The Tina Laurent teaching hospital in Artshall is a project by Lady Mabelle Laurent and a joint venture of the Physicians, The College of Apothecary and The College of Agriculture. The hospital is designed to serve the medical need of the people of Artshall and the neighboring villages as well as offer lectures and a place where they can learn a new vocation, be it as a physician, a mercy or an apothecary. Research facilities lay ground for future developments, particularly of herbal uses.

The hospital will feature care and service facilities, including an operating theatre, lecturing areas, a large library for studies and information, a research laboratory and a large garden in the back of the building, planted by the College of Agriculture in order to assure the self-sustenance of the hospital’s herbal requirements.

In addition the garden will include plants and herbs that are recommended by shaman healers as commonly used by local tribes that have bent the knee to the compact and to the Laurents, in order to encourage their presence in the hospital as patients, students and teachers alike.

A shrine for the 13 will be built within the hospital and saplings will be planted beyond the garden to develop into a grove for those of more spiritual inclinations.

While not any kind of healer, or physician, Nicia has been around enough to know what sorts of things might be helpful from an apothecary standpoint. So on behalf of the Apothecary College she provides insights into what might be needed to keep a fully stocked garden and lab for their purposes. She has even pledged to send over teachers to help establish the teaching hospital and train future apothecary students until such time as there are enough locals that might want to take over teaching duties, but also forge a bond between the hospital and the College to further everyone's education despite distances. As well as a promise to aid when needed in the event of a crisis.

Shae has volunteered to help build and plant the Hospital's garden and grove. With Shae's knowledge of the land; including the terrain, weather patterns, and the like, as well as her mastery of agriculture. She will use all that she knows to find the perfect location for the garden and grove. Even better if there is already a grove or woods that she could make use of, nothing wrong with using what is already there.

From there she will gather on the recommendation from various Mercies, Physicians, Shamans, and healers the herbs and plants they believe will be needed to help their patients. For the uses of first aid, tinctures, liniments, slaves, teas and so forth. If she is able to find a grove that already exists, she will build upon it, adding additional trees that are used in healing. And if not, then she will happily create one various trees that are good for medicinal purposes, including: Alder, Apple, Ash, Beech, Birch, Cedar, Cherry, Elder, Elm, Hawthorn, Hazel, Holly, Basswood (Linden), Maple, Oak, Pine, Poplar, Rowan, Walnut, Willow, Witch Hazel.

In addition to finding the right place to plant the garden and grove, Shae would also make sure they are planted in ways that help provoke a sense of peace, to help aid in convalescing, and healing those that spend time within them. Including adding a greenhouse for growing more delicate plants, benches for resting on, and enjoying the garden. Birdhouses, and baths, and a couple beehives. To help keep the health of the grove and garden, and provide honey for uses in medicinal purposes.

And of course she would say a prayer to Petrichor after planting the garden and grove. Thanking him for the gifts he has given them all, and hopes that he will watch over them, and help keep them safe, a place of safety and peace for those in need of such.

Brigid, while not someone who is of a medical mind or has been trained, has come to lend her help in other ways. House Moore has been prosperous in their soil given certain experimentation conducted largely by House Champagne. This soil which is considered highly fertile, has been gifted to help foster the growth of medicinal gardens in which a bevy of plants can grow and the hospital will be able to always have a supply on hand. Further more, two snippings of a rare herb known as Frosthope have been gifted to Mabelle Laurent, it contains specific properties known for helping to fight back blight as well is it known for curative and anesthetic properties among physicians. A home for all of these places, however comes with six large raised planter boxes built from the mighty oaks of Acorn Hill.

Cristoph is obviously very in favor of anything that's going to improve Artshall. He lends his stamp of approval for the project and also uses his extensive connections in the Peerage within the Oathlands and across the Compact to talk it up. He speaks not only of the benefits of such a project but about what an exemplary member of the Laurent family Lady Mabelle is and what's an incredible asset she's grown into.

As Minister of Loyalty for House Laurent, Naka engages the populace near Artshall regarding the project and the numerous ways it will improve their lives. In addition to this education effort, he also elicits their input, particularly regarding local herbal lore, for the benefit of the planning and construction. If nothing else, he hopes to help them feel connected to the project from the very beginning, even if their suggestions are not forthcoming or feasible where given.

Kritr has been called in to consult on the Artshall Hospital project. He has been asked how to make the hospital more comfortable for prodigals such as himself. He is only a few years removed from seeing the Compact as the enemy, so he will use his considerable powers of persuasion to ensure prodigals that the Laurents have only the best intentions with their school and hospital. He will visit the newly inducted clans and tribes in the hopes of encouraging their healers to send apprentices and promising recruits to learn the Compact's methods of treating injuries. He is living proof of the scars that primitive treatment can leave.

Thea is a combat medic. That's what she primarily does, anyway. So for the school, she will be teaching them how to set up field hospitals, properly and SWIFTLY care for those that have fallen and are wounded, and all the other quick things you should know. So please don't be squeamish! It isn't the first time she's taught such. Thea has also taught battlefield surgeons in Southport(action 3423), so she knows what she's doing. Southport's soldiers are being well taken care of, so hopefully she can teach others what she taught them.

Ilsa, though she now resides in Arx, understands the difficulties of those who live far from modern conveniences when attempting to provide medical care. While she offers her experience as a doctor and teacher to the new teaching hospital she also offers her knowledge of traditional herbs and herbal remedies. A skilled apothecary, she offers lessons in the natural flora which can be gathered and brewed and crafted into medicine when one is far from more established medical care. It is her hope that by providing instruction on those medicinal plants which can be gathered in and around the areas of Arthall, she can create opportunities for those living in the outlying villages greater abiity to tend to the illnesses of their neighbours when travel to the hospital is not possible.

Rukhnis is always glad to hear of more institutions being founded to bring together and disseminate medical knowledge of various kinds, and she is going to enthusiastically offer her own assistance in this project. She will be working to draw up detailed curricula in her own particular fields of expertise, with a full course each on holistic medicine and epidemic disease. Between these two courses there will be both introductory material and more advanced content dealing with such matters as the interconnections of mind and body in the delicate balance of health; the influence of environment, climate, and the seasons upon the humours; the impact of diet and the prescription of special dietary regimens for people with various conditions and temperaments; the causes, diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis of a number of miasmic fevers and other epidemic diseases; and so much more! Each curriculum will additionally be extensively illustrated by case histories from her own work. In fact Rukhnis is, on the whole, far happier and more enthusiastic about putting together lesson plans, reading lists, illustrative examples, and teaching schedules than any sane person should be.

And then because apparently this isn't enough work, she's also volunteered to visit the teaching hospital for periodic lectures. Having trained in Eurus under a leading expert in the physiology of the eye, she's particularly glad to offer supplementary lectures about the eye and its various unique maladies, as well as providing demonstrations of surgical techniques such as the couching of cataracts.

Having assisted in establishing the Saving Grace Hospital in Arx, and being one of the leaders of the Physicians guild (at one point) Eirene knows what goes into establishing such an endeavor. She lends her expertise in medicine to make sure the administration is there to support the doctors first, not the other way around. She ensures the proper tools are being cleaned proper prayer sterilization practices to Lagoma. And she knows what kind of beds, operating tables, and supplies are needed to staff such a location.

Gwenna could not be more excited to be allowed to attempt to help on such a promising endeavor, especially for her cousin Lady Mabelle and the Laurents. The Redrain isn't at all skilled in the areas of medicine or apothecary, with just a passing fancy in agriculture, but what she has sometimes been rather capable of is talking up the merits of such projects to help gain further support. Having been involved in no few building ventures across the Compact, Gwenna will use her experiences to do the same for The Tina Laurent teaching hospital in Artshall, and hope her words around the region and personal support assist in making it a great success.

Curricula. Comfort. Medical administration. That all seems to be covered which leaves Edward to perform in what has slowly become a specialty of his own. Construction, costs, and logistics. While the physicians and alchemists and doctors decide how it will be run and what is needed to run after the place is completed he focuses on the process of building.

Using his experience in construction and logistics from prior projects he will ensure that the materials used to build the hospital are quality materials. That cost saving endeavors are not detrimental to the overall quality and structure of the building. And ensure that the laborers hired are capable of doing the work with an eye towards the overall quality that is expected of such a place where people come to seek better health. Additionally, Edward will leverage his considerable economic knowledge to keep cost overruns down and attempt to obtain supplies and construction materials for prices that allow an excess of materials to help with last minute problems that always come up in large building projects.

Kedehern isn't much of a builder, or someone with medical experience. He does however, know how to get people organized, and working efficiently. He'll make sure that tasks are properly delegated, and lend morale to the workers' efforts, as well as make sure that logistics are taken care and running seemlessly. His skills may have been honed on the battlefield, but there's something refreshing about putting them to use on a work of healing, instead.

Rosalie is going to be helping with the teching hospital that Mabelle is looking to have constructed in Artshall. More specifically, she will be helping with the creation and blessing of the shrine therein. Small, really more of a chapel than a true shrine, it will be crafted, at least on the interior, as a tridecagon. A 13-sided room, each wall panel bearing a small mural representative of its respective God, with a bas relief of the God's sigil at the top of the wall. Pews will be the majority of the furniture in the room, thirteen to be exact. Small pews, able to seat just a few people at each. At the front, a small altar where worshippers can leave offerings or where the resident Godsworn priest can offer counseling or tutoring. And a small bookshelf replenished as needed, filled with primers, a beginner's introduction to the Faith. Thin volumes offered in Arvani, each of the four shav'arvani dialects, even Eurusi.

The blessing itself will encompass each of the Gods, with an offering made at each panel before being placed into the altar.

Aion receives a request for restful sleep and sweet Dreams made possible through hard work and trust in the Gods, the wall panel brushed with crushed moonstone mixed with spring water gathered beneath a full moon.

Death receives a request for help with the transition from one life to another, of starting anew and being reborn into a new way, the wall given home to a tiny spider in its silken web.

Gild receives a prayer for goodwill and charitable thoughts to be granted to all who pass through the shrine, the wall panel brushed with powdered gold mixed with myrrh oil.

Gloria is given prayer for strength and honor to walk the proper path, no matter how hard it may seem at the time, the wall panel brushed with steel and cleaning oil.

Jayus receives a request for inspiration to guide those seeking answers or help to find what they need within the walls of the hospital, the wall brushed with a small rainbow of paints created from local flowers and herbs.

Lagoma receives a prayer for healing of course, but also for change to lead people to new lives and down new paths, the wall brushed with the soot gathered from one of Lagoma's eternal lanterns.

Limerance receives a request for love for new homes and new beginnings, and fidelity to the paths chosen and each other, the wall brushed with purest silver mixed with rose oil.

Mangata receives a prayer for new life and hope to spring as eternal and steady as the tides pull at the shores, the wall brushed with a mixture of crushed coral and local springs.

Petrichor receives a request for a fertile field of the mind as well as body, allowing new ideas and learnings to take root as well as the flora in nature, the wall brushed with powdered leaves mixed with sap from local trees.

Sentinel receives a prayer for order to rise from chaos and help to leave those who enter with a clearer sense of purpose and self, the wall brushed with powdered iron mixed with armor oil.

Skald is given thanks for his gift of Choice and prayer that those who enter will find their way to the Choice best suited for them and the strength to accept the consequences of it, the wall brushed with crushed metal from broken shackles mixed with a healing salve.

Tehom receives a request to give those that enter the strength to look at themselves and see those things within that they must acknowledge before they can move forward in their new paths, the wall is brushed with crushed stygian mixed with mirror polish.

Vellichor receives a prayer for the wisdom to embrace new paths and new teachings with open arms and in turn to share that wisdom with others, the wall brushed with dust mixed with ink.

In Artshall rises the Tina Laurent Teaching Hospital, a grand endeavor planned by Lady Mabelle Laurent as a joint venture of the Physicians, the College of Apothecary, and the College of Architecture. Beyond library, lecture halls, and laboratory, the teaching hospital has a vast herb garden that includes both a shrine to the Pantheon, and, more controversially, a grove. Less controversially and more spectacularly, the herbs in the garden include Frosthope, an herb previously thought legendary. Lady Mabelle's deep diplomatic skills and the exciting novelty of the new herb means that the inclusion of more shamanistic traditions draws little more than grumbling, for the moment, and people with such beliefs alongside pantheon worship appreciate the nod. And the invitation.

Duchess Nicia Laurent, on behalf of the Apothecary College, provides insights into the best healing herbs. Baroness Shae Fortier provides the design of garden and grove, greenhouse and birdhouse and beehive, and, it is said, was key to the Frosthope planting. Lady Brigid Moore helps see to the soil. Sister Rosalie Redtyde sees to the design, dedication, and blessing of the new shrine, emphasizing each of the gods, and providing a small theological library. Duke Cristoph Laurent and Princess Gwenna Redrain promote the hospital as a wonder and a boon, while Lord Naka does similarly more locally, with a special emphasis on those who've recently bent the knee. Lord Kritr Clearlake intensifies this emphasis, providing propaganda for the Compact way of health. Lady Thea Malvici provides instruction in that Compact way of health, while Ilsa focuses more on herbal instruction. Rukhnis also assists with instruction and curriculum and scheduling, excited by the organizational challenge. Lady Eirene Malvici ensures that the administration prioritizes support for doctors and good medical practice.

Baron Edward Stormbreak sees to the economic efficience of the construction. Baron Kedehern Fortier sees to the morale of the workers and the logistics of that construction, as well as aiding his wife with the garden.

The hospital, once completed, is indeed a marvel, and the successful tending of Frosthope is truly exciting to the Arvani, even the vast majority who aren't sure yet what it is. It represents a fundamental success, and an exciting novelty, and a sign of ever increasing medical knowledge.

Shae is going to go to the Hall of Heroes, to the Valardin section, to where the statue of Breanne Keaton is. With the help of Nicia and under her guidance Shae is going to try and fall asleep with hopes of dreaming about the Black Hound of the Shadowood. To try and learn more about the creature. Having learned more about reflections, and with Amari pointing out to her that she is the only one of the Keatons that has had any dreams or seen the beast in the reflections of mirrors or windows, that perhaps there is a connection between her and the creature. So, focusing on that, with Nicia's help she goes to sleep in hopes of learning more. Kedehern will also be there to look over both Shae and Nicia, to make sure they are safe.

Nicia has walked this path before, as such she has offered to help guide Shae along on the journey. Meditation, every sense of focus that Nicia is able to suggest she offers as suggestion to Shae.

Kedehern attends to watch over the pair of ladies, on the off chance something untoward should happen. He's prepared to pull an all nighter as it were, and stands vigilant against any potential threat, as he stands as an honor guard of sorts.

Nicia and Shae meditate, with Kedehern watching over them. But consciousness evades them, all three at once. Nicia and Shae slump, and Kedehern falls to the ground unconscious.

"It comes."

That is the first thing they hear.

"It comes."

A whispered voice, full of urgency.

"It comes, brought to life by the stirring of the Green, summoned by the wasting curse. It comes, and it is hungry."

Shae is in a forest, and she is running - hunted. She looks behind, and Kedehern is trailing her. He waves. "Don't look back! Keep running, dammit!" Nicia is by her side panting with the exertion of it, and there's a thundering behind them of ponderous feet. A howl cuts the air, and they know they're doomed.

And then they stumble into a circle - a perfect circle of trees, and from the trees step lithe creatures with green hair - the Sylv'alfar. "A pact of blood to break the curse," they say together. "A promise giv'n to fight the dark." One holds out her right hand. In her left is a knife. "A binding oath to stop the hound." Shae slaps her hand into the woman's palm, nodding. "A treaty made in blood will mark."

And then the vision shatters and they return to consciousness, gasping for breath.

On the thirteenth day of the month, at the thirteenth hour, Cristoph gathers a group of family, friends and allies in the gardens of the Laurent Estate. He sits with his companions and lights thirteens candles, with which he'll consign thirteen items of significance to him. He'll explain briefly, how the following ritual is meant to assist in cleansing the poisoned Priumum from Arvum. But that it's only a drop in the bucket, one voice that when combined with many others performing will slowly erode away at something terrible that affects everyone.

Hopefully.

He goes on to say that these sacrifices will represent his personal ideals for the future, that he hopes will affect the Dream in a positive way. The items are an array of things, all deeply personal, some of the significance is probably easy to spot while others are more vague. What's more important than that for the observers are the thirteen ideals, he'd like to see shaped into the Dream:

Courage, to be strong and brave when there is danger.
Honor, to hold it even when it would be easier to not.
Generosity to give freely to those who have little.
Hope, to keep a flame against the darkness.
Faith in the Gods of the Pantheon.
Justice when wrongs are done, to set them right.
Mercy for your enemies, so that you don't become the monsters you fear.
Determination to see through pain and difficulty.
Family, for the joy and solace they can provide.
Loyalty to the things in your life that matter.
Invention, so that we may never grow stagnant.
Love, to nourish your soul.
Humility, so that you don't become mired down in your own importance.

And then the ritual ends and hopefully no one blows up.

Jael is in attendance, still sort of shocked by the fact that not only is magic a thing, but that her brother is doing it. Also she's there to make sure he doesn't get rid of any of HER stuff.

Naka is present, respectful and mostly silent, sitting relaxed without quite actually lounging. The cost to him of the evening is only in attention, which he pays gladly and mindfully.

Kael is most supportive of his liege, and tries to instill the feeling of this on the day of the ritual. During the ritual itself, he walks respectfully, and cautiously. You know, just in case something bad happens.

Tessa attends to witness, entirely comfortable, relaxed and pleased. Adding her own well wishes and energy to the efforts to cleanse the priumum.

Shae will be quietly watching the ceremony, never having seen it performed before and wanting to learn it herself. Being sure to give it her full attention, as she watches it with her keen and perceptive gaze. As well as trying to follow along with the ritual.

Alis is goingto watch, intently. Not too intently, becausee that would be creepy and probably make everyone uncomfortable. But this is a very important ritual! And she must learn it well, to be able to perform the same herself.

Nicia is not entirely unfamiliar with the concept of what they are doing, so her approach to the situation is one of calm and cool relaxation. Yes, she realizes how very, very important this is, but she's also going to follow the ritual that was presented, put everything into it.

On the thirteenth day of the month, at the thirteenth hour, Cristoph convenes friends and family to cleanse the primum. He gathers them at the Laurent Estate, and the gardens are a beautiful and peaceful place to begin. He tells them these sacrifices will represent his personal ideals for the future, that he hopes will affect the Dream in a positive way. And then he begins, explaining each sacrifice - the significance to him, for these offerings are deeply personal. What they represent. The ideals he wants to reinforce in the Dream.

And for a moment, it seems like the Dream itself holds its breath - and then he begins. Courage, he says, to be strong and brave when there is danger. And as the first sacrifice burns, there is a sudden feeling they share as one - that heart-pounding knowledge that something is coming. It's hard to keep going, hard to not draw a sword. But even a glance around the gardens shows nothing imminent or dire.

Honor, to hold it even when it would be easier to not. Generosity. Hope - a flame against the darkness. One by one he lists qualities, those things he holds most dear, most closely.

The flame burns silver - not white but a true silver - is that even possible?

And suddenly they are not in the garden, they are somewhere else. Cristoph is there with them, in ancient armor, wearing the uniform of the Sovereign's Own Royal Guard, and there's the sword of the Lord Commander in his hand.

"No," Lord Commander - Cristoph? - whoever he was, he looks like Cristoph does now, of a certainty. "We're not doing that. We're going to push them back and out. We'll cut them down to a man, because there's no room in the Compact for the Pack of the Slaver."

"What about the ones who haven't fallen?" The Nox'alfar woman next to him stares at him with one eyebrow raised. On her armor - which matches his - the insignia of the First Captain.

"Seal 'em up, on the Queen's orders," he says grimly. "I don't like it, but maybe if they sleep long enough they'll forget this war, or we'll be better positioned to deal with their disagreements. But we can't just leave 'em loose or all of humanity will fall."

"For the Queen then," she returns, though it's clear she's not comfortable with the orders given - she's also not contradicting them.

There is a sense of purpose there, and in that moment, all the qualities that Cristoph values so highly - courage and honor, hope and faith and justice, mercy and determination. Family, for now as the Queen's Own surrounds them, they all feel that sense of camaraderie, that family of shield and sword. Loyalty. Invention - they are doing something new here, and they are witnessing the birth of a unified Arvum.

And then the vision fades, and so do the flames, and the rite is complete. It leaves with them a sense of purpose. A taste of battle. A rush of love and pride and certainty, even as they slowly disperse to consider their own rites, and their own mundane duties.

The Laurents are finally putting their money where their mouthes are. 3750 economic resources have been tagged for transforming Duskshire Keep and the surrounding lands into a new barony. They will be ennobling Sir Norwood Clement, who will be known onward as Baron Norwood Clement. Prior to any official proclamation a social campaign is conducted with the Whisper House in order to raise Norwood's esteem with the peerage (@action 2421). Cristoph will be handling the diplomatic feather smoothing and palm greasing that this will entail, while others will be using their own strengths. The Swarm of Artshall and the Laurent Cavalry will also be sent to Duskshire in force, to dissuade anyone that might considering harassing Norwood and Jael while they're down there.

While Nicia is not the sort to go out and pick up a sword, she has paper and writing utensils, and the knowledge to fight battles on that front. So while the rest of the Laurent's have lended far more martial efforts to reclaiming Duskshire, she has lended her assistance in a legal manner. She has fought the battles that have cropped up there, argued and made sure that things are smoothed out. In addition she has aided by making any contracts that might crop up, making sure that those with skills and vocations are protected, and those that have ways to trade are going to profit, thus the profit moving up the chain.

Jael assists Norwood with the reclamation of Duskshire, sending Artshall troops to assist with cleaning up and rebuilding the keep. She will travel there herself on occasion as well, to show the people that one of the Voices of Laurent and the daughter of the old Duke is invested in the project.

No number of years of service could have prepared Norwood for the honor that Cristoph is setting forth, and he isn't backwards about saying so. Norwood meets often with Whisper Amanda to learn what will help him become a good steward of the Duskshire lands. He'll stand for himself with the quiet composed dignity that has been the hallmark of his service to Laurent. Knowing that those who have sway in the peerage are doing their thing, Norwood focuses instead on the rebuilding of Duskshire. He works to show that life out in Duskshire isn't the dangerous prospect it has been for years to entice the right kind of people to take the chance. He guarantees their safety with his own life, swearing that he'll fall before Duskshire does. Woodworkers and stonemasons are sought out, the best that Norwood can find to help rebuild the keep and surrounding areas to be ready for the people who will call Duskshire home.

The news from Duskshire is interesting these days. Duskshire? Yeah, that little bit of land near Laurent lands, where of late the Duchy has been focusing its resources and attention. Under Sir Norwood Clement, the area has been cleaned out and rebuilding is starting. In fact, barely a day goes by when someone from the Laurent family isn't talking about how amazing Sir Norwood is.

They've canvassed the people. They've highlighted his heroic actions - how he saved the Duke's life. How he has year after year of faithful service to the Laurents. How his honor as Sword of Artshall is unquestioned, and how he has been a loyal supporter of his Duchy time and time again, not hesitating to put himself between them and danger for the good of all their people.

It is, then, a receptive people who listen to Duke Cristoph's proclamation that a new Barony is being established in Duskshire, and that Sir Norwood is being elevated to Baron Norwood to govern it well. Duchess Nicia handles the paperwork and details, for the full support of the Duchy in creating this Barony and seeing these lands brought once more under Compact dominion are engaged now. Lady Jael shows her personal support as well, and is the loudest voice in the song that sweeps through Laurent lands lauding the new Baron.

And while there are some side-eyes from the people of the Compact as a whole, many of whom neither know Laurent lands nor care about them, all the diplomatic and social work undertaken - including sending Baron Norwood to the Whispers to acquire the sort of polish a nobleman needs - mean that there is surprisingly little grumbling when the elevation occurs. Oh, he's still new to the nobility. But it's far easier when it's someone that has dedicated their life in leal service and is well known for it, as the exact sort that nobility is usually able to tolerate being ennobled, and when there's a catchy song, well. And as it happens - there is a catchy song.

Who's the good man who is Sword of Artshall?
Norwood! Norwood!
Who's seen demons and hellhounds and slaughtered them all?
Norwood! Norwood!

Who protected the Duke and then all of his heirs?
Norwood! Norwood!
And who fought off Abandoned alone and in pairs?
Norwood! Norwood!

These are reasons the Laurents owe much to this man
Norwood! Norwood!
He does all the things that no other Knight can!
Norwood! Norwood!

This fine fellow's honor is never in doubt
Norwood! Norwood!
So raise up your voices and give him a shout!
NORWOOD! NORWOOD!

In the months and weeks before any official proclamation is made regarding Norwood's ennoblement and barony, a carefully constructed social campaign begins to stir. When Cristoph is at court, meetings or formal dinners, he speaks of the man when the opportunity arises. He encourages other people in House Laurent, to drop Sir Norwood's name when appropriate.

They tell the story of how he lost his wife, but carried on bravely to take care of his young daughter. They talk of how when there were less gray hairs on his head and in his beard, he saved Duke Edmund's daughter, Lady Jael, from a fierce bear in the woods. How he guided and shaped her into the industrious young woman she is today. For which many are thankful, considering she was Cristoph's heir for many years and remains in the line of succession even now. Then they'll joke of how his daughter and the scion of House Laurent are likely to blame for all the grays he has /now/, with some help from Lord Klaus to boot.

And of course, there's the most recent act of heroism and bravery. The moment when his duke lost his horse in a fierce battle in Setarco and was nearly torn limb to limb by fierce monsters- or were they just dogs? The story is unclear here. But regardless, he charged forth on his horse to sweep him to safety. Yes, yes. He did DROP him but right after that, he supported the other man and helped him walk (he dragged him, basically) to safety.

Most recently there are tales from a little corner of Artshall known as 'the Duskshire', a small keep with attached lands that's served as a sore spot for the Laurents for years and years and... well, a long time. Sir Norwood was instrumental in leading various teams to the area and cleaning out bandits as well as some roaming groups of Abandoned that had attempted to set up in the keep.

There is /no/ finer knight in all of the Oathlands. A man who has shown his worth through actions and deeds, through a life well lived and decades of service. It's believed they'll be talking about him for many years to come.

But that's not all! Cristoph employs the works of the Whisper House to help train Norwood in etiquette (and other things!) so that he hopefully won't make some of the same social gaffes other ennobled commoners have made. And the duke collaborates with them to promote and smooth the path for Sir Norwood into a society that will not be thrilled with his presence.

Amanda will take a two-pronged attack to this little battle against public sentiment. First, she is coaching Sir Norwood in matters not just of etiquette (he mostly has that down, good Oathlander he is) but socializing. Play the game, shake some hands, smile every so often. Next, she will be seen with the good knight in public, to help create a smoother image for him here in Arx. Finally, Amanda will take to passing along word of Sir Norwood's good deeds, as outline by Cristoph. Sanctum born-and-bred, she has plenty of contacts back home.

As general of the Laurent forces (in no small part due to the training she received while squiring for the man of the hour himself), Jael reminds those who serve in the Laurent military units of Sir Norwood Clement's feats of valour and his long, long looooon record of service with the Laurent family.

Nicia hasn't known Norwood nearly as long as the rest of the Laurent's, but she is more than willing to repeat the stories to others, and provide her own spin on the more recent ones. How if it hadn't been for him, she'd be a widow and how because of Norwood's loyalty and bravery she was able to see her husband again after Setarco. A man that brave, and that loyal, he is exactly the sort that is worthy of being moved up in social status and position.

At last, Margerie's letter writing campaigns can once again come to the aid of Oathland causes! It isn't a new thing for her letters to the various elder nobles of the Oathlands to include praise for Norwood Clement, as warranted, but it becomes focused to support the Duke's talking points. There's an emphasis on his long years of service, the guiding influence he has had on these successful young Laurent leaders, and his close friendship with the Keaton family as well. She isn't above mentioning that she has taken an interest in helping him to develop his social skills. There may also be reminders that it wasn't long ago that she groomed young Kael Keaton from a lost, unknown boy to a well regarded Count in a very short period of time. Her recent position as High Lord Edain's protege may lend some extra weight to her words. In the city of Arx, she is seen with him publically regularly. While there is nothing untowards and certainly no kanoodling in public, her esteem for the man is evident. They walk arm in arm and he is frequently her escort at various functions and dinners. It's a public stamp of approval for the knight.

These days, it seems all the Laurent family can talk about is Sir Norwood. They tell the story of how he lost his wife, but carried on bravely to take care of his young daughter. They talk of how when there were less gray hairs on his head and in his beard, he saved Duke Edmund's daughter, Lady Jael, from a fierce bear in the woods. How he guided and shaped her into the industrious young woman she is today. For which many are thankful, considering she was Cristoph's heir for many years and remains in the line of succession even now. Then they'll joke of how his daughter and the scion of House Laurent are likely to blame for all the grays he has now, with some help from Lord Klaus to boot.

And of course, there's the most recent act of heroism and bravery. The moment when his duke lost his horse in a fierce battle in Setarco and was nearly torn limb to limb by fierce monsters- or were they just dogs? The story is unclear here. But regardless, he charged forth on his horse to sweep him to safety. Yes, yes. He did DROP him but right after that, he supported the other man and helped him walk (he dragged him, basically) to safety.

Most recently there are tales from a little corner of Artshall known as 'the Duskshire', a small keep with attached lands that's served as a sore spot for the Laurents for years and years and... well, a long time. Sir Norwood was instrumental in leading various teams to the area and cleaning out bandits as well as some roaming groups of Abandoned that had attempted to set up in the keep.

There is no finer knight in all of the Oathlands. A man who has shown his worth through actions and deeds, through a life well lived and decades of service. It's believed they'll be talking about him for many years to come. There might even be a song in the making.

**War Pensions**

House Laurent will be taking 1,000,000 silver out of the bank and portioning it out over the next several years to the families of soldiers slain in the fight against the pirate king. Cristoph as well as members of House Laurent will be traveling to Artshall to oversee the initial distribution of funds and touch base with their people. This will include meeting personally with families and stopping in villages to assess their situations and listen to grievances.

Nicia is making certain that, legally speaking, the funds go to the right people, and are protected in such a way that they aren't going to be taken away over the years. She is accompanying Cristoph and the rest, with her mountains of paperwork and making sure that their people are as protected as possible.

Jael helps with money distribution, as someone who can ride around with bags of silver and not require too much guarding.

Norwood comes with the Laurent Duke as he hands out the pensions. Much like he did in Oakhaven, the sword brings a commoner's bent to the venture. He tells stories of the soldiers he served with and leaves the families with tales of valor that he either experienced with their loved ones, or were passed to him by their loved ones. In addition he helps out as he can, helping with some scattered sheep here, a broken fence there, and all around does what he can to help them move on after the trauma of lost loved ones.

Naka travels along with other members of House Laurent to meet with families of slain soldiers. The main commitment from him is time spent in listening and commiserating. There is nothing that can be done to bring back those who have fallen, but it is a genuine rather than a manipulative sentiment that their sacrifice is remembered and respected. When it seems appropriate, Naka will speak up to that effect.

Under Duke Cristoph Laurent, the Laurent family takes a mind-boggling 1,000,000 silver and parcels it out to the families of the fallen in the recent actions against the Pirate King. Duchess Nicia, Lady Jael, Lord Naka, and Sir Norwood travel with Duke Cristoph to Artshall to make arrangements for the distribution of these funds in the coming decade.

The people of Artshall are stunned, and very pleased to see that their ruling family is taking such care of the families of the fallen - not just in the immediate, but over the coming years as well. Their estimation of the Laurents rise, their praises are sung, and many a smug conversation is had in Arx over a drink, pointing with pride to their particular ruling family and how carefully they take their responsibilities to their people. The Laurents aren't just randomly donating to soup kitchens, they point out - they're taking care of their own, just as they're supposed to do.

Hurray! The heir and future Duke of Artshall has been born! Young Lord Eadric Laurent. In celebration of his birth, Cristoph and Nicia take a trip to Artshall. While they're there, they visit the surrounding villages to take stock of how the duchy is doing. A considerable sum of money is invested into areas where infrastructure seems to be weakening and where promising commoners that could become talented tradesmiths need some start-up funds. There's also a party for Lord Eddie, along with party /hats/! But they keep it practical and simple. Workhorse Duchy style.

Parties! It may be noted that while it is very practical, and simple, Nicia is a bit more free with sharing any of the good mead with those at Artshall. In addition she is happy to help any that might be interested in pursuing more scholarly arts find a home for studies.

The heir and future Duke of Artshall has been born! In celebration of the birth of Lord Eadric Laurent, Cristoph and Nicia take a trip to Artshall. While they're there, they visit the surrounding villages to take stock of how the duchy is doing. A considerable sum of money is invested into areas where infrastructure seems to be weakening and where promising commoners that could become talented tradesmiths need some start-up funds. There's also a party for Lord Eddie, along with party hats! It's a joyous time and a productive trip, reminding their people that life continues even as the Compact prepares for war.

Cristoph Laurent is calling for all vassals of House Laurent to heed his call! Raise to arms! He'll be sending out word through the marches for them to rally and raise their banners as well as that of their vassals. He's served as a soldier and commander before himself, so he'll be banking on that experience there to help him rally the men and women sworn to House Laurent.

He doesn't work alone! He petitions the help of family members, house servants and other allies to get the message out as effectively as possible.

The Keatons, as a whole, are doing a GREAT tour of their lands, the Baronies beneath them, in an attempt to rally the troops. However, during their adventure they are moving through Laurent lands as well, and Kael will be speaking highly of the Honey Duke and his skills, not to mention the great need for any and all capable soldiers to go to arms. He attempts to inspire, to command, and to rivet them of tales. Not to mention he might have smuggled some Laurent mead along for the journey to share drink with any and all for camaraderie.

Naka decides to take time to physically travel to key points within Laurent and Laurent-sworn lands. He concentrates his efforts on the population, hoping to convince them to accept the idea of a smaller number of troops for home defense in order to free up additional forces to answer the muster call. These people may not have any say in who actually gets sent where, but Naka hopes that helping to allay their concerns and convince them to keep a determined, positive attitude at home will give the associated nobility a spur towards going above and beyond the least necessary participation.

Nicia is planning to play upon the emotions of the vassals and their men by appealing to their sense of loyalty, and honor. Making sure that they feel compeled to rally and raise to arms, for fear that doing any different would lessen their regard in the eyes of the fealty. She has taken to sending messengers, and putting in visits to those close enough, making it a more personal quest to speak with them.

Klaus has rallied all of his men. Men that do not faulter at their lords command. The sight of men at arms to nearby vassals shows that there is no room for avoiding the situation. Coupled with the respect that his men have for him it should be rather usefull in a quick mustering of troops.

As House Sword, Norwood will be helping Cristoph rally the marches and leaning on his skills in leadership and years of experience.

Aeryn is using her spreading her infectious optimism like a disease, rallying everyone that will stop and listen! She keeps spirits high and morale at maximum!

With all his charmed talents Saedrus willingly steps in to assist Cristoph to help gather Laurent’s vassals to arms. It is with an empathic call that Saedrus helps rally the Duke’s men to the cause. Missives are sent with poignant prose to stir the recipients to answer their duty, to bolster them in the face of their fears and remind them that great honour is found in their bravery.

While the youngsters rally armies and large speeches and the like, Margerie? She's using contacts. If she's at the speech? She's standing next to the woman that everyone in the holding looks to as the moral center, the one who can give entire neighborhoods The Look about what they know they should do. Or that man who employs half the town, who knows how to train the other half to keep business going. She's going for short walks, buying a meat pie for them. She's a guided missile calling on decades of service to from Oakhaven up to Laurent to know which person needs convincing at their stops in order to keep the convincing going when they've moved on.

Bastien has been hired to assist with matters of propaganda. He writes a series of speeches to provide to Duke Cristoph and various others who are doing the actual traveling in the Oathlands to speak with the vassal leaders, speeches about the nature of history and living within it, of the weight of recognizing the times they live in now. Speeches of honor and oaths and sacrifice. He tailors the speeches to the various houses, trying to include known notes from their histories in order to apply particularly targeted pressure. In addition, he'll supply a few different outlines for written pamphlets that can be copied and spread through the various cities to also encourage each domain's populace to support their leaders' dedication of troops.

Derovai is providing whatever advice his good judgment of character will afford Duke Laurent in this matter.

Jael has always been an outside kid. Sometimes with an sizeable entourage, sometimes with just a few retainers, she rides out to every part of the Laurent territory she can cover on a massive wicked-looking black warhorse named Freddie to rally the troops. This almost always involves some inspiring speechifying done while performing lot of fancy horseback maneuvers like caprioles and courbettes, pirouettes and piaffes. Maybe even some friendly jousting! All this will hopefully show the vassals that the Commander of the Laurent forces is competent and approachable, and worth rallying to. Also a badass who can manage large wayward beasts with ease.

House Laurent is calling for all their vassals to heed the call, and so, it is time to act. House Valardin's own Prince Rook is lending his aid as a ghostwriter, spin-doctor and one-man propaganda machine to polish up the efforts. As he's come from a very well trained background as a sophisticated courtier, he knows the political and social landscape well enough he can push and prod without sticking his oar in too hard where it oughn't go.

And having worked with the Keatons to call their banners, now Duke Cristoph turns his attention to House Laurent. He's sending out word through the marches to rally and raise their banners, and encourage their vassals to do likewise. He's smart about it too, he isn't trying to do it all on his own, but rather includes his family and those willing to stand with him.

Count Kael and the Keatons are already doing a tour of their lands, and he takes the time to speak highly of the Honey Duke and his skills, inspiring them with tales of his liege. Lord Naka concentrates on the populace, organizing troops for home defense to free up additional forces to answer the call. Duchess Nicia stands by her husband, appealing to their people's sense of loyalty and honor. As often as she can she turns this into a series of personal conversations, using her charm to encourage as many as she can.

Lord Klaus is a man of few words now, relying on honor and the respect his men have for him, the Sword of Laurent, Sir Norwood, at his side. Lady Aeryn adds some cheer and charm, enthusiastically supporting the message and spreading it far and wide.

Saedrus Whisper steps in as well, sending missives with poignant prose to stir the recipients to answer their calls to duty. Lady Margerie tries a more oblique tack, talking to those who stand as the moral centers, the ones who give The Look to entire neighborhoods when they decide something needs to be done. Or she's reaching out to that man who employs half the town, who knows how to train the other half to keep business going. She's calling on decades of service and her finely-honed intuition to reach out to influential movers and shakers wherever they go.

Prince Rook works as a ghostwriter of speeches. Bastien also works writing speeches of honor and oaths and sacrxifices, tailoring speeches to the varying houses, trying to include known notes from their histories in order to apply particularly targeted pressure to answer the call.

Some of these are used by Duke Cristoph, others delivered by Derovai to Lady Jael to use as she rides out to every part of the Laurent territory on a wicked-looking black warhorse named Freddie to rally the troops. She gives inspiring speeches while performing ancy horseback maneuvers like caprioles and courbettes, pirouettes and piaffes. Maybe even some friendly jousting! All this proves to their vassals that the Commander of the Laurent forces is competent and approachable, and worth rallying to. Also a badass who can manage large wayward beasts with ease. In a different house this might be less welcome, but here in Valardin where Knights are often riding before they can walk, they cheer on Lady Jael's acrobatics.

Laurent is rallied to war!

Duke Cristoph Laurent, Count Kael Keaton, Countess Reigna Keaton and Lord Corban Telmar held a charity race in the Ward of House Valardin. It was called 'The Armor Run'. Quite a few people attended and they collected numerous writs and silver from various attendees to use towards their cause. They've opted to put what they collected towards helping restablize the streets and aid the commoners in the Ward of the Crown that were affected by the fire. If there's already been IC progress there, this would hopefully help finish and/or add to general improvements in the area.

Lord Corban brought, as Countess Keaton put it, "spirit and energy and positivity" to the race, coming in fourth. Corban also solicited the support of those present, raising significant funds for those affected by the fire.

Reigna spent a number of days baking, baking, baking, with the help of Keaton chef extraordinaire, Marie. They made innumerable baskets of raspberry filled weapon-shaped pastries dusted in powdered sugar and then sold said baskets of pastries so the contents could be eaten, or flung at the racers (as the philanthropist desired). She also designed and crafted the prizes, three silk capes offered to the top three runners. During the event Reigna sold the pastries, and at the finish, handed out the prizes!

Kael Keaton brought himself to the race and made certain that everyone was aware of it! He posed behind Cristoph at the introduction and he chanted during the race itself (especially regarding Lord Corban), donated a sum of economic writs with his wife from House Keaton, and making certain to help his wife in the kitchen (on the sly, mind you, by being official taste tester). In preparation before the event, he spoke with those soldiers around Arx to see if they might be amiable to joining, attempting to get them to follow his lead. After all, a decent turnout means more money... and free training for said soldiers! Full armor is heavy!

Not a baker, and certainly not a runner, Nicia did what she could however to spread word of the fun, to discuss it with those that might be interested in it, and do any number of other things needed to make sure that any legal issues with holding the run in the location they chose were smoothed over.

To finish what first the Inquisition, then the Champions Guild and the Golden Hart have done, Duke Cristoph Laurent, Count Kael Keaton, Countess Reigna Keaton and Lord Corban Telmar held a charity race in the Ward of House Valardin. It was called 'The Armor Run'. Quite a few people attended and they collected numerous writs and silver from various attendees to use towards their cause. They've opted to put what they collected towards helping restablize the streets and aid the commoners in the Ward of the Crown that were affected by the fire. And thus, with the help of generous charities and aid, the Ward is in tact once more and people's lives are - not restored as they were completely, but able to start the true process of healing.

Valery was able to make in her laboratory (by mistake) a mix that produced a light similar to that of the lamps of Arx, like a rudimentary version of Sparklegas.
She hasn't been able to make it last longer than those few minutes, or have it ready to use more than having the ingredients meassured, but she's trying to improve it.
She's decided to reproduce the gas, or at least turn her version into something that can be useful for the city and/or those that leave in patrols, storable and lasting.
She'll try checking the studies about the lamps in the town, trying new ingredients and ways to store it.
She's also talking with those she knows have been studying the lamps of Arx and the Sparklegas, and she'll reach for other alchemists she knows to ask for their help.

Maeve has been working on researching sparklegas herself! Really, her trail of research has left her with more questions than answers. So.. the apothecary has decided to try and take samples of sparklegas from various places within the city! Have you ever seen a -very- pregnant woman climb street posts to collect samples from various light posts? It's quite a site! Anyways, she is bottling up samples from the very lamps themselves, but she is not trying to take the lamp off it's post or anything.

Sparte is using his contacts in the Iron Guard and Thrax to try to find any examples of lamps that were damaged or ruined in the siege by Brand, and attempt to secure permission for Valery to use them in her research. While he can't offer her a currently working Arx lamp, even a broken one might shed some insights into how the things work.

Merek will be assisting with finding any lamps that Valery might be able to work with. In addition to that he will be assisting her research a little bit perhaps with his alchemical knowledge to assist her in trying to reproduce it should she allow.

Valery has reached out to those within the Apothecary College in the city, and Nicia has decided that this is just weird and intriguing enough to drag her away from her usual studies. As such, she will be digging around in things the best that she can, aiding with the study of the gas and help out as Valery's assistant in any way needed.

Cybele is more interested in looking at the Sparklegas and experimenting with it, taking a gander from a different point of view, seeing if she can make sense of it all from the other side, so to speak. And aiding Valery and Maeve, of course.

It's a huge undertaking. Merek and Sparte start looking for old, broken lamps. For the most part this is well nigh impossible to find - whoever built these, whenever they did so, they were very good at what they did. The best they can find is one old broken-off head of a lantern that, when Cybele takes a look, seems to have some kind of rune, but because it's broken it can only partially be seen.

While they're working on that, Maeve is looking to get samples of sparklegas - but that's not going so well for her. Oh, she can get them, and they do glow - but she can't keep them glowing for very long after she takes a sample - not even to get them all the way back to the workshoip where they're studying the lanterns. What she does notice is that it seems like there are small circles inside the lanterns lit across the city, and some mechanism at the base. It's tiny, and it's hard to see unless you're on a ladder looking down at the inside bottom of the lantern itself.

Which of course leads to the entire group bringing ladders to a single lantern, talking excitedly as they realize that there are two pipes at the bottom of each lantern, and the little mechanism makes them open and close. Nicia, with her curious, studious mind, points out that the light flickers higher when they open, then they close and the light glows for a while. And then it starts to dim and the mechanism turns and the pipes open again and the light flickers higher.

And that's what gives them the idea. They're back to experimenting now - and it looks like they can create a lantern. Valery prepares the components carefully. She has tried this before, and she can consistently recreate sparklegas now, so she knows what to do. The mechanism is replaced with a simple twist switch. Two little sections hold the components that will react, one with the other. Tiny pipes, as small as she can make them, are how they will enter the lantern proper. Valery fills each side and closes it, and the group looks at each other and takes a deep breath and twists the little switch.

And it lights! They have made a lantern filled with sparklegas! It works! Success! For about an hour until the components run out, and then the lantern is dark again.

The Liberators of Skald have promised aid to all freed thralls: relocation if they wish it to any demense of the Compact, room and board within the housing of the Faith, and assistance finding work or training for it until they have found their feet.

The Liberators of Skald were not expecting twenty thousand people to need this aid at once.

And so Aleksei has reached out to -- pretty much everyone. All the noble houses. Merchant fleets. Friends who have maybe one ship! Basically he's organizing a mass effort to make contact with the newly-freed thralls in Stormward and either get them resituated in Stormward or give them transport elsewhere in the Compact that they may want to go. All of this is stuff he's already set up, but he's having to haul in major support to try and do it on a much larger scale than he was anticipating.

Aleksei will endure the terrors of seasickness to travel to Stormward personally to oversee the efforts of the Liberators and do his best to keep matters calm where possible and work as efficiently as he can.

For those generous enough to offer ships for transport, Aleksei will make sure each ship will have some sort of representative of the Faith on board to help keep an eye on things and discourage any untoward actions in regards to the freed thralls.

Indeed, the Valorous Few are Being Helpful! Since Victus so kindly invited people, Audric (and Shard, and probably a handful of the friendlier types) are heading up with the Liberators. First and foremost will be offering the fabulous life of a sellsword, to any who wish to join up! Money, plunder, see the world, get to kill people fairly frequently, there's nothing but upside, really. Oh, and I guess if there's any room left over they'll help transport some people.

After speaking with Aleksei, the Few have agreed to find space on the ships they're using both for his Faith representatives and his freed Thralls. In fact, Shard's stated her intent to pack everyone in as tightly as possible for the journey, comfort be damned so long as the crew can still function, so between that and Audric's hope to annoy the ears off of the poor priest who gets stuck on his boat, it probably won't be a very pleasant series of trips at all, but at least there will be more people getting to where they need to go.

In addition to this, Shard will be putting in a few words--or many words--or some not so gentle nudges--and maybe some heavy coin--to some people she knows who know some people who know some other people about extra boats and ships for the sole use of Aleksei's cause for the duration. Just don't look too hard at these boats or ask where they came from. They don't take kindly to questions.

Killian is dispatching ships from the Ashford navy to assist with the evacuation of freed thralls, per Aleksei's request. The ships will be providing transport, and staying together with one another, their orders to guardian one another and transport their passengers safely to the appointed destination.

Nicia has agreed to aid Aleksei and the Liberators in their task of helping to resettle the freed thralls, as such she has decided that one galley, and three longships from the Laurent military should be sent to help resettle the freed thralls. Allowing them to choose where they wanted to go, the help is not dependent on them coming to Laurent lands, although she will also make a point of stating that Laurent is willing to accept the resettlement of thralls in their lands.

Belladonna is putting Pravus's fleet at the Liberators' disposal for this. They are fresh and probably antsy for something to do. A skeleton force will be held back to patrol Setarco's borders as they have been, and a scout vessel or two are kept standing by in case the fleet has to be recalled swiftly (plus the ship kept in Arx!), but otherwise they can have use of the fleet as per the terms laid out by Aleksei. They are placed under Alrec's command, and Alrec is directed to report to the Faith on this one (using his judgment). Members of the Faith are most certainly allowed to be on every ship.

As well, she has put forth to both Aleksei and Bianca that those particularly suited for the role of a courtesan and interested in doing so, she will pay for their tuition to and support during the attendance of one of the courtesan schools in Setarco. And! Pioneering spirits that she might be able to interest in Luciva, they are being accepted that way too.

Boots on ground in Stormward while ships are there and have access to people (likely very briefly, but still), they are directed to aid in calming the populace, and provided talking points to do so by Belladonna.

Ford will be kept in the loop by her men as a matter of course throughout the entire mission.

Thena has agreed to assist Aleksei by providing as many Solace agents as can be spared to represent the Faith on ships transporting and resettling freed thralls. Since these agents are already out in the field acting as protectors to travellers and pilgrims, and have a presence long established in the Mourning Isles, shuffling things around shouldn't be too difficult. In addition, Thena is slated to send aid to the Mourning Isles for the Darkwater exploration and should be able to combine these efforts.

Thena is also dispatching a newly commissioned galley to help with transport. The galley will be crewed by freed thralls.

The Knights of Solace will accept freed thralls who wish to work either as soldiers or support staff and pay them a living wage for their services. They need not take vows, though should any wish to follow that path, instruction will be arranged.

Aleksei has asked for support to guard the ships, and knowing that the Knights of Solace will be focusing on supporting the Thralls this means the Templars only need worry about protecting the ships and ensuring that the ships are not mobbed when they land. Accordingly, Preston is making available Templars from the Arx Templars to sail out with the ships and hold order while Solace and the others help the former Thralls. The priority for the Templars is preserving the majority - the boats, the Faith people helping the Thralls. But they are also not the local police force. So. If the boats are at risk of being swamped or a mob forms and attacks the rescue attempts, they will defend. If a mob forms and isn't threatening the boats? Thats for Kennex.

Although she cannot be there in person, Katarina will be sending part of her fleet in her stead; three longships and a galley. These assets are to be used to help ferry newly freed thralls to their intended destinations, with gentle emphasis on a wealth of opportunity that can await them in Valardin-owned lands.

Hana is not the world's best teacher, but she's often been lucky in instructing others. And she's nothing if not enthusiastically devoted to Jayus -- the god of both crafting /and/ of hope. So she travels to the Isles as well, trying to give hope to the former thralls who need to learn a new trade -- those who worked menial jobs and desperately want to do something new, something that provides a chance at a better life. She'll be organizing lessons, yes, but she'll also have worked to encourage other Disciples of Jayus to the same -- to travel with her, and to teach /their/ skills as well. Tailoring, baking, carpentry, and so on. Hopefully, it at least makes a small difference.

Without question, Saedrus has agreed to assist Aleksei. First and foremost he intends to accompany Aleksei, and other Liberators, to Stormward not only as a Disciple of Skald, but as a composed and diplomatic voice in what might be a chaotic situation. Though he cannot offer ships or safe escort, he can be present to try and mollify vassals (or persons of the general populace) crying out against the current crisis. A little charm can go a long way, and hopefully Saed can keep things calm.

In addition, though he cannot take many, he will let it be known that the Grotto can take on a small number of ex-thralls as attendants, board and basic needs seen to, and assistance in finding them trades and future work. Furthermore, pending approval of the Radiant, he can take a handful in under the Whisper House as house staff until either they settle to other livelihoods or to continue on for potential future training. The total is miniscule in comparison to the twenty-thousand, but every little bit helps.

As a Liberator Ferrando is coming along to Stormward to try and generally help un-clusterfuck the situation. He's not really a logistical type or a big public speaker. He's a bouncer! It's fair to say his #1 skill to lend to the effort is an ability to move around heavy stuff. He's probably just going to end up dealing with minor things Aleksei is too busy for.

As promised the Scholars of Vellichor are ready to assist at the word of the Archscholar. Messengers have been sent to the parishes of the discipleship present in Stormward to open the doors to their smaller libraries and utilize donations already in stock to help in upholding the offer of a living wage to freed Thralls seeking higher education or tradeskill apprenticeships. Bianca will also be accompanying Blessed Aleksei to Stormward directly to aid immediately with her own diplomatic abilities and personal resources.

Mydas will be making use of his substantial ability in logistics and economics to ensure the resources deployed to aid the newly freed Thralls are not ill spent or wasted. To summarize, Marquis Mydas Nightgold will play the role of the accountant.

Seraph Ailith will reach out to the local Seraphs in aiding the Faith's efforts of providing solace, community outreach, and humanitarian efforts for the many believers. Using her presence and prowess of propaganda, she'll help kindle hope, compassion, and support among the Faithful and within the Faith such as sermons with stories of the compassion, love, charity, and hope, the many gifts of the Gods, in hopes to soothe and provide a steady familiar place of solace (worship in the shrines) during this chaotic time. When not doing these things, she personally heal the injured and sick who come to the Faith and assist them on their way to the outbound ships, should they be departing.

As minister of warfare and with authorisation to release about half the Velenosa armada into a committed liberation fleet, Talen is overseeing the leading arrangements in that regard. Ensuring the that there are captains who know what they're doing to act as transportation for ex-thralls is key. Faith and Liberator representatives are permitted aboard and allowed to direct the efforts with all reasonable requests to make things easier. The Velenosa are focusing primarily on carrying people, so any security escorts to defend the ships from external attacks will come from the Thrax, and Velenosa vassals organised by the Lyceum aid council.

Lianne is lending ships from Nilanza's navy to aid with the safe transport of the recently freed to Arx. Modest financial assistance will be provided to individuals or families interested in resettling in Nilanza, particularly if they are skilled in a trade or capable sailors interested in enlisting in the navy. Representatives of the Faith will be welcomed on board each vessel.

Victus will be providing transport via the 1st Thrax Fleet, namely in his stated offer of paying work in the Maelstrom and safe haven until they can be transported elsewhere in the Compact. Aleksei's Liberators and other agents of the Faith will be allowed passage on these vessels making runs to and from Stormward to assist in the relocation efforts for Thralls lacking employment. With the exception of any ships provided by Grimhall, per Harald's request. It should be noted that freed Thralls who have gone on to commit crimes against Kennex will not be offered the same on Victus' own vessels, as they are Kennex's right to judge for their actions.

In an unofficial capacity, though with no less focus, Rook will be duplicating the efforts of Mydas Nightgold in an effort. It can't hurt to be certain, can it? Resources in, out and spent all about. In addition there's the counting of ex-Thralls shipped out, sprinkled across the Compact, giving as accurate a set of numbers as possible to all takers of the refugees. Did any go missing, how many died, do they have at least enough coin and resources to keep this mission up until all of Stormward's loose freemen are, well, free?

Lacking much in the way of funds or resources, Fortunato employs his skill and that of his apprentices to make flyers, encouraging people of great means and small means to donate to the resettlement effort and otherwise help smooth out the transition, perhaps by hiring the displaced. Need someone in the back room? Someone to knead dough? Someone, perhaps, to draw more flyers?

Monique will accompany the flotilla and use her charm and diplomacy to convince freed Prodigal thralls to resettle in the Compact, using her knowledge of their native tongue to win their trust. She will also use her significant silver to see they are set up with necessities when they arrive at their destinations.

They manage to avoid violence, which is no minor miracle as of the sheer amount of naval force in the region now. Setarco's massive navy is significantly larger than the pride and joy of many Isles houses, a fact most seem completely unaware of even as House Pravus' dromonds and dozens of longships arrive in Kennex waters under the command of Admiral Alrec to assist the liberators. This is not, in any way, to diminish the forces sent by the Knights of Solace, House Laurent, Lianne's fleet of Nilanza, or the detachments by House Velenosa, Katarina's Oathlands fleet, Ashford or Thrax, but all combined it roughly doubles the overall size of the force, which would likely make any lower rank peers of the Isles distinctly uneasy if they realized its scope.

Fortunately, that's unlikely to happen, as the fleet takes place in a great disapora. There is still a significant percentage that opts to stay in Kennex lands with the support to do so, and in this, the Faith is instrumental. The Faith is one of the great consistent institutions across the entire Compact, even in the shamanism heavy north, but the Isles have always been closer to the Faith than that. Orazio, Thena, Preston, Bianca, Ailith in particular are able to make a great deal of difference in many staying, particularly with the economic work by Rook and Mydas helping to make a chaotic situation be broken down into stabilizing a destroyed economy, and peacekeeping efforts from the forces sent. Killian's Ashford men, Nicia's Laurent forces, Lianne's Nilanzans, Audric and Shard's valorous few, Preston's templars, Thena's knights of solace, Setarco marines all do a part to keeping peace on the ground, with the aid of the Valorous Few being a little questionable and a few of them seem determined to put the 'liberation' in Liberators to mean goods that belonged to individuals. A few hangings by Audric fixes that (and these were the friendlier ones, a shame), as well as Ferrando helpfully letting others know where the problematic elements are.

While a small but significant percentage stays, what truly happens is a massive disapora led by the combined fleet. Some prodigals. Setarco, Nilanza, Maelstrom, Maelstrom, and Ashford lands all see a significant amount of ex-thralls wishing to settle, with Setarco as an example seeing a large bump in capable courtesans at Setarco's schools. The Lycene is a bit more popular as in terms of climate, Setarco or Nilanza is closest to the saffron chain, and what the vast majority of former thralls originally came from. Monique as a prodigal has a great deal in common with many of the newer, louder voices from factions of former thralls, and is able to help many peacefully find new homes throughout the Compact- a smaller percentage opt for different vocations in Arx, with Hana having new weaponsmiths, Saedrus having some new employees at the Grotto and potential Whispers, the Valorous Few see a bump in questionable fellows replacing the ones hanged with Shard sorting out the most promising. There's quite a few new templars, knights of Solace and Scholars, particularly from those wishing to see Arx as godsworn. All in all, a massive amount of refugees are resettled peacefully.

All that's the good, the bad is minor but still significant- the huge amount of ships flying Oathlands and Lycene flags are allowing some pirates to take advantage of the confusion and fly false flags to escape justice, with hundreds of ships in Kennex waters without an overall central command, no one really knows who is who which is allowing some smugglers and pirates to hope that Thrax doesn't have the balls to pick on Oathlands or Lycene ships and provoke an incident (unfortunately for all involved, this is probably untrue). Also, while the great disapora helps the refugees, it doesn't help Kenenx- the recovery they see is modest, as most of their workforce is, in effect, leaving with only a minority staying. They still need a massive amount of investment to survive.

House Valardin is donating 700,000 silver to help with the initial cash of the economy in the hopes that these funds will be used to help those most afflicted. We will also waive trade tarriffs on Kennex ships coming to Sanctum and ports controlled by the Valardin to help them beable to start financially recovering on their own. Other houses have been invited to donate what they feel they can, and offer aid in otherways to help House Kennex recover. Duchess Nicia Laurent will oversee that the funds that are being sent by the Oathlands are put to their intended purpose.

Alis is contributing some of her own economic resources to assist in setting up any trade deals and helping reduce tariffs on current trade to Kennex. She would also be volunteering to help with the hunting party to provide food and hides for those who need it.

Fiachra will primarily be assisting with organizing hunts to provide meat and hides for those who need it. Fia also knows how to make hardtack (as well as Alis and Eirlys) and will teach those who would like to learn the process. It's not the best-tasting stuff in all Arvum, sure, but when any food is better than no food...

House Keaton will be assisting in aid with the hunt for meat to donate forth to those that are hungry. They will have hounds brought in for the hunting parties to aid the efforts and a storage shed will be made on their property to store the preserved food. In addition to this, Keaton has done a fair amount of trade of lumber with Thrax, and are willing to offer House Kennex a deal (should they take it) where they are the center point in supplying Keaton lumber to Thrax for building vessels, creating profit for House Keaton but also giving a healthy commission to House Kennex.

Reigna Keaton will be helping to set up a trust account into with the Oathlands donations will be put in. She will help administrate this trust to ensure the funds reach the freemen that are to benefit from this trust.

Ryhalt is directing a substantial sum of silver to Countess Reigna's trust at the bank of Arx as well as contributing his experience in financial matters to help grow the principal of the trust until such time as it is expended, finding profitable, short trades that he feels are within acceptable risk parameters to make the initial contributions go farther.

Princess Isabeau will do what she can to assist Nicia in the bookkeeping and paperwork aspects on the economic side of the situation. She possesses some mild familiarity with the concept of economics and she can alphabetize.

As asked, Nicia is going to oversee the funds, collection and allocation of, and make certain that there is no shady sleight-of-hand happening. As such she will be checking everyone's bookkeeping, on all sides, making certain that things are signed off on, and that there are no unusual inflations happening for goods that are being purchased, or donated, and that there are in fact an accounting of every item, every silver. She will be making certain that Kennex keeps good records, approaching the Marquis and her cousin, the Marquessa, as well as Lady Octavia to make certain that what is being donated goes to proper use.

For her part, Katarina contributes both time and energy into raising additional funds to compensate the initial cash investments of House Valardin. Being the wife of the Crown Minister of Coin has it's benefits. She will also use her connections throughout the various coastal ports of the Oathlands to encourage local businesses to open their ranks to potential newly freed thralls that might make their way back from the Mourning Isles under the ships she's already sent to ferry them wherever they might wish to begin their new lives.

The Oathlands' efforts have an immediate, significant effect on dealing with the immense economic damage that House Kennex has suffered. Reigna's idea of a trust is an excellent one, particularly when being overseen by Princess Isabeau and Duchess Nicia in making certain there's no malfeasance that takes part with the funds. Ryhalt's contributions from the Duchy of Westrock with all of its shipping concerns, which combined with Edain's tariff forgiveness and Katarina's contributions takes a good step towards getting Kennex's trade up and running again. Fiachra and Kael's hunting skills, aided by Alis, helps teach the new thralls some subsistence methods, and staves off a great deal of starvation concerns- something that almost certainly would have happened if not for their efforts.

It is, perhaps, a surprise. Having married into the Valardin family through his own free will, Rook now wishes out of the oaths which behind him to Katarina, working every angle that'll open a route which he can. All so he can find the cleanest escape, if one exists at all. Knowing the Valardin penchant for stern views on religion, Rook has gone to the trouble of hiring a lawyer who he's provided a copy of the contract to. The wording is of standard legalise that would come between an external barony, in this case the newly ennobled House Grayward in the Grayson domain and the great house itself, House Valardin. It's a preparative effort to inform him before he takes any further steps, as it behooves him to tread carefully. Access to 25,000 in funds for bribes, legal counsel and whatnot are given to Nicia for her search for all possible outcomes for divorce in a circumstance such as this. Any information about divorce precedents that might apply, no matter their consqeuences, are to be collected. A decision can be futher discussed and eventually made from them. For better or worse.

Nicia has been researching this matter for a while, although has not come up with anything just yet. Due to that, with action being of a more pressing nature at this moment she is doubling her efforts to find any precedents that she can, both favorable and unfavorable outcomes for one or both parties. Her goal is, of course, to get the most favorable outcome for her client, if one is even possible. If bribes are required, she is willing to see that they happen, although she does her best to do most of her work as straight-forward and above board as possible.

The good news is that Rook, without having children at this point, can get an anullment of no fault if he chooses. It is considered tacky for others to comment on the very obvious when it is still childless after this far into marriage, and separating amicably is not that uncommon at this point in it. Further, there's a few divorce precedents that are notable, particularly in that Katarina is not by blood a Valardin. As an adoptee, her being a princess is essentially a courtesy to begin with, and Rook's marriage in is tenuous at best. Now what would be impossible would be keeping the title of prince or being still a Valardin- marrying an adoptee is a hard sell to begin with, turning that into membership just isn't in the cards.