The Badger has become Eirene's unofficial office for planning. A bar may not seem like the place for a war council, but those who know Eirene see it as saving time on getting drinks (alcohol and non-such beverages for those who do not imbibe). She has the bar fully stocked and serving, and pre-made plates of snacky treats being passed around. But despite the pleasant atmosphere, there's the underlying sense of apprehension with the news that has circulated the city.

Eirene has a map of the district pinned to a wall with additionally pinned on circles along the walls of the district and city itself. She carries a bourbon in hand, and her assistant lurks nearby to take minutes and notes on the proceedings.

Having found his way into the Badger in time for the meeting, Tibault has taken up a spot near the map from which he can stand and study it. He looks towards the door everytime someone arrives.

There's a powerful dynamism about the way that Darren sweeps into the Badger Boardinghouse, flanked by a number of Redrain warriors and his dog Bear, all of them with the dust of the road still visible on their clothing. But perhaps in a stark contract, there's also a strange calm about Darren specifically that makes the group he brings in with him look louder, rowdier, and more, well, Northern by comparison. His expression is schooled and confident as he strips off his riding gloves and tucks them into his belt.

Jan steps in and tucks herself somewhere out of the way. The wrong fealty she's nonetheless is here and nosy.

Sira enters and makes her way to a seat directly beside Eirene. Whiskey is obtained somewhere along the way, likely from a server just knowing by now that the woman wants whiskey for serious business. "Here." As if reporting to duty.

Jackie, Northuldra, 2 Blackwood trained guards arrive, following Cadern.

(OOC)The scene set/room mood is now set to: The Badger has become Eirene's unofficial office for planning. A bar may not seem like the place for a war council, but those who know Eirene see it as saving time on getting drinks (alcohol and non-such beverages for those who do not imbibe). She has the bar fully stocked and serving, and pre-made plates of snacky treats being passed around. But despite the pleasant atmosphere, there's the underlying sense of apprehension with the news that has circulated the city.

Eirene says, "Welcome everyone. I really fuckin' appreciate the turnout." She's sincere in her swearing. "Help yourself to food and drinkies before I go over my plans. I'm not saying -everything- we're up to here in the Grayson District for security reasons, obviously, but I want to be as open and as frank as necessary to ensure we get through this shitty ordeal that lies ahead."

Cadern probably heard free drinks so he slinks his way into the Badger. Cadern never one to deny hospitality pauses first to get some tea, and then selects something appropriate to spike it with and then searches for a seat. He seems more curious to see what is afoot than burdened with a heavy weight of dangers to come. At Eirene's start he offers, "I'm sure it'll help some of us at least a bit of a baseline of what's what and necessary gardening tips."

"Ah! Eirene!" Darren's bearded face splits into a warm, albeit understated, smile. "How long has it been? Nils tells me that you're a Riven, now."

Tibault turns away from the map and comes over to join the others near the table. "Highlord" he offers to Darren before nodding at the others. Dark eyes quickly taking in the surface details. Once Eirene has finished her introduction he tells her. "I am eager to help if I may."

There is some curiosity on Sira's face when she hears Darren referred to as 'High Lord,' but she doesn't greet him. Or really anyone else present. Her expression is unsmiling but not necessarily unfriendly as she looks over the things Eirene has in front of her.

Jan studies those gathered curiously, stepping to a table with food and grabbing a sausage roll while she listens, still unusually unobtrusive for Jan.

"Darren," Eirene replies cheerfully. She lifts her bourbon to him in toast. "I'm surprised they let you out to come visit, -Highlord-." The title is said with teasing amusement. "Once a Malvici, always a Malvici, but I'm happy with my husband's house. And Grayson has been good to me. I mean, they gave me command of their freakin' armies so..." Her grin is impish but her reptuation proceeds her when it comes to such a thing.

The general nods to Tibault. They've not interacted much but he's at least somewhat familiar. "Count Laveer, thank you for coming. I appreciate your support and your willingness to hear me out. Sira, thanks for turning up again. We can discuss what we spoke of the other night with the group, if you like?" Jan's given a lift of her chin in silent 'sup' And Cadern, who she's not really familiar with at all, is given a downward nod of welcome.

"Okay so." Eirene turns to the map with all the circles, spaced throught the district as they are. "Princess Tamsin and I have decided the best way to prepare the Grayson district is to set up watch towers along the walls and key points, within line-of-sight, and equip them with signal flags. And lanterns so people can frickin' see, of course." She pins another document to the wall, this one with brightly colored squares.

"I DID only just get into town," Darren chuckles to Eirene. "I haven't exactly given anyone the opportunity to tell me no. It's good to see you again, Count Tibault." Despite the speed at which Darren sweeps through greeting the familiar faces in the room he still projects a sense of stillness, so that his swift progress feels unhurried, finishing with him standing before Cadern and offering a large hand to shake. "And Marquis Cadern. How is your wife? We'll have to catch up at the Spirits soon." Not right now, though. With Eirene talking, he motions Cadern to take a seat with him at a table.

Jan lifts her sausage roll in salute to Eirene and snags a tankard from somewhere. She asks "To what end? Dig in or evacuate?"

"And you Darren." Tibault says to Darren. "I only recently returned to Arx myself." He looks to the newly posted squares.

Cadern gives Darren a bright wave and a lift of his 'tea' in greetings. Cadern though finds a table to perch on. He looks to each of the other attendees smiling at each looking curiously. Cadern lits a hand tracing a thumbnail against his jaw. Cadern's head tilts and nods, "Seems doable, we'll need to make them redundant, given how many agents the enemy typically has in or around the city at any time." Cadern smiles at Darren, "High Lord, always good to see you, I look forward to it, or raiding the Whiskey Library that's always grand. Eilonwy's well, nervous about war coming here again but I suppose we all are."

Eirene answers Jan, "Bit of both. I'd like to evacuate those who cannot defend themselves - elderly, children, pregnant, pacifists.. to the House of Solace to be defended by the Silver Order and have the Mercys on hand for medical treatment. Those of us who can and will fight should stand our ground to defend the District and the city. I personally anticipate our Ward to be a high priority target of the enemy due to their obsession with the Graysons. Those who cannot fight but are able bodied will relocate to the Deepwood manor for sheltering in place."

Cadern's comment is met with a nod of agreement. "Correct Marquis. I plan on having multiple towers, each with a bug-out contingency. But the flags I have so far, which I may need you to produce for us Sira... Fire. Enemies in sight. Breech. Evacuate. Send reinforcements." Eirene pauses to point out each flag and its assigned color-markings. "Are there any suggestions as to additional signals?"

Jan nods slowly "So you don't expect the goal will be to level the city but to seek targets within the city? Unfortunately, it seems the Grayson ward."

"Rally to me." Tibault suggests after Cadern asks for signals. "A signal to draw combatants to a set tower that can be flown alongside the others - especially breach and evacuate."

Darren takes a seat and gives a low whistle to call Bear to him; the dog flops down at his feet. ON his feet, really. He listens with interest as the plans are laid out, and inspects the flags as they're presented.

"Mhm." Sira gives a nod toward Eirene at the mention of the flags. "If there are things that anyone would want... Relocated... to the Silver Consortium vaults, I can also assist with that. I know that the desired targets may be physical items as opposed to people. Our enemies may not think to look there."

Cadern shrugs, "It's as good as any other early warning solution. It won't change the direction of the fights to come, but it would probably save lives." He looks thoughtful again and then points out, "I mean Helena will probably strike at most people on their list." Cadern considers the rally to me, "I think...information more than commands is useful. There's a high chance that in the chaos one or more of the signals may be compromised." He considers and then asks Eirene, "Will you put people who can use the solvent there I suppose you know if Helena uses the family tricks as it were?"

"I suppose by 'list' you don't mean something metaphorical?" Darren asks Cadern.

Jan nods once in agreement and gestures to Cadern "The Lord's right. I haven't fought against the abyss-ah..recently." She states carefully in a grimace, shifting her weight restlessly "But I have enough to know it's overwhelming. Communication and cohesion are the first things to go. They are convenient targets and given the fact that surviving attacks is a pure numbers game. Meaning anything, anyone, who catches the attention of sieging forces is likely to become a casualty. A compartmentalized structure with each unit concerned about their own task might work better. Not that anyone asked for my opinion but either way, The Lord.." She nods to Cadern "Is right."

Eirene points at Sira, "Good idea, I'll relay that to the Graysons directly. We know they've targeted items at their other locations, so it's possible there may be something -here- they want in addition to just fucking with us." She sips her drink for a long while. "I figure the signal towers may be compromised and could be used to lure people into a trap. Risk we'll have to take for the chance of an early warning system. I'll add 'Rally' to the list, but I had thought 'Send reinforcements' would be suitable. Same thing in my mind, really. We'll staff the towers with willing volunteers who understand the risks. Abyss, even sharing this publically is a risk, but I think the communication outweighs the need for secrecy in these cases." Her head shakes to Darren, "No, they have a hit list of a dozen plus names they want dead." Addressing Cadern, she takes a deep breath, "Our plans to work with the poison which can counter their magic was set back. The Blight which worked against the Sylv'alfar during the War of Stolen Names isn't on our side, literally and metaphorically."

Tibault nods at Eirene's words "Same intent."

Cadern pauses and then he looks at Darren, "Sadly no. For reference the second name on the list was Samantha Deepwood." He lets Eirene add more and then blanches at the talk of the poison, "That's...unfortunate but I might have an option. The Cardian and the Undying Empire's emissaries remain in the city. They don't have forces to do more than protect themselves, but perhaps they can offere advice in utilizing what you have." Cadern glances to Jan a moment, "Oooh keep saying it I like it when you say it." Cadern's tone is light and joking but the humor doesn't quite hit his eyes given the topic. Sira's offer gets a thoughtful look Cadern nodding along as he considers that.

"Do we have access to the rest of the names on this list?" Darren asks, now to the room in general, since Cadern and Eirene both seem to know about it. His expression is solemn the way that the expression of a High Lord ought to be solemn, but the distance in his eyes gives no clear indication how hard all of this talk of fighting the Abyss is hitting him. If he's worried, overwhelmed, or afraid, none of that shows.

Jan studies Cadern. It's curious and intent. She frowns gently "What makes you so certain the cardians are allies?" She snorts indelicate "Don't be creepy." she shakes her head and tilts tankard up against her mouth.

Eirene nods to her aide who finds a note in Eirene's folios and copies it for Darren. "A few of these people are already dead..."

Cadern grumbles as a messenger comes. He nods to Darren, "I do. Let's talk after this. Most people are sensitive because it gets to WHY some peoplea re on the list. I can explain most of the names and why they want them dead. There's more than one Redrain on the list though so you'll need to know." Cadern pops up, "I should go but." He winks at Jan, "But that's half the fun. Allies? Eh not really, but they all hate who Helena represents, and the emissaries are stuck in the city until the barrier's down...so it's in their interest that it's not all razed to the ground and what's here isn't uh broken."

Jackie, Northuldra, 2 Blackwood trained guards leave, following Cadern.

Eirene says, "I may send word to the foreign emisarries but that feels more like an 'Arx' thing than a Grayson thing, but I'll relay it to the folks planning cityside defenses."

Sira gives Jan A Look. "I have employed one such Cardian with the Consortium, as they are as trapped her with us as anyone else and are as invested in their own survival."

Darren takes the list from Eirene and smooths it on the table, then reads it in silence, still with that schooled expression. A couple of names he sees there provoke a slight furrowing of his brow, but he doesn't comment, instead contenting himself to fold the page and hand it over to Nils.

Jan meets Sira evenly "It's a fair question and I'm not apologizing for asking. If you trust them it's good enough for me."

Eirene says, "Well. If there's no more suggestions... you're all welcome to enjoy the food. But that's about it for my plans I'm able to share openly."

Jan lookst to Eirene "Just, general to General-if you need anything do not hesitate to ask, yes?"

"Thank you" Tibault says to Eirene. "It was informative."

Darren finds another warm smile for Eirene, as the meeting closes out. "This is hardly the right time to talk about old times and get caught up on the news, but I'd still like to do it soon. Assuming we both live through this, of course."

Duncan leaves, following Tibault.

Eirene says, "Appreciated, Jan. We're all going to need to rely on one another to get through this fuckery." She smiles as she bows her head, willing to accept the help. Tibault is given a nod before he leaves. And then there's Darren. "Of course, when we can find time. I'm sure you have shit to prepare for your own people. If you need a briefing on the shit that went down at Old Oak, just ask. Too long, didn't read is: Helena hates the Graysons, killed her brother who was helping counter her sylv magic, and she's coming to Arx next because we told her to fuck off instead of surrendering."

"Some news of what happened made its way to Farhaven," Darren replies to Eirene. "But I'm sure a great deal must have been lost in the translation. Has Old Oak fallen?"

Sira finishes her drink and mutters something to Eirene that sounds like, "You know how to find me." Then she stands, offers a curtsy to the nobles, and heads for the door.

4 Silvershields, Shekies, A black and white marbled cat with yellow eyes, Elexa the reliable apprentice dressmaker, Buxby the mediocre apprentice dressmaker leave, following Sira.

Jan wanders over to Darren and nods "General Jan Kennex. Who're you, friend?"

"Prince Darren Redrain." Darren introduces himself with a pleasant smile. He's comfortable where he's sitting, and doesn't make any move to stand to meet Jan, but he does gesture for her to sit near him. And then, with just a bit of humor in his voice, he tacks on the other part of his title: "High Lord of the North. It's very good to meet you, General Kennex."

Eirene says, "Jan, this is Highlord Darren Redrain. We go way back." She grins and then grows more sober. "Yeah, they sacked it, took the people to do Gods only knows what - probably more garplantuans. Long story what that means."

Jan ahhs and bows her head politely "Well met, Highlord." She looks abashed, "I am at your disposal if you'd like to hear what I know of the traitorous asshole's story, but it shouldn't be here. At your leisure, of course."

"Thank you, General Kennex." Darren bows his head to Jan. "That's a generous offer, and I may take you up on it, someday." While there's no clear recognition in his eyes when Eirene mentions gargantuans, there's no confusion, either. It's anyone's guess as to whether he's heard that term before. "And the family? Were they able to escape?"

Eirene shakes her head regretfully. "No, not that we've heard. Unfortunately."

Jan retreats and leaves the general and the highlord to catch up. She snags some food for the road on her way out.