Making her way into the dining hall, Serenia pulls a simple shawl from around her shoulders. She takes in the room with a scrutinizing look, making sure not to miss anything. Today, thankfully, she has been able to get away from her pest of a husband, Jerlon.

Thad enters the room, a slight frown on his face. Noble Council?? No idea what this is all about. But, he's a noble and so, finds himself a place at one of the tables.

Tamikan stands in at the head of his line of servants and family members. Several other noble house follow him in as well only now arriving when he does. A simple gesture directs everyone but a valet and a scribe to remain at the edges of the room and the nobles sit down now in their respective places. Tamikan graces the table with a courtly bow followed by a somewhat deeper bow to Lyren. Then he finally takes his place an ancient chair adorned with the crest of his house that was saved all this time in waiting for the recalling of council. He steeples his fingers and sends a calm but intense gaze around the table.

Gaylwin enters into the Royal Dining hall with a flowing grace. She may not be as aged as some at the meeting but she certainly is of noble blood from head to toe. She bobs her head in greeting to some as she passes along her way to a chair at one of the tables.

A rather short man, lacking the vast amount of stripes that some others have. Yet he strolls in with the rest, Lord Winathwyn. Offering to most a small bow of his head. He moves to his seat, a little ways up and behind the rest, but giving him a view of most everyone else.

Tamikan gestures to his scribe who is carrying a scroll case filled with documents. He is handed one of these and glances at it briefly.

As the sole representative for House Hagon, Serenia makes her way over toward a seat that is not far from the centre of the conglomeration of chairs set up for this evening's events. She nods demurely to the Prince, offering him a faint smile, just before she takes her own seat, still giving deference to the one remaining royal family member left in the building.

Lyren stands by his chair, watching silently as he watches the council assemble. His face, he hopes, betrays nothing of the anxiety within.. those who take note of such things would know that this is the first time he has ever stood in as the premier voice of his house. Sink or swim, it seems. He offers each arrival a bowed head... Thad and Tamikan, Gaylwin and Serenia.. and every other.

One by one, nobles from across the city arrive and take their places. Minor houses to Major houses, all are welcome, but only one may speak from each House. The delegates take their seats and a murmur arises from the assembling nobles, one that asks the same question everyone wants an answer to - why has this council been called and by whom?

Tamikan's gaze locks onto Lyren a moment perhaps taking the measure of the other man.

"I hope all is well with you, your Highness." Serenia greets more formally, though keeps a veiled eye on the others still entering the room; quietly noting those who come and those who don't bother with this meeting. There are always some who push such things aside, or who send their lessers to attend in their stead. Those are the ones to note, should they attempt a rise to power within the near future, or even far future.

Seated in her chair Gaylwin takes a moment to remove her long elbow length satin gloves and fold them into a nice neat pair on her lap. This will be a most interesting evening to be sure. It is a good thing she returned to the city just in time.

Lyren meets Tamikan's gaze for that moment.. after all, wouldn't do to ignore the man. He neither gives ground nor fights for it.. rather more like a fixture, he seems. And then the moment is passed, and it's back to silently greeting later arrivals. "All is as well as could be expected, my Lady, if not hoped." he responds to Serenia. "The times.. they are as unforgiving as usual."

Thad simply looks around the room, nodding occasionally, but not really saying much of anything to anyone. He politely smiles in greeting to Lady Gaylwin and to Prince Lyren, but not to any of the others. He does not seem too anxious, but certainly is not the picture of patience.

One of the later arrivals, a man from a minor, yet respected house.. picks out his own seat and makes for it. He is not quite ancient, but surely there are few, if any, who remember a time when he didn't possess a seat on the council. One Lord Bolton, a man of a house many know to be putting some extra effort into rebuilding it's lost power base from times before. More effort than usual, in any case.

The man to Thad's left, Lord Bryon of Mineris, slaps his gauntlets down on the table and says in a loud voice, "Well?? Why have we all been called here today?? Some trifle again I suppose?? Light, I have other things I could be looking after rather than sitting here all evening!"

Serenia nods her head in acquiescence of Lyren's words, a grave expression coming into her eyes. "May the Light guide us to better times," she states quietly, allowing for a small sigh to escape her lips. She then goes back to her silent study of the other nobles who've arrived this evening, still very carefully taking mental notes. Aloud, she does state with some surprise, "Duke Demmar is not here."

Tamikan rises to his feet and clears his throat, "If House Mineris does not wish to have a say in these proceedings you may go.

Serenia turns her head a bit, just enough to put Tamikan in her view. A small frown does them come to her lips, "Does that mean that the Duke of House Delaseur is aware of what's about to be discussed? Is it House Delaseur the one who called this session?"

Lord Byron leans back in his chair in an almost sulk and waves his hand dismissively. "No, I am here, let us get on with this with all due haste."

Thad just watches the discussion with some attention, his yellow eyes focussing on Tamikan. There is little love lost between Filderryn and Delaseur, but nothing personal for Thad.

Tamikan takes a long look about the table, " I think there is little question why council has been called. The problems our Kingdom now faces are plain to see. It falls to us the nobles of the land to make the choices that shall get us through this trying period."

Gaylwin sits quietly by herself at a table while she watches the interplay in the room. Her sharp eyes dancing from person to person noting who is there and who is not. If her information was correct the most powerful people in the city will be named here tonight.

Lord Winathwyn simply sits in his chair like a lump. He is not the most able negotiator but no simpleton. He knows when it is best to sit and remain silent than make a ruckus.

Tamikan continues, "Its falls to us to decide a plan that shall not lead to a civil war. I know some of you already have your private armies on 'manoeuvres' and I find that most troubling." Tamikanšs stances is easy like a good orator should be.

Serenia goes back to her silent vigil, placing a hand upon the table before her and gently tapping her fingers on the finely stained wood. A brow lifts as Tamikan takes the floor, curiosity settling in her eyes. Every now and again she does glance to Lyren - rightful Prince of the land for now - to see how he's reacting to things.

Thad leans back in his own chair. "I have noticed a large number of your own guards out in the forest, Duke Delaseur. Are we to simply allow you to march the countryside or would you have us believe that you are entirely benevolent in whatever manoeuvres your 'armies' are performing."

The good Lord Bolton snorts to himself, then rubs at his nose with the sleeve of his coat. A bit of a cold, perhaps?

Tamikan gestures with his hand stretched towards Thad, "My patrols seek the lost heir. Would you have me stop?"

Thad replies coolly, "And if ours are doing the same, would you have us stop??"

Ah. What would a gathering of nobility be without the, albeit polite, bickering? Lyren supposes it's almost comforting, in a way. Finally the arrival of the nobility slows to a trickle.. with a final nod, and a bit of a smile directed towards Leah, Lyren takes his seat. Anyone who arrives later.. well, he's sure life will continue just fine without him having been standing and waiting for them.

"And how is it that you accuse other Houses of performing manoeuver, when their very own patrols could be seeking the heir?" Serenia speaks in a neutral manner, leaning forward a bit within her chair as she watches the two feuding nobles do so even now, at this crucial moment.

Lord Bryon smiles at that retort and nods his approval. He still says nothing, but then, when the points are being made for him, there would be no reason for him to say a word.

Tamikan says "It was not a Filderryn army that my scouts reported mobilizing in the south. I believe someone else is responsible for that. my scouts can tell the difference between mounted patrols and legions.""

Lord Bolton looks about him, seemingly oblivious to the 'discussion' going on about him.. he seems to be.. seeking something. And growing more and more irritated as he fails to find it. Finally... "Where are the drinks?!?" he demands.

Serenia stops a retort from forming on her lips. Everyone around knows that the Children of the Light also has mounted cavalry performing daily routines on their borders. She sniffs, instead, settling more firmly back in her chair. She does not stop the tapping of her fingers - rather she keeps it going.

Gaylwin reaches up and tugs at a strand of hair that has fallen out of it's perfect place behind her ear. She watches the exchange between the men on the topic of the various houses activities with mild amusement on her face.

Thad says in response, "And were there no colours to tell you which House it was, Duke? Is there someone you would like to accuse of amassing this army that I have not seen as of yet? If there is, this is a wonderful forum for it."

Lyren can take it no longer.. as 'comforting' as he may have believed the bickering to be, truly, to his mind, it is serving no purpose.. not while the end of it isn't in site. So he stands, striking his hands, palm first, upon the table. "Enough. The Royal Family thanks all of you who are partaking in a search for our heir. This fighting is pointless.. these accusations are merely that. Accusations. I suggest we proceed with the purpose that this council was called."

Serenia's eyes brighten a bit, and she sits up. She looks over at Tamikan, "And are you certain it was not Lord Drisden's men? Rumours have it that Gerrick Drisden allied himself with the Saviour after the disgrace he showed here last time there was a succession." Some would know that Gerrick had moved himself into a position to become King, only to have it wrested from him by Adelina once the scandal of his binging on the crown's money came into the Light.

"House Winathwyn agrees with the Prince. Get on with what you want to say, Delaseur."

Tamikan says "Whoever it is had the boldness to hire mercenaries, foreigners, and even some of those saviour men. They fly only flags and con of pure black with no symbol."

Thad leans forward at that. "Is that why we're all here, Duke?? Because of this army your scouts have seen? You could have sent a messenger to the Houses for that..."

At Lyren's small outburst, Serenia goes silent, once again going back to her watchful stance. Tamikan looks to Lyren, "Yes I did call this council. I with the backing of seven other houses will now call for you Prince Lyren to take the Throne of the nation. We have had no ruler for too long and it is time for the proper succession to proceed. Even when we find the child Nessa she is too young to rule. It must be you Prince Lyren who rules until she is of age." Tamikan's words the backed up by a surprising numbers of other nobles whom he obviously has an alliance with..at least for now.

Serenia's eyes narrow just a bit at Tamikan's announcement. "That is a rather bold statement, Lord Tamikan, even if Prince Lyren is the most valid candidate. There are other Houses within Cairhien that also have a say in this matter." She speaks for the good of the other Houses, even if she may support Lyren as King or Regent herself.

Tamikan turns to Serenia, "All were notified and invited. This council carries with it tradition and honour I have the texts showing a precedent for this. It has been done 3 times before in our history. I believe any house that chose not to attend has denied itself a say."

"That may be so - however the content of the meeting was not disclosed when the session was called. To forfeit their say, is in and of itself, unlawful." Serenia states rather dryly and blandly. "Even if they had ample opportunity to attend."

Thad frowns and says, "And if the Prince refuses to take the throne until his niece is found, duke, what then?? Would you force him to declare a Regent right away?"

Tamikan says "I think that is for him to decide..perhaps you should wait until he does so."

Winathwyn's Lord focusses his dark eyes on the Delaseur Duke, obviously wanting an answer for that question as well.

Lyren seems almost frozen there, for a moment.. he'd been about to return to his seat when it looked like business was about to proceed..that was, until this pronouncement was delivered. For now.. he has one of those 'say what?' expressions. Come now, surely he must have expected something like this? At least entertained the possibility? Or has he been so wrapped up the search for his niece and in dealing with the vacuum left behind with his sister's death.. but at last he does regain his wits. He straightens his jacket, then answers. "I appreciate the vote of confidence, Duke Tamikan.. Lords, Ladies.. but.. as Lord Thad has said, my niece must be found. The regency must wait. The city can be managed in the meantime as it has.. with this council, and those officials who have been appointed to their tasks."

"Even if he does, you are still discounting the other Houses." Serenia firmly protests, sniffing at Tamikan. When Lyren speaks once more, she grows silent, and even nods her head in approval at his words. Her look /does/ show support of the man, but even still - if the other Houses discovered Tamikan's move.... well, its his life, why should she care if he doesn't value it.

Thad slaps his spot in front of him on the table in support for what Lyren says. "I agree with the Prince. It is for him to decide when and who the Regent is named. A trail will lead to the Princess, it must, and then we can sort out who will rule for her. Until then, I think we ought just continue on."

"Well, I agree with the Duke!" It is Lord Bryon. "The country MUST have a ruler and it MUST have one NOW! Name a leader for the country or let us do it!" Perhaps what he lacks in tact he makes up for in volume....

Tamikan smiles a knowing smile. Possibly he knew precisely which house would snub this meeting, and what Lyren would be expected to say. Like a drama he plays it out. "Of course in the meantime we shall achieve a temporary solution. If any absent Lords object this proceeding they may come and do so. Still Lady Hagon if you look around to will see I made sure we have enough Lords and Ladies here to satisfy the legal requirements to make this meeting legal and binding."

Serenia rolls her eyes at Byron's outburst. "And have our country go into civil war over a choice made haphazardly, rather than with careful thought and decision put into it. I agree with Prince Lyren. The Princess comes first." She turns her attention to Tamikan once more, thoughtfully regarding the man.

Murmurs ripple through the nobles as they realise that Tamikan is correct in what he says.

Lord Bolton rubs at his nose again, still looking for that elusive drink of his.. Hm. Now that he notices, there isn't even a servant about. What kind of meeting is this?!?! I suppose this means he'll have to add his voice to this meeting sober. Drat it all.

Thad says, "What would you suggest, Duke? Since the Prince wants to wait for the return of the rightful heir and you do not. I think you have a plan or you would not be smiling so.... and would not have wasted our time with this council."

Tamikan says "This very council shall rule until a proper succession is peacefully ordained. Again I have precedent. During the Rule of Imgar the Fourth his long illness required such measures to be taken especially when his mind went. Again if any doubt this check the Royal Archives. Furthermore I have noted several important government positions are currently vacant. Perhaps Adelina was strong enough to ruler without the guidance of a Royal Chancellor but I feel now is the time to appoint a new one. Someone who has a wisdom and experience to aid in the rule of our land and head this council. ""

Lyren realises he is still standing.. oops. He quickly retakes his seat, then pays attention to the proposal put forth by Tamikan. Hm. Royal Chancellor, eh? Well, best keep this official. "And who would you nominate for this position?"

Thad quirks an eyebrow at this. He is almost speaking when Lyren takes the words from him. He smiles smugly, knowing full well the name that is about to pass from Tamikan's lips... or thinking he does.

Tamikan gestures, "Now is the time for nominations." Tamikan calmly sits down.

"Pardon... but you're also forgetting the succession just before Her Majesty, By the Grace fo the Light, Queen Adelina, Defender of the Dragonwall took the Sun Throne." Serenia states blandly, "The Council ruled then in her stead, and what we had on our hands was worse than a civil war. We had whole noble houses being wiped away in a War of Succession."

Lord Bryon stands and says, "I think it should be Duke Tamikan, I do. And I know many of you agree with me. He's got a strong House and he's the one who showed that he cares about Cairhien by calling us here..."

Lord of Winathwyn rises as well and says, "I agree with that. It ought to be Duke Tamikan of Delaseur!" He looks around and tries to muster support and he succeeds... a few nobles nodding and murmuring their approval.

In a bold move, Serenia rises after a moment of thought and puts forth her own name. "I move for Duke Maizran Demmar to be added to the list of candidates." She silently dares any to oppose that nomination with a look of her eyes.

Tamikan nods his head and take a sip of wine while looking at some more papers.

"Pah! You just want to nominate him so you can get back to counting your ledgers back at your manor" Lord Bolton declares heatedly towards Lord Bryon. Then he blinks, stops for a moment, realizes just how qualified that it seems to him that Tamikan is for the position.. "Er.. my house supports Delaseur as well."

Thad rises and says to Serenia, "I disagree. He is not here to answer the nomination and more to the point, is not Cairhienin. I have nothing against Demmar, but must protest his being nominated."

Not just a few nobles agree with Thad in that. Five more rise and voice their objections to Maizran being nominated at all.

Tamikan remains seated and watches the proceedings.

Serenia quirks a brow at Thad, smirking slightly, "In truth, Lord Demmar is not here to speak for himself, but you are mistaken. His House served in the Cairhienin/Saviour War. Queen Adelina had papers drawn to admit a branch of Demmar into Cairhienin society, and you also forget that his House took the forefront of the damage in that War, and he was the one who gained us the support of Andor - which lead to our victory."

Tamikan says "The Queen has many projects that were cut short. That does not change the fact that it was never ratified. That does not make House Demmar a part of Cairhein.""

Lyren silently listens as each nominee is named.. expressing neither favour nor disfavour with the two. Still, however, he voices no support either. Is it to be just between those two? Will Maizran's nomination even make it to the ballot box? "I regret I must agree with Lord Thad, my Lady Serenia. Though Duke Maizran is as qualified as any could be, he is not here to accept nor refuse the nomination.. to vote him in without his knowledge would be unprecedented. I regret that he is not here, but we cannot allow his nomination. That said.. I would nominate Lord Thad. His service to the country has been just as important, if not as noted, and I believe that he would be up to the task."

Gaylwin nods her head in agreement with Lord Hargraves assessment of the Demmars. They are not of blood proper for taking the throne or anything resembling it. She reaches for her goblet of wine and lifts it to her lips with a silent smile

"I saw those papers signed myself, Lord Tamikan." Serenia states in a satisfactory voice, "As did several others of the council that were presently left out of this meeting." There is solid accusation within her voice.

Tamikan says "and more importantly ..even if what you say is true.. The council will not stand for a Andoran leading us."

"Better he, than a snake in the grass." Serenia states, then rises from her chair. "I'll not brook any of this nonsense any longer." She turns and curtseys to Lyren, making her brow rather reverent and respectful - rather than the indifference many showed him this evening. "My apologies, Prince Lyren, but I can not in good conscience stay at this meeting any longer." She does not wait for any replies, but instead moves to take her leave.

Lyren rises as Serenia does, having the grace to look somewhat apologetic.. even as he bows in turn. "I understand, my Lady. We regret your decision.. but understand. Light keep you." Le sigh. Well, what can one expect when nobility gathers?

Gaylwin just shakes her head slowly. Never did like that woman anyway. She turns her attention to the Duke and bobs her head with a pleasant nod, "Here here." she says softly.

"But to add a voice, before I leave, Hagon supports the nomination of Thad of Filderryn." This is stated just before Serenia walks out the door.

Thad may not have even heard his name mentioned because he does not make any response until Serenia moves to leave. Thad rises and lifts a hand to try and stay Serenia. "Please my Lady. Do stay. As for the Prince's nomination.. I am honoured..." He is cut off by a bellowing Lord Bryon who slaps the table HARD and gets to his feet. "I strongly protest.. HIS nomination! He throws all of our traditions in the midden heap - he's engaged to a COMMONER for Light's sake! And have any of YOU heard a good explanation for those eyes that seem to run in his family?? No, not Thad of Filderryn!"

Tamikan says "For one opposed to civil war..House Hagon seems foolish to support an Andoran." Serenia walks out through the archway leading to the Grand Hall.

Serenia has left.

Lord Bolton jumps to his feet as well, though he sways for a moment before catching himself.. "My house protests this last nomination as well! The man FLAUNTS his relationship with a base born woman! He would taint our noble lineage with the lowest dredges of our society!"

Winathwyn bangs the table in agreement with Bolton and Bryon. "It must be a TRUE noble, not this... pretender!" he shouts.

Thad looks around the room as he is shouted down. He raises his hands to restore peace, saying, "Please, calm down. You have proved my point, though I am honoured at the nomination, I cannot let my name stand, not without ruining any unity the nobles have here."

Gaylwin turns her eyes about the room from one speaker to another in a most casual fashion. Leave it to a bunch of men to get their small clothes in a twist and resort to shouting. this amuses her to no end and she glances to the duke whom shares her table and gives him a flash of a smirk

Tamikan moves to stands once more, "If the majority of houses shall choose me as the Chancellor I shall be honoured to serve."

Both Bryon and Winathwyn slap their tables enthusiastically, obviously supporting Tamikan's 'generous' offer

Lyren rises with the rest, though not in protest. He waits, allows them their say, then with a raised voice he confronts them all. "You would bar a man for his /eyes/? You, Lord Bolton, who has a nose which would put hawks to shame? You, Lord Bryon, with those ears? And I know half of you 'Lords' have spent one time or another in the arms of peasant women. Do you think this makes you any less noble? I had at one time thought not.. but now I wonder. Lord Thad is as able to serve the position as any of you.. better than most."

Gaylwin pipes up, "I have no objections to the duke either. Unlike what some others have mentioned about other nominations." The first words out of her lips this evening.

Thad returns to his feet and says, "Thank you, Prince Lyren... But the point must be made that I am not just spending time with her, but plan to marry her. That is the issue... and if it causes the other to have no confidence in my nobility... then I must decline." He takes his seat, much to the approving banging of Tamikan's supporters.

Tamikan gestures to some of the hotheaded nobles, "Lord Thad's marriage was approved by the Queen in front of witnesses. Whether you approve or not it is legal and proper. I would be honoured to serve under Thad if the council shall vote in his favour just as I am certain he would be equally as honoured to serve under me."

Lyren looks somewhat disappointed.. but what can he do? Certainly not force anyone's hand. "Very well. Are there any more to be nominated before we call for a final ruling?"

There are a few murmurs, but no one has the guts to nominate anyone to compete against the popular Tamikan.

Thad remains quiet and still, passing on the chance to nominate someone else. He would have suggested Lyre, but that ship has sailed.

Gaylwin shakes her head and swirls the liquid in her goblet around as she waits for the proceedings to finish. Her rapt attention moves between those nominated with a high amount of interest.

Lyren's gaze roams from one end of the room to the other, and then back again, before he nods, face schooled back to impassiveness. "Very well. Then the council's vote stands. Duke Tamikan of House Delaseur is, as of this night, to fill the position of Royal Chancellor.. until such a time as a regency is chosen. At that time it will be up to the regent to decide to keep him there or not. Are there any final objections?"

The numerous minor nobles remain quiet, obviously looking to see who is going to come out of this dogfight, and then they'll align themselves there. And, since it seems that Tamikan is the next choice, they're not going to vote against him, just in case he wins anyway.

Thad says nothing either, not supporting nor opposing the decision.

Tamikan stands once more and bows, "I accept this position and the duties it carries."

Seeing as how there are no last minute objections, Lyren nods. "Then the council's decision stands. Now.. are there any other matters in need of attending to?"

Gaylwin sets down her goblet on the table and claps softly at his acceptance of the position. Her blue eyes sparkle with mischief as she is already planning her next set of moves in the noble ranks.

Thad looks around the room, not having anything to discuss.

Tamikan accepts the chancellor's con in his right hand, "Does any Lord have an business to bring forth?"

There are murmurs, but nothing brought up from the other lords and ladies.

Tamikan says "Then with the approval of this council I propose a one thousand gold crown bounty be offered for the return of the Lady Nessa."

Gasps run through the assembled nobles. One thousand crowns!! This ought to have every single commoner out there, overturning rocks and looking in trees.... Tamikan continues, "Does the crown agree to this?" He looks to Lyren, "and the council shall vote.."

Lyren smiles slightly.. and nods his own approval of the proclamation. "The crown agrees. And approves."

Gaylwin is surprised at the amount generously offered for the return of the girl and nods her head silently. Well this dull evening certainly did get interesting.

Thad nods and looks around for objections, not seeing any. Seems the vote is unanimous for this.

Tamikan taps the con to the table with a thud, "The motion is law." He looks around, "We shall meet again in one months time. Until then peace to all."

The nobles rise and disperse, the talk of the reward on everyone's lips.