Meeting (Conn, Andy, Killian, Lorcan, Open)

The Duke of Irongrove would receive the message and head for his King's Audience Chamber, but only after soundly kissing his wife Elaine and letting her know that he had business to attend to with the King. Killian knew that his wife and mother could handle Irongrove, and the Hallows children, between them. If any issues were to arise, his brothers would certainly be the first to offer their assistance to them. He only hoped that Mari did not give Elaine any trouble, or he would quite possibly lose his temper.

Killian definitely had the looks of an Easterner, however it was a big joke in the Hallows family that Lukan stole all, or most of, the height from his brothers. He also had the appearance of a noble with the way that he was dressed, but one that could also defend himself. Though perhaps that was more of the Hallows reputation than anything. It was said that Killian could hold his own with his brothers, and he had a good many of them that were all trained warriors of a sort. After all, a good leader should be amongst his people when leading them into battle and not hiding behind some woman's apron. Each Hallows man might have a different style of fighting, but they were all good in their own right. He wore a sword at his hip and a guitar in his hands. Indeed, if he had not been born to be a Duke, he would have been a bard. If he could not drag his family with him on business, it was the least he could do to bring a guitar.  Though he would not play the guitar during the meeting, he just needed to have it in his hands, it helped him think. He would definitely be playing it sometime later though, that was for sure.

Killian's attention would be drawn to his King when he started to address everyone that had showed up to the meeting. Killian had already taken note of those that had arrived and let a smirk tease at his lips. Obviously something interesting was about to happen.  One of his eyebrows would raise questioningly when King Connall mentioned the Southern Commander Sloane and that ships had been landing on their shores. He pursed his lips thoughtfully and let two of his fingers slide across the body of his instrument while he pondered this news.

Once the King finished, or paused more like, Killian would ask:  "Have any of our own men witnessed this? Do ye need any sent out?"

Just before Connall had entered the audience chamber, Andraste had entered. She wore one of her specially made outfits; britches and a shirt instead of a dress, and had her sword strapped to her waist. Her gaze had darted around the room, taking in those who were already inside, and she'd chosen to stand near the opposite side of the throne that Lorcan had. She stood in silence as the king entered the room, and began to address everyone within. Hmm. So the rumors were true. That was both comforting and disconcerting all at once. At least this way they could prepare for whatever was next to come. She listened to the Hallows man, and then Lorcan's retort and it made her roll her eyes. Damn testosterone. Couldn't ever be tactful about the way they said shit. Which more often than not lead to a fight because both men thought that they were bigger than the other. And when that happened; offense tended to be taken at the smallest things. Which made her narrow her eyes at Lorcan for being the tactless one. Ugh. She was ever having to clean up the messes of men, and it was a pain in her ass. "Ignoring the fact that he has no tact, I have to agree with Lorcan on this one," she said carefully. "I'm not trying to be rude, but I believe that Ireland needs to act as a whole if we're going to have any chance of coming out of this alive. Not just alive, but with control of Ireland," she added hastily. "As for the other. It's probably a good thing you brought everyone here. That way we can work together instead of against eachother," she said with a shrug.

His attention flicked from person to person as they spoke. A chuckle rumbled from his chest when Lorcan spoke up and then Andraste agreed with him, but made a comment about Lor's lack of tact. He shook his head and waited until silence descended on the room before he opened his mouth to speak again. "Yes, we do need to consider Ireland as a whole should we wish to come out of this alive and with control of the country and our kingdoms. It has been brought to my attention that the problem we might have had with the Western king has been taken care of, so there's at least one less thing to worry about," he said, and his gaze turned pointedly to Andy. Then he returned to addressing the meeting as a whole. "Each of you are nobles in your own right, and I'm going to have to ask that you all gather and prepare your soldiers for war. Prepare yourselves and prepare your people; for war is not far from us," he turned to Andraste then. "Andy, as my Viceriene, I need to ask that you dispatch a group of men to the eastern shore. Make sure you drill it into their heads that they are not to be seen, and not to make the first move. I get the feeling that these scouts are going to be followed before too long by soldiers. I want reliable men to be there to report back when it finally comes to pass." He took a deep breath and rubbed a hand over his face. "I suggest you all use the undetermined time between now and then as wisely as possible. Spend time with your families and make sure you have your affairs in order. This is war, folks. And war often means death," he said with a grunt.