Winter, A Highhill Puppy, Angeline arrive, following Kiera.

Lucita gets a poplar wood vielle with a mellow tone from a subtly embroidered cloth belt.

3 Thrax Guards, 2 Thrax Elite Guards, Lady Teonia Redreef, Aryka Wyrmfang, Marquessa Pudding, a doughy dog arrive, following Sorrel.

3 First Legion Centurions, 3 Setarcan Royal Shields, Bonnie arrive, following Patrizio.

Patrizio arrives, following Valencia.

Lucita is seated over on a wooden bench carefully tuning her vielle. Deftly fingers tighten the turning knob and plucking a string till the tone suits her. As the doors open and close with people arriving she nods toward her assistant, Micana who tosses a log on the fire to warm the room. "Oh! some did come! I was afraid all this icy weather and snow would keep people away. Pathfinder Lou would be much better at hosting this but... well, with her so busy, I decided to give it a try. So few of us were here during the Silence or Bringer war and it was just what.. twelve, thirteen years ago?"

Getting around in the winter isn't the easiest thing for Ian, which might be why he's just a little bit on the late side. But he's here, stumbling a bit as he comes in and wiping the snow from his pants from where he must, at some point, have fallen. He doesn't interrupt, only goes in search of a drink and a place to sit.

Violeta Emili, tall and shadowed rivenshari, 2 Rivenshari Clan Guardsman, Tregva Emili, a colorful ravashari performer arrive, following Mattheu.

Mattheu has joined the marin'alfar wooden bench.

Lucita says, "I decided to hold it here since Lord Pietro Igniseri, one of the founders of the Society of Explorers perished during that war. And I really hope others can help give information about that time era that I never knew... or have forgotten. LOrd Pietro and his twin, Marquis Vincere Igniseri were slain while on a scouting mission against the Silent Army, retrieving vital information about the disposition of their forces that led to success at the Battle of Pridehall. Cut off by bringers, died fighting long with his brother Pietro to save Lady Cara Ashford and the Compact."

Marena has joined the marin'alfar wooden bench.

2 Armed Confessors, Angwyn the otter, Mordred, Abner arrive, following Ann.

As she makes her way inside and in out of the snow, Marena pulls her hood back and down off of her head, dark hair spilling down around her shoulders. She raises her hands and cups them, blowing air into them to warm them and then rubbing them together, slipping through throngs of guards with the liquid grace of a big cat, languidly aloof and primally efficient. She slides into a seat on the marin'alfar wooden bench and gives one of its other occupants, Mattheu, a brief and silent dip of her chin in a wordless greeting, respectful and quiet while she listens to Lucita.

Kiera sits down at a table, opening her journal before here and listening quietly to tales of time before she arrived in arx

Soft jingling bells fill the hall as Mattheu steps foot in, trying to be polite as the music and stories are shared. Slipping over to the marin'alfar bench to take a seat.

Winter. The abyssal season that has descended, once more, upon the gleaming city, though for the moment, it seems as if it's attempting another feint to lure others out into the snow. But as if waiting for that moment where the snow has eased up for a bit, Patrizio Pravus and company arrive from without, the six soldiers who trail him lingering at a hint of a distance so as not to cause a scene. The prince himself doesn't speak when he's noticing Lucita's already speaking - a smile is offered, and the press of his palm to his chest as he dips his head to her - but he draws off slightly towards the side with Valencia and Bonnie, and offers the Kennex lord a nod, before he's doing likewise for the others he recognizes within the hall.

Ann attempts to slip in to the hall and takes a look around. Bobbing her head to any familiar to her but she's sneaking in and finding a spot next to Mattheu. A smile to him as she leans to kiss his cheek. But otherwise she's paying attention to what is about to start.

Ann has joined the marin'alfar wooden bench.

Ian gets a drink and finds a place in the back for the room to slouch, drink, and listen. Not necessarily in that order.

Ian has joined the Table 4.

Lucita says, "Does anyone know what a bringer or Fomorian is? If not, I can share an autopsy report on a Bringer and any here can actually see the skull of a Fomorian."

"I would admit that I don't." Patrizio, for all of that military bravado of his at times, has no trouble finding his voice. "I suspect I'm not the only one who hasn't a clue, though in those days... well, I was still serving Sir Tiberio back in Setara."

Patrizio has joined the Table 3.

Patrizio has left the Table 3.

Patrizio has joined the Table 4.

Valencia has joined the Table 4.

Although she hasn't been out and about much lately, Sorrel has come to storytime with Lucita. She seems in good spirits as she moves to sit down, listening to the conversation at hand.

Kiera hms " Well I sort of do but I had no idea the two were related so i've missed something

Valencia drifts in in the company of the Prince of Pravus and Lady Bonnie Shepherd. She smiles and offers a warm nod to the Baroness, but does not seem to wish to interrupt the story. Instead she makes her way to the benches to listen, dark eyes attentive, hands folded gently upon her lap.

Bonnie has joined the Table 4.

Ian nods to Patrizio and Valencia when they join him, but doesn't say anything, not interrupting Lucita just now.

2 Blackwood trained guards arrives, following Cillian.

Lucita passes out copies of the references she cited. "Visit Southport Square and you will see an immense skull there. Then-Duchess Calypso and her army made a valiant effort against one of them headed toward the walls of Arx to batter them down and let the Bringers run rampage through the city. It was killed before reaching the city, but she though none would believe her and her surviving soldiers story of such a giant foe, so they hauled the skull back and put it in the Square. It is large enough that six people can sit on the molar teeth easily. Duchess Calypso used to use it like a small office.

Bonnie settles quietly with Patrizio and Valencia. She turns in her seat to listen and look over those who have converged.

Lucita says, "So now, newcomers to Arx or those who have not had the experience of seeing this skull, have the opportunity to do so." She smiles and then takes a breath. "I will sing a song called 'Here We Stand'. It was shared with me by Guardsman Sparte. It was distributed as a leaflet to help encourage morale. I believe that though he did not claim authorship of the song, he likely was the one who wrote it.""

Valencia offers a warm nod and small smile for Ian as they settle upon the bench before turning back her attention. A soft frown appears as Lucita's dulcet tones weaves the tales from the past into the now, and she lowers her eyes to study her fingertips for a moment.

Lucita sings:

Now when I was a youngster I lived at home at ease
Now I sit here and guard this gate in rain and smoke you see
Though the Bringers arn't so much a talkative lot
The scavs have fleas to here my pleas that they all go and rot

(chorus)
Here we stand! Here we stand!
The Sentinel has our backs and Gloria has our hand.
These walls will keep on standing, no scav will see me blanching!
Have courage, have courage, we fight for right you see!

The Black Knight wants us dead and gone, that much we know is true
For he's embarassed of what we'd say if he were in the nude
He has a wart on his nose the size of a ship
And a rash down nether from regretful shavs he'd went to see

(chorus)

With winter passin' over and springtime comin' on
We go out in all weathers, no time for beer or song
For the Shavs don't wait for lovers, as you might quickly find
Limerance will have your back when we get round to that time
And we say

(chorus)

And when this war is over, the gates'll open up once more
Fresher air and calmer days once their smell is gone
And when we hang our armor, all the people will loudly say
Here come our jolly soldiers that have been fighting so hard each day
And we say

(chorus)
Here we stand! Here we stand!
The Sentinel has our backs and Gloria has our hand.
These walls they kept on standing, no scav did see me blanching!
My city, my country, we fought them all for thee.



Mattheu shifts in his seat a little uneasily as Lucita sings jingling from the bells in his clothing as he finds a better position to rest within before looking back to those that he shares the bench with

Cillian has joined the Table 3.

Cillian has left the Table 3.

Cillian has joined the marin'alfar wooden bench.

Brown eyes go round and Bonnie turns again in her seat to watch others as the song is sung. Her gaze comes to a stop on Lord Ian.

Kiera just blinks and and fidgets, not seemingly not knowing what to do with her hands, finally taking up a pen and scribbling furiously

Ian flips through the papers that are being handed around. He's not a fast reader, and he insists on reading some of the information over, painfully slowly, a couple of times. His attention is entirely fixed on this for the whole time Lucita is singing.

Ann looks up and around. Subtly there are finger waves for those she knows such as Patrizio, Valencia, Bonnie, Ian. But her attention falls on Lucita as she sings. There's a finger wave for Kiera too. Shifting a little in her seat.

Patrizio is not the waving type, not when Lucita's singing, but there's the dip of his head to acknowledge Ann when she's glancing over to him, though he leans in, and can be seen to be murmuring slightly to those at his table while he continues to listen. A hand slides out to open his folio, and he can be seen to be making notes...

Cillian had slipped in just before the song an waiting to move in the direction of those he knows, moving to touch Mattheu on the shoulder and then Anns arm to let them both know he was there before sitting down.

Ann is flashed a smile and a furtive finger wave from Bonnie in return. She bobs her head causing her hair to sway "Quite the song told in a sonorous serenade."

A flutter of fingers catches Valencia's eye and it is Ann who comes into focus. The raven haired Lycene smiles almost sheepishly as her solemn spell seems to break. An apologetic smiles comes next as if she were embarrassed and letting such feelings show and she huffs out a fond look as though she is grateful and happy to see the Crovane lady and Redrain princess present. But her glance cannot linger long, for Lucita's voice draws her as would a siren's and she is rapt in attention again.

Lucita says, "People high and low banded together to stand against this menace to us all. My Late husband was one who stood watch at the Sea Gate. A Formorian got close and was about to strike the Late Duke Aiden who was a prince at the time. Esta and Aiden were fighting fiercely, back to back, swords clashing, the thrum of bows shooting out arrows and that gigantic beast towering over them. Esta pushed Aiden out the way, saving his life and took a horrible blow upon himself, almost killed him. But there were others in the city who tried to fight despair, to strengthen morale, to foster hope and courage. One was Dame Leta. She wrote a song and led a parade through the city streets with all singing it. You will have to forgive the language please, I'm just singing the song she wrote."

Lucita sings:

"So I hear an army's out there,
But they don't sound disciplined,
Or it could well be my tummy,
Or a rumor in the wind,

'Cause I was told that this foe,
Is as silent as a mouse.
But a soldier that don't curse
Is not welcome in my house."

"So... Get the fuck outta our city
Slip away without a sound,
Get the fuck out of our city,
Slip away without a sound,
Or we'll make ya cry for mercy,
And then grab another round!"

"And I hear that they got powers,
But our gods stand here with us,
And to the Bringers' ugly faces,
Every sound I make's a cuss.

For our walls are high and mighty,
And our steel is strong and true,
And we have ale and we have bread,
To last us the whole year through.

So get on outta our city,
Slip away without a sound,
So get on outta our city,
Slip away without a sound,
Or we'll beat you like ye're drums,
And then call for one more round."

"And... in war as in pie eating,
It's the one who's fed that wins,
And our warehouses are packed,
With a thousand tons of beans.

So if it's Silence on their banner,
And they want us to be quiet,
They can cut my tongue or close my mouth,
'Cause the other end's a riot!

So you'll hear me sing out courage,
For I know this too shall pass,
And if Bringers follow Silence,
I shall break it with my ass!"

"So, get the fuck outta our city,"
Slip away without a sound,
So get on outta our city,
Slip away without a sound,
Or we'll beat you like ye're drums,
And then call for one more round."


The stylus in Patrizio's hand works swiftly against the leafs of his folio in a steady, practiced hand, even as he's listening. A faint smile finds his lips, before he can be heard to be murmuring softly, "Clearly, I made my name and the option of a voyage here a decade too late. I don't think I've heard as spirited a song after any conflict I've been involved in...."

Marena leans back where she's seated at the bench, crossing her arms under her chest and propping her chin in one hand. She notices Patrizio and Valencia and gives them a subtle wink of a hello before she turns the intensity of her full attention on Lucita.

Ian looks up from his study of one of the papers and regards Lucita with his head canted slightly, wearing a vaguely puzzled expression.

Lucita sets her instrument aside and glances around the room. She nods toward Valencia. "I recall you speaking of one of the Bringers reaching the Golden Hart. Will you share what you can remember of it, please?

Kiera slowly rises and heads to stand near the bench where matti and the others sit

Mattheu mutters, "I mean, that's ... way ... ... light of the situation. Really? These were the songs that ... held ... ... ... ... the ... ... keep ... hard and fast ... ... at whatvever ... be ... for them? get the fuck outta our city... Yeah, ... away. yup. that's what will ... them, ... of ... then."

Marena's wink is ment with a warm look, the woman's sparkling spirit seeming to touch something in Valencia's heart. She turns to offer a gentle smile Lucita's way. As the song goes on her expression eases until something seems to strike her. A fond smile now. It comes quietly and unexpected. Just barely curling the corner of her lips and Lucita awakes names and faces of the past. Valencia's eyes don't lift. They remain locked to some spot before her, but then Lucita speaks and she lifts her gaze. "Oh, yes. It is so. A moment to gather my thoughts, sweet Baroness," Valencia nods to Lucita and then the others with gentle accord.

Kiera has joined the marin'alfar wooden bench.

There's a frown on Ann's features and her hands are laced as she listens to the newest song. Surely she's not offended by the language becauseb she's a Northern. She then leans to ask Cillian something quietly when he has joined them. No loud interruptions from her. Listening even if she's quietly talking to others.

Bonnie looks wholly over her head though she still listens attentively. Valencia is given an encouraging smile. The rest of the room is giving a broad if meaningful grin.

Cillian shakes his head about something and a hand goes into his jacket pocket and pulls something out and hands it over to Ann.

"It feels like a lifetime ago," she smiles to the Baroness and back. "It was during a dark time. Or world was being turned upside down. So many know of the stories. I do not thing anyone of us were immune from it," she says with a breath as she seeks those who lived in the city at the time.

"Even in my Hart they tried to attack us. Three horrific bringers brought with their soldiers in tow to kill and maim. The attack was well thought. Planned. Clever. We did not expect them there. Lord Cillian might remember," she smiles to the lord. "I do believe it was the first time I saw you fight," she offers with wry humour.

"But they did not expect the fight. Those that rose. The men and women fought bravely and without hesitation to banish and best them. I will be forever grateful to them," she breaths softly.

"Though there were darker devils in our midst. We had no idea," she says softly. "We only learned later of them later." Nodding solemnly to Lucita she quietens once more.

Sorrel is sitting and listening to the conversation at hand, looking perhaps a bit wistful. As if remembering her own experiences with the Silent war. She watches those who speak, but does not volunteer her own story at the moment.

Keenly, Patrizio is listening when Valencia speaks of the experience during the war, and what happened and... his hand slides out gently to find her hand from where he's settled at the same table as she, giving a gentle squeeze of support, leaning in to murmur softly.

Bonnie leans over and whispers a soft inquiry to Ian while she continues to listen.

Ian gives Bonnie a twitch of a dry smile, and angles his head towards her to say something in a low voice.

Cillian looks up when he hears his name, he looks to Valencia nodding his head. But he remains silent for the moment, he looks to Ann and Mattheu then back to Valencia and Lucita.

Ann takes the flask from Cillian as her attention draws to Valencia to listen to this story now and there she goes to drink. Blue eyes look to Valencia as she listens. Then she's handing it back to Cillian.

Mattheu looks to Cillian as the Lord's name is mentioned, his own sense in the songs and stories are left with a blankness from his usual smile.

Lucita nods to Cillian. "Please share. It would do us well to remember those days, what we endured and how we stood fast and won. It gives us hope, and their courage is an example for us to follow when there is need.

There is a blink as if woken from her thoughts and she turns to Patrizio. A small smile of gratitude comes and she nods softly in response. "My cousin was there that day...," she smiles sadly and breaths out. "Even now I hear their screaming and the blood. So much blood," she shakes her head her brow starting to worry again.

2 Rivenshari Clansman, Lila, the stoic apprentice, 1 Rivenshari Clan Guardsman arrive, following Petra.

Cillian does not stand up no, he was in mid reach of taking his flask back from Ann when Lucita calls on him, he looks to those at his bench and then those around him. He stands, he is not in his leathers or even has his bow on him at the moment just a sword at his side. "Baroness Lucita, it is much as Valencia has said. I do believe we were gathered for a event when the attacked. I only did what was right and was not going to allow any in the Heart to be harmed. All those who fought that day were brave." he moves to sit back down.

A dip of Patrizio's head, even as he's drawing a breath and letting it slide free, and then his voice can be heard, low and serious and gentle. "War is horrible, and worse when your opponent has no consideration for their own lives, much less those of their foe. And something that no one should have to be exposed to." But if he has more words, his head lifts, the turn of those jade eyes towards Cillian, watching the man while he's speaking briefly about his own experience...

Bonnie mouths the word "Bringers" under her breath and there is a very curious glance given to the others here. There is no sense of understanding but there are key words that make it through her thick skull that the topic must be most grave.

Lucita nods to Valencia in thanks, a hint of sympathy is in her glance as she does so. She stays busy sharing copies of her notes to which the various discussions have related. "I was not here during the Silence war. I was voice for House Igniseri but stationed in Granato. It was not till both Marquis Igniseri and his twin Pietro were killed and cousin Quenia became Marquessa that I was summoned to Arx to help her. I have shared what stories I knew from the standpoint of one observing, listening. Others can give more of the history and lore. But perhaps this has served to spark some curiosity, some conversations, and to honor the courage of those who survived those times.

Ian is keeping a little bit of his attention on the discussion in the room, and some on a quiet conversation with Bonnie. But once Lucita opens the floor, he speaks up: "Is there a reason this subject is coming up, now?"

Lucita says, "And thank you, Lord Cillian, for sharing that with us."

Lucita looks toward Ian and says. "Sadly, not a really good one. I found copies of those two old songs and they are rare, mostly forgotten, none in the archives that I could find, and my own copies had suffered the hands of my children folding them into different shapes, spilling pie on them. I wanted to share them with others before they become... lost from memory.

There is a light tinkling of bells as another Rivenshari enters the charter hall. Her dark eyes scan the faces in the room, finally landing on

Lucita says, "For the song to make sense to others, I needed to explain a little about the war to put them in context."

Marena creases a soft line through her elegant, patrician features and she takes silent note of Valencia's open vexation and visible discomfort. She turns to the side to regard Cillian when he shares his experience of the day, pivoting again to follow the conversation when Ian asks a question that, judging by her reaction, had been on her mind, too.

A Broad grin flashes at Lucita "Less sad than if there were a pressing need, Baroness. I am most delighted to hear such amazing songs." Bonnie assures their hostess.

Briefly, Patrizio's brow lifts when he's hearing that comment about the need to explain in context, even if he's perhaps... looking skeptical about the purpose of the call of the meeting for discussing this. And then lower, "I am increasingly finding that things come to light just when we need remember them. That what we've known in the past might well give hints as to what's to come."

Ian is briefly distracted when the papers are passed around again. "Long as Brand's not back," he says, sounding a little bit disconcerted.

There is a light tinkling of bells as another Rivenshari enters the charter hall. Her dark eyes scan the faces in the room, finally landing on Mattheu where he sits with some of his other friends. She makes no real effort to draw attention to herself or to hide, though the ringing as she moves would likely make the latter impossible anyway. She heads directly for him and leans on the bench.

Petra has joined the marin'alfar wooden bench.

As Lucita speaks of her need to keep such stories from being forgotten, Valencia's hand steals to cover her heart as if the Baroness' thought touched her deeply. Her back grows a little straighter and expression is steeled as she softly draws in a resolve breath and offers the woman a little nod, the mention of Brand's return perhaps missed.

Mattheu appears to be a little calmer as Ann has found a new seat upon the bench, taking a long swig from the flask that Cillian has handed over to him. He holds the flask up to Lucita, and with a croak in his voice as if holding something back. "A lovely... song..."

Lucita says, "There is one last song, but have taken up so much of your time already do not know if you want to hear one more. If other things require your attention or you prefer to just sit and chat, that is alright.""

Kiera opens her mouth for a long moment "you tell stories i did not know, one never knows where answers will come from. our memories must be shared and protected

Ian slips his flask out of an internal pocket of his coat and says something to Bonnie in a low voice.

Without missing a beat, Marena speaks up. "I'd like to hear it," she rejoins to Lucita, silky voice rising just loudly enough to be heard. "If the Baroness would be so kind as to humor the imposition, of course," she adds, dipping her head in a decorous acknowledgement of respect and appreciation.

A press of his palm to his chest, and Patrizio's bowing his head. "Please, Baroness," speaks the prince, as if in echo of others. "If you would be so kind as to gift us with the song."

Lucita nods to those who as a last song. "This is a song of those who patrolled the Gray Forest during the Bringer War, written by Guardsman Sparte Fatchforth." And she sings:
Forgotten winds of distant north, the might of ancient gray.
Beneath your bower hang the hearts of men.
By moon's light we fight our fight and soon become all killers, shadows
follow red soaked feet as we walk away.

Petrichor, Petrichor, please forgive our trespass.
Lagoma's light, come along, and wash away our shame.
Jayus we give this song, belt in the wrong places.

Death take these fallen lives, and carry them away.
Somewhere better, somewhere brighter, where war is well forgotten.
Forgive us Gloria, who steels our blades, no joy is in this day.

Forgotten winds of distant North, the might of ancient gray.
Beneath your bower ever lower, hang the hearts of men.
By moon's light we fought our fight, and the survivors wear the memories.
Our deeds we see reflected back by blood and morning dew.

Sentinel, Sentinel, we fought to keep the order.
Mangata, as day breaks, we know you've seen us through.
Vellichor, I give these words, on tear stained paper.
We are free, this fight our choice, and we fight to keep it that way.


Lucita says, "And on a lighter note, written by Princess Tikva Grayson:

~~ I ~~

Princess Ribbons rode to war
'Gainst Bringers by the score
And they fall before her blade
Pink as strawb'ry lemonade!

Sorry for this little ditty
I know the words are kind of shitty
But the girl in ribboned armor
The one who'll never let 'em harm her

She's a girl I'll follow gladly
While rhyming very badly
'Cause none greater than a Grayson
whose style none may chasten,

Oh, Princess Ribbons rode to war
As I mentioned heretofore,
Fearless, brave and truly rosy
With her shining blade of posey,

And I'll follow at her heels,
Spinning hero verse -- for reals --
Singing songs of charm and prowess
For her smile and style so boundless!

~~ II ~~

Princess Ribbons rode to war
'Gainst Bringers by the score
And they fall before her blade
Pink as strawb'ry lemonade!

The power shone in her stroke
Gleaming roseate, full of hope
and the Bringer that she struck
Blew apart, well holy fuck--

~~~~III~~

Princess Ribbons rode to war
boldest, with esprit de corps
conquering hearts left and right
as she raised her shining blade to fight!

But the lady took no prisoners
With no more than a glance in particular
She was matchless, unattached
While those Bringers she dispatched

None could claim her, nor dared try
'Twas the fire in those bright blue eyes
While she blew 'em apart, cut 'em in half
Smashed 'em flat and crushed the chaff.

But a stalwart warrior like our heroine
Need not stand alone, nor no fellow win:
You see, all a girl like that'??s gotta do is ask
And her boy's gonna do any wooer's task

So who would Princess Ribbons claim
but the rascalliest blade you could name,
that brightest spark of the Champion's Guild
whose name many a singer's tongue has thrilled?

The slipperiest Prince of the Mirrorguard
Prob'ly oiled up for her bright regard
the finest Lycene swordsmanship might
be a sweet dower for her bridely delight.

Their swords will dazzle, pink and black
While they'??re slaying foes back to back
Princess Ribbons rode to war, my dear,
and snatched herself a pretty cavalier.
"

The mention of Sparte's name brings Valencia's chin up again. Her breath seems to hold, as Lucita sings his song and clasps her hands gently as she listens intently. When the last notes fade, she seems to breath again, her gaze turning to those seated about her. There is a pause as she regards them and then her dark eyes dip down to her hands again, her lips moving softly.

Valencia is overheard praising Lucita: Keeper of the stories.

Marena is overheard praising Lucita.

Bonnie is overheard praising Lucita.

Lucita says, "Some of you may recognize Princess Pink Ribbons as Reese Grayson. In any case, that is all I have for tonight unless someone else has more to be said."

Marena has left the marin'alfar wooden bench.

Mattheu is overheard praising Lucita: the songs of a war gone

Cillian is overheard praising Lucita.

Kiera nods as Sparta's song is shared "Thank the gods for men of sense" As it is follows up by tikva's "and that was all too brief

[Just a note that, for those keen on stories from the game's history, the Hart Attack event is at https://play.arxgame.org/dom/cal/detail/439/]

Ann is overheard praising Lucita.

There's a small stir from the benches as Cillian attempts to grap at a flask which Mattheu holds onto and sends nearly flying, only spilling some of the contents. "Mine!" He then looks to the group upon the benches and those around him, a flush to his face as he's trapped in his seat by Ann finding a better seat by sitting on him. As the songs finish he looks to Lucita and others, raising the flask that must be his. "Apologies! The drink is low." He then looks to those around him with a hushed word.