, was just like him at one time. "Be glad you started with dragons. The Master of Questions and his wife are dear family friends. They gave me the book of 'Here's Everything You Missed' they prepared for King Alaric IV, which included all of the information on all the horrible things in this world. To say I was overwhelmed and very, very frightened after that doesn't even begin to give describe how I was feeling after read it." She nods her head gratefully to Raven, Zakhar, and Caspian as they offer their own insight. She appears to be giving them extra care and attention for every detail they offer about the Maw. "We have been given the Archduchess's blessing to offer help to the denizens of Riva. I have yet to reach out to Count Athaur. I am also seeking volunteers for that and for a group to also look into wha's happened in Balsamo with House Ricotti."

"Is it possible that whatever is happening is simply spurred on by the absence of him?" Isolde says after a moment of silence, her features grim on the subject of the deceased Herald. "I'm starting to believe we had grown far too dependent on him for the past millennia and we're seeing the blowback."

Raven nods to Quenia and then Artorius, "I'm happy to buy drinks and answer questions about anything weird, occult, or the like also for any who're interested in that though Quenia is surely much more knowledlegable, particularly about matters of interest to the Lyceum." her eyebrows lift and her attention sharpens on Quenia, "I am quite keen to know what happened in that Area. I am willing to promise keeping of privileged information learned to myself without exception and keen to assist the investigation or efforts in anyway possible."

Raven says, "Riva, that is."

Caspian offers a bow of his head to Quenia, "If you need another sword arm for the investigation into the attack on house Ricotti, i would be happy to lend my aid. As tied up as i am with the war in the islands.. im also not a naval captain. the aid i can offer there is somewhat limited. if the attack in Balsamo was similar to the attack against Bastion, people with some experience from that could be useful." he offers a smile then, glancing to Raven, "Going to be a lot of drinks my friend"

Thea leans back, mostly quiet. "I would be happy to aide with Riva in anyway I can." She takes a deep breath, looking to everyone. "I'd be happy to aide in any aspect I can."

Agostino speaks up, offering, "If you need someone to make inquiries, whether at Riva or Balsamo, I'm happy to help. If you expect fighting, though, I'm likely to just get in the way, though."

Artorius nods, "An attack on Lyceum soil should be investigated. Do we know any motivations for the attack?"

Raven looks sidelong to Caspian, "You're sweet but almost no one ever takes me up on it. My unseemly manners to blame, no doubt."

Deserra, a shy merchant's assistant, Alfonzo, a hawkish accountant, Castello, a daunting and unamused escort arrive, following Alexio.

Quenia's attention goes to Isolde when she asks her question. "Very likely, yes," she says with a bit of a grimace. "I didn't even realize how big that dependance was until this past year, when the Archduchess asked me to look into wher ethe money was going. I didn't even get a chance to do that before..." she lets out a breath. "Well, whatever happened that led to talk of ghosts and demons and death." She had missed the whole ghoully affair at the Velenosa estate that ended with Malrico's demise. Then the volunteers start coming in and for the moment Quenia's attention is pulled away from Isolde. "Excellent," she seems pleased. "Lady Thea, given you are part of the Valardin fealty now, could you please reach out to the Count of Riva and offer an extension of our services and see how we might be of aid? Feel free to utilize anyone who has volunteered here." She then glances to Agostino. 'Agostino, can you please look into the matter of Balsamo and make use of the volunteers here? I can send warriors with you if there is fear of fighting, to keep those who cannot safer." She shakes her head in Artorius's direction. 'I could hazard guesses, but I do not think we know for sure."

Bowing his head, Agostino agrees, "I'd be happy to, Marquessa, of course."

Artorius looks toward Agostino, "If you need my sword, you'll have it."

Thea dips her chin to Quenia. "I will, of course."

Alexio slinks in like a mirrorguard into the mirrorguard meeting. He finds himself a part of the wall to support up and tilts his head to listen in seeming to look to catch up.

Alexio was here the whole time. Nothing to see here. Quenia seems relieved at people stepping up. "That's all I have for this evening. Is there anything needs or wants help with while we are all here?" she asks.

"Thank you, Count, I appreciate it. I can keep myself alive in a bar brawl long enough to get away, but if someone who knows what they're doing is intent on killing me, they're just not likely to have a difficult time with it," Agostino tells Artorius with a shrug and a slight grin.

Raven bows her head, "I'll help where ever a blade is needed if more blades are needed, I can be flexible as need arises. Likewise with the opening of my library or...other sources of knowledge." she turns her gaze curiously to Agostino until she's turning to peer over at Alexio.

Pasquale lifts his head. "I have collected a few siege engines and will start training with them soon." he smothers another of those annoying little coughs. "We're training for gargantuans and other such unusual situations. If anyone feels they have anything to add. Let me know."

Caspian grins, "i'd open my library only .. it doesn't have anything useful in it. just moths and spiderwebs mostly. but sword i can provide help with!" he gives a chuckle, before adding. "i believe some had questions about the Maw still?" he offers a smile, "i can assure you..." he looks to Artorius, "its not just a child's story." he looks to Pasquale and grins, "got any ballista among that list? you are a natural."

"You never know, it's the beer bottles over the back of the head that are hard to see coming," Artorius offers with a faint smirk back, "Offer stands. I could learn to be a little more...useful in these parts while I'm here." He turns back to Pasquale at the mention of gargantuans, nodding, "Siege engines sound bloody useful against those." His eyes sweep over Alexio, offering a more acquainted nod to register toward the sneaky late mirrorguard. Caspian's regard of the Maw again has him rumble with skepticism, "Enlighten me. All these promises of sharing information but not putting it forward. We're here for it now, so get on with it."

Alexio wiggles fingers at thsoe who look. He does ask curiously, "Any particular concerns or things in regards to the Thrax or Waldo we should be....keeping a particular eye on? Or just we'll see what Her Highness is able to hear from the Thraxians and if there's a particular action called upon?" He does look interested as people start talking about library's and looks thoughtful though the talk of Gargantuans and siege weapons seem to get a slow blink from him.

Zakhar looks to be falling asleep when a shop assistant gently taps him on the shoulder and he sputters awake, "I did nothing of the sort! What?" Looking around to the others in the meeting before settling back into his seat and staring at the tea cup as if hoping more drink might refill itself there.

Quenia gives Pasquale a curious look. "Very noted. I'm sure if my sister Leena were here, she'd think of all sorts of ways to improve it," she says with a fond smile for her sister. She turns her attention briefly to Alexio. "I had not intended for us to go after Waldo. He's disappeared. But, if the Faith or Thrax is willing to accept aid in that matter from the Mirrorguard, neither will we turn away the opportunity to help. Is that something you are interested in leading?" she asks him.

Raven says, "I believe the faith has called dibs on Waldo. I can't speak to anything else on that mess." She nods to Pasquale, "IF those things pivot or have a flexible range of fire I will let you claim a favor-no questions asked. Bastion's fall and reclaiming were a shit show. Those are things anyone in Arvum'd be wise to invest in."

"They are all ballista." Pasquale tells Caspian. "We have to be able to move them afterall." he nods to Artorius and then tells Raven. "Well that would depend how flexible you need it to be Raven. There are limits."

Raven says, "Any improvement on standard seige weaponwry would count, my lord."

"If anyone requires any aid from me regarding research into the Maw, you need only to let me know." Isolde offers with a warm smile as she casts a gaze around the room. Her attention settles on Caspian expectantly when Artorius asks for enlightenment.

Pasquale says "Ah. There is nothing particularly special about the weapons Raven."

Alexio considers Quenia's question and he scratches his china as if finding the question a little awkward and he purses his lips before offering, "It's, yes, my understanding that the Faith has a lead on him. Which is part of why I brought it up. I'm comfortable staying on the information gathering side of it. That being said I don't mind having a few conversations with them on what else might help and see if there's more support we might consider."

Caspian gives a smile to Artorius. "The city of Bonespire, one of the northernmost strongholds in everwinter, was rumored to have been constructed from the bones of the enemies of the Maw. It has rooms so large a creature hundreds of feat in size could move freely.. all made from single pieces of bone. The legend if the Maw was just that.. a legend. massive dragon, merged or consumed with an ice spirit. Tales of people worshipping it as a near god arose, cults feeding people to it, or beseeching it for help. There were those who came to it beseeching the Maw for aid.. and were often eaten. Legends of those who went to FIGHT the maw.. of ways to prevent the maw from killing by use of amulets and magic." he gives a smile, "The sheer number of stories alone is enough to make you wonder of its existence. add on the numerous people who have now had first hand experience with the Maw.. its time to start believing my friend."

Agostino laughs. "Yes, beer bottles to the back of the head are...troublesome. But I'd be happy for your assistance in any case, Count. And yours as well, if you care to see Balsamo," he responds to Artorius, then to Raven in turn.

Quenia gives Raven a vaguely amused look. "I fully expect the Faith will still find a number of Lycene looking at hunt down Waldo, given Orazio was a Lycene Dominus. I'm not sure they can really stop people who insistent on helping. I think so long as everyone understands that the Faith gets to judge this man, should he be found, all would be understanding."

Raven's lips quirk, "Sometimes the Faith desires descretion-but what the faith wants and what it gets ain't always the same thing. Personally, I think the more the merrier in hunting this slippery bastard. I just don't understand why not kill the troublesome prick but, eh."

Caspian looks to Isolde with a smile, "these are just the stories i have heard, and i know there are more. do you have any you'd like to share or add Princess Isolde?"

Raven looks to Caspian and then oh's, winces, "Crap. Yes. RIGHT." she peers at him, "Kick me nect time."

Thea's lips thin at the mention of Orazio, but she lowers her eyes. As Caspian starts talking more about the maw, she straightens and starts scribbling. More intune now.

"I don't believe I've heard much about him." Isolde says with a rueful smile when he asks. "I do wonder what his relation to the Rex'alfar is, if any. Their ice palace being close enough. Granted I don't know how expansive the Everwinter actually is. Maybe large enough for them to never engage."

Artorius leans forward slightly to get a secure look at Caspian when he starts to explain things accordingly. The name Everwinter probably makes his eyes glaze a little, but then do you expect a guy who lives in the most South Western island of the Arvum to reallllly know Everwinter? Though he doesn't interrupt. It's just one of many places in the telling that has him looking quite ... in DENIAL of all these absurd constructs. His mouth moves to question, to say something, fish flaps for a moment, before he sits back in his chair and looks upward. Then his hand moves to his forehead and he pinches the bridge of his nose. Somewhere between the amulets and magic and dragons eating people, this Lycene can be heard mouthing some prayer to the Gods above. His ocean colored eyes flash back to Caspian, "That was a well told tale, one for the bards." He takes a moment to sigh, adding, "It would seem that glass sharks aren't going to be the only unbelievable thing I see in my lifetime." To Agostino, he nods, "Of course. An attack on our people, at any of our borders, means trouble."

"Isn't the Everwinter just.... kind of northish? Like all the North? I mean, really, who would want to go into that cold mess to begin with?" Quenia simply shudders even thinking about it. "I bet /not even fireweave/ could keep a person warm!" She shudders more. She looks back to Alexio and says to him. "Information gathering works just fine. If you'd reach out to them and see what other help they would like, that would also be helpful."

Raven says, "My notes indicate that there, but I'm trying to find more information about the rex'alfar clan supposedly with shared history with the Maw." she makes a face and shivers, "There are people who live there year round. Voluntarily. It sounds awful."

Zakhar mutters, "... wasn't ... that bad, ... a really ... walk and fucking cold as... ... trying to scamper ... and ... ... ... ... much snow really... ... ... ... asking?"

Caspian sighs, "its cold.. VERY cold. but not HORRIBLE. just.. dont get caught outside unprepared. and yes, everwinter is massive. Though with that much snow and so many dangers as it brings.. even a geographically small distance can be as good as a impassable wall."

Thea tells the group with wry amusement. "I've been to the Everywinter. It's fucking freezing." She looks over to Quenia, noting,"It was to hunt mammoth, but the way. That was my want." But anyway, back to discussion. "Also, much prefer the warmth of a million suns." Looking to RAven, Thea asks,"Have you spoken to the Stalhbens? Arent they--you know, wouldn't they be more knowledgable on all of that?"

Raven bows her head, "Aye, I have. At least to one, and aye they would. Much obliged for the reminder." She smiles then and suggests, "Talk to the Stahlbens."

"Lady Volcica has been busy of late," Quenia informs Thea. "Otherwise I would have informed her about my experience there personally, than than Lord Mirk from her liege house. I just thought someone int hat fealty chain should know that a sighting of the Maw has been occurred. On multiple nights. As my party was being hunted." She visibly shudders at the memory of it. Her eyes get a far away sort of look. "There was no mistaking what that large blob flying in the night, mostly blocking the moon was."

Alexio looks thoughtful at the talk as they go more into the Maw and he looks more than a little troubled, "Certainly doesn't like something we want flying further south..."

"There is also Lady Poppy Stalhben,"Thea mentions helpfully. Then she's back to scribbling.

Raven says, "That is who I had spoken with, Aye, Lady Poppy."

Raven says, "Most helpful."

Caspian looks to Thea and nods, "Absolutely! she is one who shared several stories with me about this. i doubt you could find anyone more knowledgeable of both the threat and the area"

Quenia shakes off whatever she's feeling then states. "Without anything new coming forward, I will go ahead and call the meeting to an end. Thank you to everyone who volunteered and shared and thank you to those who are not of the Mirrorguard who participated in the meeting and shared as well."