Lord Adriano Magnotta - Commander of the Magnotta Marines, Umi, the curious turtle, 1 Kennex corsairs arrive, following Titania.

Scarf, the violet serpent, Titania arrive, following Raymesin.

Eirene gives Mirk a tight lipped smile. "I'm glad... That's a victory the people of the city will be glad to hear. They can be fought. They can be stopped." She has a look of distraction for a moment. Likely because the rest of Grayson has ridden to Bastion and she's here. She fixes a smile for Lucita but it's brief.

Ian is slouched in a chair with a drink he's barely touched, looking very much like a man who's not doing a whole lot of sleeping, these days. He watches as the room begins to fill up without any particular expression, nodding from time to time as familiar faces filter in.

Daoud, a Harrow Banshee arrives, following Cufre.

Raven steps in quietly and closes the door behind her. There's clear and obvious relief when she spies him, "Elder Mirk." then Mirk asks after the Archscholar and there's a brief hesitation before she speaks up "I spoke with him a few weeks ago." she lifts a hand and rubs the back of her neck "Nothing of any actual consequence was discussed however."

It might come as a surprise to see Countess Ember Redreef enter to join the meeting. After all, it wasn't long ago at all that Redreef Shores was reported lost -- right around that strange moment where the sea level seemed to dip. Ember wears her usual armor, cloak, and horned-skull helmet, covering the entirety of herself from view. Shadowmeld, from head to toe. Like Ian, she doesn't say much, moving through the space like a shadow-clad wraith, dipping her head in greeting to various and sundry.

Caspian looks up from the little cat nap he had stolen while leaning against the wall and blinked a few times to clear his eyes. a stretch and he moved to join the room proper, offer smiles to the friendly faces. when eh spied mirk he offered a bow, "I heard stories from farhaven. Its nothing short of inspirational my friend."

From a glance, it looks like Denica is showing up for a garden party. A riot of peaches decorates a ridiculous fashion-forward hat. Flared skirts and ribbons. But, it's the look on her face that doesn't quite match up. A sad expression twisted with something unusually fierce. The woman walks in confidently, even if she does nothing to hide the storm of emotions that rage through her. It's in the serious way she holds her shoulders, clutching a portfolio against the front of her gown. Knuckles white, lips pressed together, purpose in her steps. Slipping into a chair, Denica gives a quick nod to Ian and Eirene when she sees them. Then places her attention on Giada.

Willen arrives, following Lou.

4 First Legion Centurions, 8 Setarcan Royal Shields arrive, following Patrizio.

Ember ends up standing behind Denica's chair. It doesn't look creepy at all, this skull-masked woman whose helmet has giant curved horns, lurking behind Denica and her ostentatious hat.

Aelgar nods, waves and smiles as people filter in. "Army right here in this room, really."

Giada checks composure at normal. Giada is successful.

Raymesin arrives, ducking in through the doorway and bringing a whiff of the grave with him. He's looking tired, the tall man finding somewhere to lean not far from Ian and Eirene.

When the skull-masked woman now standing behind Denica walks into the room, Ian goes very, very still. His weary expression slackens, the dark, moody undertones giving way to a kind of focused serenity. Very gently, he places his glass of whiskey on a nearby table, so gently that the glass makes no noise when it impacts the wood.

For once - if only for once - there's the late arrival of a Setarcan royal, as Patrizio Pravus and his regular retinue are clearly not early. His armour polished to high sheen, as if there's always these days worry about the state of things and the danger that awaits, the archduke inclines his head briefly to those familiar figures when he's remaining closer to the wall, to listen to what's afoot.

Binky, an asshole crow, Greguin, an organized priest, 9 Templar Knight guards arrive, following Aureth.

Lou slips in quietly and finds a place to settle, nodding succinctly to those she knows before she does.

Cufre hesitates as she enters the room, but the flow of entries doesn't allow for that hesitation to last. She finds a place to stand along a wall.

Aendal, a jumpy and introverted bookworm arrives, following Bhandn.

Given she enters shortly after Ember, it's terribly easy for Sen to arrive without particular notice, and she peels off toward a seat as soon as she's in the room. Her expression is...troubled, if otherwise unreadable. She's certainly tense in a fashion that's heightened even for her, and it's as though a shadow of pent up unpleasantness were clinging to her.

It's impossible for Aureth to be unobtrusive because so many armored templars surround him wherever he goes, like a walking committee. So he doesn't try. He swans inside.

Aelgar has joined the grey leather seating around a sleek white marble fireplace.

The inside of the Archlector's townhouse is a fancy one, but it avoids garish displays. While people are made comfortable in the sitting area, a couple of servants rotate with drinks. There's no sign of food, however.

Giada looks around the room and exhales, grabbing a glass of rum for herself. "Glad you could all make it," she says casually. "We've got a good crowd going, it seems. Alright, so the purpose of this meeting is to put together some semblance of a plan for protecting the Thinnest Point."

"Before we get into the strategy side of things, it would probably help us if we all knew each other's skillsets. No point in building a plan requiring someone we don't have." Her eyes turn to Ian when his posture changes the way it does. And then they seem to drift into a middle space, looking around the room somewhat blandly. "Who wants to start us all off?"

Guy, a hunting kestrel, Balian, a Templar squire, 1 Templar Knight guards, Direhorn Jeffers, a barded Templar wargoat arrive, following Preston.

Aelgar bows courteously to Aureth without interrupting Giada.

Aelgar rises and waves to the group. "Aelgar, Prelate of the Scholars of Vellichor."

Raven looks up when Aureth arrives and she double-takes. She doesn't interrupt but she does go park herself beside Caspian. Her own guards are sent to wait elsewhere so as to free up room for important people and their honor guards.

3 Black Fleet Reavers have been dismissed.

"I'm going to be there, in the Pit, with the Nox'Alfar cavalry, to include Winston who is apparently the biggest boy they have," Aureth shares. He finds something to lean against. It's not his most formal posture, but he's looking pretty alert, with a singing tension whispering up his spine as his pale gaze flickers across the assembled. His right heel jiggles against the floor.

Mirk lets out a quiet "Hm," at the news of the Archscholar, but he nods toRaven and Aelgar. "Thank you." At the bow from Caspian, he looks flustered for a moment, about to dismiss it, as he normally would, but unable to find the words. Instead, he clears his throat and turns his attention to Giada. "I'm Mirk Halfshav. I'm a novice druid - or mage, the lines are hazy - with command of wind, storm and ice. I'm also the familiar of Nyx, the dragon who fought at Farhaven and is willing to fight with us again against the Second Reckoning. That is what I'm bringing to the table."

"Oh," Aureth says with a blink, "Sorry. Do I need to say who I am?" Greguin, the long-suffering assistant at his elbow, looks deeply pained.

Preston moves through the door, a little late and trying to make up for it with a little bit of haste. He presses the door closed behind him and smiles at the assembled gathering "Mm. Hello everyone. You know, Blessed Giada, we do have much larger meeting rooms around the Faith estate." As he catches Aureth's statement, there is a very sour look. Like someone just slapped his favourite goat. Or the Most Holy announced he was going to be leading cavalry. "Ah, can't we send someone a little more disposable, Most Holy?" But, oh, apparently he came in at introductions "Sir Preston Godsworn, Carnifex of the Faith of the Pantheon, Grandmaster of the Holy Knights of the Temple, Paladin of Gloria."

Titania walks in just behind Raymesin, when he enters she moves to follow and stand near Ian and Eirene. there is a look to her as she is quiet and listens for the moment.

"Venandi Sen," says the woman of the same name, since people seem to be making introductions. "Adept and...a bit more than that." For a moment her golden eyes seem just a bit more so, her gaze decidedly more intense. "What I saw in Wolf's eyes showed her, an elite Nefer'khati guard, and myself waiting at the Thinnest Point. But..." she grimaces. "Nothing is written. I have to *get* them here, to start with."

"I am Countess Ember Redreef." Ember says this as plainly as she can. Her blunt, clipped way of speaking carries through the mask she wears. "I am a warrior born. I bring with me what survives of Redreef's armies. We will fight."

Ember then moves to unlace her helm and pull it free from her head. Shock-white hair spills out... and when the helmet comes off, the horns don't. They're part of her. Just like the crimson red skin, the glowing yellow eyes, the sharpened teeth. Her tail uncoils from around her leg and sways from side to side, part of it poking out from underneath her cloak. "We will fight, and we will avenge Redreef Shores, with all the power that we have been granted."

"No, my dear; Winston will probably eat anyone who isn't me," Aureth explains amiably, with an upnod to Preston, thereby demonstrating exactly how he is escaping his templar minders and putting himself in the line of fire, apparently. (Preston is going to live through the battle, but die of an apoplexy caused by obnoxious dominus.)

"'Arlequin Raymesin, Paladin'a Death, an' I'm one'a the best fighters in Arvum even afore magic gets involved," says Raymesin. "I'm gonna be at th'Thinnest Point as well." There's a definite whiff of decay about him, beneath the overtones of harsh soap. And then Ember reveals herself, and he's got a knife in each hand a moment later.

The way that Ian has been still and silent, watching Ember this entire time, the way his demeanor doesn't change at all when she reveals itself... all of these things make it pretty clear that he knew exactly what was under the helmet. The good news is that he doesn't feel the need to jump to his feet to draw a sword? Maybe?

Settling into the chair, Ember takes Denica by surprise, not because of how she looks, but that she's here. Denica looks up, which is hard with the hat and gives Ember a silent expression. Then she opens her portfolio to a blank page, giving Raymesin a quiet smile as she sees him arrive. Paint-stained fingers are looking through the pockets of her dress for something to draw with. Grabbing a piece of charcoal is immediately snaps in her hands, lacking her normal coordination. A bright turquoise pastel is the next best choice. When Giada asks for skills, Denica stands up to introduce herself. "Hello, I'm Denica. Artist. Senior Inquisitor. Voice of Thrax." A beat. "I'm am art mage. Art is truth, that's what I fight with.," Denica considers her skills and says, "I'm a strategic troublemaker." A smile. "I'm here to help."

Giada's home is actually rather large, big enough for entertaining. Far more space than she herself needs. "No, Most Holy, I think people know who you are," she says. Her eyes drift back into focus, resting on Ember for a moment as she continues talking. Did someone just go all demonic in her home? She doesn't seem bothered and glides right past it. Even if the Templars that guard the Archlector begin getting REALLY tense and look to Preston for orders. "Well, the way I see it, people have an idea of what they can contribute to the defense. I'm not a martial genius at all, but I plan to use some warding rituals to help us balance the odds. So is there anyone with better fight organizational skills, please let me know. 'Cause this isn't my wheelhouse."

Aureth's pale gaze catches on Ember and then he hisses through his teeth, and smacks a hand over his eyes. "Ahhh, okay, all right, all right." Anyone looking directly at him might see a subtle wrongness about those eyes, like there's something moving behind them, but most of the attention in the room probably isn't on his flinch, so, you know, it's probably fine.

If briefly, as the others are introducing themselves, the archduke of Setara waits some moments, before he speaks up from where he's hanging back. "Patrizio of Pravus," pronounces he seriously. "And amongst other things, general of the First Legion of Setara. And what may come after Setara, we shall see, but I intend to defend the south, and come back to be prepared to render aid to hold off our horrid foe."

Eirene's also one of those going for a blade as soon as Ember reveals her new look. "Fuck," she swears simply as hand goes for the alaricite (blessed, mind you) at her side. She looks at Preston and then at Giada's excuded calmness. And Aureth's. Slowly, very slowly, she puts her hand back to her side. "Eirene Riven nee Malvici. General. Coordinator of the defence forces of Arx . I'm not riding with Grayson to Bastion but instead staying here to prepare." She continues uneasily, "And a soul-mender, with magic to heal or harm the body."

It's been quite some time since Sir Bhandn has made his face known. Fighting for his life against some manner of ailment does that. His arrival is quiet, and without armor despite current events, and the old man looks as though he could do with about a month's worth of naptime. Despite that, he's alert, and more than happy to be sitting down. Particularly when Ember shows off what she's got going on. His eyebrows rise as high as they can go and he goes absolutely still.

"Clearly, I've missed a few things," he declares to the air, but he's got one hand on the greatsword that rarely leaves his presence. "I can't *wait* to hear about what I don't know is going on." No small amount of sarcasm there. "I'm Bhandn Yvar. I'm relatively normal, compared to *some* people, though since we're all sharing confidences, I'd say I have hopes of ending up an adept that isn't touched by the Abyss." He's staring at Ember as he says that. "I also have a nice little primum-infused blade that might have relevance to Limerance, or it might be a Cardian affectation on the blade. Either way, it's relevant to magic and I don't know how to use it aside from cutting things. You're welcome."

Caspian offers a smile, "Caspian Wild. Fighter and chauffer apparently. wherever the fighting is nastiest is likely where i'll be. And thinnest point seems to be it." he was going to maybe ad a bit more, but ember's display simply caused him to blink a few times and then flick his gaze around the room."

Raven bows her her head "Raven, Fifth reflection of Tehom. I am a passable sword but possess no other skill set of relevance to this most esteemed gathering."

Ember takes all of the reactions in stride, as if people were noticing a bad haircut or something, rather than... you know.

Mirk is taken aback by Ember, a brief blink, before his expression returns to somber neutrality. He says nothing, but it takes him a moment to turn his attention to those explaining their abilities afterwards.

"I'd probably suggest you be somewhere else for a while first, Raymesin. There will be a lot of fighting before the enemy gets close to the Thinnest Point. With any luck we will hold them well short of it, though I doubt it." There is a heavy sigh from the Carnifex though "The Star Chamber is going to be busy after we defeat Azazel. I think we can agree to postpone any 4th Law matters until then." As Eirene pipes up, Preston ahs "I received a missive from you General as I was finishing up a fitting on a piece of armour. The answer is, the Faith Militant has around a quarter of a million soldiers under arms. Many are in holds across Arvum as they could not get here, dying in tens and hundreds to buy us time. Each small fortress and waystation, slowly going dark and quiet."

Even though Lou has seen Ember before, she definitely attracts attention each time Lou sees her again. She can't help but stare a moment when the woman's helmet comes off, but she doesn't keep look long, taking a gauge of the people around her instead, pursing her lips. When the introductions seem to be on hold, she steps forward. "Lou Grayson. I come as I am, at the moment. Maybe a bit more tomorrow, if I Cross the Threshold," she announces. "I'll also be going to Nefer'khat soon to see if I might convince one of the Primorida to take me on as a bondmate before the final battle."

Aureth staggers and then draws straight, blinking repeatedly like there's something gone seriously wrong with his eyes. "We honor their sacrifice," he says, a little strangled as he fights back against whatever is happening there. "And I'll pray the glibness of your tongue, Lou, because that could be one hell of a thing."

Cufre stands up straighter. "I'm Cufre Harrow, a disciple of the Queen of Endings, a Deathspeaker, and a descendent of the first human king." She pauses, then adds, "And a jeweler who calls the Lowers not too far from a path to the catacombs my home. I-- I was able to see and heal souls, but I gave those up in payment to the Kindly Voices to help defeat the Traitor. I don't know if I can be a help here, but after sacrificing what I did, I've felt drawn to the ones who accepted it. I may be able to connect, somehow, to the Kindly Voices."

Raven's gaze looks to Aureth and there's a small worried frown.

Giada sighs softly and looks to Ember. "Would you try hiding your face again?" she asks simply. "It seems to be setting off the Dominus."

Ian is taking in all of the room, now. Slowly, with the same gentleness that he used to set down his glass, he braces on his cane and pushes to his feet.

"Mm." Ember dips her head in a nod toward Giada. Her helm is pulled back on, hair gathered beneath it, and she laces it once more. No more red demon face -- just a black skull facade.

Eirene bows her head at Preston's mention of their sacrifice. A fist over her heart in salute. "And every soul they save is one less innocent our enemy consumes. We can discuss what numbers I have after Blessed G is done." She arches her eyebrows as she looks at Ian.

Titania looks around with her ocean blue eyes, "I am Titania Magnotta, Deciple of Mangata and Paladin of waves." she says in a soft voice with undertones of command to it. "I also planned to help at the thinnest point."

"You don't have to do that," Aureth says. Standing straight, blinking a few more times, he does seem a /little/ more composed. "They're going to have to bloody well get used to it, considering what we're facing. I'll pray over it tonight."

Sen'azala eyes Ember for a moment, but she's definitely distracted (somehow, she's apparently capable of being distracted from *that*). Her frown deepens. "How many will we have holding the walls and in the wards? Arx is stuffed with refugees and getting moreso every day. The Thinnest Point may be the most important thing to defend in the world, but what I've seen of the enemy is an...ocean of monsters. There might not be much of a city left once they're here, and that's...most of the population of Arvum." There's an exhale through her teeth. "Because I'm going to find Grandmother, I can't really speak to capabilities of what I'm bringing. I can go Wolf, and people have seen what that means. I'm able to control it now." She makes a small gesture, a little flick of her wrist, and in an apparent sleight of hand, there's a raven feather between her fingers, much like the three in her hair. She frowns more at it.

Raven opens her mouth as if to observe something when the Dominus speaks and for once in her life gives a pause, reconsiders, and closes her mouth instead opting to listen.

Binky, an asshole crow have been dismissed.

Greguin, an organized priest have been dismissed.

9 Templar Knight guards have been dismissed.

Aelgar moves his eyes to Sen'azala and opines, "Refugees, with their backs to the wall, may be less docile than we would give them credit for."

Aelgar moves his eyes to Sen'azala and opines, "Refugees, with their backs to the wall, may be less docile than we would give them credit for." (re for Aureth)

Sen'azala's eyes narrow. "We're talking about millions, and millions of monsters. It doesn't matter how docile or not they are."

Alejandra, a snowy white hound, Planchet, an unrelenting valet, Roselia, shy scholar scribe arrive, following Ainsley.

"We're also talkin' a city riddled wi'tunnels," says Raymesin. "Nothin' says they 'ave ter take th'surface afore they can attack th'Thinnest Point." His knives have vanished again, there and then gone in the blink of an eye.

"The Spirit Walkers are hoping that we can convince some of the Old Gods in Arvum to support us in Arx. Mountain, for certain, but whatever others will answer the call," Mirk says, adding to the discussion of nefer'khat. "Most of the Redrain forces survived the battle and will be at Arx. That's easily tens of thousands of soldiers, though I don't have a precise headcount for who made it back."

Aelgar nods respectfully to Sen'azala, but he does add, "Farhaven held. Some of the holdings are doing orderly retreat. The enemy is beyond measure, but even refugees might take a few down rather than die without protest. That is all I meant: we are that desperate."

"I admit I don't know how /many/ giant spiders the Nox are bringing to help," Aureth muses, which may or may not be reassuring.

"Let's not mince words," Bhandn says bluntly, interjecting his comment right after Sen discusses the Thinnest Point being Tres Importante(tm). "Should I assume we have to worry about the Will of Baalphrigor? Or is the shit piled higher and nastier than even that? I don't really know exactly what's in play here aside from getting to relive history, and that's without counting whatever the hell I did in my past life."

When Aureth protests, Ember continues lacing her helmet back up anyway. Her tail even curls back up around her leg, disappearing from view beneath the cloak. She gives Aureth a single, deep nod as if to acknowledge his planned prayers. As people talk about their strategies, she says: "I have done what I am able. So far."

Ainsley is just through the door when he hears the words 'Will of Baalphrigor' and he freezes mid step, turning his attention toward Bhandn unblinkingly.

Lucita says, "I'm a singer. I have the ability to augment the abilities of others, to disrupt groups of enemies, stunning or damaging hearing so badly it distracts them, and to deflect which is making a shield that tosses attacks back at an opponent. There are a couple of minor things can do but those are the main ones. I've not used such skills too often but hope they will be effective."

"Let's be cautious about naming Archfiends," Mirk suggests, wincing at the mention of the name. "There are reasons that it is unwise that had nothing to do with the Despite."

"Far as I know th'Will is still in bits," says Raymesin. "But th'Eater ate two Archfiends, so 'e prolly don't need it."

"I didn't say I'd be successful," Lou remarks in Aureth's direction. "Just that I'd be trying. In the vision Sen'azala saw from her grandmother," she motions to Sen as she speaks about going herself, "it was the only way we could win our war against what's coming. There was a gathering of all of the Primorida here in Arvum, by spirit only because they could not come here themselves in the flesh. I was there for that gathering. Deer spoke to me about Eurus that day." She grows silent then, moves over to Raymesin and Eirene and speaks quietly to them.

"The responsibility of anyone who is faithful is to defend the innocent. It is an honour to die in such a venture, even if it is a tragedy, Most Holy." Preston puts his hands on the back of one of the chairs as they talk "They have to take entrances down into the catacombs though. The Faith will be holding two areas in the city once the walls fall. The Rectory and the area around the Cathedral and Shrines. If we must fall back, we will leave the Rectory and relocate our leadership to Azazel's former home under the Archive. From there we can continue to fight both above ground and into the catacombs. The mercies will be directed down there as well." Preston then looks across to Bhandn "I doubt he will assemble it. Orichalcum was trying to gather the pieces, and several are in the city. Some in Faith hands. Anyway, we have me if they come into play. Crusader sings happily when she fights them, and protects me from their magic."

Bhandn looks as though he was about to respond to Mirk - his mouth is open and ready to say something - but Raymesin's response has only a flat, deadpan "what" come out instead of whatever was on the Knight of Solace's mind.

Eirene motions to her aide who presents her with a portfolio. She snaps it open. "I have command of nine-thousand Riven troops who are coming downriver with some of our refugees. Thrax has eight-thousand in number from what I'm told." She glances at Denica. "The Iron Guard reports they intend on placing two-thousand at the Graveyard, with just over 250 at the Thinnest Point as backup. They have two-thousand headed to the Castle," she says at Sen'azala, and it doesn't sound like the means the 'Palace'. "Two-thousand at the Great Archive to protect the faith there. And a thousand to escort those in the Rose Baronies."

Eirene shifts to another part of her list. "Lady Portia Sulla has offered a hundred of the Silver Shields, Countess Ember," she says as she looks at the masked woman, "has offered what of the Redreef forces she can. The Dominus has mentioned what he's up to, the Paladin of Death has his own forces of... unknown number."

Ainsley clears his throat a moment and says to Eirene, "I forgot in my report I'm sending troops to back up Stanley at the bridge, including someone with the capability to fly."

When Eirene looks at Denica she nods to confirm, "Thrax is sending eight thousand soldiers from Maelstrom and the Inquisition will come with everyone they've got."

It's hard to be sure WHAT snaps Ian from a state of stillness to one of motion, but something does. He nods to Eirene. "General. I'm sure you can let me know what you'll need from me, later." And with that, he's on his way out, weaving through the crowd in the room so adroitly that he might as well be walking through an empty space.

"It is not 'what I can,'" Ember says. "It is all of it." The unspoken heavy implication is that 'all of it' means 'all of what remains.' "Regardless of any..." Ember glances at Aureth and Preston, "...theological differences present in this room, the survival of... /existence/ is paramount above all else. I feel as though that goes without saying, but it probably should be said anyway." She watches Ian leave, but says nothing.

Sen'azala doesn't appear to be at all mollified, but for the moment - the immediate moment - she moves past the worry of refugees. There's a nod toward what Lou says, and she adds, "there's no way to know who and how many we can bring, only that we need them. Unfortunately, the only way I'm aware of being able to bring them here makes them...unbelievably vulnerable. I have no idea if they're aware of that, and if they're not, no idea who, if any, would be willing to agree to it." There's a sharp look to Eirene now, and then she looks toward the rest of the room. "I was told, in a message that I passed on, that the...whoever controls the Castle of Yesterday wants no one there defending it. They won't open the Castle gates, which means any defenders would get caught between the walls and the horde, cut off from escape or reinforcements. Her instruction was to focus on defending Arx."

"There were thirty-five thousand warriors at Farhaven. I don't know how many survived, but it was most of them, and most of those will be here," Mirk adds, almost as an afterthought. "I'll get you exact numbers as soon as I have a clearer picture."

Giada checks composure at hard. Giada is successful.

Lucita glances over toward Ian as he starts to leave. A questioning expression accompanies her low spoken words to him.

Ainsley moves to find himself a place to stand, off to the side by himself. At Sen's words he glances toward Eirene and asks, "Where do you want me to move those soldiers to?"

Raven frowns gently at Sen'azala's warning. She frowns gently "I keep hearing the castle of yesterday and somehow got a message from the occupants. Who or what even is that?"

Eirene nods back to Ian. She's not stopping him, simply acknowledging his role in things as they come to pass. "Thanks Sen." She looks over to Ainsley and says, "I apologize for overstepping your part. I figured while I had my numbers I'd share them," she says, truly apologetic for a change. "What do you think is best," she asks for his opinion. "Where can they be best deployed?

Titania moves in a graceful motion to take hold of Ian's arm and moves him to the side to speak to him in a soft tone.

Preston bows his head to Eirene "I appreciate the offer, General Eirene, but I suspect you can put the 2000 soldiers to better use. The area around the Shrines will be well protected. We helpfully had the crusade at Harrow Hall, and many forces were already coming here. A good thing the enemy seems not intent on pausing to siege - our food would be out in a week and we'd be eating Jeffers." But Preston turns his eyes to Ember and an eyebrow slowly lifts "Theological differences?" he repeats with incredulity before adding "Do not push things, Countess."

"In case I was unclear," Aureth says, "I am specifically /not/ indulging in any investigations of anything that might be perceived as heretical at the moment." He scratches blunted fingernails along the line of his beard. "I am certain that my templars agree. The Sentinel sees all of this and knows what we are about. Under the circumstances, we must look to our ends, and the mutuality of our goals. And our goals are to defend the Thinnest Point. That's where the inquiry ends. This is not a permanent theological position but an armistice of sorts; I'm sure we understand each other."

Giada looks thrilled when Eirene takes over this part of things. She's not a military person at all, after all, unless it has to do with logistics. She's obviously more comfortable as the host. 'Theological differences' or not, she quietly moves around the outside and towards Ian. She stops and murmurs something quietly to the man, her eyes remaining on her guests. Git 'em, Eirene!

Sen'azala offers Raven a one-shouldered shrug. "Someone named Watcher, and that's about all I know. People are welcome to try to argue with her, if they can get into contact, but my impression was that was very...ah...non-negotiable. Apparently the Castle of Yesterday has magical defenses, though who knows if that's enough."

Ember is as still as a statue. "Indeed, Dominus," she says, and then returns her attention to the rest of the discussion.

"I would think we've larger fish to fry than worrying about the Castle," says Patrizio from his spot, with an inclination of his head to Sen'azala. Though those jade eyes do turn back to the Dominus as he's contemplating what's being said.

Raven blinks "OH." as if something clicked. She then tilts her head and studies Aureth. Patrizio's comment draws her gaze "Indeed we do, your grace."

Ian stops in the doorway when both Lucita and Titania speak to him. He's still showing that care of motion in the way that he moves Titania's hand from his arm. "I'm alright," he says to both of them. It's probably not strictly true, but who IS 'alright', right now? What he says to Giada is longer, and quiet, accompanied by a shake of his head. His tone is apologetic. And a little bit pointed.

Caspian leans over to raven with a grin, "i had no idea either." he chuckles softly and continues to listen. " Foolish question, and im sure this is all mapped and documented but, we do know exactly WHERE the thinnest point is in the catacombs yes?"

Ainsley checks composure at hard. Ainsley is successful.

"Or what size the place it sits is in," Sen tacks on to Caspian's question. "I've never been there. We wouldn't want to cram the room so full of soldiers they can't effectively fight."

Ainsley gives a shake of his head toward Eirene, "There's no need, Eirene. I shouldn't have behaved that way. The Iron Guard is yours to command in this crisis." A glance is given toward Preston and his expression shutters a moment, he turns back toward Eirene and says, "You have four thousands iron guard soldiers, just tell me where you want them to go."

It's then he finally notices Ember, his eyes brows go up and his hand starts to slide downward but he stops himself and gives a little grunt in his throat before turning back to Eirene.

Raven says, "If it's catacombs soldiers can be staged, there's no need to cram everyone in one spot and when dealing with the abyss...flexible plans are best."

Cufre says to Caspian, "From what I remember, there is no mapping. The paths change, but the dead can guide the way."

The turquoise pastel finds the surface of the page and Denica begins to draw, struck by something she's heard or felt. It doesn't break her concentration, rather it heightens her senses and she's acutely aware. The pastel moves, looping around the page, lines and curves, they come together and the woman draws. Denica isn't drawing something, she's just moving the pastel around and it forms images that seem to help her process all the information around her. Picking bits and pieces and illustrating it on the page.

Ainsley adds to Sen'azala's and Caspian, "The Thinnest Point is beneath the Hall of Heroes and it isn't particularly big. My men will not be /in the/ thinnest point they will be in the catacombs unless redirected. I am willing to move all of my men around to wherever General Eirene feels best. The only thing non-negotiable is myself being at the Thinnest Point waiting for the Eater."

"Perfect," Giada says softly to Ian, flashing him half of a grin. Then she's back to the meeting. "We do," she says, sticking her hands in the pockets of her longcoat. "We also have offers of guides to keep us from getting lost... I will be stopping at what people tell me are defensible positions and performing a ritual that will ward those places and weaken any abyssals in them. I need someone to tell me what's good and what isn't though."

Titania hand is moved from Ian's arm and a frown comes to his face but she won't stand in his way. She steps back and moves to pay attention on whats going on

"I'm sure the Castle of Yesterday will hold. Copper's legacy will be with us, in the form of everything she taught us, and everything her Wardens do beyond our sight." Aureth puts his hands into the pockets of the long, double-wrapped tunic of spider's silk he's wearing and then says, as he resumes his slouchy lean from before his weird eye attack, "The paths do change, so it isn't simply a matter of going beneath the hall, but Cufre is quite right that the dead will guide us."

Lucita listens quietly. She glances between Preston, Eirene, Sen and Giada before murmuring. "Just use me where I can possibly do the greatest good. Don't stick me in a corner where my voice is of little help, please."

Sen'azalas frown is ever present, "For the record, A- " Beat, "The Eater isn't corporeal. I don't think soldiers will be able to stop him *getting* there, but he does have to take physical form to enter the Thinnest Point. He'll want, if at all possible, to have it cleared before he has to make himself even a little vulnerable." She looks toward Aureth for a moment, and then gives a single, firm nod of agreement.

Raymesin nods. "I been makin' them defensible positions under th'city even more defensible after I run outta magic every day," he says, then nods to Aureth. "You gonna be commandin' the army I'm busy buildin', Dominus?"

"Oh, I should add" Preston says, realising something "The intention is to gather the non-fighting Godsworn and to attempt for them to pray and join in the canticles to try and invoke the Gods to help reinforce the sanctified ground, to provide a shield there or to further enhance the effect of the sanctified ground on the abyssal creatures so they burn. Lesser creatures of the Abyss, well." Preston mimes a fireball poof with his hands "They go up instantly already. And we will target that invocation at those Gods whose dark reflections are currently working against Azazel. We will never work /with/ the Abyss - but we will use them and their self interest to serve us in this case."

Eirene suggests to Ainsley, "Place archers on the walls. Reports from Fairhaven said there was a lot of flyers?" She looks at Mirk for confirmation and then continues, "We should prioritize keeping the horde from getting over the walls and into the city where they can do more damage, but anticipate that as a reality." She looks to Lucita at the woman's request. "I think perhaps you would probably best be assisting me in defending any of our troops. I can shield them from injury, to a degree. Amplified we may be able to shelter more." Then she says, after Preston, "Or you can sing with them, Lucita. Sing a hymn to inspire them and grant them power."

Raven frowns gently and studies Preston with a distinct air of Concern. A glance is flicked towards Giada, then around the room and back at Preston before turning her attention to the conversation as it moves.

"They darkened the skies. Even with my magic and Nyx's efforts, we could barely keep the damned things from plucking half our defenders off the walls," Mirk says with a grimace at Eirene's question. "At Arx, with even greater numbers? I won't even be able to promise that much."

Preston gestures towards Lucita "Baroness Lucita is known well to the Faith Militant, and knows our ways as well - we have been training on her land with rituals of invocation for, ah, some years now." An apologetic look is given to Aureth at this before he looks back "If the Baroness wishes, she would be welcome to aid at the Cathedral, there are tunnels below for sheltering people, so we need to hold that as well. Separate to the Archive."

Sen'azala nods at what Preston says, still fiddling with the feather in her hand. "A large chamber directly below. If it's not dedicated specifically to Death, it's certainly...evocative of her. It could hold quite a few people if need be, I think. More if they're children, obviously."

Lou doesn't seem to be pressing anything further on the magical end of things. Rather, she's content to sit back and listen to the preliminary plans for now. She glances back and forth to each person as they talk, absorbing their information as they give it.

Ainsley nods to Eirene, "I'll have my archers on the walls." His gaze shift toward Preston and then around the room in general. His arms cross and he leans against the wall.

"There's no chance on the Gods' green Arvum that my ritual is going to stop the Eater," Giada drawls with wry, dark amusement. "It just keeps lesser demons from being able to enter into the primal world through the mirror in that specific location, while weakening any of the same in its presence. If it'll weaken the shards, it's helpful." She listens to Preston, Sen, Raymesin, looks to Eirene and Lou. "Who -is- going to the Thinnest Point?" she asks.

Patrizio's gaze lifts as well, as if he's intently curious himself about this matter.

"I am," Ember says.

Raymesin's hand lifts in answer to Giada's question.

Lucita listens to Eirene and Preston, a gentle nod given. "I'll try my best." She falls silent again to listen.

Aureth raises his hand solemnly. Then he glances around at his templars and gestures at them until they raise their hands, too.

Eirene bows her head. "Thank you, Sir Ainsley," she says as she starts making notes on her documents. "I can send you and the Carnifex the numbers I have if you like. I want to ensure we're all working towards the same goal, and not doubling up efforts." She shakes her head, she is NOT going.

"I'd volunteer, but Nyx and I would be more valuable somewhere he could stretch his wings," Mirk says, shaking his head.

Caspian raises his hand with a grin, "had every intention on it"

Raven lifts her hand to indicate she intends to be there.

"I'm practically a corpse, Blessed," Bhandn says roughly to Giada. "And I'd rather die than let ... what I think will happen, happen. Besides, it's not like there are many better places to die fighting." He lets out a little grunt at the end of that, shifting in his seat.

Aelgar raises a hand slightly in response to Giada's quesiton, the move having an air of perfunctory performance as though he was only confirming a known fact.

"Well, many of the parents might well fight, Prima. Dame Ida has our forges glowing night and day to produce spears and pikes, and I have sent our Godsworn knights to train the people best that they can. As was agreed at the last meeting I believe." Preston says, nodding to Sen'azala. Though this again makes him pause and he looks over towards Eirene and Alistair "Which of you is commanding the walls by the way? The Faith has its artillery train in the city. 13 war trebuchets, and whatever bolt throwers and smaller stone throwers we have. I have directed Dame Ida to construct them close to the walls and range them, so we can hit the enemy as they come towards the gate. I figure if we survive this, it is not as though we will be sieging anything for a little while." Giada's question gets a lift of Preston's shoulders "It is one of the places on my list, Blessed. It is one of the two points that form the centre of our defenses. We fall back ever closer to the Thinnest Point, so we are there when the Eater manifests. And on the tunnels under the Cathedral so we protect the people. I will be with the group collapsing in on the Thinnest point. It is where a Paladin should be. And, well. If I fall, it gives my soul the shortest journey."

Giada eyes Ember. "You might want to be careful around the mirror," she says, brows knitting a little in thought. "Not sure how it will affect you." She looks then. "So... We've got me, the Dominus, Caspian, Raven, Raymesin, Brother Aelgar, Sir Bhandn, Baroness Saik and..." She trails off, an eyebrow arching at Ember. "And Countess Redreef."

"I can only speak for myself, but until I know what I can bring to that particular part of the city, I plan to be defending the areas that need it the most at the time, based on whatever ability I have at the time," Lou responds to Giada's question.

"I've be working on a few things to try to cause a bit of confusion for the enemy. They will be placed strategically throughout the city. If there are any specific areas the could benefit from a little chaos, please let me know. Otherwise, we will be strategic," Denica offers looking up from her drawing for a moment. Then at the question about the Thinnest Point, "I will go where I am more effective, but I am willing to be there to fight if needed."

Giada says, "And the Carnifex aparently."

"And me." says Ainsley.

Giada says, "And Sir Ainsley."

Eirene glances at the artistic Denica. "You said we can have access to Thraxian fire? If we have trebuchets, we should make use of it." She pauses and looks at Ainsley. "Your men know the city layout better than I do. But if you plan on going to the Thinnest Point, it would fall to me, yes?" She nods when he confirms. "But until then, you would be better to lead the ground defense. I can take the walls."

"Aleksei will probably show up if he's still alive," Aureth says in an abstracted way, looking sidelong at nothing in particular.

Sen'azala reiterates, "My vision from Wolf said that she, I, and a khati force should be there. I'm not in the habit of ignoring her instructions, warnings, advice--" this apparently counts as all three to her, "But what I saw were possibilities. The other Primordia, and the dragons, were defending Arx in general. We will be there if I can get them to come, provided there's--" Her expression twists. "Provided the refugees aren't left to fight off demons on their own. I don't know. Maybe we'll argue." Exhale. "There's also..."

Sen turns raven feather in her hand, and the vanes seem to lengthen, twist, feathers become feathers, and suddenly there's a large raven perched precariously on her wrist, its head slightly tipped toward those closest to her. "Not that birds are going to be much use in tunnels."

1 Templar Knight guards, a playful black tortie kitten arrive, following Roran.

Ember nods her head once toward Giada. "Your concern is noted, Archlector," she says. "I will be cautious."

Roran slips in, little harried, but slips in none the less, finding a corner of the room to slip off to.

"I suspect that I am very much needed in other places," speaks Patrizio with a respectful inclination of his head. "In the sense that I and my forces are of mind to try to help buy time for the critical needs. All of us, given over to our gifts."

There's a quick nod from Denica, "yes I have access to Thraxian Fire and launching from atop of the walls is a great idea," the woman's eyes light up briefly.

Giada looks to Eirene. "Hey, I'll get my thraxian fire sent over to you, okay? Not much use for it in the catacombs, and you need all the ammo you can get."

"Where shall I go? my plan was the point

"I...would probably advice against Thraxian Fire too much. If a stone clips the crennelations when it launches with not enough force, that is regretable but fine. If a Thraxian Fire pot does it, we lose all those on that section of wall. Equally, the people operating those trebuchets are not immune to the impact of demons. Templars can only mitigate the fear of lower level creatures of the Abyss - and we have only taught the Godsworn." Preston suggests to Eirene, an apologetic look "But, if we are ranging....we could set traps of the Thraxian Fire dug into the ground on the ramp. Trigger it with the siege weaponry." Aureth's comment about Aleksei gets a small sigh "He did ask me to go, but. My place is here. Knights of the Faith's swords are not there's to give, and all must be second to the Faith's needs. And the Faith needs its leadership and forces here."

Aelgar chuckles quietly when Muininn the raven gives a squack at the sudden presence of a relative in the room.

Ainsley looks stricken at the mention of Aleksei and gives Aureth a worried smile. "He'll come back." It's insistent-- the kind that says he's trying to convince himself from the Aureth.

Titania looks to them, "I had planned to protect the point, what or where would it best be for me to go?" her voice soft to much emotion in it.

Eirene arches her eyebrows at Sen's impressive conjuration. "Well, interesting..." But Preston gives excellent advise and she nods. "All they have to do is bombard us from above and then the walls will go explode. A good idea. We can dig trenches and shallow bury them. From the walls we should be able to see where they are in the dirt and fire on them." She looks at Titania and hrms thoughtfully. "I can't say, the thinnest isn't my mission." She looks at the others for suggestions.

"I'm inclined to be where the people of the Lower Boroughs might need me to be, for guidance to safety, for prayers, for a familiar face. It's my hope that most of that will be arranged well before it becomes a panicked rush, but people can be stubborn when it comes to their homes," Cufre says. "But what I'm inclined to do and where I can be most helpful might be at odds. If there's a need for me elsewhere, I can be there."

"Titania?" Raymesin looks to the woman. "You might be good on th'walls. If there are that many flyin' shards, you could try callin' up a storm ter knock some'a them outta th'sky, or pushin' the arrows'a the defenders ter be more lethal." And then to Cufre, "Far as I know, folks're intendin' ter fill th'Lowers wi'traps. Th'fighters bein' the only ones left there'd make sense, if you can persuade 'em ter send them as can't fight up ter th'Wards."

Ember nods toward Raymesin, in apparent agreement with his suggestions.

Sen'azala closes her eyes, though nothing about the attentiveness in her expression changes. The raven hops from wrist to shoulder, and then, after a moment of peering, flaps the short distance between the Prima and Lou. Hi, Lou. Do you want a magic raven on your head? You now have a magic raven on your head. Ravens are inconveniently large birds. "Provided we actually do manage to convince some of the Primordia to come, and there's actually time, I'll see what I can do to get you lot information about possible..." She pauses, clearly searching for a word, even if her eyes are still closed. "They're the oldest and most powerful of the Old Gods. Not invincible, especially given all this, but even one would be desperately useful. Anyway, I'll try to get some sort of estimate, if we have time. They'll do as they want, though."

Eirene says, "Raja said they plan on trapping the shit out of the Lowers, yes." She grins a little at that. Raymesin makes a good point and she nods. "If you're staying in Arx and not going on a defense mission, I can make sure we get you to a good place in our preparations."

Raven listens attentively, brow furrowed in worry and every time the talk of the wall comes up there's a deepening of her frown and a growing restlessness about her.\

Lou does not at all seem surprised that Sen'azala has conjured a magicked raven. However, she does seem surprise this bird is now on her head. She blinks at Sen'azala in probably the must absurdly incredulous way and stays very, very still with the birb on her head. Yes. Birb. She might nod along with Sen about her experiences with the Old Gods, but birb.

Drysi, a young shaman apprentice arrives, following Khanne.

"So what we're looking at is needing people to defend the catacomb tunnels, the catacomb entrances, and the Point itself," Giada says slowly. "I'm assuming that there will be a mixture of Templars, Iron Guards, and sundry attendants in the tunnels... Looks like the Lowers are going to shield the entrances there. Sir Ainsley, the tunnel entrances around town and outside of town. Do we know if they're being blocked off to keep people from getting in?"

Khanne walks into the Sitting Room and looks around, trying to find a non-intrusive place to settle herself. She nods to some people she knows if she catches their eye, but stops and looks between Lou and Sen'azala for a moment, one eyebrow raised.

"What exactly is an 'old God'?" Preston asks tenatively, venturing carefully into what could be a theological minefield - especially given his history of 'debates' with Shard "There are the Spirits, and I know there were some beings before at least most of the Gods, are these similar or different? Because it is a lot easier if we stick to 13...well, 13 ish...Gods."

For some reason, Giada slowly grows a big ol' grin. She picks up her rum, settles back in her seat, and watches Preston test the waters with his big toe only.

"The original spirits - what some people call primal spirits - from the days before the Pantheon," Mirk supplies. Helpfully. (Or maybe not.) "I could probably guard an entrance to the tunnels. But nothing underground."

"Has anyone asked the King's Own," Lou poses her question in both Giada's and Eirene's direction. "Some are guardains of the Catacombs and would know those entrances. They'd have the best idea on how to guard those and how many people might be needed."

Giada says, "I spoke with... Damnit."

"I don't think anything about this is meant to be 'easier' in the current moment, Carnifex," Ember says. Then she looks toward Lou and upnods.

Eirene cocks her head at Giada's cut-off. "Hm?"

"The tunnels are..." He frowns a moment and then continues, "From my understanding the tunnels are very difficult to navigate, however, the Eater is quite familiar with them. I can reroute the soldiers originally assigned to the Castle or Yesterday and the Great Archive to the entrances of the tunnels." Ainsley turns toward Lou and says, "Dame Imi didn't give me a run down of what all the King's Own will be doing, but Sir Stanley will have a contingent of soldiers at the bridge to try and stop an assault on the Royal Family."

Giada closes her eyes and pinches the bridge. "Gimme a sec, I just blanked on the name."

Ember makes a low, displeased sound, more of a murmur than a growl. When Azazel is the room's enemy, stuff like 'blanking on names' feels like a much bigger deal than it might otherwise.

"Oh, yes, Austen would know," Aureth says, scratching his jaw. "I think he's on duty at the moment, though."

Lou does her best to nod in Ainsley's direction at his response, but it might be difficult given the raven still on her head. However, she does at least give her cousin a smile when he replies. She's familiar with Dame Imi, from her expression.

Sen'azala's mouth twitches upward on one side as Lou looks at her - except her eyes are still closed - but it's very brief. The raven hops to Lou's shoulder (and stays there), and then she sits up to look toward Preston and answer, solemn and serious again. There's a gesture toward Mirk, and then she adds, "In this case, when I'm speaking of the Primordia, they are *the* oldest spirits. Wolf, as in the First Wolf. Bear, as in the First Bear. We saw a forest of animal Primordia, which are all Firsts, every spirit, every animal of that type descends from them. They were created when Destiny was, before the First Choice. ...In any case, the Primordia of Nefer'khat are also the founders of the various kingdoms, of which there are...thousands. They're also unique, irreplaceable parts of the Dream, and as with all First Children...they only die one death. They have no place on the Wheel, since they existed before Death."

Khanne slowly makes her way towards Lou, as if she is trying to not-slyly be sly about it. As she does so, she says, "I know I just got here and I don't know all that has been discussed, but... Speaking of Old Gods, I plan to try to call Mountain to come to Arx's aid... again. I will be wherever that best suits."

Raven bows her head, "I am your sword to wield, Archlector. Just tell me where you want me." She glances at the Sen's raven friend curiously but otherwise remains attentive.

Ainsley gives Lou a weary smile, though it gets a little brighter at her attempts to nod with a bird on her head.

"I have called upon what I am able," Ember says. "It has slowed the progress of the horde coming in via the Mourning Isles. I am not certain that I will be able to attempt it again. Or that it would be... beneficial. I suppose we'll have to see."

"I want to be at the Point itself. You can blame this thing's inscription for my stubbornness," Bhandn says in answer to Giada's query. "To defend and never yield seems like a trait to have when the alternative means there's nothing to defend," he adds dryly.

"Well, some of us are good warnings about what shortcuts and easy will get you to, Countess. That is true. But. I just wanted to be clear I understood." Preston answers, giving Ember a cool look before he adds, his voice warming "And, in truth this is easy in most ways. The duty is clear. What is left is the doing. That may be hard, but. There is no doubt in my mind nor alterantives for us to explore. The fight is coming, and now I simply pray - as we all must - that my honour will last me until the end of my battle. Be that in victory, or that moment of defeat before the Shining Lands." As Sen explains, Preston bows his head in gratitude "Thank you, Prima. And.." Raven now gets the Carnifex's look, though there is some amusement as he shakes his head "I will discuss with the Blessed this notion of non-Faith Militant discipleships having swords once we are on the other side."

Bhandn also indicates the greatsword he still has a hand on, as to what 'this thing' is.

Lou gently, ever so gently, reaches into her backpack and pulls out a shiny gold brooch. She offers it to the raven, now on her shoulder, as an offering. Please be friends! That offering says. That comes on the heels of whatever Khanne whispers to her. She nods in Khanne's direction, then tries to turn her attention back on the conversation once more. "If the person who bonds to them dies, they die," she adds on the sidelines on the heels of Sen'azala's remarks. "Lost to us forever."

Cufre nods her pardons as she passes people on her way out.

Daoud, a Harrow Banshee leaves, following Cufre.

Khanne nods to Lou, and then again to her words. "I experienced a... let's call it a vision, that showed this to me. It is why the need to bond with them, or create a soul tie, is necessary, due to the curse keeping anything that does not call Arvum home, out of Arvum. Primordia, dragons.... etcetera."

Ember's head turns to stare at Preston for a long moment. "I assure you, Carnifex. Nothing about this road has been easy." If she sounds annoyed, well, it's no different from how Ember /always/ sounds annoyed. She's not glaring daggers or hanging icicles from her words or anything. "That said, Carnifex, you are correct on your other point. The duty is clear."

"That doesn't apply to those present in Arvum," Mirk mentions. "If I die, Nyx loses a familiar, and I'm sure he'll be very put out, but he'll live. But he cannot leave Arvum until the Devourer is dealt with or he cannot return without a bond."

Giada nods at Raven. "I'd rather have you closer to the Point selfishly," she admits. "I'm not much of a fighter, being better suited to magic and medicine. There needs to be stabby people there." Her eyes look to Preston. "Oh, I don't think there needs to be a discussion over someone's flowery language," she says with a small smile. "You already have the Mirrormask guards reporting to you, don't you? I did send them your way." Then she moves on. "If he cannot use the Will at the Point, does he mean to physically pass through it? What kind of barriers can we erect?"

Raymesin does frown at Giada, with that one.

Listening to the back and forth, there's a nod from Patrizio when one of his entourage leans in to get his attention, and he nods, before there's his push off from the wall and...with a gentle inclination of his head to all before he's on his way out.

4 First Legion Centurions, 8 Setarcan Royal Shields leave, following Patrizio.

Raven says, "The dream is much more than what anyone one person knows, even in this room of immense wisdom and insight, carnifax. That it is unfamiliar or not the ways of the compact. The protection of my home, the service to the compact has required me to delve into realms of dreams, spirits and more have guided or intervened more than once. I do understand the impulse to stay to familiar shores, so to speak, but I have witnessed with my own eyes how these things interconnect and why these measures are essential." she gives a wry grin and shrug "I fought against it hard at first also, I prefer direct means to direct ends."

Binky, an asshole crow have been dismissed.

Greguin, an organized priest have been dismissed.

9 Templar Knight guards have been dismissed.

Alejandra, a snowy white hound have been dismissed.

Planchet, an unrelenting valet have been dismissed.

Roselia, shy scholar scribe have been dismissed.

"Physically," Sen confirms to Gianna. "He means to enter it, and devour the Wheel, the Shining Lands...all of it. It'll break what's holding him to Arvum too, he'll be able to be anywhere he wants." There's a nod, first for Khanne, then Mirk, "It can be devastating to the one losing the familiar, but usually it's not fatal. This is...different. I don't know if it conveys any power, or if it's just effectively a magic rope." Beat. "I'm sure there are other times we can lecture the Carnifex that don't involve defense planning against demon hordes," she says mildly.

The raven on Lou's shoulder takes up the offering in its beak, and gives a muffled 'quork', but it simply remains there, holding it, head twitching this way and that.

"If nothing else, Prima, let it motivate us to see that the world is saved," Ember says. "That we might live another night to argue with the Carnifex until someone ends up calling for the Champions."

Aelgar is suddenly a perch as the other raven in the room flies to his shoulder and eyes the magical beast suspiciously.

"I have been from the Everwinter to the Saffron Isles and a bit beyond, Raven. I have fought demons, been killed by my God, glowed with her power to defend against trees, and helped people of all Faiths. It is not a lack of familiarity, but a desire for clarity. And yes, to me the Gods are reliability. When I reach for my sword, I do not want to have to guess if it will be a sword, or an axe, or a floppy uncooked venison sausage. I was raised by a Valardin, that thinking will always be there." Preston answers to Raven, though his voice is soft - his usual smile returned. "But, no-one came here for a sermon. And. Well. Bhandn has mentioned it. We do have Blades of the Will. I do not think we can seek to use them, but if anyone does want to make a case - or for other artifacts in the Faith's possession, we will at least listen."

Somehow, a servant sees Ember and ...nervously... approaches with a straw.

Moonsilver is perched somewhere out of the way, as inconspicuous as a white raven can be. She bows her head to Sen'azala and Preston in wordless apology, lapsing back into silence. At the caution people show Ember there's the softest sigh of mild exasperation for some reason.

Raymesin looks to Preston. "Without knowin' what artifacts there are, that ain't easy," he points out. "But I will say as th'Wheelspinner 'as a wielder, so don't anyone start askin' on that blade."

Ember accepts the straw.

"One day, Godsworn, you're going to have to explain to me exactly *why* you have them, and more importantly, why they aren't dust. Seems like a fu-- " He glances at Giada, of all people "-- stupid thing to have, considering where the Thinnest Point is." If Bhandn said that any more flatly, people would think he was talking about a world map. "Anyway. All this talk of theology is nice, but can we stick to... well... THE POINT?"

"Having had a few experiences merely being *around* a piece of the Will," Sen says, with a dark grimace, "I cannot possibly warn enough against anyone thinking they should be brought into this. It doesn't matter what alliances you have. Especially with the Tyrant stirring."

Raven frowns then and there's another anxious glance towards Sen when she speaks and restless shifting where she stands.

Eirene bites her lip to not laugh when Bhandn watches his language. But then she sobers, her expression grave. "I am the person I am because I was exposed to the Will, a fragment of it anyhow. It took decades to purge my soul of the corruption it wrote onto me. Anyhow, moot point. I think there's nothing else I can help with here, if you are planning on going to the Thinnest when the attacks start."

"Not just stirring, but his prison shaking." Lou says on the heels of Sen'azala's comment, giving a shudder at the memory. "With luck, the resistance fighters out there can keep that from happening."

Caspian seconds Sen's comments. "only dealt with one once.. and it wasn't something i care to relive. im all for trying new things and taking risks and embracing magic and change.. but that seems a bit much even for me." he looked to Sen then, "For those going to seek the Primordia .. is there anything we can do to prepare ourselves to make any offer more.. appealing?"

Giada snorts at Bhandn. "I don't fucking care if you swear," she responds dryly. "And I think Sen is right. Any part of the Will being around the Point is a catastrophe served on a silver fucking platter. As for artifacts, I'll take anything you've got that'll help me invoke more smoothly." She looks at Lou. "Is that the earthquake we had earlier?"

Lou shakes her head at Giada. "The Tyrant is being kept in Eurus."

Talk of the Tyrant makes Khanne let out a small breath and she visibly shivers, albeit briefly.

Lucita stays attentively silent, gaze slipping from person to person as the discussions continue.

"When it comes to Old Gods, I will always have the same advice," Mirk says. "Meet them on their terms. Consider their nature, and make an appeal that resonates with it. Don't bother with the usual diplomatic nonsense that humans favor."

The raven on Lou's shoulder just sits there, holding the shiny in its beak. It makes little clicky noises in its throat, a completely ordinary raven noise coming from a decidedly not ordinary raven. Sen says to Caspian, with a faint shake of her head. "I wish I knew. We're asking them to tie their survival to that of a mortal stuck in the largest battle Arx has seen since the last Reckoning. That's a...*very* hard sell."

"General," Ember says toward Eirene. "The forces of Redreef Shores are yours to command. I apologize to you all, but I must depart for now -- to try and figure out where would be safest to put my daughter. When we fight alongside one another," and this seems to be directed toward the Faith's representatives, "I will have your backs." Then the shadowmeld-clad woman is off, to go fret about where to stash a toddler.

Titania looks over she did not see Khanne slip in and she moves over to her a hand touches her arm to quietly say hello.

A pack of giggling and gossiping Redreef handmaidens, A pit bull that Ember never bothered to name leave, following Ember.

Roran still stands in the corner, dark eyes flicking from speaker to speakers, hands comfortably settled in the the sleeves of the opposite hands. Listening as he usually does.

"Wolf," Mirk adds with a nod to Sen, "is not just the first Wolf. She is the embodiment of what it means to be a wolf. If the Pantheon are embodiments of ideals, then so are these Primordia. Instead of justice or knowledge or change, Wolf is the embodiment of the ideal wolf. That goes for all of them."

Giada grins a little when she sees Roran walk in, giving him an upnod of silent greeting.

Sen'azala nods emphatically to this, if just once. Her golden eyes practically glitter. "And all of what that means. She's the hunter, the predator. I don't envy anyone or anything that crosses her. But, as I said...they're still vulnerable. We shouldn't assume otherwise." There's a pause. "Their children, however, the khati, all get their gifts from their Primordia. They've got magic in their blood. Literally. Any khati we can get to come would only help as well, though Nefer'khat has been," another grimace, "*reluctant* to involve itself in any thing, including the last Reckoning, with certain rare exceptions."

Eirene nods and salutes the remaining folk. "If you know anything that I MIGHT need to know about, let me know?" That's a lot of knowing. "Good luck holding the point."

Raven says, "Prima Sen'azala, might you have a spare moment after this meeting? I have a question I've a hard time getting an answer to and it occurs to me you may know the answer. It truly will be brief so either way it won't cost you much time."

Khanne bites her lips for a moment, as if trying to decide if she should speak or not, before she finally does. "That 'vision'... It also reminded me that in the first Reckoning, there was a group of Druids that stood against the enemy. To defeat the monstrosity, they joined their souls together, power leading into power leading into power, to increase the strength of them all. I don't know if this is possible for us... or how... exactly. But, I am still trying to figure it out. For whomever I might be fighting alongside in the battle, well, don't be surprised if I bring this up again... also, don't be surprised if I can figure out nothing and never speak of it again."

Sen'azala tips her chin toward Raven.

"It's possible with all of life on the line, including theirs, they might be more considering of the need to join the fight?" Lou suggests, her tone somehow both hopeful and not at the same time. She reaches up to gently touch the raven's feathers, but doesn't push its boundaries. Good thing there is a shiny in its beak! Khanne gets a very interested look when she mentions what she does.


**********************************************************************
Bastion was lost once. When it fell, the heart of many of the Crownlands fell with it. Grayson has been associated with the Compact since its founding, and while it has faltered many times during its history, losing its home was a hard loss to swallow. But it was rebuilt. And then the legions of Azazel began to sweep during the Crownlands, evacuations commenced, and tens of thousands of shav'arvani and citizens of the Compact alike fled towards Arx. Most had little hope of making it, as the legions marched inexorably on.

But the rebuilt Bastion stood in its path.

House Grayson decided to make a stand. It was one of the largest hosts they ever assembled, and the price was bitterly paid, but Azazel's legions were bloodied against the walls, driven back and routed. No doubt they will reassemble, and continue their march towards Arx. No doubt the forces will be bitter from the loss, and hungry to pay it back in blood.

But for the refugees seeking safety in Arx, it means everything. They survive. And while most of the Compact has looked at Grayson's house words in askance, more than a few feel it in their bones after that victory.

None Greater.
**********************************************************************


It feels like a bird, anyway. The raven quorks again, just holding the gift. At most, it rustles its wings a little. There's no reaction to the other birds in the room, however. Maybe that's just ignorance, with everyone else there. Or smugness. Who can tell. It's a bird.

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

"I think the problem is that they need to bond, right?" Giada asks after Lou speaks, looking to Sen and Mirk.

Preston smiles as he pushes against the back of the chair and straightens "Well, I should get back to the Compound and sorting things out. I wish you all the best, and if I can help anyone further I am but a messenger away"

"They cannot intervene without a bond," Mirk confirms.

Giada says, "Thanks for stopping by, Carnifex."

"They do," Lou agrees with Giada's question. "In order to get into Arvum at all, or the Eater will eat them like he ate two Archfiends and a Herald."

Caspian adds, "they cannot even be in Arvum without a bond i beleive."

Khanne nods in agreement.

Raven bows her head respectfully Preston

"They need to agree to it," Sen says, quieter. "The Primordia came to us, but I don't know if that means they're willing to aid, or if they're already willing to access a bond, or if they even know about it. It would be like us tying our lives to an ant running around a dance floor though. We'd be damn hesitant ourselves, and we come back if we die."

Server Announcement: Server Message of the Day: Eurus event starting shortly, page Apostate for teleport.

Guy, a hunting kestrel, Balian, a Templar squire, 1 Templar Knight guards, Direhorn Jeffers, a barded Templar wargoat leave, following Preston.

Giada inhales and sets her drink aside. "Alright. So it seems like the plan is to keep shards and Azazel as far away from the Point as possible, to bleed them in the tunnels, and beat the fuck out of them at the point if they get there."

Giada says, "That about right?"

Aelgar smiles grimly at Gada's Handy Synopsis.

"Somethin' like that," Raymesin agrees. "But if you'll excuse me, Blessed, I got stuff ter be gettin' on with." And with that, he's turning towards the door.

Caspian frowns slightly, "can we slow azazel? until he materializes, can we even effect him?"

Lou makes motions at Sen'azala to take the raven back. "I should be checking on any refugees coming from the Crownlands, and to see if any of any of my family have returned," she says, looking somewhat anxious as news starts pouring into the city.

"'E needs ter materialise ter go through th'Thinnest Point," says Raymesin to Caspian. "That makes 'im vulnerable, so 'e ain't gonna do it until it's safe fer 'im ter do."

Raven considers Caspian "I don't reckon we can, if there is I way I haven't heard of it and if there were a way it don't seem to be working for his brethren so well."

Giada inhales. "I don't know," she says to Caspian. "But the Shards can. Farhaven has shown that they can be driven back. That's half the danger."

Aelgar waves his fingers toward Casopian with a shrug. "The more of his minions that fall, the fewer we have to deal with at the final moment."

Khanne nods decisively. "They sure as hell can."

"Sounds like we are, at least, all pointed in the same direction." Aureth stands straight, and gestures his templar knights to precede him out the door. "Now, I have praying to do, so I'll be seeing you later."

Binky, an asshole crow, Greguin, an organized priest, 9 Templar Knight guards leave, following Aureth.

Giada says, "Alright. I guess that's all we can do today. Princess Denica, if you could tell the High Inquisitor that his familiar -will- be useful when I go to do the early warding? Thank you."

Sen'azala nods. "And kill him once he manifests at the Thinnest Point. Hooray. I love it when a god devouring horror is inches from destroying the world before we can try to stop him." The raven on Lou hops a bit, from shoulder closer to her neck, and then promptly drops the brooch down the back of Lou's shirt before flapping away with what sounds suspiciously like a raven-throated cackle. Mid-flight, it poofs in a curl of smoke. Sen's mouth is still set in a thin frown, but her *eyes* aren't doing nearly as good a job at hiding the humor.

Caspian looks to sen and offers a crooked grin, "well.., people always fight hardest when their backs are against the wall. We will be stuck between a rock and.. The thinnest point. It will be a moment we all hold our breath in. a moment we all fear.. but it will be our finest moment yet when we best him"

Lucita rises from her seat and with a somber expression, nods respectfully to all the others gathered. She turns toward the entry after pausing momentarily to speak to Sen then heads out.

Lou doesn't even notice the brooch being returned. The look of relief on her face as the birb goes elsewhere and then poofs is immeasurable. She gives Sen a look that's probably amusing to see then scuttles out to go check on family, friends, neighbors, and everyone that might be returning to Arx from Bastion. Chances are, she's headed to the hospital first.

Willen leaves, following Lou.

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

Raven eyes Caspian "Gods, your optimism honestly never actually stops does it"

Giada snorts and pushes to her feet. "Enjoy it, Blackheart. We all need to whistle in the dark from time to time."

Raven says, "I am just in awe is all, archlector."

Sen'azala watches Lou depart, then turns her attention to Raven (as opposed to any of the lingering ravens). "What was your question?"

Denica nods to Giada, "will do." Then she stands up after closing her sketchbook and prepares to make her way out. A polite nod to folks on her way out.

Stojan, a cleverly reserved assistant, 3 Thrax Guards, 1 Ulbran Thug, Sivas, an artsy ostentatious curator, Lady Snow, 1 Thrax Elite Guards, Cato, a stealthy non-descript man leave, following Denica.

1 Templar Knight guards have been dismissed.

a playful black tortie kitten have been dismissed.

"Optimism and Hope for a better future is what gives us the strength to fight," Khanne says. "Embrace it within the dark, It is when we need it most."