(1875-05-05) The Matter of Sorcery
The Matter of Sorcery
Summary: The Galenthian Council of Lords gathers to debate sorcery. People do not agree.
Date: 05/05/19
Related: The birth of sorcery
NPCs: None
Players:
Bethany  Brennart  Chessa  Dertan  Evae  Gauvain  Jarret  Lysette  Rowena  Sonya  Thomas  

Bellmoore Castle - Murias - Duchy of Arkanin

Once past the courtyard and through the large, wooden double-doors one will find themselves inside the grand foyer. Expansive, the walls tower, placing the ceiling fifty feet above the floor, the supports of which are made by perfectly-formed timbers made of a local wood. Windows are spaced evenly along the walls that face the exterior grounds, each paned with a clear glass that affords quite a bit of light as well as a lovely view of the gardens. When the sun sets numerous candles are lit, each waxy pillar set in sconces, giving off a glow that is golden and warm. Tapestries and paintings have been hung, each depicting historical events and people, all serving as good reminders of times of hardship as well as those of great victory.

The stone floor has a long, well-made runner rug that runs along its center, perhaps guiding one to the throne room, the entryway from which the castle proper was entered. Corridors, stairways and other doors also lead to other locations within the building.

5 Mai, 1875 IE

It was a meeting that was long overdue. A meeting that had been constantly delayed given the many other issues and concerns that Galenthia was facing. However, it could not wait anymore and the Archduchess Arkanin had sent out missives in response to a request from Viscount Chandus to hold a discussion at Bellmoore. Everyone in attendance would have been led into the throne room, their various seats organized by Duchy beneath their House Banner.

Evae arrives by herself, coming in from what could only be determined to be her chambers upstairs. There is no announcment of her arrival, as all formality has been forgone. Slow and careful steps take her to the edge of the dais in which the chair resides and she folds her hands before her, peering out to all that have chosen to attend. She is clothed in a simple white dress and once again a flower crown. "Thank you all for coming. We have reached a point where the discussion of Sorcery as it pertains to Galenthia withing and outside our borders can no longer be shelved. It has become increasingly prevalent and it's mere existence has caused many a whisper within the cities and towns of our lands. This is to be an open disucssion, as your opinions are most valued. Yet, I must digress to all Viscount Chandus to say a few words, as it is at his request that this council has been assembled and is long overdue."

The Archduchess steps to the side and motions to the spot in which she stood. "If you would Viscount Chandus." Her voice as always soft-spoken.

Rowena made her way into the hall with her usual lack of fanfare. She was dressed well, but in her usual attire as befitted a ship's captain and a sailor, leather pants, white undershirt, and her only recently upgraded brigandine. She did not carry her bow, and her sword was peacebound, but times were too tumultuous for her to have dressed the lady, it seemed. Still, she offered a polite acknowledgement to any she passed as she made her way towards one of the seats set aside for the contingent from the Sokar Duchy. The Archduchess received a bow of her head just before she took her seat, and before her gaze sought out the Viscount who had been called to speak to the gathered.

It is known amongst the nobility that Thomas has been in the north for the last few weeks with a small retinue, in reality in the Imperial Colonies, allegedly scouting for the upcoming campaign against the Qatunax as well as dealing with the supply situation. While he will not be commanding forces in this war, he is aware of their need for success against the savage.

He arrived in Murias yesterday with a small escort of his householders, the main body left in the Empire, and is dressed fairly simply. In place of his elaborate court dress, he wears a silk doublet in cobalt blue with a padded sable top, a clean but plain field cloak in sable, and his sword belt with both arming sword and dagger. He does not have his Brigadier's bicorne hat on today, but rather a slate pillbox hat with his regiment's cap badge in it.

He's been in the room for some time, seated under the green-black Tarris banner. His face is flat neutral, watery blue eyes assessing everyone as they enter, though he rises when Evae walks in. On her calling of his name, the Brigadier of the East dips his head. "Your grace." He looks back at the others, acknowledging them with a simple, "My lords. It is past time to pretend that those of sorcerous inclination do not exist in our lands. They do, and we must decide what is to be the way forward. We only have to look north to our neighbours and allies in Aequor as to what shall happen if there is no discussion or temperance in decisions on this matter. Galenthia is tempered steel, united together strongly after so much blood shed, but even tempered steel can break. So. I have my opinions, but I am not the highest by any means in this august chamber. Let your opinions on sorcery be known, and remember what the Holy Mother Church says. Consider, too, what history has said about sorcery, particularly regarding the deeds of Saint Darius the Great, our ancestor, and the first few Emperors."

Thomas adds, "I will and must say that we must temper our views with the realities; our forces were decimated by sorcery at Mathis, and during the Parthian Wars. The Parthians have no compunction in deploying sorcerers as offensive weapons. We must keep this in mind."

Brennart had come to the court with Bethany the two of them off to the side as they watch Evae entering the Baron offers her a bow of his head but since this isn't a hugely formal event… Then Thomas is talking and Brenn's attention falls upon the Viscount and the knight nods some as he listens to the man's words.

Gauvain had entered the hall and had tried very hard not to scowl. So the twitching in the corner of his eyes was evident to those who knew him. He wears a simple green tunic laced at the sleeves with leather, belted at the waist with his Knight's device prominent with black trousers and spurred well worn leather riding boots neatly folded at their tops. He sits in the assigned chair and folds his arms as Thomas speaks and pinches the bridge of his nose. That man's knack for flowered speech was appalling at times.

Rising, Gauvain clears his throat before his gravely voice adds to the chamber. "It's simple isn't it? We let the bastards be. If they join the Banners of Galenthia, then we find uses for them. We shouldn't punish the vitches for being stuck with this, we all have to share Tirth. Kaedon and their heathenistic ways has some sort of school'n for them, so does Four Corners. If they join the banners, let's send em to one of those with a promise to serve X years to pay for their damned school and be done with this waste of a time conversation."

Bethany is listening intently as well, her arms crossed around her midsection as she does. When Evae, Thomas and her father speak she looks from face to face, the Baroness quiet. She nods here and there, but is quiet for now, not yet having been asked for her own opinion.

"If I might take a moment to speak." Dertan steps out of the crowds "As a man that knows more than perhaps anyone else here today and the only representative of a church that attempts to understand instead of bury sorcery."

He waits for long enough to get a nod and a modicum of silence and then begins to talk. His words unadorned with gestures, emotion or much in the way of expression. "To my mind the issue is both simple and complex and as a man who knows something about sorcery I will offer my opinion on what the issues we must resolve actually are. In my opinion, and experience, Sorcery is a tool that simply can not be put back in the box. It is here and we must learn to use it. It is dangerous, and must be controlled to some level, yet it is not as dangerous as many of you no doubt believe. It does not warp the minds and hearts of those who have been in contact with it. It does not draw monsters to it or the realms where sorcerers exist would be overrun with such beasts. It does not change a persons nature nor personality. It does threaten your membership in a church you hold dear. No, to my mind, sorcery is only dangerous in the same way that giving a man a cannon would be dangerous. Yet I will not deny that not one of us would willingly give such a weapon to someone without a great deal of thought and such careful assessment of who should, or should not, gain sorcery is not available. Thus we must find a way to make sorcerers fit into our society. They must be the ones to bend to our needs and not the other way around."

"My thoughts are that if it were not for three issues, this meeting would not need to be held at all. The first problem, and the most complicated to resolve, is the fact that you can not simply confiscate sorcery from a person. I have an offering of hope for those who worry about this however. There is evidence of methods to help restrain sorcery although I do not believe that they are humane methods. However they may well suffice for punishment should sorcerers take advantage of their personal gifts to disobey the laws."

"The second problem is that the Riktonian church has declared it to be a great sin and this will place further strain upon our religious relations. The political implications of going against their wishes must be considered."

"The third problem is that sorcery makes individuals as powerful, or more so, than ranking nobles. There must be oaths taken by any sorcerer who wishes to practice within our borders so that we might know that they will have an incentive to behave. Just as we would ask of any knight or man at arms. And there must be a way to punish those who transgress." Having made a longer speech than is his wont Dertan steps back to his place and waits for the responses.

Once the discussion had begun in earnest, Rowena lifted her own voice, "In this, I am in agreement with the Duke Tarris and with the Baron Coning." There was no underlying tone of incredulity or surprise in her tone. Whatever the animosity that was known to exist between Sokar and Tarris, Rowena had never even paid lip service to it. And her affection and respect for her cousin was well known, "I will not speak on what the Rikton Church believes, and what those who follow the ways of the One do as well. For we all find our way to the One or the Many, or whatever other religion rules our hearts in our own way, and we must filter their teachings through our own beliefs and experiences. As well, I would remind all that while the Kingdom of Galenthia recognizes the faith of the One as its official religion, we are not the Kingdom of Rikton, and not bound to follow every rule and writ of the One CHurch as our own. We are all of us the Kingdom of Galenthia. But as the Baron has stated, these abilities were not taken up by those who have found them of their own free will, but given onto them without prior, so far as I know, knowledge or acceptance.”

Rowena continues, “So far as I know, it cannot be removed, though it can, I would imagine, like most things, be turned away from. We cannot become a people who punish those who have had this ability put onto them through no fault or action of their own. We must work with them and for them as we would any member of our nation. As well, as have seen only too recently, how effective sorcery was used against us during the invasion of the Partharian. T my mind, sorcery is a tool and a skill, one which must be, perhaps more closely monitored and controlled than others, but it is a tool nonetheless that must be honed as any tool, and which can then be applied to the safety and security of our own kingdom."

Evae has been listening, and there have been many valid points made, points in which she has clearly considered carefulyl before speaking once again. She does not step to the middle of the dais again, that would imply she wishes them all to be silent and listen to her once again. Yet, when she senses a moment to speka again she does so. "Sorcery is not going away. To assume such is foolish. To try and keep it ouside of our borders is even more foolish. It is here. They are here. They are citizens of Galenthia and to this point have not organized themselves in such a way to pose any threat, or from what I have heard attempted to even do so. It is not a choice. They were born with it. Just as we cannot choose our gender or what family we are born into, they did not choose to have this /gift/ as it were."

A hand is raised to move a strand of hair back from her face as she softly continues. "As mentioned, it is no different then a finely crafted weapon in the hands of a skilled warrior. Lack of knowledge instill fear. Not knowing everything about sorcery has caused may specualtions and rumors and ultimately the shunning and fear of an entire group of people."

She pauses a moment, considering something and then continues. "It is a tool. A powerful tool and if treated as such has shown to be very beneficial. I myself and by my own accord entered into an alliance with Ver Sidus in the ongoing conflict with the Qatunax. I did so full knowingly that they possesed amongst them sorcerers. I do not condemn it. I accept it. We are not the Kingdom of Rikton. We are Galenthia. And in being Galenthia we incur the right to make whatever decisions we choose. By accepting sorcery, we are not condemning The One or his teachings. e are not sacrificing our beliefs for the acceptance of others."

"I personally will not kill anyone, sorcerer or non-magically inclined, without there being a reason. If they do no evil…" Bethany eyes Dertan, her head angling slightly to the side. "I have seen more evil done by the hands of ones bearing martial arms than I ever have those who were touched by the magic…" Sighing, Beth shakes her head, her gaze moving to the floor just before her feet. "I think, by this point, we need to think carefully about what those people have to say." Shrugging, she falls quiet, not sure how to put her thoughts and feelings into word, now.

Thomas looks over to Gauvain as his liege speaks, and though he doesn't pinch his nose like the Duke, his eyebrows knit together a little. It's subtle, but visible from close. He listens, too, to Dertan. "Indeed, my lord, it cannot be put in the box, but where I differ from you is your assertion that it does not warp minds. Power of any kind, and particularly a power that is not tempered by ethics, warps the mind indeed. And does not the massive increase in monstrous things counter your words?"

Nevertheless, Thomas seems to favour Dertan's speech. "However, my lord, you and I are of similar mind." To Gauvain, "Your grace, with all due respect, sorcerers cannot all be trusted, and I would hear what Baron Coning has to say about methods to restrain this sorcery. We will have to ensure that they do not work for their own benefit but for the Crown's, bend to our will as Coning said."

He listens to Rowena and nods. "Quite, my lady. But we must be careful in our diplomacy. An envoy to King Rollo Tusca of Rikton would not be remiss. And while all here seem to be of the mind that we shall not be going the route of Aequor, we cannot spurn or spit on the Holy Church's face. Galenthia must remain what it is, a bastion of the One." He smiles at Dertan momentarily, and even winks. Or maybe he had something in his eye. To Evae, he says, "We are not Rikton, your grace, but we ARE a kingdom that takes its vows to the Church seriously. We should not accept, but rather tolerate. They are dangerous, and they must be controlled."

He frowns at Bethany. "Baroness Duval, you were not present at Mathis, and perhaps some of the other battles. I have seen whole formations of men blown to pieces. I fought the dead, weremen and vampires that were raised by sorcery. Talk of its benign nature, or of it being the same as a sword is an absurdity. A man with a sword can slay a few, even if well skilled. A man with sorcery can kill hundreds or thousands in one burst. It happened at Mathis."

Viscount Repton clears his throat. "To this end, I propose the formation of an Order of Galenthia that all sorcerers will be enrolled in. Each sorcerer will be paired with a knight and that knight's retinue, who will act as the sorcerer's protector from enemies as well as ensuring that they do not step over the boundaries of civilised conduct." It's implied that the knight will hold the sorcerer to the rules, and if they do anything that they should not will enforce the law. "We will have to come with a code of conduct for sorcerers. And the Church must be involved. Like the holy orders, members would not have to be in the same location at all times, but if called to service by their Duke or Brigadier, they must attend."

"No Thom, not every Sorcerer can be trusted, but nor can every Elementi, peasant, or noble." Gauvain says with a shrug as he rolls his head to look at Thomas. "You propose an Order. Bloody brilliant. And whom do you suppose is going to pay for an entire ORDER of idiots to control these finger wagglers huh?" He shakes his head. "Horse shit. By using this Kaedon Tower and Four Corners we save on building the infrastructure for your damnable "Order", and end up with volunteers as opposed to forced conscription that can't possibly be good for these mostly uneducated Peasants who are walking around with the power to blow up a squad or two." He gestures with his right hand. "Arch-Duchess Your Grace, this is inane. We have enough to spend our funds on simply rebuilding from the Empire's Invasion, the war against the Qatunax, and seeing to our own people whoa re grieving form the losses taken in EITHER war. Not to mention affording the replenishment of troops and ships. Paying for Viscount Chandus' Order is frankly stupid, a waste of the Court's time and unreal. We ned to focus on those other things. At best, I say we send what troops we have who are Sorcerers to one of those two schools and call it done."

"I am not arguing that monsters have not increased." Dertan tells Thomas. "I am saying that their is no provable, or even likely, association between the haunt of any sorcerer i have knowledge of and such creatures although the perception does get blurred by the fact sorcerers tend to be involved in removing them." He is silent for a while and then he shakes his head at Thomas's suggestion. "My counter suggestion is that all sorcerers are required to reach an acceptable level of control before being allowed to operate freely and that their use of sorcery should be limited by guidelines and rules. That way a sorcerer can chose to not use their sorcery in an offensive manner and thus be allowed to act as they wish yet the most overt, and troublesome, uses of it can be done in a controlled manner. We should control the use of sorcery and not the wielders." He looks to Thomas and says. "What can the church possibly offer in this Thomas? There own teachings on sorcery is unyielding and without any space for compromise. If any church should actually be involved in the management of it, it should be the Many."

Gauvain chokes on his water at the mention of the Church of the Many being in charge of Sorcery Management.

Rowena allowed sides to be taken, and speech to be offered before she spoke again, "As well, by doing something so visible, we are endangering every sorcerer we encounter and our own souls, if we choose to follow the edicts of the Church, which states that all sorcery is evil, a blight on the soul, and that the only cure is death. Is that the edict of the Church we will choose to take up here? To become another arm of the Inquisition and begin the process of putting to death all who have been thus afflicted? For that is what will happen. For every sorcerer thus exposed will become a target, even those who might choose not to use their talents. And so will any and all who are seen to aid and abet them, The Duke Tarris has the right of it. We must see to maintaining some control, and in assisting those who have this talent to manage it, but it must be done judiciously and carefully."

Bethany nods to Thomas. "Sure. There were evil people who could do powerful things. Perhaps it could even be said unnatural things. But the truth of the matter is that not everyone who is a sorcerer wants to do evil. And yes, I do suppose it'll necessitate us having means to keep tr…" And then Dertan speaks and she just gawks. That was not what she expected. Huh. Yeah, she'll just be quiet again and listen, especially considering her father's reaction to Dertan.

One thing Jarret has started to learn from his months as a Duke so far, meetings tend to be frustrating things. Having entered and found his seat, he leans forward a bit, frowning as he listens to what's being said, before he nods a bit at Gauvain's words. He looks about to say something, before he hears Dertan speak. Shrugging a little, he raises his voice, not bothering to get out of his seat. "I have never judged people for what they can do, but for what they do," he begins, before he nods a bit, letting his gaze go to the people around here. "And if everyone should be punished for what they have done, should not all of us in this room face severe punishment? After all, have not all of us done terrible things, while hiding behind doing it for good?" He narrows his eyes a bit, as he nods in Gauvain's direction. "He speaks the truth. Our resources are spent far better than this." A look to Dertan as well, before he adds, "I suggest no chucrch having anything to do directly with this. Of course, they can *advise*," a heavy emphasis on that word, "but people deserve more trust and freedom than this."

"We will pay for it, your Grace. The Queen's Clerk will calculate an approximate cost, and we will all, from Duke to Lord, pay an extra tax for this. Taxes are not popular. But less popular than that are socerers running roughshod. The current academies do NOT do enough. Do we know the names of the sorcerers? Do we know their locations?" Thomas frowns. "The Order does not need infrastructure. It co-opts other infrastructure. It is an Order that is made up of members in whatever locations they happen to be, if they can support themselves. The individual sorcers, if of noble birth, will live where they live and be accompanied by their minders. For the common fisherman or draper, they will be quartered with the closest detachment of Royal troops. Or Ducal troops, perhaps, it matters little. Those who can pay - rich merchants and nobles, will assist in upkeep of their knights."

It's clear that Thomas does not wish to speak in any strong manner against his Duke, but just as clear that he completely disagrees with the man. He turns to Dertan. "We have no manner to control sorcery other than controlling your wielder. You assume that they are law abiding citizens. Perhaps most are. But it takes one or two of them to wreak havoc. I shall not see that in my Kingdom. And for the Church? It is the Church of the Kingdom. Laws apply to it, as well as to Galenthians, and we shall not see them attack pell mell such as our northern allies have. But the Church works for the salvation of souls, and that cannot be forgotten."

He sighs. "Lady Sokar, there are many voices in the Church. And magic was used by godly people at the foundation of the Empire, during the Heroic Age. A compromise must be sought with the Church. The idea of the Church of the Many having any role is a farce, Baron Coning. That will never be accepted by the other estates," to which he means the priesthood and the commons, "and I implore ALL of you to think how the Commons will react if you simply allow sorcerers to do as they will. Our Kingdom rests on a balance between the orders. The commons will NOT accept such a bargain. What I offer is the least restrictive that will not provoke outright rebellion. We cannot afford this."

Thomas is losing his cool, very clearly. "You twist my words. I have not said that the Inquisition ought to be given a free arm. I have said that we must control these people, and then the Inquisition will have no legal manner to operate against them. Fine, an advisory role, but a role they must have or we risk everything."

"Baron Dertan has a point." A voice says as Sonya enters, she was supposed to be here earlyer, but she got a late start, though she does have a rather large folder with her as she sets it down next to her former Husband. "Sorcery is like any other weapon, and like a weapon, it is a tool to be used. Uour enemies have had no qualms against using it on us, why should we handicap ourselves." She nods to Jarret and even graces him with a smile. "People of all faiths will find themselves able to use sorcery, so why should any church have control? An academy, now that's a different story."

Brennart looks around at the others and shakes his head a bit, "I will not believe that sorcery is inherently evil. Just like a sword isn't an evil item by itself it's a tool. Some are just gifted with tools that can raze entire formations. But that can't be all that sorcery can do right? Is it purely destructive or can it bring life and prosperity as well? We don't know enough as a whole to make an informed decision. But I saw what the Parthians did during the sieges. We need that kind of support on our side too or we will be destroyed."

"I can't believe I'm about to utter these words," Gauvain says with a nod to Jarret. "I agree with Duke Sokar." He almost visibly shudders at the thought. "Gods no Thomas. No more taxes. You're right, they ARE unpopular because most of our incomes are currently going to rebuilding! It's insane to ask more, especially of the lesser Lords and Knights who have the less fortune than the greater houses." He shakes his head. "Your Grace," He says to Evae. "For the love of the One, let's just put thsi damnable thing to vote and be done with it. I vote Nay on the Order, but Yay on sending them to one of these schools if they're in a Banner."

Rowena did not seem at all put off by Thomas' words, but spoke with her usual calm, "And what have the sorcerers of Galenthia done that has run roughshod over the people? I know few, if any, and I have had no reports of mass destructions, or magic being used to ill-treat or abuse the citizenry or the kingdom writ large. What I have seen, and that is very little leads me to believe that most of those who have the talent, out of fear of the Church and, I have little doubt, fear of themselves, live in the shadows, without any, if at all, desire to make themselves known. I also vote Nay on the order, and Yay on the working of finding these sorcerers, if they wish to be found, and encouraging them to seek education and better control of their abilities. They did not choose to be what they are. But they can choose what they wish to do with it. And with the proper encouragement, they can become a valuable asset to the Kingdom. Or, at the least, they can become a lesser danger than they might be if left to their own devices."

Lysette sits by her husband, and when he speaks, she nods a quiet agreement with his comment. A hand of hers touches that of Jarret's briefly as he speaks, though her attention turns to the comments that soon follow after.

Sonya offiers a smile. "Snakewood Academy has just been completed, It's isolated, and I'm teaching control, as well as battle casting." She says lookint to each of them at the table. "Give me less then a year with a talented one, and I promise they will ve an asset to any army, or, no longer a threat to themselves and others, their choice. Yay on Learning, Nay on this Order." Sonya says as she tilts her head, she does slip Jarrett a smles. Before turning to Thomas. "You can't stop a person from being a sorcerer, just like you can't stop a person from being born blone, or with blue eyes."

Thomas slams his hand down on a nearby railing. "My lords, listen to yourselves! Your thoughts are not the thoughts of the Kingdom. You risk rebellion if you choose such a path!" He cuts his gaze to Gauvain. "And then what? They are sent to a school, and that is all? They will suddenly cleave to be loyal subjects Not only rebellion, we risk a crusade if this becomes policy! Nothing of this forces them to enroll themselves, nothing of this puts any measure of actual control, nothing of this provides ANY control over magic users. Your plan is foolhardy, your Grace, and DANGEROUS."

To Rowena, he shakes his head, jerking a finger at Sonya. "The Viscountess Kaedon has used her magic extensively, some for the benefit of our Kingdom and some not. This, my lords, is the crux of my point. We must bring sorcerers in, there must be a legislated code of conduct, they must be under some kind of supervision by the Kingdom and there must be a compulsion to it. We must treat them fairly, and this is the second side of the point I make, fairly and well, but there must be both sides or this will not work."

He scowls at Sonya. "This is not the argument I made, your Excellency. You argue against a straw man, and I do not think you are trustworthy at teaching this Kingdom's sorcerers as you have no moral boundaries and an unbridled lust for power." He stops short of calling her evil, at least.

Rowena nodded, as Thomas spoke to her, "And how would we eve discover them, Your Excellency? Unless a sorcerer uses their talent, so far as I know, and I admit I know little about sorcerers, how are we to find out who is and who is not on? Trying to find some way to regulate them is your aim, but it is not as though they all wear a sign hung about their necks."

Well. This has escalated fairly quickly. Falling stone still, save for a slight shift in position so she can look at her husband more fully, Bethany just stands there, not sure what to say or do, now. Of course, things just had to explode thanks to Sonya, but she keeps to herself for now.

"Forcing everyone into an order will just force them to remain hidden." Dertan insists. "Do any of us actually care if a sorcerer uses their skills to get a ship to port a day earlier?" Dertan asks. "Do any of us care if a plant sorcerer urges a field into bloom? No. If sorcery did nothing but this we would not be here today. Instead we would be back at home trying to urge as many sorcerers to our lands as we could manage. The only reason we care, beyond the words spread by the Rikton church, is the power. I also do not believe a unit of sorcerers is a good idea. They should be scattered throughout the royal orders, not focused in a single place. We must accept them, openly, but they shouldnt be treated much different to any other knight or soldier. To treat them specially will only breed resentment or excessive pride." He glances to Sonya, gives her a touch of a smile and then turns his attention back to the crowd. "The problem we have here, now, with keeping religion out of this is that the way sorcerers have been persecuted has already led to the church of the many having the most knowledge and experience in teaching sorcerers within the kingdom. To avoid the church of the many you would have to send our own strength in sorcerers to foreign countries. Let me be clear. I do not want sorcerers to be forced into any religious order. If you feel that Sonya has not proven her loyalty beyond question. If you feel that her efforts so far to ensure that sorcerers were not left untrained and dangerous should be forgotten. If you feel that her role in this should be given to a foreign country just to avoid an association with the faith of the Many. If you do not think she should be the one tasked with continuing her schooling. If you do not think she can be trusted with the responsibility for stopping and punishing those who disobey the laws and teachings." He looks directly at Thomas at this point. "Then who is Your Excellence?"

Brennart looks over at Sonya and raises an eyebrow, "So Viscountess you've created an academy to train sorcerers. And here I thought we were having this meeting to establish that we may or may not need something akin to that?" He looks to Bethany and sighs, "I have to agree with the Viscount Chandus. We need some sort of encouragement for them to fight for us and not against us. I'd rather not have to hunt down rogue sorcerers who are using their magic for ill." He looks towards Rowena, "And I think that's the crux of it cousin. We don't know who's a sorcerer." He looks at Sonya, "Or sorceress unless they go and throw magick around without thought. And then that's when we may need to step in and do something depending on how they're using said magick."

Sonya looks at Thomas and shakes her head. "My loyalty is to the crown, as I've proven time and time again, it will always be to the crown, and the rose queen without question, as well as House Sokar." She says and nods at Dertans words. "They fear because they think they will die, Aequor has already done enough damage with that falling blade they have, and that led to a civil war and traitors." She says as she looks to each of them. "You may not lie me, even hate me and the ground I stand on, but I know first hand the dangers of this, I know that a sorcerer must teach sorcery, because you wouldent let a person off the street teach someone surgery, just like in anything else."

"Your plan is both wrong and foolhardy Thomas." Gauvain says in that gravelly voice of his raised to command levels. He looks to Thomas and points a finger. "My idea is that if they are in a banner see them educated in control. Otherwise let the fuckers be. If the Church wants to Crusade against the faithful that would be their own folly.By creating your Order youa re straight up branding them as untrustworthy, and seeing them uneducated. You want somebody to be called untrustworthy, forced to serve and uneducated who has the power of a fucking CANNON when they loose control? Think clearly for half a damn minute Thomas." He gestures to the room, "You're concern is that OTHERS have used Magic against us. At Mathis, and in the Partharian Invasion, and at Rykers and Rogers from the Qatunax. Your concern is the ability to fight back against them. We disagree with HOW you want to do it, but what I propose is taking our existing Sorcerers currently IN THE BANNERS of the Kingdom and teaching them how to wield those powers. You are right, Sonya is an Evil untrust worthy hag, but we cna impose Kingdom Level sanctions. She's on the Crowns lands."

He looks to Sonya and smiles darkly, "Before you object, I was at Goldhollow, and all of Galenthia is the Crown's Lands."

He looks back to Thomas. "We can teach and educate them and while we may not be able to stop further such acts against us, we can have our own mobile artillery. There is no rebellion in this. This is treating our Country and Kinsmen as exactly that, country and kinsmen. It avoids a THIRD fucking Civil War in fifteen years. Something I would very much like. I'd love for my daughter and son in law, and my son and daughter in law to have the TIME to give me grandchildren instead of fighting all these damn wars!"

"Yes, Baron Coning, a great many people care even if those in the room do not. You demonstrate yourself to be completely out of touch with your commons, and THIS is why it is dangerous. Fine - I can agree with them being scattered into different orders, or different regiments, but they must be under Royal protection as well as control. As for my lady Sokar - do they not have marks on their bodies? Should this not be obvious?" Thomas's lips are pressed in a thin line, his eyes wide.

"A brilliant question, Baron Coning. We are rebuilding our capital at Firen. We can build an academy there. But keeping it in the lands of County Kaedon makes it intolerable to those who would not have ANY accomodation with sorcerers. My lords," he sweeps his hand out, "don't you understand? That my suggestion is mild, but it is a compromise that we do not have the madness that has engulfed Aequor. Don't you see that their commons have embraced the destruction of that Kingdom's sorcery with glee, not to mention many of their houses and the Church? Forget this at your own peril - but we seek to obviate such becoming the norm here, and in seeking to do so we MUST apply control. So, if as Baron Coning suggests, we scatter sorcerers throughout all Royal regiments? I can agree with that. But no control at all is madness, it will result in rebellion and potentially a crusade. The Inquisition will run rough shod if we do not have things in our own hand."

He snorts at Sonya. "I agree with you on that - a sorcerer must teach sorcery. But you cannot be that sorcerer. It will bring ruin on all of us, and I hope that your power lust abates so you can see this.

He slides back into his seat, shaking his head at Gauvain. "The end result, we agree in your grace. But your rout will lead us to civil war before any others, and it will be worse than any other. You all underestimate the hatred towards these people."

Finally clearing her throat, Lysette speaks up with a nod to Rowena, "I agree with Lady Sokar. How do we know who is a sorcerer, and who is not? Do we force everyone through some sort of program to prove they are or are not one? How would people take to that?" She questions quietly from her seat. "We see in Aqueror what happens when those who have powers are called out by the crown. They switch sides. We do not need that to happen here." As for talk of a school, being taught by Sonya, she hmms, "I would agree as well, it would take someone who understands sorcery to teach it. You wouldn't expect a soldier to be able to weave. Or a fisherman to grow crops."

Rowena turned her attention to Thomas, "I did not know this about sorcerers. As I said, I know very few. But then what will be the new edict? That every living soul in Galenthia must be examined by someone? Stripped naked and their bodies searched for some sign of sorcery? I certainly would not wish to be the one examining these people. How would I even know what to look for?"

Thomas leans over to whisper something to Gauvain. He nods at Rowena. "Yes, my lady, if that is what is required than we shall do so. If we have loyal sorcerers then they can be the ones doing the inspection. It is distasteful, but yes. I would agree."

"I do not believe the academy should be inside a city." Dertan says more reasonably. "But I can agree with the need to build it somewhere within the Queens personal territory in order to ensure there is no question of split loyalties. I can not agree with the concept of hunting for sorcerers and forcing them into things. If it is rebellion you are worried about then going to the sorcery academies must be seen as a reward as sorcerers will go underground if it is viewed as us snatching mothers, children, brothers, wives and lovers off the streets and sending them away. But I can agree with it being illegal to practice sorcery without a license and that license requiring that the sorcerer first proves themselves at the academy. I do not agree that sorcerers should be drafted. We would not do that to any other group of the population. Yet they should be given a chance to join the military and be encouraged to do so. However there must be a maximum number of sorcerers each force can employ with favoritism given to the royal units. This is my proposal."

"And will you be the first then, Your Excellency?" Rowena lifted a hand to indicate Sonya, "We have a sorcerer here. Shall she examine us all?" Rowena's tone was still calm, "Shall I? For such an idea, such an invasion of personal privacy is abhorrent to me. And no, I cannot think of a better way, and I will state that outright. It strips a person of self-respect. It demeans the very people we are claiming to wish to serve and protect. And it will turn people against us. We must seek for ways to encourage them to use their talents for the benefit of our kingdom, not seek for ways to conscript them into some form of forced servitude. Especially as there may be as many who do not wish to sue their talents as those who do."

Gauvain clears his throat. "Baron Conning. You are wrong. It needs to be in a city for protection from the likes of the Inquisition, or straight up religious nut jobs like that Aequoran Noble, Eisen d'Geroux who runs around claiming he's Vigil or some such nonsense." He gestures. "I also believe that the tower should not be in Kaedon lands. Viscountess Kaedon can do whatever the Abyss she fucking wants with her own people, but the Kingdom's and other Duchies should be allowed a Nuetral Setting inside the Queen's territory. Therefor I make the compromise of Alicante as the site. It is the capital of the Queen's cousin, the Duke Letholdus Romante, and we can all agree with his Son the Heir of the Kingdom he's very unliekly to rebel. We can have the tower built there, and see to the education of the Kingdom's Sorcerers who currently serve in our banners." He gestures to Sonya, "She and if the Duke Sokar wishes his, can send her's to her own little den of evil and inequity, but I believe the other Duchies should go to this location for the benefit of the Kingdom."

Lysette wonders, "Those of you already spoke of the dangers a sorcerer could do to a troop. Would putting this school /in a city/ be a good idea for some of those sorcerers learning control?"

Pushing off from where she has been standing, Bethany levels a look at Sonya, something she said earlier having rubbed the Baroness of Duval the wrong way. She doesn't say anything to her, however, instead choosing to speak to the room as a whole. "I find myself in need of excusing myself. I said what I had to, there's nothing left for me to say, save that I think killing people simply for what is their nature, and not their actions, is folly and will lead us into a fight no one will win." Dipping her head, she touches Brenn's arm, her way of inviting him to come with her if he wants to.

There is more furious whispering between Gauvain and Thomas. Finally, Thomas leans back, sighing audibly. "My lord Dertan, we are now coming closer to an agreement. I can agree with much but the city, as the Duke Tarris said, and the draft. They are not like other people. That does not mean that sorcerers cannot benefit the nation, but draft they must. Must they serve in the banner? No. But draft them into the Lord's service, if there is to be no order." The Marcher Lord reaches down to grab a cup that's been left for him, but been untouched until now. He drinks deeply, and puts it down. "I would have suggested Oracla or Goldhollow, in truth. These are royal fiefs. But Alicante has the benefit of being on the Salt, and close enough to the capital and others. It is not a backwater." He looks over to Bethany. "Baroness, if we do not control this, then OTHERS will do the killing for us. And we do not wish that."

"My objection to the city is one of risk." Dertan replies. "I agree with your concerns about defense but you must keep in mind that putting it in a major city will result in partially trained sorcerers potentially being in the middle of a crowd when they encounter issues with control. Keeping the trainees away from crowds is as important as protecting them. There must be some compromise possible where they are close enough to people that the experienced sorcerers can be seen to be safe citizens and yet those who are unsafe are kept seperate."

"Thats because you are one step away from being an inquisitor yourself Thomas, so why not put your true feelings for me aside and focus on the people who have to live with this talen. Do I think I could teach them? Yes absolutely, without question, Could I turn them into spell slinging machines of war and death? Yes, I could without question, but they would serve US not the church, not the partharians. The Qatunax have sorcerers, I hear the white hallers have sorcerers, even the partharians have sorcerers, why shouldent we? if you want to draft them? So be it, but anyone not as skilled as me tries to teach them it could go south, real quick." Sonya says as she looks to each person in the room. "I'll name one of my brothers regent of kaedon if I have to, but I don;t think anyone should have to go through what I have in the past year."

"Someone should really try pulling their nose out of the collective arseholes of the entire city of Rikton…" Jarret mutters to himself, as he shakes his head. Listening to what's being said, he frowns at the conversation. He frowns, shaking his head a bit. "Let it also be known that Sonya didn't start her work on her own. She came to Dalcen to ask for my approval," he says, before he glances around the room once more. He doesn't say much more for now, simply watching the people present.

As Lysette's question is put forth by Dertan, she nods again, but falls otherwise silent, reaching out to touch her husband's knee as he goes about muttering to himself. "We're going in circles in some ways, and this is not going to help at all."

Brennart shakes his head a bit at Bethany's offer for him to go with her but he still sits quiet as he listens to the different arguments for now.

Thomas can't help but bark out a laugh at Sonya's accusation. He's regained some of his earlier forfeited composure. "My lady, I shall not disgrace this chamber any further with responding to your perceived insult. You are not trustworthy, and this is why I shall back the Duke Gauvain's proposal of an academy in Alicante. Whether it be in the city, or perhaps closer to the Duke's keep where they can do their business away from the crowds, that is a matter for those implementing it. Duke Sokar, you MUST understand that the Countess is beyond loathed by the Church, and the Inquisition, and if we empower her or any in her house then we risk everything. And you MUST understand that the commons do not have the views expressed on sorcery as have been today in this chamber."

He rises and unfolds his hand. He adopts a different tone, that of a Speaker of the Council, or moderator. "Therefore, we must vote. I drop my initial proposal for an Order, as it has no support. But firstly, we must vote on whether to establish an academy with royal protection. Secondly, we must vote on where it is to be - Alicante, Kaedon, or somewhere else. Thirdly, we must vote whether this will be required of all sorcerers, in order to be in accord with her Majesty's Laws. Fourthly, we must vote on what kind of conduct and enforcement we will require. Do you all agree to holding these votes?"

"Never, NEVER again dare telling me what I must, Thomas Chandus," Jarret replies, shaking his head a bit, before he looks around the room again, otherwise keeping silent, eyes narrowed as he watches the people present.

The quiet woman in rose colored robes near Jarret snorts and then lifts gloved hand to cover her mouth at the words he mutters to himself. She looks around, clears her throat, her eyes narrowing slightly, emphasizing the 'v' shape they make in her face, then she breathes, her expression as mild as her odd features allow. "What if some of the sorcerers do not wish to be spell slinging machines of war and death? What if some fire sorcerer merely wishes to use their talent to melt and shape gold into lovely jewelry, rather than burning a fleet of ships to their water lines?" Lady Chessa looks to Thomas and shakes her head. "So, you are basically telling us to vote what we are going to force an entire population of people who can't do anything about who they are to do what we want them to do? We are voting whether or not we are going to strip countless number of people of their right to choose how to live their lives?"

Rowena, who had spoken so often, had fallen silent as accusations and ideas had been thrown about, "I would agree to a vote, yes, Your Excellency. But I would also wish to know the will of the Queen, for I have heard of no laws issued in her name. Unless she has empowered you to speak in her name." And for that, she looked to Gauvain, as he was more likely to know what was and was not happening within the Queen's court. Rowena paused, as Chessa spoke, and then nodded, "That was my question and thought as well. Control we can try to teach them, but they should not be conscripted into service. They did not choose to be what they are, but they should be allowed the right to choose how they live their lives and how they use their talents."

"So, sorcerers have marks upon their body, and you sir," Lysette looks to Thomas, "Are not above lining people up and stripping them of their clothing to search them. Do you honestly think for a moment, that will go over well with anyone? Do you wish the females of your family to be strip searched? That idea … is beyond stupid." As for her husband's words, they earn a frown from her as well.

Gauvain turns to Chessa. "There are many levels proposed in the Viscount's Firstlies and Fourthlies Lady Chessa Sokar." He bows his head. "And youa re right to voice your concern. Keep in mine. He is proposing to vote on how FAR we take this education. It is my belief that we merely go only as far as thsoe who are in the banners now. Our Armies. If a sorcerer joins our ranks, or is recruited later, then they must also be thusly educated. That is my belief. We are also voting on where this mythical place of learning should be. House Kaedon, apparently for whatever One Fucked Reason, with the support of her Liege Lord the Duke Jarret Sokar, has built a Tower already. Many of us do not trust the Viscountess because frankly we've seen her in the field and believe her to be …. Less than Knightly shall we say? Many of us feel there should be a second option for thsoe who do not wish to send them to the Snake's tender venoms, and that proposed locale is Alicante, the Duke Romante's domain. Baron Conning," He gestures to Dertan, "Has expressed concern about it being inside a city. Valid ones mind you, even if I do not agree with them. That my lady, is the summation of His Excellency Chandus' proposed voting. I believe."

Dertan says, "I wish there to be a vote on a law that says an unlicensed sorcerer cannot practice. That is the measure of control I believe should be in place."

"Dertan, it's a superficial law, one, if they can;t control it, a piece of paper wont stop them from having an accident, even if the queen's name is on it, may she live forever." Sonya says. "And second, some magics can easily be hidden, you'd never know it was magic to begin with." She says.

"I, for one, would like to have more information on what the various sorcerers /can/ do?" Lysette says from her seat, looking to Sonya with a brow raised.

"This is a chamber of debate, your Grace. We are all peers of the realm, and all entitled to question what is brought forward. I consider you a friend, my lord, but I will not be cowed by your title. What I said stands." Thomas replies to the Sokar Duke, frowning. To Chessa, he nods. "Yes, my lady. You can vote nay on that matter, but yes, we shall and should vote on it. Because the alternative is the Inquisition coming down and beheading people, as in the north, and conscripting the commons to lynch them. So you vote on what you would prefer. It IS that stark."

Thomas shakes his head at Rowena. "She has not. And this chamber can only propose to her. Names signed by her Majesty are agreed by her. You may vote against a draft, which is why we vote. Our votes may be nullified by the Queen. But if we do not vote, then the situation shall overcome us, as it has for Aequor." He shrugs at Lysette. "There are many things that are more important than my own preferences, your Grace. We do not live in a world of unlimited liberty. We live in one where we have obligations. All of our class has such obligations. So do the commons, and so does the Church. Pretending otherwise is foolhardy." He nods at Dertan. "I would vote in favour of this law, but there must be voting."

"It is a way to encourage them to freely seek training Sonya." Dertan tells Sonya "And for us to prevent sorcerers from using their abilities in unreasonable ways. It would have to be enforced of course but it is a far gentler suggestion than most others." He looks to Lysette then. "Ideally Sonya will be happy to describe the sorcerous specialisations Your Grace. If she is not available I will offer what I know."

Chessa nods to Gauvain. "Votes one and two I understand, but votes three and four should not even be considered. I'm sure that sorcerers are aware of the dangers presented to them by the Inquisition and the commons. My family has had to protect me all my life because I look different from the rest of them and the commons have whispered about me since birth. Vote whether or not we will protect sorcerers, and where we will do this, but voting as to whether or not they…" she pauses as she hears Dertan's suggestion and her face flushes slightly for a moment, then she pointedly turns from him. "Voting on whether or not they are required to register or follow a code of conduct is voting whether or not we will enslave them. They should be allowed to take the chance of living on their own, or taking the protection of the proposed Tower, but they should not be forced into it. They are not children that need parents to tell them what they have to do for their own good."

"If you do not wish to consider it, then vote against it Lady Chessa. This is how this chamber conducts business." Thomas answers Chessa tersely.

Jarret whispers something to Lysette, before he looks around rather carefully, eyes narrowed. Whispering something in return as he hears an answer, he lets out another breath. The look he gives in the direction of Thomas is one that, if looks could kill, probably would make the body turn cold before it even started falling.

Gauvain whispers to Thomas witha s light smirk and a shrug of his shoudlers.

"Every one of us is already subject to a code of conduct." Dertan points out to Chessa. "That is the function of law. With my suggestion a sorcerer that does not wish to use magic does not require a license. The system is little different to the one that sees individuals need to be a member of the stonemasons guild in order to get work making stonemasonry. With the tradesman their guild status indicates they have the skill to perform the job. With the license for sorcery the license indicates that they have been proven to have sufficient control to be safe. I would not suggest it at all if it wasnt for the fact that sorcery, thoughtlessly used, is dangerous."

Lysette murmurs aside to her husband a few times before she speaks up, "Forcing anyone into doing things is never a good thing. For any of us. We nobles serve our people, just as they serve us. When you start forcing them to do things they don't want to do? You'll have a rebellion on your hands, and can we as a country, deal with that? If the commons rise up against us? Or leave for other places that won't be forcing them against their wills?" She shakes her head at the very idea of that.

"I certainly will vote against it," Chessa replies to Thomas in a low, controlled, voice. "And will also make it plain that anyone," she turns to look at Dertan, "who votes for it, is no better than a slaver, chaining captives in the hold of their ships to be stripped of their humanity." She turns her back to the cousin, straightening it and hiding her hands in the skirt of her gown.

Sonya nods to Chessa, agreeing with her, though, people should be taught, still, that should be it. Also she should teach them. "You shouldent be cross with him, this line of talk is to be expected for a person who forced people to convert for protection of themselves and their families." Sonya says with a smile. "But then again, if it was your own family Viscount… would you sing the same tune?"

Thomas stares right back at Jarret. "If you would like to say something in front of your peers, your Grace, then I am willing to listen." He replies to Gauvain in a whisper of his own. "Your Grace Lysette, we compel our vassals and are compelled by our lieges at all times. We are all subjects of the Queen. You compel your vassals to pay you taxes, and this is why you are able to live the lifestyle you do. We are all compelled by law to do many things, or refrain from them. If not, then we are a nation of the sword, only, and unjust. A code of conduct for magic is quite reasonable, as Baron Coning says."

He shakes his head. "It matters little. Vote for it, or vote against it. If the vote goes against it, then so be it. But it shall come down upon our heads. You think that the commons would rebel in favour of sorcerors? You prove yourself to be insulated from the commons. They are far more likely to rebel against sorcerors. Look at Aequor. They are the ones pushing for the Inquisition, along with the King. And as for me, a slaver? No, I am a man of law, and we are all controlled and constrained by law."

He shoots a look at Sonya. "There was no compulsion. Those who were not interested moved on. I believe to your lands, yes? And yet, my Highlanders are more than content with my rule. Speak not of that which you know not. Of course I would follow what I preach. I always do. My life has been naught but service."

Rowena glanced over towards Sonya, "This line of commentary is not helpful to the discussion, Viscountess. Nor is the airing of personal vendettas. Before and now. That we do not agree is apparent, but the wheels are already in place to take a vote, on educating ourselves and making sound decisions. That should be our focus. Not on slinging insults, but on coming to a consensus, if one can be reached."

"ENOUGH!" Gauvain roars, clearly just fed up with the whole bickering nonsense. He stands up. "Vote for against the proposed measures. I don't give a rat's ass, but by the One's stinky ballsack can we stop bickering like five year olds learning their numbers for the firs time? Crow on a stick, this is why I prefer a battlefield." He nods to Thomas. "Kick the Qat's collective asses. I'm heading back to Griffon Point, where I will make sure her Majesty recives MY Votes on this One damned Debacle." He then heads toward the door to the chamber.

CHessa's eyebrows raise at Gauvain's bellow, but rather than concerning her, or startling her, it makes her steadier. "I have already said that I am not naive enough to think the commons would revolt in support of the sorcerors. What I am saying is what about those who have found a way to hide their talents and live quietly, without exciting comment from the commons? What sort of … consequence would you propose for someone who simply wants to be left in peace and not have their cover blown? People want to live in their own homes, and if they think they can do so without the protection of the crown, they should be entitled to do so. I hear so much talk about helping protect sorcerors from the Inquisition, but forcing them to register brings their names to the light, and forces them to move for their own safety. Build a tower for them that's protected, and they may move there and thank you for it. Build a tower for their safety and tell them they /must/ move there and they will view it as little better than a prison."

Dertan asks Chessa mildly. "If someone doesn't wish to use sorcery why would they require a license to practice it Chessa? As for your point about forced registration. A topic along those lines was raised and discarded earlier in the evening. The questions still on the table are a law, or several, covering how sorcery can be legally used. A licensing system that ensures all those who use sorcery are appropriately trained. The establishment of a sorcery academy and its location. And finally if all sorcerers who practice should be required to serve the Queen directly."

Eyes narrowing a bit further, Jarret studies Thomas rather carefully for the moment. "What's needed to be said between the two of us should be between the two of us, not holding up this gathering of people, Chandus. Let's just get this thing over and done with, shall we?" It's said rather calmly, as he studies the man for now.

Thomas doesn't tell Gauvain that he won't be fighting the Qatunax. "None, my lady Sokar. Perhaps the idea of unmasking them forcibly was ill thought. So perhaps no action is the wisest, but having a law on the books both calms the commons, staves off the Inquisition and demonstrates what action a loyal subject of her Majesty should take, whether sorcerer or not." He shrugs. "Your points are well argued, unlike others. While I do not agree with you, my lady, I thank you for your civility." To Jarret, he shrugs. "I am at your disposal, your Grace, and will be staying in Wayston for a day or two yet before I proceed back to the Empire. Good eve to all of you, and may the One bless and preserve our kingdom." He turns to exit.

%r"Open your ears, Dertan," Chessa replies with the same irritation she'd use for a fly buzzing around her ears. "I didn't say people not wanting to practice, I said people who do practice, and have been able to do so without being discovered wanting to be left alone to continue as they are. Those who use their gifts for crafts and other non-military uses. They are law abiding citizens that have never broken any law, and just wish to continue being craftsmen or whatever they are. Why can't you just let them be? The moment you force them to register, their neighbors know, their patrons know, their customers know, and /now/ they need protection. They may even lose the market for their goods."

Sonya looks to chessa. "No use Lady Cessa, once his mind is stuck on somthing, not even the many can change it." She says in reference to dertan. "Though, he is no longer of my house, so his will is now your problem your grace." She says to Jarret.

Jarret frowns as he listens, turning to look at Sonya at her words. "He is," he replies to her. "As are you, and all the others in the Duchy, but that's okay." It's said rather lightly.

Chessa tries not to smirk, but doesn't entirely succeed. "True enough," her voice lowered to a more consipiratorial tone, rather than one to address the court at large as she responds to Sonya. "He's been tragically afflicted with the terrible burden of always being right."

Rowena, as she saw the debate coming to a close, rises to her feet, moving to shadow Thomas, "Your Excellency, if you have a moment, I would like to schedule a time to meet with you, not in regards to any of this, but on another matter." Of course, that's if Thomas actually does stop to listen to her. If not, she simply offers her farewells and departs the room.

Sonya smirks at Chessa. "He pouts well too, I think it makes him look cute." Sonya says with a smile, looking at her former husband, maybe current lover.

Jarret frowns as he looks around. "Excuse me for a few moments," he offers to those near him, before he moves over in the direction of Thomas as well. "We need to talk soon," he tells the man, a bit bluntly, before he looks to Rowena. "Of course, it can wait for now, if there's business to discuss."

Dertan just looks down his nose at the bunch of them before coolly saying. "Listening goes both ways Chessa. Since not one of you wish to have a proper discussion I am going to take my leave. Goodnight."

Thomas is already out of the chamber in which the debate is held and halfway across the next before Rowena steps up to him. He does indeed stop to listen to her. He's polite, usually, though this particular debate put paid to manners. He looks brooding, but nods at her. "Yes, of course, my lady. What is done here is done, may it not come down upon our heads. But we've other matters that our Kingdom has to deal with."

Thomas looks over to Jarret, clearly surprised. "Yes, your grace. In a moment."

%rAt that, Chessa actually bursts out laughing. "By proper discussion he means admitting he is right," she decodes for those close by, then shrugs. "Is there any food? This has made me hungry, and badly in need of air that doesn't smell like self-righteous pomposity."

Lysette moves as her husband stands to speak with Thomas, instead, turning to Dertan, "Lord, if you would, I would like to hear more of what you know on the sorcerers. You mentioned something that I would like to find out more on?" A glance about as it seems people are breaking up, "Another time, of course. "

Dertan stops to answer Lysette. "Yes of course Lysette. I advise you try Sonya first, as her knowledge goes far deeper than my own, but if you wait until the morning I will explain what I know."

Lysette smiles and dips her head toward Dertan. "Thank you. I'd appreciate that." She steps back, not wishing to keep him more than he may want to stay, likely glancing to see where her husband got off too exactly.

"I can absolutely inform her Grace on sorcery, I have quite abit of reading material on it as well." Sonya says before looking to Chessa. "I think there was a food cart on the main road.. meat pies or some such." She says as she offers Chessa an arm. "come, I think a bit of food will do good, and it it doesnt, we can hurl them at Thomas Chandus to see that vein pop out of his head, remarkable feat of physology really."

Rowena nodded, as Thomas paused to speak with her, "The plans we discussed about ships along the Salt are being put in place, but I would value and welcome your advice. But not tonight. I will find you on the morrow." It was late and nearly everyone seemed a bit irritable." She did not pay any heed to any other words she might or might not hear, only offering the Viscount a polite bow of her head, before she took her leave.

Thomas acknowledges Rowena's bow with a nod of his own. "I shall be here for at least another day, my lady. Good eve."

Jarret nods a bit as he hears what's said, taking a few steps back, before he takes a few steps back, to let the others speak for now.

Thomas turns to Jarret, as Rowena departs. "Well, Duke Sokar?" His hands raise up, palms out. His face bears a questioning look.

Although she has been talking with Sonya, Chessa has kept her eyes on Jarret as he moves over towards Thomas. She doesn't realize for a moment that the other woman is holding an arm to her, and muses, "a food cart does sound nice". When she turns and sees the proferred arm, she starts, hesitates in her surprise, but then decides to take it. "Well, I'd rather thrown some custard pies through Dertan's window for him to step on…"

Jarret lets out a breath as he looks to Thomas. "We should probably find a less public room for this discussion, my lor," he offers, after a few brief moments of thought.

Thomas motions with a hand away from the hall. "Lead away, my lord."

"Oh you'd never hear the end of it." Sonya says as she leads Chessa out and towards the road.

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