Raymesin had apparently been considering propping up the wall next to the refreshments, but on second thoughts he takes his cup of tea over and folds himself onto a sofa instead, with a nod for the current occupants.

Avary walks with a regal carriage about her. Her face is soft rather than stern but doesn't give much insight into how she's feeling or thinking. Her greetings as she enters are pretty quiet offerings as she makes her way to an open space and settles.

Avary has joined the a regal sofa with green silk cushions and silver accented carvings.

Lou only waits a nominal amount of time for people to get settled before things get started, as many have arrived early on to do just that. She offers warm smiles to those she knows or a nod of the head to those she's not quite acquainted with, however her greetings are all cordial. "Thank you all for coming today. Some of you might be wondering what the Crownlands Conclave is. It's a group of like-minded individuals who wanted to study and pursue magic who are also part of the Crownlands. It was started several years ago by my cousin, Liara, and until recently we've been operating as an informal group of individuals. Some of us," Lou glances in Eirene's direction, "have managed the goal of actually obtaining magic, while others of us," she points to herself, "are still knee deep in book learning. But, as I'm sure we've all figured at this point, it's going to take more than book learning about magic to actually DO magic. And, with the obvious return of magic in the world, with several individuals openly displaying use of power during the battle of Harrow Hall, well, we figured it was time for a more open discussion about such topics. Today's general agenda will be the topic of Crossing the Threshold, specifically, however we're happy to also have people field general magic questions too or add topics others might want to talk about." She raises a hand at this point to add, "However, remember, all of what's happened is /very new/ to everyone, including those who've Crossed the Threshold. SO, we're not going to have all the answers. We may not even have any answers that might satisfy you. But we'll do our best."

Cato, a stealthy non-descript man arrives, following Denica.

Raven has left the floral vines small round table and padded chairs.

Raven has joined the Couch of Majestic Gryphons.

3 House Riven Soldiers, 1 Greenwood Tribe Blood Warriors, Lianna, 1 Bisland pride guards, Feydin, a white-tailed eagle, Vigilance, a juvenile female Oakhaven Bloodhound, Berthold, Tinsel arrive, following Mia.

Aconite smiles when Titania joins her and she greets the Noblewoman quietly. She nibbles at her cakes and turns to look towards the regal couch and then Lou with curious anticipation.

Ian comes in pretty close on Sen's heels, and has the look of someone who means to stay close to her for the time being. Following her puts him at the same couch as Raymesin, though, so it's anyone's guess whether he's more following her or joining him. The result is the same, either way. He's sitting here now.

12 Grayson House Guards arrives, following Liara.

The mention of several individuals openly displaying use of power at Harrow Hall has Raymesin focusing earnestly on his cup of tea. Ian's arrival gets a nod as well, as does Avary's and Denica's.

Raven spies Aconite and rises slowly and moves over to join Aconite, easing down very slowly as if nursing injuries. Her features smooth a bit once she's seated and more comfortable. Her attention turns to Lou as she speaks and her eyebrows loft upwards again and a look of genuine relief blossoms across her features when Lou explains the topic.

Aleksei has paused at the refreshment tables with the look of a man who is stressing about this more than he should be. He //very carefully// gets himself a plate of treats. And //very carefully// gets himself a drink. And then //very carefully// makes his way over to take a seat near Sen. But, hey, he manages not to drop things everywhere, so that's good.

Mia arrives as she often does -- at a brisk clip that speaks more of purpose than it does of patience, to the point that the hems of her long skirts flurry and flutter about her feet as she walks. Her dark eyes sweep over the room before she dips into a curtsy for the general assembly and, with faintly pursed lips, claims one of the empty chairs as a seat.

Only a couple minutes late, she might have been wandering through the mansion, there could have been something distracting. Taking in the sight of the room, she decides to linger by the doorway and lean against the wall for the time being. The young woman has clearly missed the comment about people openly displaying power at Harrow Hall. Otherwise, she'd be looking especially innocent and showcasing her great abilities at being subtle. Something like that. Either way, she leans and wiggles her fingers when she sees Raymesin nod and then at Ian, because he's nearby too.

Sen'azala, now that she's sat down, doesn't look sour so much as simply herself. She may even have less of a frown about it. Raymesin gets an upnod, Ian something approaching faint exasperation - but not irritation - and Aleksei a very faint, slight easing of that constant-frown. If her nose twitches a little when he arrives with treats...well, she doesn't snitch any of them, at least. Then she looks frontward, listening to Lou.

Avary sits at the green silk sofa and readies herself to listen. She tucks some hair behind each ear with a delicate movement of her hand. She gives quiet greetings to those she joined.

Caspian is a bite late, but quietly slips into the hall, trying not to disrupt

Titania greets those at the couch she is sitting with, her voice soft as she speaks to them. Then she turns to look as Ian comes in, there is a hint of a smile but then her attention turns to Lou and those speaking.

On her arrival, Liara strolls on through to find a sufficiently comfy chair for herself, and settles in to listen to and observe proceedings.

Raven accepts the snack Aconite offers, breaks it in half and offers the other half back to Aconite, trying not to pillage all the whisper's snacks. Caspian is gives a smile and a wave over, patting the couch beside her in wordless invitation.

Cufre enters, eyes the arrangement of the seats, and does a twitch of her lips before altering her path to edge around the refreshment table and claim a seat that falls out of the direct view from the entrance. Once seated, she looks around and offers small smiles of greetings to those she knows well enough for such things.

Eirene grabs a few fruit-on-stick things to eat while waiting for the meeting to kick off. She lets out a long sigh as Lou explains and looks her way. She smiles sheepishly at the mention of power during the battle seeing as she was definitely guilty of that. "So, ahh, yeah. I did a thing," she says. Normally collected and full of sarcasm, Eirene seems a bit reluctant. "I'm an Adept. Able to tap into my own power and harness it to change the Dream. It comes from inside me, not from an external source like the Gods. That's an all together DIFFERENT Magic." She pushes off from the arm of the couch and takes the center of the room. "I have an innate need to fix what's broken. Undo damage. Change things for the better which have been harmed, especially if it's by the Abyss. So, as an extension of myself and my innate power, I can remove pain from the injured. Fix small broken things and make sure a small wound doesn't scar. I can see magic. I can see souls and the way they are woven into a person, heal the scars the Abyss leaves"

"And," Eirene concludes, "it came at personal risk. Crossing the Threshold is a lot like diving off a burning ship into a stormy ocean and having weights tied to your legs." She pulls off a glove, peels back her sleeve, and displaces a rather long scar on her inner wrist to elbow. The kind one can bleed out from. "I did this to myself while in a trance attempting to cross the threshold. I was lucky to have a good medic and friends at my side."

"So, the first question one might have is what is Crossing the Threshold? I can only give you the book answer." Lou starts to explain to the others, her eyes going over the gathered people. "It's the point in which you reach for higher magic and obtain a soul brand; which is a mark you obtain when you become a mage in full. Each brand is unique to the individual, based on their experiences in the world and either how they want to shake the Dream around them or how the Dream has been shaped around them. How each person does that is also unique. One might make a big sacrifice, like a Dream of theirs, another might be helped by another magical creature or individual, one might find a need to reach out and draw upon power to save others. It's just really, really individualized. No two will be the same." Lou's eyes never touch long on another person as she speaks. "But these are not my stories to tell. So, I'll cede the floor now to Lady Eirene Riven, who has agreed to talk about her own experience in Crossing the Threshold herself."

Sabella has been here for a while, and tucked herself comfortably out of the way as more people arrived.

Mirk has joined the a regal sofa with green silk cushions and silver accented carvings.

2 Saik Guard, Micana, an efficient assistant arrive, following Lucita.

Raymesin offers nods to most of the new arrivals, but he does seem to be perhaps a little focused on his tea. Aleksei's stack of snacks does have the overtall man in black side-eyeing them, though. Definitely side-eyeing. Eirene's scar doesn't seem to be news to him, though. At all.

Sen'azala notes, "I'm terrible at lecturing, but I can give it a shot. My situation's slightly unique." One eye narrows further. "...And I've also done a lot of reading at this point." 'A lot', her tone seems to suggest, is an understatement.

Caine Arnasis, a foul-mouthed assistant arrives, following Mihaly.

Lucita slips into the gathering and glances around the room, a quick respectful nod given though she remains silent and listening.

"I'm also willing to share my experience if everyone understands that a few details will be omitted," Mirk chimes in, giving a thoughtful look to Eirene. "Mostly because they're personal."

Ian is listening for the most part, but he does say something to Sen in a really soft tone of voice while everyone is talking.

Raven offers a smile and a wave to Lucita as she joins.

Raven listens to Eirene attentively but it seems as if the Blackheart might have heard this before but there's still a wince in sympathy when Eirene shows the scar.

Whatever Ian whispers, Sen looks *really* annoyed when she responds.

Ian's response is a slight shrug that's somewhere between apology and exhaustion.

Mihaly is a late comer to the meeting. Largely family related most likely. But ever since the battle at Harrow Hall, getting used to simple the idea of being blind has been a new experience. A strip of green cloth has been tied around the man's eyes, peeks of odd scarring peeking out from the strip of fabric. There's a slight bump, now expecting he had been too close to the doorway, but the cane in his hand helps his way. But even despite this new loss of sight, he seems to have some vague of idea of where he's going.

Aconite shakes her head, she's hoarding a few more of the tiny things. Then her attention is riveted on Eirene, a pensive glance given to the scar and then back to Lady Riven's face. When she finishes speaking, then The Radiant's attention then shifts back to each person in turn who offers their story.

Titania head tilt's as she listens to Eirene and Lou speak, she looks back over to where Ian and Sen are. She makes a mental note of something and her head turns back to listen to the speakers.

At the arrival of her uncle, Mia rises to her feet. "If I had known you were coming so soon after me, I would have waited," she murmurs gently to Mihaly. A few careful steps around other people's feet lead her to where he stands so that she can subtly offer him a steadying elbow and a clear path to an empty seat of his choosing.

Lou glances over at Sen and Mirk and nods when each offer to give their own stories. "I think it'd be good to hear any story a person wants to share about their experience, just to broadly show how each is different and how."

Eirene offers a smile as Mihaly enters the room. Even though his eyes are covered, it appears she's confident he can tell. "My crossing the threshold was cleaning a shardhaven. Opening myself up to the spirits there and then cleansing them of their guilt and grief and pain. Putting them right again. When I did that, I felt... a cork pop. Lack of better term. I could do that kind of thing again if I just pushed myself right." She nods once. "And I can. It takes a little out of me, and my personal power is weakened until I rest and find ways to 'refill my cup' so to speak. So yeah, very different..." She goes to sit with her Riven kin unless any questions are fielded.

Eirene has joined the floral vines small round table and padded chairs.

Ian never volunteered to share his experience, but maybe because he was busy whispering at Sen like one of the bad kids in the back of the classroom. Either way, volunteer or not, he apparently does have something to offer, which he does without being either invited or prompted: "I was in a situation where I needed to magic myself out of it, or I was going to die, and I damned near died. The moment when it happened, all of the parts of me that didn't matter were burned away. Uh. But I wouldn't recommend anyone do it that way. There wasn't anyone to pull me out of it if I hadn't been able to get my act together. It worked out for me, but it easily could have gone the other way." The one that would have ended with him dead, presumably.

"An' me," says Raymesin, "I did die." And that's all he says on the topic.

Eirene nods to confirm this as truth.

"No desire to hold anyone else up, Mia." Mihaly assure, turning to the sound of her voice. Though the closer she comes the more it seems like he's aware of her. "I was told that I should attend this meeting. I wasn't sure the topic of discussion that'd require this old man's thoughts." And while he might not see his wife, it does seem to indicate that he knows where she is the way his head moves to 'look' where she would be.

"I didn't die," Aleksei shares, in case that was ambiguous. "But I was one of a few who crossed during the Eclipse of Mirrors. Sacrificed something to keep Orichalcum from reviving Destiny."

Denica's lips press together as people offer to share their experiences and Denica fidgets, "every experience is as unique as the person having it.," this much she knows. "Mine was unexpected and the chose was made for me. But, we chose what we make of it and so I have.," she doesn't go into any more detail. "That said, as I stumble through the aftermath, I'm always happy to chat with people in general. It's been a lot of...try something and see what happens ...and be ever so grateful that friends are nearby in case something goes wrong. It's incredible though.," a smile then.

Titania looks over to Ian listening to him speak, she swallows hard, looking away she didn't know. She nods to herself, she listens to Ray as well and she breaths. Her fingers play with some blue silk on her armor as she listens to everyone speak.

Lucita continues to listen attentively, her expression somber.

Khanne nibbles on a little cake as she listens to everyone. She doesn't wish to interrupt anyone, so stays mostly quiet. When there is a slight lull, she does offer, "I think for most of us who have crossed, our situations were... different from others. The how, when, where... I have also crossed, and am willing to share information if it would help others. Though... like many, my experience was a bit unique. I visited the Isle of Storms and it accepted me home."

Cufre, upon hearing Eirene's explanation of the experience that led her to cross the threshold, rises from her seat, and, head bowed, skirts her way away from the chairs, along the wall, her steps getting quicker as the way out opens up.

Sabella is listening attentively, trying to keep up with everything everyone is offering. Her eyes move from person to person, a kind and receptive expression on her face.

With an attempt to banish the sudden irritation from her features - and voice - Sen pushes up out of her seat. That's about all she does to 'take the floor', but it's probably enough. "I'm khati," she says. "That means a lot of things, but relevant is that every khati is descended from a First Child. In my case, the First Wolf, a primordial spirit. This means that khati have some spark of that First Child's power in their blood. It's innate. *Un*fortunately, innate doesn't mean controlled. As far as my heritage is concerned, the closest thing I can compare it to is furyborn, if you're aware of what that is. I was born with it, when I got older it started making itself known, when I got older than that, it started getting *inconvenient*. Involuntary shapeshifting, particularly around the full moon. Why the full moon? I'm not entirely clear on it, but I'm not the only individual who's had that response. I've known a few non-khati shapeshifters who had the same thing happen, and at least one non-shapeshifter as well. If you ever meet a shapeshifter who hasn't learned how to control themselves at least a little bit, do not *ever* go near them when the moon is full. You will fucking die." Yay, cheery subjects.

"Anyway," she continues. "Because of that, I've spent years training under a teacher to try to get a bit more control over it. Troubles with the moon were *relatively* easy. Eclipses are at least as bad. The *Blood Moon* is the worst damn thing, always. People with my sort of innate power are almost always adepts, because being an adept means you're channeling magic through yourself, rather than calling on it, or telling it what to do, and learning to be one means learning to control the magic you already have. Before crossing the Threshold, it was less a matter of shapechanging, but doing it when I wanted, remembering what happened, and, hardest of all, being in control after I did. This last didn't happen until I Crossed. Crossing is, as they've said, unique. You can learn about what happened to other people, but it won't be the same as what happens to you. It's usually some form of traumatic though; not easy, not pleasant, and something generally lifechanging beyond gaining magical control. In my case..." Pause. "It was sacrificing a very large dream of mine to stop the fucking moon from waking up at the Blood Moon. I wasn't the only one to do it, *or* the only one to Cross, but my dream was my own, and what I saw, and what I felt."

Lou's eyes glance from one person to the next. She gives each one a genuine smile when they share their stories. Eirene, Ian, and Raymesin both get looks of concern when they mention the potential of death or actual dying part and her brow crinkles. Concern follows Cufre as she rises and leaves not long after Eirene mentions her own crossing. Her brow crinkles somewhat and she lets out a slow breath. Then Sen is talking and she turns her attention there.

"In my own experience, magic was not something which I ever actively pursued -- at least not with any intention of learning it, or becoming a mage," Mia chimes in. "Each moment was more of a question of what must be done to stop Orichalcum, what choice was open to me to keep my sire from awakening Destiny and enslaving the world. Sometimes it was an act of cleansing done with deliberate ritual; at other points it was vision had during a quest to obtain weapons against him for the Compact. In the end, I crossed the threshold on the same night as the First Liberator. Presented with a choice to sacrifice something dear to me, I gave the Mirrormask who appeared to me a hope I had never even dared to share with anyone else." The words are offered quietly, thoughtfully, her brow furrowed as she makes her way towards Eirene so that the Rivens can all sit together. "Now sometimes my dog talks back to me over morning tea. It's been... an adjustment."

Bower, a barb-bothering butcher bird arrives, delivering a message to Raven before departing.

Eirene blinks. Did she says something wrong? She looks to Lou for confirmation as Cufre leaves.

Raymesin watches Cufre leave, his eyes full of... is that compassion? On /Raymesin/? No. Can't be. Impossible.

3 Thrax Guards, 1 Thrax Elite Guards arrive, following Fatima.

Liara looks from the various speakers towards the departing figure of Cufre, her lips pursing into a subtle frown, though she soon turns back to simply listen once again.

"Being an adept," Sen tacks on, after Mia, "Means *knowing* yourself. Knowing yourself in ways you haven't considered. What you can do, sure, the physical limits you have, but more importantly *who you are*. And you need to know who you are, and define who you are, and sharpen that down, because if you don't, and you manage to get magic before you know how to do that, it will consume you." There's a...look when it comes to Mia arguing with her dog. What?

Fatima has probably been here the whole time, but she's taken somewhat of a background role, sitting in her chair and looking thoughtful.

Eirene mutters, "The dog? I'm afraid of what ... cat ... to say in that case..."

Raven's eyes widen in startlement at Sen'azala's revelation. She doesn't mean to stare. Really! Stare she does. She shakes it off and Her gaze move to Cufre and there's a grimace and a flicker of empathy. She allows her gaze to return to those speaking.

Ian tacks on to Sen's words: "It's a fine line between you using the magic, and it using you."

Lou gives a small shrug in Eirene's direction. She doesn't know the answer.

Raven chuffs softly in bitter bemusement at Ian's words and lifts a hand to cover her mouth, looking down at her mouth-poof boots when she does.

Mirk rises to his feet once Sen'azala has said her piece, taking a few steps with a staff tapping on the ground as he steps up to tell his own story. "I'm a mage - technically, druid, but the distinction is hazy - so I'm different from Eirene and Sen'azala. My magic is something external to me, something that I call upon. The elements - wind and storm, ice and frost. I was guided through Crossing the Threshold by a being with considerable knowledge and experience with such things, so much of the process was explicit and clear to me, though there are still a few things that I don't fully understand about what happened that day."

The explanation is a little practiced, and it's clear that he's spoken on this before, if not in so public a setting. "When I made the choice, I was cast into a magical snowstorm. All I could see was a world of white and my own breath misting. I was told to control the storm, to make it serve me. So I spoke to the elements, until I nearly died from exposure, until it clicked into place for me. How I related to this storm, what it was to me and what I was to it, and how I should speak to it. And once that happened, I was able to guide the storm to recede. However, it left a mark."

He holds one arm up, showing a series of deep blue loops and spirals that start on his palm and travel up his arm to the shoulder, and then disappearing underneath his clothes as it went further. "It's still cold to the touch, even here and now. A price of soaking in the cold. I can't wear fireweave anymore. Too uncomfortable, almost unnatural. But now, when I call..." He trails off, and whispers a single word. It's too quiet to be heard, but at the word, a faint breeze stirs in the room, ruffling his hair and rustling his clothes. Outside, it would be unseasonably cold, but nothing too out of the ordinary. Indoors, well...There can be little doubts about how it happened.

Avary's attention is well focused on each person as they share , in turn. As is typical, her thoughts are reserved and her expression doesn't change much to indicate what they are. Whatever they might be, they aren't /bad/ in that there are no nose squinches, eye narrows or exasperated breathing noises being made, but she does make an uncharacteristic comment that doesn't extend beyond those in her immediate vicinity.

With a nod of understanding, Mihaly looks around the room. "My own innate...ability. Magic. Whatever one might call it, was unlocked in me by Queen Symonesse. My connection to the stars, she told me, means my soul does not appear as most mortals do. She said that most human soul appear as a web of sorts. Mine, she told me, was a mass of stars. I am unsure if there's any kind of connection I have to First Children, all that I know is that their connection to me empowers me." He pauses a moment, a finger touching at the strip of green fabric that he keeps wrapped around his eyes. "At a cost, apparently. During the battle at Harrow Hall, I expended myself too much I think. There was some kind of...backlash. It blinded me. I can no longer see the way the rest of of humans do." He looks between Mia and Eirene.

"I no longer see the faces of those I love in the way that you might. But they, and," he pauses to look at the group at large, "you, I still 'see', in a way. You appear as constellations to me. Your faces, objects, and places look like some kind of animated framework of stars. I'm unsure if this is a gift or a curse. The Queen seemed to suggest it is likely both. Perhaps this is how all Star Mages see. Eventually. The Queen said that in time, this new kind of vision would improve. Though how, I'm unsure."

"All that I know that I have a connection to the stars, I can draw something from it. Again, what that means, I don't know. But I suppose, in my old age, I'm willing to find out."

After sharing her short bit, Denica goes back to leaning against the wall and listening to everyone's experience. There's a subtle fascination in her eyes and she seems curious to hear them all out. Fingers tap idly against the wall, as though they have a hard time being still.

At the look that she gets from Sen, Mia just... shrugs. Those slender shoulders of her rise and fall just the once, the corners of her mouth turn ever so slightly downwards, and overall, her demeanor seems to strongly suggest that she's come to the conclusion that some things can't be helped. It is a rather dramatic change from ten year's past, and her reaction to magic then. Her attention turns to the other speakers.

Eirene says, "Every magical practitioner has what they call a soul-brand. It's a... hmmm. A sort of representation of how they are themselves. It's like a shield or crest that invokes who you are inside and your true being. It's not just visual but... multi-dimentional. A sight, a sensation, a sound, a concept. It's visible to Soul Menders and other who have soul-sight, so not every mage or adept can see it. It's a reflection of knowing your true self." She offers her hand to Mihaly to hold. "Your soul was always full of stars," she tells him. "Now you just see me how I saw you."

Aconite is enrapt as each person speaks though she does lean back a bit with a small smile. She looks to those ont he couch with her and nods to something that's said.

Sen'azala listens intently to Mirk, then tips her head toward that breeze. She listens to Mihaly, and her nose twitches faintly again. "...Something else to keep in mind," she says, "is that having it can be overwhelming. You can get all sorts of stupid ideas. You can feel fucking invincible, which is, obviously, dangerous to you, but more dangerous is the realization of what you can do to people who don't have it. I know that appeals to quite a few people, probably at least one or two in this room, but I'll point out, again, that, as Ian said, magic can end up using you as much as you use it. Something I was told, more than once, by both my teacher and a close friend, is that once you're powerful enough to affect the Dream - and not just magically, powerful in general - once it accepts what you say you are, it will believe you. And the more you tell it, the more it will *believe* you. It can be very, very, very hard to pull back from that."

6 Grayson House Guards, Maureen, an unflappable nanny, Clark, an exasperated guard leave, following Sabella.

Aleksei looks //fascinated// by what Mihaly shares, staring at him with open curiosity. "I've never even heard of Star Mages!" he says, in a 'that is very, very cool' sort of tone, that is maybe not the most appropriate for someone who just mentioned //losing his vision, Aleksei//. But he does seem to realize that maybe he could share //more// of his own story, and adds, "I'm also an adept, which I guess I shouldn't be surprised by." He hesitates a moment before admitting, "An Elysian adept. Which is -- the type of magic a person wields, I guess? Elysian, primal." Beat. "Abyssal." That one is said in a lower voice. Like he has to include it due to the technicality of it existing.

Avary raises a hand as she tosses some hair back so she can address Eirene without its interference. "Perhaps off topic Eirene, but can you please elucidate a difference for me? Mage-sight, versus 'soul-sight'?"

Something subtle, but implacable, hardens in Ian's eyes when Sen speaks of people realizing what they can do to people who don't know how to use magic.

Raven confesses "Me neither." echoing Aleksei's wonder.

"If it weren't you two," says Raymesin drily to Eirene and Mihaly, "I'd be askin' someone ter pass th'bucket. Yer just too sickenin' fer words." There's a smile in his voice, though, if not on his face. "So. Most folks as 'ave crossed seem ter be Adepts. Which is about what yer might expect, an' what th'elves expected if yer read that bit'a book. It's easier ter just /be/ the magic'n it is ter sort out another way."

Fatima glances around, listening to all the stories of people crossing the threshold and obtaining magic. She looks suitably impressed as she listens to each tale, and the cautions that go with the stories too. Her features remain mostly serene, however, as if at least some of it she has heard before. It is difficult to read her expression, which is set into a perfectly gracious attentive listening mein, her hands folded gently in her lap, one leg crossed over the other. Clothed in lovely pale blue-green, her hair done up in an elegant style, she is impeccably presented as always. She does not partake of any of the refreshments as of yet. She nods at Avary's question, apparently curious about this too.

Eirene takes a deep breath and tries to think of how to explain it. She then does her best to explain, "Mage sight allows you to see magic, weaves, an idea of someone's nature and power. But it's not like Soul sight, which shows you the weaves of a person's life - past, present, their true nature and their deeper self. Most people with a tie to magic have mage-sight." She looks around the room at those who spoke for confirmation. "There are a few of us with Soul-Sight who can look deeper and see more in depth colors and images, feel sensations."

"There's one other types to, invokers, who invoke the Gods or Spirits bidding them to help them with magic stuff as well. I'm not sure we have any of them represented here today." Lou adds on to the types of magic users topic here on the sidelines. "I imagine should any of the Paladins have Crossed that some might be among that category."

His explanation and display of magic, slight as it might be, finished, Mirk returns to his seat, staff tapping on the floor as he goes. "Mage Sight is about visualizing primum, in ways unique to the individual. Soul Sight is about looking deeper, into the soul of an individual, which I'm told can offer clues as to their nature and what magic they have at their command," he clarifies for Avary once he's settled back in. "There's other, specialized forms of sight. I had my eyes opened to the element of Air, many years ago, and can see the twisting of the wind around us and, at times, understand it."

An unusual frown finds its way on Denica's lips, brief and likely unnoticed, it's quickly erased. The short woman leans against the wall, tugging at something on her spidersilk smock. The idea of a star mage makes her rather curious though and her attention drifts briefly over to Mihaly. How fascinating! Then she offers her own brand, "I believe I'm an art mage. My art is who I am and the way I've expressed myself, especially during the times I was silent. It's different, but it's still expression, the ability to...show the truth. Whatever that might be or look like." Denica goes back to her comfortable lean, listening again curiously as others share and speak.

Titania licks her lips and puts her hand up before speaking up, "How do you know if you have Magic or if you have Elysian magic? What if it is something that you have been able to do most your life?" her blue eyes bounce around the room.

Avary nods to accept Eirene's answer as it stands without needing further clarification on the differences, but she does ask a follow-up and leans forward a touch when she does. "Thank you. And when you say 'true nature' and 'deeper self' are you speaking of immutable characteristics, or is this a representation of how one has shaped themself within the Dream?"

"Neither had I, if I'm being honest." Mihaly remarks to Aleksei, trying to find his voice in the midst of others. "Before any of this, I had no idea about any kind of magic or strangeness. At least, not until I married my wife. From my research, I've found that Star Mages were very common and even popular in Cardia, which makes sense since dragons are First Children." He tries to find Sen's voice, shaking his head. "I'm not out for power. I was just protecting that which I care about. Perhaps I pushed too much." But upon Eirene taking his hand, he returns the squeeze. "You always were my north star." That might've been said to really try to make Raymesin throw up.

"You're welcome to share what you saw when looking at my own soul the first time, Aunt Eirene, if you feel it would be instuctive," Mia says, leaning forward to peek around the edge of a chair and its occupant as she says it. "I suspect half of Arvum knows by now, anyway."

Raymesin nods to Eirene. "Mage-sight mostly sees what magic's workin' right now," he says. "There's a lot it just ain't gonna tell yer about folks. But try it on any'a us as 'ave crossed an' we can feel it. That's a great way ter piss someone right off, is lookin' at 'em with mage-sight." He either doesn't notice or doesn't care that he's been swearing in a parlour in the middle of House Grayson's own mansion, in a meeting full of very important people. He rolls his eyes at Eirene, then clears his throat again. "If you crossed th'threshold, yer tend ter just /know/ what's powerin' yer magic. By the sound'a it the gods, the spirits, an' prolly th'Abyss too - they ain't subtle."

Liara volunteers to Eirene, "I developed mage-sight at around the same juncture in the wake of the crumbling of the Despite that I observed my words having altogether more impact than they should have." She does not especially explain this, but clarifies, "I have not attempted to cross the threshold. It is low magic and the implications are such that I am considering very carefully how to proceed."

Raven looks to Mihaly "That is unbearably adorable. If I had a heart I'd need a hanky." she looks to Titania "Elysian magic is usually considered magic of the gods, as I understand it. Wouldn't surprise me if star magic would count, though."

Khanne looks at Mihaly with a bit of curiosity and perhaps a bit of awe. She bites her lip so as not to say something 'wrong'. When Aleksei more of his information, she nods. "Primal mage here." Her attention perks at the mention of mage sight versus soul sight, and she looks to Eirene, who was asked the question. When the explanation is given, she raises her hand, indicating herself as one of those, and nods. Then, "like Mirk, I work with the elements. Though, where he is specialized to Air... I can see and apparently work with them all. I started with Water... then Earth. I don't know yet all that I can do. But then, I suppose most of us do not."

Sen'azala notes, "Ashe referred to mage sight as being like licking whatever you're trying to use it on. Whether it's considered rude or not, it's not always a good idea. It's often not a good idea. Don't try it on a herald."

"It's possible to do magic without having crossed," Ian comments, more or less to the room in general. "There are plenty of people who have. A lot of that magic is subtle. The big stuff is really dangerous. It all gets easier, after. I never used to be able to use mage sight without throwing up." Too much information? Too much information.

Lou glances over at Titania at her question. "Some people have innate abilities." There's a pause before she goes on to say. "Like, I've got an affinity for maps." She looks a bit nervous saying that out loud. "They sometimes show me specific places I maybe should go exploring. If you have innate magic like that, it doesn't mean you've Crossed the Threshold into the bigger magics, but you could try. I haven't tried yet. I've been busy chasing a Herald instead," she says with a but of a sardonic tone, her lips twitching in a wry manner.

Lucita says, "Back during the battle in which Petraea died I was struggling to figure out if there was some sort of chain to the ones attacking us that I might try to break. While I did not see any, afterward I saw magic as golden notes of music or darker ones."

Raven gives another chuff of amusement in response to what Sen'azala says and again bites the inside of her cheek and drops her gaze again.

"I think that might be the Poison," Mirk comments with a shrug at Ian. "I threw up the first time I weaved magic, before I ever crossed the threshold. Not since crossing, though. So maybe it's just having more power at my command, too."

Eirene answers Avary, "Bit of both. Both the self as they know themselves and their ties to the Dreaming. Sometimes it's not what they want to be, but who they actually are. It's... vague." She scowls and then softens for her mushy husband. "It's hard to describe what I see in a soul," she says as Mia brings it up. "Because it's not just a visual. It's a sensation, a -knowing-. But if you want, I can try to describe it. I know my soulbrand looks like a sword pointing upward, with a crossing of a threaded suture needle and a bandage around it. Like a helix... A need to set things right, undo damage or change for the better."

"I used to get eye bleeds when I tried to use mage and soul sight," Eirene adds to the topic.

"I tried usin' a talent on someone as I didn't know were a Seraph at th'time," says Raymesin, to his cup of tea. "Spent a week blind."

"Thank you, Eirene," and Avary sits back. She crosses one leg over the other and curls her fingers under her chin as she withdraws to continue listening to the room.

"If star magic's associated with the First Children -- which would make sense -- then it's probably //not// Elysian," Aleksei comments. "Because the dragons are definitely something else entirely. Older than the gods, for one thing." For Titania's actual question, he says, "Well, they //look// different, the different types of magic, if you're able to see them. But some people might have gifts, subtler abilities, before they cross the Threshold, but those gifts won't necessarily dictate where a person's path takes them. Someone could be god-touched, but they could still end up a Primal mage. People make choices about the paths they follow."

In echo of all the answers being provided to Titania, Mia nods at what Ian has said. "Years ago, at the battle for the Lodge of Petrichor, I worked with others to complete a prescribed ritual that sundered the gargantuans attacking us, freeing many of the souls that had been trapped as part of it. The poison was strong enough that even that bit of work, with the strain split among more than half a dozen people, and the true names of the souls within to help guide us, left me nearly dead in the field."

Quietly nodding with what Aleksei says, Denica echoes one of his comments, "choices make the difference."

Fatima rises from her seat after a time, and quietly slips out of the gathering, skirts gathered delicately in one hand.

3 Thrax Guards, 1 Thrax Elite Guards leave, following Fatima.

Lucita says, "I think a lot of the poison has been cleansed away. Last True Song, I had none of the after effects that I used to have."

Raven says, "There's low magic and high magic. I have a book that discusses some of the differences if anyone wants the notes later but I think the main thing to know if you aim to practice high magic-magic you will want a soulbrand first." Raymesin's account prompts her to wince in sympathy though she doesn't look his way "Also bears noting the source and type of magic matters. Magic shapes the wielder, often in subtle ways sometimes not subtle at all."

"A lotta th'poison's gone," says Raymesin, "But not all. Trust me on that."

Sen'azala adds again, "Worth emphasizing forever that even trying little things related to magic can go horrifically wrong. Less, I imagine, now that the Poison is so weakened, but it's not the Poison that makes magic itself dangerous."

Lou nods her head to Sen'azala. "And just because some map shows you that you can go exploring a place, doesn't mean you actually should." She coughs a bit. "I once spent a night in the Lyceum having nightmares about dying over and over and over again, and feeling that death every single time as if I had died, because of a Grayson Prince Turned Duke Zaffria died there and his guard were guarding his burial spot."

Eirene taps a finger to her nose as Sen'azala speaks of danger. "I almost got et by something trying to remake the weaves in the Hall of Heroes. But the Eater is another topic all the fucking together..." And then she sort-of looks at Mihaly as an example of things going wrong.

Lou adds, "The ghosts of his guards, that is."

Raven winces again at Raymesin's comment and there's a pensive frown. Her gaze lifts and wonders "Of those gathered-how many were guided across the threshold? I won't nose into the details I am just curious how many here crossed without a guide and who did. Also, how many were it a planned thing and how many did it just..uh..happen in the heat of a potent moment?"

Titania nods her head looking around to each who speak to her, "Thank you." she says softly she breaths deeply and seems to be just as perplexed.

Mihaly nods at Aleksei's assessment. "I would agree. But I'm not scholarly enough to know what the implications of that would be. Or even means. What I have discovered through my usage of tapping into magic, is that star magic tends to be more 'defensive' based. Protection. Which, there is something poetic about that, given my history of knighting. I had never expected this life for me. I had always assumed my betters," Another glance is given to Eirene and Mia, "would be the more magically inclined. Not me." And again, to Sen, he nods. "I would heed her. And take what happened to me as an example."

He pulls down the strip of cloth. There is blackened scars around his eyes, with little white pinpoints scattered about. He has no...eyes. Per se. It's not like looking at the milky white of a blind person. There's no separation between the whites of his eyes and iris, it's all black and white. Looking into the old knight's eyes is like looking into the night sky. "Things can, and will, go wrong. I think, in my instance, I was lucky. I can still see. Just, very differently. I dread for what might happen to someone else with a different type of magic."

Aconite is a poised pillar of silence as she listens, seemingly attempting to keep up and managing to do so by staying quiet. Seeing the scars and hearing the warnings makes her lips press together in a thoughtful line.

Caspian has joined the Couch of Majestic Gryphons.

"I had a guide. They pushed me out of the nest to ensure I could fly," Eirene answers Raven, squeezing Mihaly's hand again. "Uh, not literally. I can't fly... But I have been studying soul-mending for years now but the time came for drastic action and unlocking my full magic before the fight with Orichalcum came to a head."

Caspian listens quietly, jotting some things down on a small piece of parchment as he hears them.

Lucita waits till conversations seem to permit and with a smile and a little wave to all those attending, she slips out the door.

Sen'azala squints. "Mnn. Definitely wasn't planned on my part, considering it happened due to my actions during the last Blood Moon, and while I've had a lot of training, it wasn't g--" She pauses. "...It might have been guided. I don't know by who. I was told what needed to be done, and what the consequences might be." She adds, with quiet but *obvious* delight, "and that the Horned God had sworn before gods and men that I was his 'nemesis'." Is that still relevant now? No. Is she enjoying it a lot? Oh yes.

2 Saik Guard, Micana, an efficient assistant leave, following Lucita.

"I 'ad a guide," says Raymesin, "An' that guide is why I ain't at th'bottom'a th'Pit right now, an' why Tanith ain't a widow. Far as I can tell it ain't vital - but it 'elps."

Eirene mutters, "... were ... dead, yeah. I'm glad you aren't."

"For what it's worth," Ian remarks, "I couldn't do magic before I crossed. Not even a little. I technically knew how to use mage sight, but in practice I couldn't pull it off. So it's not... you don't need to be godtouched, or innately magical. But you do probably need -- or at least should have -- a guide. A backstop against things going wrong. I really should be dead, the way I did things. Don't try to do it alone, even if you think you can."

There's little shock from Mia at the sight of Mihaly's eyes -- after all, she's seen them several times since the battle. Her brow does furrow, though, and she pauses at the question which Raven asks. "You could say I was guided, I suppose -- yet I've not seen the entity who was present in my vision before or since, and I couldn't even begin to surmise who or what it may have been, beyond something or someone with stronger ties to Tehom than the average godsworn. Like Prima Sen'azala, my crossing was a question of doing what needed to be done at the Eclipse of Mirrors, to ensure Destiny didn't wake and enact Orichalcum's plan. I had no idea what that sacrifice would mean for me when I made it, though if I had, I wouldn't have choosen any differently."

"It's dangerous with or without a guide," Mirk chimes in, nodding to Raymesin. "I nearly died with one. But it's much simpler with one."

"Are there suggestions on who should act as those guides?" Lou asks the question that others might want to ask, but don't. She's looking to those who mentioned guides for those suggestions. "Or, do you think any of you could do it? Given your experiences?" she wonders.

Raven nods slowly as she listens "Any idea how to get a teacher or guide for those of us who lack such a thing?" she nods and smiles wryly to Mirk "I am having to accept the longer I look and the crazier things get that I just might not have a teacher or guide and I know mine is going to be dangerous because I will be bucking influence and not turning to those who've helped me in the past."

Raven oh's "Towards that end if there's any of my possessions anyone wants, or any of my books or the like, let me know. I will be divesting of most of my stuff and happy to give it to those who have a desire or need for it. Sword and the Blackwater are of course not included."

"If you have the opportunity talk to as many people you can," Denica gently suggests. "Or want to. Get guidance and perspective. Everyone's different, and that makes for an incredibly unique experience. I think things happen when we need them too. And that reason doesn't always matter, because we can shape it and still have the journey we want. It's a beautiful thing. It's worth experiencing each colour," Denica laments drifting off into quiet thoughts and inner imagery.

"I might be able to 'elp yer find a threshold," says Raymesin, "But I ain't sure as I'll be able ter do much if it goes wrong. Well, except tell yer corpse ter walk itself ter a grave, maybe, which ain't likely ter be much 'elp."

Mirk raises an eyebrow at Lou. "I don't think I'm ready to guide anyone across the threshold. I could provide some advice, maybe, but in the end it would be up to the individual. Mages or adepts or invokers with more experience. Magical beings. But, in my experience, I'd say it's also important that the guide be someone who suits your path. With my guide, I already had affinities with his elements, so it was natural. If it had been elements wholly unsuitable to me? Maybe I'd have died. But that's a guess."

Ian shakes his head. "I don't think anyone of us know what we're doing well enough to be able to help with that," he tacks onto Ray and Mirk's words.

Eirene gives Raven a look of 'really?' disbelief and disappointment. "I cannot tell you how to do your own crossing, but I can say that sounds stupid." She looks at Lou and adds, "I'd be happy to be a backup to anyone who needs me there but it helps if you have someone who knows magic already - good luck with that though," she echoes the others.

Raven looks to Eirene "I told you what I was doing when I came to talk to you. There's a demon in my chest and the ones who've helped me in the past are the same ones who raised me, you remember who those were. If I cross it will be wholly myself or dying trying." she lifts a hand "I have spoken to Archduchess Jaenelle to ask her to make sure I don't leave a foul-tempered ghost behind if it goes badly but I am ENTIRELY open to better ideas if anyone has them." she tilts her head "I am really hoping someone has a better idea."

Sen'azala eyes Raven at 'demon in my chest', but she doesn't openly remark on it.

Khanne glances towards Raven then twists her lips to the side.

Eirene has left the floral vines small round table and padded chairs.

Carissa, a Southport bodyguard, Planchet the Lycene maggiordome leave, following Eirene.

Lou inclines her head to both Ian and Mirk and starts to say something, but pauses when Raven mentions what she does. That pause draws out a bit, moving into a pregnant awkward sort of deal before she finally shakes her had and notes to Ian and Mirk, "Thank you. That's also good to know. I know it's all new for everyone. So there may be those who feel they have no choice but to try on their own if they can't find a guide. Especially with the whole issue of the Forgetfulness Plague of the north happening."

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Khanne before departing.

Aleksei is a bit belated in answering, but! "There was a Mirrormask there the night of the Eclipse of Mirrors. Don't know who it was, but they were definitely there when I crossed. But I'd managed to do some magic over the years before that, and did have a few much smarter people than me who guided me a hell of a lot over those years."

Mirk grimaces at Lou, but offers a grim nod. "I am willing to provide advice to anyone who needs it, but be aware it's less of a guide and more of asking questions and pointing you in the general direction I feel might be rewarding," he replies. "And I'm happy to be there to support you, as well, if it might make things safer."

Raven looks to Raymesin "That's a generous offer. I'd consider it a favor if no one has to drag my dumb corpse to a grave but it seems like it might be a waste of your time. I am most assuredly not in then position to turn down help. Also, congratulations on becoming the Paladin of Death."

"Frankly," Sen says, "My suggestion would be to find a guide, no matter how new they might be. Unless they're an idiot. Even if we can't help much, we might be able to do something. At the end of the day, however, Crossing is your own thing. It doesn't matter how experienced the teacher, you need to take that last step on your own."

"Every soul deserves care," says Raymesin to Raven, voice neutral; her congratulations gets an inclination of his head, and then his focus turns away again.

Caspian looked round the room and broke into a grin. "That is a very generous offer from all of you here. And i thank you all for taking the time to speak with us about it. I suspect i shall be bombarding you all with messengers soon enough asking for help and guidance."

Sen'azala checks dexterity and legerdemain at normal. Sen'azala is successful.

Raven nods to Sen'azala "I will keep looking. It sounds as if I have a long way to go. I am correct in understanding most here had considerable guidance and practice before taking the final step to crossing and acquiring the soulbrand? With the understanding the last step, we each must do on our own?"

Raven is overheard praising Lou.

"Not everyone," Mirk says, shaking his head. "I know a couple of people who had no intentions of becoming mages or adepts and little experience in magic who wound up crossing the threshold because the circumstances were right and necessity forced their hand."

Titania nods her head a she gets up, she looks to be perhaps leaving. But she has a slip of paper that she moves over to hand to Aleksei, she looks to Ian then turns to leave.

"It's better and more effective, though," Sen adds, to what Mirk says.

"What Mirk said," Lou points her thumb in his direction. "Some were intentional. Some were accidental. All were unique to them." She looks over at Sen a moment and said, "Speaking of magic and such, I had some thoughts that definitely might need help that involve maps and rites of protection and maybe making sure the names of other places don't get erased." This she says as a tangent thing on the side, as the meeting seems to be dwindling down a bit.

Raven bows her head to the collective "I am very grateful for everyone for being so willing to lend their experience, insight, and wisdom on this matter. I am in your debt. Thank you very much for hosting this, Pathfinder. If I may repay anyone here for their generosity and time please don't hesitate to reach out to me."

"And there's probably a lot more people whose hands got forced by necessity and they blew themselves up or something," Ian adds, ever the optimist.

Titania is overheard praising Lou.

Raymesin jerks a thumb in Ian's direction in the age-old Lowers signal for 'what he said'.

Lou looks over at Ian as he says that, "Maybe I ought to have sent out that - You're Not A Wizard Harry - bit of research too, as a cautionary tale...."

Raven says, "I always knew I'd do something stupid but I kind of had the requirement it'd be in the pursuit of something to benefit something more than myself."

Ian looks to Lou. "To be fair, that guy didn't so much blow himself up as pu --" He stops himself there, before saying whatever he was about to say, and just coughs, instead. "Uh, bled a lot."

"Like you, I have also never had a teacher," Mia says, turning to look towards Raven as she speaks. "And the only man I would have ever dared to ask is now dead. But I've been wary of magic almost all my life, and have never been much inclined to go poking at the occult out of curiosity alone. Never without a plan or the ability to tread a well worn path that many, many others had laid before me. Most every bit of magic I've seen over my life has been a horror, created by a man who'd gone mad with his own power and desire for revenge. I became this because... I know what it is to make a necessary choice in the moment, as a result of being touched by darkness," she gestures towards Mirk and Ian at their comments, "though that darkness was never my own. I stumbled my way to where I am now, intent only on protecting others, fulfilling duties I felt I had as best as I possibly could. I'd still advise caution, because quite frankly, I should be dead half a dozen times over by now."

Raymesin surges to his feet. "Oh, fuck off," he says to Raven, then stalks towards the door, irritation almost palpable with the way it rolls off him in waves. "See yer, folks. Thanks fer th'tea."

Titania has left the Couch of Majestic Gryphons.

Titania is near the door and waits for Raymesin to step out and she right behind him following the tall man out of the room.

Ian rises immediately following Ray, and shadows him out, the same way that he shadowed Sen in.

Ian has left the a regal sofa with green silk cushions and silver accented carvings.

"I want to take this time to thank everyone for coming out tonight and discussing their experiences. I expect I definitely will have additional questions and might pick a brain or two about some ideas that I have. Assuming you're amenable." Lou says to the others in the room, looking to wrap things up quickly now. "You are also welcome to reach out to me if you ever need anything. I found this evening very insightful and informative and appreciate all that was talked about tonight. /Thank you/." There's a clear ring of finality to her voice and once that's all said she starts working on getting a snack before she starts to head toward the hall herself.

Sen'azala looks surprised at Raymesin's outburst, but unbothered. There was some sort of very quick movement from her just beforehand, though it's unclear what, and now she has a cookie in her mouth and she's snicker-laughing around it.

Raven looks up at Raymesin and a moment of puzzlement. There's a glance around to see if anyone else seems annoyed with her. She turns her attention to Mia "It wasn't originally my plan either. The blade and the sea served me well for a really long time until suddenly my obligations required more."

Aconiteshakes her head about something as she watches people leave. Her brows drawn down.

Raven whispers to aconite distractedly.

"If anyone has questions that occur after the fact, or that they don't feel comfortable asking in a public setting, I welcome messengers," Mirk says to the assembled crowd, looking around at those that had spoken up throughout. "But don't expect me to have all of the answers, either. I'm a novice druid, not an archmage."

Something Aleksei says has Sen laughing *even more*.

Raymesin has left the a regal sofa with green silk cushions and silver accented carvings.

Scarf, the violet serpent leaves, following Raymesin.

Khanne gestures towards Mirk and nods. "Likewise. But if I am able to be of help..." she leaves the offer suggested, not spoken.

Aconitepats Raven's arm before she stands and courtseys to the nobles before slipping out the doors.

Aconite has left the Couch of Majestic Gryphons.

Alejandro, a gravely sober middle-aged Torean leaves, following Aconite.