Empire - Scene 26

Arrival

Sonia arrives.

Koline

(Koline) The Second Hall of the Imperial Palace has been furnished with necessary creature comforts for a large gathering, so that no one need go thirsty or hungry -- while at the same time, not running the risk of being mistaken for a formal dinner service. Those who arrive are given free reign as to where they wish to sit. The head of the long central table is, of course, reserved for the Empress. The politically-minded may wish to view the available seats through that lens when deciding where to plant themselves. Before long, the sound of the Empress and her entourage (guards, ladies-in-waiting, et cetera) can be heard making its way down. Every guard in the place seems to snap even more to attention at the very sound. Koline is dressed in a flattering, floor-length purple gown with long sleeves but bare shoulders. Her jewelry has gotten a serious upgrade since the days where she was a mere Princess. No doubt there was a solemn graveside oath to her mother to wear the heirlooms well! Koline gracefully steps to the head of the table, but before she sits, she addresses the room. "Good evening, everyone. We're here tonight to discuss the matter of the County of Ania. Their Countess sent representatives to pledge their fealty to the Empire in... I suppose the most attention-getting way possible. Why I've invited you to join me is because I want to hear your thoughts, your insights. We know that the County of Ania is beyond the Dominion of Rin, and more than that is currently part of the Confederation of the Purple Coast. There are a lot of variables at play here, and I don't like making decisions in the dark. So I hope that you will all contribute a lantern or two, where you can."

Arrival

Sonia arrives.

Sabine

(Sabine) Sabine is tall, straight backed, slender, and with a placid face, things about her that never quite change. She normally isn't in full uniform however. The shined platemail, inlaid with gold. The white cloak with the prominant symbol of valon, and less prominantly the sword on shield of House Lindner. Worn over the left shoulder, so that it does not catch on or cover the Axe of Valon, tucked away on her belt on the right. Her entrance marked by the scrape of steel on steel, not only from her but from the two other knights currently tagging along behind her. Their hands carrying bundles of scrolls and papers. Fucks sake, she brought /maps/. She herself strides up to the central table, giving a low bow before taking a seat. The others hang back with their maps ready for her call.

Irreth

(Irreth) The presence of Hadashi nobility, by now, must cause less of a stir. Certainly the Exalted Sufet Irreth's blue-and-gold outfits, always silk, always immaculate, always adorned with golden finery, is a familiar sight around Sanctuary. The Hadashi noblewoman enters the hall, her elegant bearing seeing her pause to take in both familiar and unfamiliar faces, though should any of either look her way there's a smile -- ready and genuine -- in greeting. She sweeps her way toward the central table, taking her seat. She accepts the offer of refreshments, choosing a dark red shaded wine. It's not hard to tell when the woman of the hour appears: the tone of the room changes, and it pulls Irreth's gaze to the entrance. She rises, her head dipping to Koline as she sinks into a graceful curtsy. "Thank you for the generous invitation, Empress Koline," she remarks, as she settles gracefully into a seat, listening to the Empress's summary of the situation to date. "If I may," the Sufet says, "I'd like to call on my cousin, the Exalted Urumil Anadun, who is well traveled and has some insight into the area, and Rin also." No, she didn't warn Urumil she was going to do this, but the way her head turns and unerringly finds where the sailor is seated on the fringes says she took note of his position in the room.

Gerald

(Gerald) Gerald Salfeld has decided to, of course, view this as an opportunity to view this meeting through a political lens. However, rather than fight for a seat beside the empress he's taken a seat close to the middle, comfortably sitting there until Koline arrives. When she does, the duke rises and gives the woman a polite and respectful nod and waits until she's seated before he drops down into his chair. He looks about with a pleasant expression, all calm and relaxed and glancing here and there to see if anyone wants to jump into the fray and speak their mind immediately. He offers smiles to his cousins when he sees them in the hall, nods to the other nobles that might catch his eyes. Otherwise he waits patiently for the discussion to begin in earnest.

Bernadine

Bernadine is seated off in the back somewhere, sketching. She does look up to listen as people speak, and briefly lifts her hand to give a little finger wiggling wave to Gerald when she spots her Ducal cousin.

Alethea

(Alethea) Like the others, Alethea rises and makes the expected genuflections toward the Empress' arrival, but she then resumes an easy, airy seat in the fringes and begins fanning herself with an idle hand once again.

Sonia

(Sonia) Sonia was told that if she were to go to Sanctuary, that it would be wise for her watch and listen to the leadership speak during important sessions and the like. So when she had heard that this particular meeting was taking place, Sonia decided that it was the best time for observation. However, rather than take a seat, like a normal person who was merely note taking and learning the ways of leadership, in one of the comfy fringe seats, the young woman marches directly towards the central table. Dressed in fine silk in her House colors of orange and black, the rather small young woman settles down with the others, holding several scrolls and the like on her person, which she lays out before her. She is polite, at least, watching everyone as they speak with her big aquamarine eyes. She's also not exactly sure... what this is entirely all about, but she did her best to dig up anything she could learn about it over the past few days! When people begin to speak, she looks from her notes to each speaker with rapt attention.

Crescentia

(Crescentia) Crescentia Salfeld is not too far behind her Gerald when she arrives to the Imperial Palace. She bears a pleasant countenance but appears to be more business minded today, on the heels of the Duke and possibly annoyingly so, sitting beside him (to gossip no doubt). She spots her sister Bernadine not sitting at the Central Table and she makes some soft of face at her as if attempting to communicate via facial expressions. She offers a softly toned warm welcome to those with whom she sits. The empress greets the congregation to which Crescentia rises and bows her head before reclaiming her perch. She is here mostly to listen and learn.

Koline

(Koline) Koline's eyes trail around the room. Oh, yes, she spots those of you who are sitting in the back rows. One hand rests on her hip as she takes in the general vibe of the room. For a moment, her eyes settle on Sonia... and the fact that Sonia has pages of notes! That's when Irreth speaks. The Empress looks from Irreth, to Urumil. "A fine idea, Sufet," Koline says with an easy smile. "My holidaying has never taken me QUITE so far as the Purple Coast." This is a very mild but extremely obvious joke. "Exalted Urumil Anadun, yes? If you would be so kind as to share what you know of the region, so that those of us without first-hand experience might be able to weigh our decisions that much more accurately..."

Kamzu

(Kamzu) Kamzu is here. He stays quiet and out of the way so as not to interrupt the conversations in play. He doubted he had anything to say that someone else wouldn't bring up, so he just sits impassively and doesn't add to the chaos.

Emil

(Emil) Emil has clearly slipped inside when people weren't necessarily looking. He's a fading, polite presence in a chair, having a murmured conversation with a couple of nearby folk and taking notes on some papers in his lap.

Urumil

(Urumil) Caught by surprise Urumil looks at Koline with surprise followed by concern. The concern only washing away when he realises what he's actually been asked to do at which point its replaced with a slight wince as he picks himself up. "I don't know that I'd call it first hand experience your imperial majesty. I've just visited some of the ports over there a time or two." Urumil rubs a hand into his hair. "So. Yes. Right. The Confederation of the Purple Coast consists of a bunch of independent uh nations of varying size, resources and power. They call them Polities. In order to stop themselves being swallowed up by the larger neighbours, they formed a loose confederation that mostly serves as a defense pact. The largest and strongest of the polities, the Realm of Medon, has never left that confederation to the best of my knowledge but the others come and go as it serves them. So not every politie in the area that we call the confederation will actually belong to the confederation. He pauses for long enough to down some of his drink before continuing. "It's been a peaceful place for a long time so they haven't seen much need to invest in much more until recently. I would go so far to say that they just don't have the taste for war." He furrows his brows before saying "I doubt you want to hear about the relative prices of purple dye and wine so I'll leave it there."

Penelope

Penelope almost raises a hand, as if to counter -she- would -love- to hear about the relative prices of purple dye and wine. But she keeps her hand on her lap. Promise.

Bernadine

(Bernadine) In the back of the room Bernadine, stands meanders over to Alethea and takes a be-tassled pillow from the Rose, and takes it over to hold out to Penelope. She then returns to her own seat, and focuses on Urumil he speaks, her head tilted to the side.

Sonia

(Sonia) Sonia's brow creases intensely when she scribbles all of this down in her serious manner, she even murmurs quietly, mouthing the words in silence as she writes, "...purple dye. Wine."

Sieglinde

(Sieglinde) Sieglinde has been here the whole time! Honest! The usually boisterous young woman is actually acting properly today. She's seated in the gallery with the others who won't be making decisions today, and has remained silent. She hasn't heard anything yet that makes her want to have an outburst. That can change.

Alethea

Alethea murmurs something from her lounging seat in the fringes after Urumil decides everyone's lack of interest in prices for wine and dyes but her attention is then breezed away with Bernadine's courier work.

Urumil

(Urumil) "Oh. Speaking of wine." Urumil speaks up before he actually gets back to his seat. "The County of Ania has one of the ports in the area, called Tiasport, and they mostly seem to produce wine. A good wine at that."

Koline

Koline listens to Urumil with full attention. Her expression remains broadly pleasant, but something about what Urumil says seems to trouble that serenity a tiny bit. "Interesting. This opens up several questions -- though the largest one is still 'why?' Why pledge to us?" Koline gestures in the direction of... Gerald! It's a gesture. She's not pointing. It would be RUDE to point. "Duke Gerald, it's to your credit that you're always one of the best-informed nobles of Sanctuary. Have you heard anything that might shed more light...?"

Arrival

Zaria arrives.

Crescentia

(Crescentia) Crescentia listens to Urumil speak and shares quiet words with her cousin. When the Empress calls upon Gerald, she looks to the Salfeld Duke and says quietly. "Oh, that's you!"

Sonia

(Sonia) When Koline calls out Gerald, Sonia quickly turns to look upon the man and study his features. She even begins to jot some notes down as well in her making this Who's Who list of nobles in Sanctuary: One of the best-informed nobles.

Gerald

(Gerald) The duke is murmuring something quietly to his cousin beside him. That's not to say Gerald isn't paying attention, of course. He rises as Koline calls upon him, "Thank you, your Imperial Majesty," he begins, looking as if he has a lot to say. But he just smiles and shakes his head, "No." and that's that! No, wait, he has more to say, "I know very little of the Confederation - though much more thanks to Exalted Urumil Anadun's information," he nods in the man's direction, "I do have an opinion on the matter." a pause as he shifts his stance from facing Koline to a bit more toward the room at large. "Philosophically and politically, I'm in favor of welcoming this county into the Empire. It's my belief that despite the complications it may bring, a large empire is a stronger empire. Logistically and practically, I may have my questions and concerns but I think it would be most beneficial to us to start from a place of acceptance and welcoming. If the polities in the Confederation shift so easily, what's to say that more of them don't decide to join us in the face of an aggressive Rin? At the very least, we might find an alliance with the Confederation to be beneficial to us. But we must know more. More about the county, more about House Rivan, more about the Confederation. It is worth it to have this information and worth it to welcome this house into the empire." he gives Koline a nod as he turns back to her. "I have more ideas about the size of the empire, your imperial majesty, but I would not want to hijack this meeting. Perhaps afterwards. As far as Ania and House Rivan we should do our best to incorporate them." then he sits back down.

Melissa

Melissa listens carefully to those around her, her features clearly not giving much away to what she may think about the ideas shared, even if they might be wrong. There doesn't seem to be any note taking from the Duchess at the central table, instead focusing on the person speaking when they do. She looks back towards Koline once Gerald has finished, waiting to see what her responce might be, or if any further information is shared.

Koline

Koline listens to Gerald just as intently as she did Urumil. If one thing is clear, it's that she's not here to call on people and then tune them out. She is properly locked in. "Thank you, Duke Gerald. Indeed, perhaps afterward we will discuss your ideas. But for now... one of my primary concerns is that approaching this in the spirit of acceptance and welcoming might unknowingly step us into a battlefield. This is perhaps the most costly question to ponder: will accepting the loyalty of Ania earn us a war for our troubles? Lady Sabine, of the Companions -- what think you?" Of course she would call on one of the most renowned tacticians in Sanctuary!

Sabine

(Sabine) "My Empress, The Companions of the First King do not hold political views." Sabine notes with a low, respectful nod of her head. And this is truth, as a whole, the order takes no political sides. Individually it is a lot more open. "However our duty lies entwined with the House of Otrese, given stewardship of his empire by Valon himself, and this pledge of fealty is almost certainly motivated by the threat of the Dominion of Rin. As such I have spent the past several days preparing a report." "In the most condensed version, it is suffice to say that your Empire is /fully/ capable of handling the situation militarily, no matter your decision. However I must warn you that attempting to fight a field battle against the Dominion of Rin in Ania would lead to disaster. Getting a field army to the purple coast in supply, and in a large enough number to force a decisive battle would be a logistical feat that while possible would take all of our skill and quite a bit of time. In point so will /getting them back/." "My honored Empress, once Rin sees that we have committed that many resources and manpower, they will simply wait until we are committed to the outcome, blitz through the minor delay of Iltis. And from there strike through the Grand Republic of Thasen, a part of our Empire with no strong military tradition and staffed mainly by mercenaries. Something the Dominion has shown aptitude at paying off. With the intent of making a gambit for the Fort of Thalund before we can even begin to get our troops back, thus cutting the empire off from Hadash, its people, and its food supplies." "If the Empress does not see it wise to accept fealty, then nothing currently needs to change. Though I do have a strong preference that our inevitable conflict with the Dominion destroys Iltis fields not our own. If the Empress does decide to accept fealty. My suggestion would be to deploy a small force of perhaps ten thousand along with a strong cadre of engineers led by a strong defensive commander. I would suggest looking to the Commonwealth on that last one. With the intent to repair, fortify, and hold and fortifications Ania has. The intent to make any attempt by Rin on the county to involve a multi year investiture of a bulk of their forces, with us having the ability to turn the tables and come at their backsides with much more secure supply lines from the main empire. This may be enough to forstall any conflict for the nearing future alone."

Sonia

(Sonia) When Gerald brings up this Rin, Sonia looks through her notes to see if she had anything written about them, before she tries to... stealthily unroll a map, which is hard to do, but she's trying to get a better idea of these locations and distances. This is something she definitely makes a point of looking at again, once Sabine starts to speak. However, she perks up once the Commonwealth is mentioned, because that's her realm! She starts to take notes again.

Bernadine

(Bernadine) Bernadine speaks up from the back, "And if we accept Ania and then Medon wants in? Are we going to then welcome those who practice chattel slavery in with open arms?"

Crescentia

(Crescentia) With a very slow and very deliberate look over her shoulder, Crescentia's misty grey gaze falls upon her sister.

Alethea

(Alethea) While everyone discusses policy, lackthereof, or otherwise, Alethea nabs a few finger sandwiches and bite-sized treats and lovely swallows of wine to busy herself with.

Zaria

Zaria sits stiffly, her hair in a braided updo and her velvet gown stiff to her neck with silken ruffles, swiveling only her head to listen to the various points made by the differing regions, her cold blue eyes taking in all and revealing naught for the moment.

Koline

Koline listens to Sabine's report with an expression that's serious, approaching grim. She only had the crown placed upon her head a week ago, and now she's having conversations about keeping the Empire safe from the Dominion of Rin. Just as Koline is about to speak, Bernadine calls out from the back. Koline looks toward the Salfeld noble. "If Medon 'wants in,' Lady Bernadine, then that will be an entirely different discussion, and one that Medon's economists would not enjoy hearing. For now, let us attend to the matter at hand. Alethea of Elis, as the Bloom of the Rose Salon, I would ask you if there is anything you might be able to share with us." After all, who are better informed on the gossip and goings-on of any political hub than the courtesans?

Alethea

(Alethea) In a drift of light silken layers of twilight purple to match her eyes, the Bloom steps in an effortless cadence toward the focal point in the room. Speaking in a deliberate, velvety voice, raised in volume to carry to the various nobles in their equally various seating, Alethea begins, "Thank you, to the Empress, for allowing me just a moment of everyone's time. -- I have treated with a fair few of these hopefuls from Ania and I would be just as hopeful that the Empress would consider allowing Lord Aldo and his county to pledge their allegiance, even if they act in haste with the defense of their homeland in immediate mind." After a pulse beat of a pause and a smile as slim as a knife blade, she continues, stroking idly at the peacock feathers that stretch out from the wooden boning of the fan she flicks free from a skirt pocket, "I do not know much of warfare, struggle, nor strife, I admit, but it would make sense to my unlearned mind that if Ania joins the Empire, it might encourage those it forms its Confederation with to do the same. This would not only lend its purse, perhaps the resources of their /entirety/ eventually to yours, your Imperial Majesty, but it might at least force the Dominion of Rin to think twice, or reconsider entirely, before attempting to seize the Confederation's vast coffers for themselves." Finally relaxing from her arrow-straight posture and taking a step back to suggest she is nearly finished, Alethea voices her conclusion with just a brief whisper of a glance passed over Bernadine, "What sort of requests you make of them are yours of course, Empress. If you do not agree with some of their methods, then I believe they are desperate enough with the threats of Rin to yield to the demands you might make of them." And with that, the Bloom of the Rose Salon reclaims her previous seat in a lazy heap of silk and heady sighs.

Bernadine

Bernadine seems either mollified or reassured by the Empress' words, and so settles back into her seat with no further outbursts. Her attention shifts to Alethea, watching the courtesan intently as she speaks.

Koline

(Koline) 's air of ease and grace seems to return a bit while listening to Alethea speak. "Thank you, Bloom Alethea. You give us all much to consider with your words." Koline's eyes next turn toward Irreth, the ruler who was so quick to throw poor Urumil into the firing line earlier! "Exalted Sufet Irreth, the path that has led you here to this current moment has been one where you've had to navigate similarly difficult waters. I would be very much interested to hear your thoughts."

Irreth

(Irreth) Irreth gives Urumil an encouraging smile for his momentarily surprised look toward the Empress. With her hands folded neatly in her lap, she listens intently, nodding along to what her fellow Anadun noble says. Pleased for his willingness to share. It's Sabine's military assessment that she listens to most keenly, given her burgeoning lack thereof, despite one of her titles. When she's called on, she rises gracefully. "Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty. Exalted Urumil said something important earlier, I'd like to re-emphasize. They are a peaceful place, with it sounds like, not much of an army to speak of. /They don't have a taste for war./" the Sufet echoes Urumil, the emphasis apparent, "Which is the opposite of what I heard of the Dominion of Rin. That cannot be a coincidence, nor can the fact that they attempted to force you into a decision in front of the entire Empire, Your Imperial Majesty." Her eyes land on Koline, the dip of her head approving for the Empress's careful response and lack of commitment without more information. "I am no tactician, but the facts are this -- House Rivan did not seek to swear themselves to House Salfeld -- the physically closest," Irreth observes with a nod for Duke Gerald. "Nor to House Corti, the closest by sea, and the most easily able to provide support and trade. They sought your sheltering hand, Your Imperial Majesty -- knowing only you have the power to call the banners of war across the entire Empire. To call the only army outside of Wend or Westelth that could stand against Rin. From the perspective of House Rivan, if Rin has turned their eyes to the Purple Coast -- this might be their only way to defend themselves." She spreads her hands. "I'm speculating, of course. But I have heard Rin's queen has welcomed even hobgoblins and ogres of the Plains Kingdoms into her army. There does not seem to be signs she is satisfied with what she has taken. Nor does it strike me that she would falter or hesitate to put her strength against the Empire." "Accepting the sworn oaths of House Rivan may commit the entire Empire to war, which can put the Empire at risk, if armies are pulled to deal with the impending threat. If the Empress is to accept their fealty, it must be done knowing -- and preparing for -- that eventuality. It must be done accepting this request was made not with an open heart and the shining light of honesty and a commitment to the Empire, but as an attempted slight of hand. For those reasons alone, I would respectfully disagree with the Duke on the matter of welcoming House Rivan," and Irreth dips her head in apology to Gerald, before she sinks gracefully back down into her seat.

Arrival

Roland arrives.

Arrival

Roland arrives.

Koline

Koline furrows her brow very slightly as she listens to Irreth. She recognizes the gravity of what the Exalted Sufet is laying out, and even though everyone in the present moment is sitting comfortably with an assortment of finger foods at the ready, the horrors of war must be occupying space in Koline's imagination right now. "Thank you, Exalted Sufet, for your insight. I would next call upon Lord Emil, of House Gabel. Lord Emil, anyone who knows you knows that you spot the smallest details that so many of us overlook. Tell me: in your eyes, what might I be missing?"

Emil

(Emil) Emil looks up, blinks, and smiles just a little. "You flatter me, Your Majesty. Thank you for the opportunity to speak." He takes off his glasses and polishes them as he thinks. "Several good points have been brought up, both for and against annexation. But what has me curious is what _precisely_ drove them to seek this path, and in such a desperate fashion. Giving up their sovereignty to the Empire is very different from joining or breaking from their Confederation. My comment is more of a question that others may know the answer to - what is the nature of the threat? Our options would be most different if they received a...strong letter from Rin indicating interest, or if there is currently an army parked at the border, waiting for some altruistic soul to, ah, take the bait. I would say that if there is to be any talk of fealty, first they should lay every card on the table." He clears his throat, looks a little sheepish. "But that is, perhaps, my own tendency towards caution talking. It also bids me point out that if we do not accept them, there still may be covert aid we can provide - the more fronts Rin has to worry about, the better it is for us."

Koline

Koline allows herself a very slight smile. "I think under the circumstances, my Lord, an abundance of caution would be appreciated by the spouses and children of our armies." She then turns her attention toward... Melissa! "Duchess Melissa of House Aetos, I would ask you your thoughts, or any new notions that you might be able to offer." Koline doesn't say it out loud, but calling on Melissa MIGHT be motivated by how Melissa was able to thread the various needles necessary to put herself in charge of Aetos. Bringing that up is probably saying the quiet part a bit too loud, though.

Melissa

(Melissa) "We do not need to accept their oath of loyalty to assist, depending on what it is they actually require," Melissa starts, addressing the Empress directly though giving a nod towards Emil as they seem to have the same thought. "If you are concerned that them joining the Empire will provoke war, then we shall offer the aide they seek without seeking their oath to join. It will show we are compassionate without the need to claim and keep, that we can be trusted and counted upon because the stronger our neighbors are the stronger our seat will be in return. If others see the Empire as a place they wish to be part of after this, it would be easier if many houses banded together to petition to join the Empire than a single one. That would send a stronger message than what will ultimately be the inevitable waiting period if we were to accept this County to see the what damage it may cause." Then there is a pause before she adds, "if the Empire wishes to feign ignorance in a decision to help, if we are even able to help with their requests in the first place, it could easily be done beneath the banners of other Houses that are not yours. Trade happens every day, so many merchant ships come into Malthini's harbor that I could not possibly be able to tell you every House or family that uses it" A lie, she definitely could but that doesnt matter, "I doubt you know every house's trading schedule within the Empire so how would you know if a House attempted to trade with the Purple Coast, as trade with them seems to have diminished and good prices have gone up a ridiculous amount, and just so happens to visit the County of Ania because they are conveniently located" She doesnt speak on the sudden lack of trade happening with the Purple Coast though. "If they decline the assistance of other houses because it is not done directly beneath House Otrese's banner, or if they decline assistance because it was not done with the acceptance of loyalty, then it was done for the wrong reasons and that solves that issue."

Kamzu

(Kamzu) Kamzu nods along in agreement seeing that someone else is on the same page as his own thoughts.

Koline

(Koline) 's expression is tough to read. She's careful not to show too much outward trouble or concern, or to let herself look like anything but the best listener in Sanctuary. Still, so many questions now swirl, so many paths that might be taken, none of which seem fully mapped yet... "Sonia, of House Vanzek," Koline says. "I see that you came prepared with notes. "I noticed that you came prepared. Tell me, in your note-taking, does anything stand out to you that has yet to be commented upon...?"

Koline

(Koline) Koline's expression is tough to read. She's careful not to show too much outward trouble or concern, or to let herself look like anything but the best listener in Sanctuary. Still, so many questions now swirl, so many paths that might be taken, none of which seem fully mapped yet... "Sonia, of House Vanzek," Koline says. "I see that you came prepared with notes. "I noticed that you came prepared. Tell me, in your note-taking, does anything stand out to you that has yet to be commented upon...?"

Sonia

(Sonia) Oh, does Sonia look as if she might want to speak? Perhaps. Most likely due to Sabine bringing up the Commonwealth to begin with just earlier! Not that she has any position to speak for or any sort of authority, despite being King Vanzek's daughter, but things work differently in the Commonwealth. However, at the moment, she's looking like that student who is eagerly raising her hand and saying 'Pick Me!'. When she IS chosen, however, the girl looks quite surprised at first and blinks a few times. She then rises to stand, which doesn't help that she's a tiny thing, but she's also quite poised in her stance. When Sonia speaks, she speaks with confidence, whether she knows what she's talking about or not. She starts with a graceful curtsy, "Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty. I am Lady Sonia Vanzek speaking on behalf of the Commonwealth today." Did she notice that Zaria was here? Perhaps, not! "In recent weeks, we've had to make a push into the Expanse because the raiders have 'trained'," And when she says this, it's with a curious inflection in her tone, because she's not even sure, "Gigantic monsters to aid in their attacks and it wouldn't do to be ignorant of what they have at their disposal. So we have had our hands full as of late. That said, if our assistance is needed, I'll check into the logistics, whether that be for builders or military and see what we can contribute. We in the Commonwealth understand and believe in helping those in need." Her gaze lowers to a sheet of paper, before she adds, "And from what I've learned, The Dominion of Rin has been adding raiders from the Red Wastes as well. The enemy of MY people." She had been listening to everything said and had pondered her own views on that particular subject matter, "At this time, I think that the Duchess of Aetos proposition is a fine idea. As long as they are getting to assistance that they need. Perhaps, once we learn more about them and their people and their reasonings on why they wish to join us, things may change." Sonia then makes sure to add, in case she gets into trouble, "Of course, I will speak to my father, King Victor Vanzek and the Grand Duchess Zaria Abalaski to ensure everything is in proper order and before anything is finalized."

Zaria

Zaria sits like a proud mother, because she is really, with her hands resting on her perfectly bent knees, her eyes staying on Sonia during the entirety of her speech. A single dip of her head is given in approval, the icy eyes warming gradually until her lips form a smile instead of a frown, though it gradually lowers back to it's usual position.

Zaria

Zaria clarifies she is mother-adjacent to Sonia, not mother-mother. She and the King are friends, of course.

Koline

(Koline) Koline's smile lightens just a little bit at Sonia's addendum. "Of course, Lady Sonia," she says, with a tone of voice that suggests that the Empress appreciates the last-minute decorum field goal. "I have heard from many tonight, but there is one who I would be remiss to not call upon. Exalted Sufet Kamzu Phavah, I would ask your thoughts, as one of the most respected commanders in all of the Empire..."

Kamzu

(Kamzu) Kamzu stands up slowly, unceremoniously dressed in the same simple, utilitarian attire he always wears, and looks to the Empress. He speaks with an accented, but booming voice of unwavering confidence, projected so that everyone can hear. "House Aetos has a full measure of the situation." The dark skinned Sufet nods respectfully to Koline. "These people of Ania, they come to you. They ask to join your empire. But they do not want to join your empire. What they want is safety. They arrive scared, terrified of something they have not yet fully explained." He raises his left hand and motions to Gerald. "It is suggested that a large empire is a strong one. So far that has proven to be true. If anyone would know that, it would be Lord Salfeld, one who has had such a leading role in making it as strong as it is." He lowers his right and motions to Sabine with his left. "But The First cautions that a commitment of accepting Ania into the empire kind can lead to a chain of events that leads to disaster that strains the empire and makes it vulnerable just based on the logistics of keeping Ania supplied alone. And I don't think anyone doubts the military mind of The First." He then points to them both at the same time but with opposite hands, crossing in front of him. "But both have wisdom that cannot be ignored, which seems like an impasse, but it does not have to be so." He shakes his head slightly and says, "If they truly wanted to join the empire, they would have requested that long before now and without so much fear in their hearts it spills from their eyes and mouths. What they want is safety. And we can give that in ways that we can, without committing the empire into an unknown danger, as Lady Aetos suggested. Because there is still that unknown. What is happening, what is so dire, that they fear the way they do and are willing to give up everything for their safety?" He nods then in Irreth's direction. "Sufet Anadun speaks rightly. She and hers," he nods at Urumil indicating him directly, "Have touched on something that should not be overlooked. Probable answers to this threat that has sparked all of this. Something that dire should concern all of us. Something that dire is not likely to stop at Ania. A Dominion of Rin recruiting hobgoblins and ogres not just from The Plains Kingdom..." He nods to Lady Sonia at that. "... but the Red Wastes as well." He returns his gaze to Koline. "How long has this been in the works? And how long will it continue? And what are the possibilities this force is being amassed just to conquer and stop at The Purple Coast?" He shakes his head and continues, "No. This is a force for much more than that." He looks to everyone gathered and says, "The Confederation was formed specifically to defend against threats. Let's not forget that. And Ania is here begging to join us because the threat it faces is so overwhelming that it does not believe in the defense of its own Confederacy. If you wonder what has Ania so terrified, then you have not seen what goblins and ogre do to a place it has overrun as we have in Hadash." He finally returns his gaze to Koline and says in a voice that is calm and steady beyond its words. "I'm afraid this is the start of something much bigger. Something that may overtake us if we don't step in and shut it down before it can spread and feed on the flesh of nations. But we don't have to do it for Ania's loyalty or the Purple Coast's resources. We can do it for our own survival a year, five years, ten years down the line. And we can do it just because it is right."

Alethea

Alethea remains attentively quiet, considering each of the nobles as they speak their piece. She munches delicately on any snacks within snatching distance though, consuming each in tidy, thoughtful nibbles.

Koline

Koline dips her head toward Kamzu. "You make a fine point, Exalted Sufet. Thank you." The Empress looks out toward the broader room at large. "There has been much shared, and I thank you all for it. Much to consider. Much that must yet be learned, and some of you will certainly be hearing from me about that." Koline's smile broadens to underline that. "Whatever comes next, it will be done with full consideration, rather than haste. Is there anyone else who wishes to speak and make their voice heard by all who have gathered...?"

Arrival

Sophia arrives.

Alethea

Alethea sweeps a cool glance around and, taking stock of those present, nips out along the outer edge, unobtrusive.

Depart

Alethea departs.

Koline

(Koline) After a suitable pause, Koline stands from the table. "Very well. Again, I thank you all. Feel free to avail yourselves of the food and drink, and do keep your eyes open. I will be calling upon some of you very, very soon. Until then, I bid you all good night." Koline's entourage re-gathers around her, and the Empress makes her way back upstairs, smiling and exchanging minor pleasantries with people along the way.

Penelope

Penelope rises from her seat, offers a bow to the nobility in her area, and makes her way out of the space. She's got an expedition to prepare for.

Sabine

(Sabine) Sabine watches, Sabine is always watching. Letting the Empress leave undisturbed. Only then does she turn her head to the others, watching them for a moment as well, silently.

Bernadine

Bernadine unfolds from her seat, gathers her art supplies, and makes way to go find her cousin. Meandering in Gerald's direction in no hurry, but with an obvious eye toward the door.

Emil

(Emil) Emil rises with the rest, gathering his notes and moving to depart. He also is in no hurry, and smiles and nods pleasantly enough to everyone he passes.

Depart

Penelope departs.

Depart

Emil departs.