OPEN MINGLE: Welcome to Thorne!

[magicalarchaeologist]

WHO: OPEN to all Summoned in Thorne
WHAT: A party, info dump, and magic study session all rolled into one! Eat, drink, mingle -- make some friends!
WHEN: A couple days after the newest Summoned start appearing
WHERE: A ballroom in Castle Thorne

NOTES: This is an open mingle log where everyone can tag one another! New characters may hear some gossip and chatter about a few recent important events that happened in Abraxas. Just in June, the Summoned were welcomed into the Feywilds where they met the Fey. The Fey have been separated from the rest of the continent a long time so it was a big deal. They may hear that months ago many Summoned were kidnapped by a cult and are still recovering. Lastly they would hear about strange rifts that started appearing with mostly harmless animals coming through. Some of those animals were familiar.



General.

Rhy Maresh will have sent a written invitation to all Thornean newcomers within a couple of days of their arrival, inviting them to meet their fellow Summoned. Otherwise, there will be fliers posted in the dining area that anyone can see. If your character has CR with Rhy, Kell, or Istredd, you can assume they were told and got an in-person invite -- and you can even assume your character helped with setup if desired (decorations, helping set out food, etc.) since they definitely needed the assistance. Up to you!

Istredd will also be hosting a group meditation to allow newcomers to access to the Horizon (and network). New Summoned who wish to learn how to step into the Horizon have an opportunity to have their connections to the Singularity activated. If preferred, they can also get one-on-one help from those who've been around for a bit. He will also discuss the magic in Abraxas and point them in the direction of teachers of magic, combat, or other things they may be interested in.

Banquet.

The large ballroom is bathed in warm, golden light from dozens of chandeliers above, reflecting off the gleaming inlaid floors and brass light fixtures along the walls. It is at once neatly sectioned, yet naturally open, allowing the length of the room to flow from one potential activity to another with ease.

In the center, a circular area has been left clear, and every half hour or so during the first half of the evening, two native Thornean (apprentice) mages come up to offer magic demonstrations -- mostly flashy elemental magic, adding sparks and atmosphere. If any of the Summoned who've been around longer wish to show off as well, they are welcome to do so.

Along the walls stand narrow refreshment tables, where one can serve oneself wine from large glass carafes. Hot tea is also available in a few flavors. (Though those who have been here a while may notice there are fewer carafes, and more expensive options for alcohol and refreshments are missing this time.) For those looking to eat, a large dining table has been set out toward the center of the room, with plates and utensils and large platters of food in the center -- nothing fancy, but perfectly serviceable, and arranged to look good even if the ingredients themselves aren't nearly as lavish as they have been in the past. Still, despite the impending war and tightened purse strings in the face of shortages, the kitchen has agreed to help welcome the newly Summoned as best as they can.

Both the handful of large tables and the smattering of small, taller tables for standing at are in full view of the demonstrations so the show can be enjoyed with food and drink, whatever your desire. Bright summer flowers garnish every table, freshening up the space.

Of course, there's plenty of space to stand and mingle, walk around, and see what everyone else is up to. In the back of the room, the folding screens offer a quieter area, for more private conversation and meditation as desired.

Magic Studies.

Behind the folding screens made of tall, carved wood in intricate patterns, there are a handful of low sofas and chaise lounges around a fireplace at the far side of the hall. This sectioned-off area has been enchanted to provide some insulation from the sound of the banquet beyond, and once you step inside, the quiet is like a gentle blanket settling over everyone who chooses to spend some time here.

This is the best place to ask questions in some semblance of privacy, to learn about your new home, and to receive guidance on entering the Horizon and using the so-called network of telepathic notes only the Summoned can send one another.

A mage named Istredd seems to be the one 'in charge' of this particular endeavor, but others who have been in Abraxas a while are likely also about, lending their assistance to those who are newly arrived and sharing thoughts on their experiences so far.

Just be careful -- even if the insulating enchantment is sturdy, there are still Thornean natives around, refilling refreshments outside and demonstrating their magic. You may want to be careful how candidly you discuss any displeasure toward Thorne or its crown, considering the Queen's notoriously explosive temper, and the rumors of the dungeons deep beneath the castle. It's hardly a secret, at this point: a conflict has been sparked, and the mood around the castle is a tense one, even amidst a celebration such as this.

(( ooc: Feel free to make your own top levels and tag around! This is meant to be an open mingle, with the above as mostly setting and flavor, so don't feel limited if you want your character to do their own magic demonstrations, for example, or even if your thread ends up moving outside the ballroom. Have fun!

It should be noted that if you would like to handwave your character's first experience to the Horizon, you can do so. It's a blanket permission from me / Istredd that he took your character there, helped them leave, and showed them how to go back in with their memory now.

Most of this was written by Lena aka Rhy player! Have fun! ))

Comments

Benedikta Harman — FFXVI

[slipscream]

( Benedikta had wondered how long it would take the Summoned of Thorne to put together their own, less official meet-and-greet — if only because she knows all too well how easily people fall into ideas of "them" and "us." While the most obvious route to stability in this place is through the official channels of Thorne she suspects there will be people here who'd rather challenge that — there always are — and although it goes against her better judgement? Well. She tags along for observance's sake.

These people have Cid and his merry gang of dreamers to contend with, after all. Will they make the same mistakes, or find new and exciting ways to fuck it up?

She's surprised to find the range of activities offered by the so-called party, which from another angle could look like an academic lecture, and from another like some kind of fucking prayer service. Of course, when she learns that what they're actually doing is gaining access to the Horizon she discreetly settles herself in with them; she takes a spot near the back, tries to quiet her mind, and only half-succeeds in not bearing her fangs when it doesn't fucking work.

There's no doubt that she'll get it eventually, but Benedikta has always struggled with exercises that ask her to look inward or calm her mind. Garuda is the Eikon of frenzy, after all, and Benedikta still feels that influence reflected deep within.

Later on she can be found skirting the edges of the magic demonstrations, where she watches closely how the mages weave their magicks without the aid of crystals and without the marks of a Bearer. Magic that can be learned through books and study is an entirely novel concept to her — unbelievable, even — and the frown pinching her bow might suggest that she isn't looking forward to having to try it herself.

As she prowls the room she occasionally pauses by the refreshments to top up her glass of cheap-tasting wine, which she dinks slowly but steadily as the evening gives way to nigh. By the the time people begin leaving she can be found having sunk into one of the low sofas behind the folding wooden screens, her near-empty glass hanging from the tips of two fingers as she stares, far-away and glassy, at something that isn't there. )

Horizon access

[thedevilwhorose]

What's the hang-up, Sunshine? [He's practically chirping, arms folded, leaned a bit into her space later on, but not to the point where he's at any means interested in her appearance. But if she couldn't make the jump with Istredd than he's suddenly fascinated.

He's always drawn to the folks with a bit of a chip in their shoulder, what can he say? Comes with the gig.

And whatever maybe he's splitting the load or maybe he's just curious.]

Late Evening

[widows_kiss]

[ Natasha’s glass, in contrast, is still mostly full, but it’s become more of a prop at these things than anything. She’ll indulge in a few sips here and there but mostly she prefers to keep her wits about her as she observes their new arrivals. And observes who else might be observing them, outside their small number.

Spotting the unfamiliar woman sitting alone in a quiet corner, she ventures that way and sinks down nearby, stretching her legs out a little to get comfortable. ]

Had enough socializing for one night? You don’t strike me as the sort who prefers hiding at functions like these.

Catra | She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

[catchtheseclaws]

i. banquet

In the wannabe-world-conquering-military that Catra was raised, food came in two varieties: brown ration bars, and grey ration bars. She'd always preferred the brown ones because they had a slightly more protein-y taste than the grey ones. When she'd joined the Rebellion, the food situation had improved significantly. She'd discovered things like meat and vegetables and dairy and drinks, and it had all been pretty overwhelming.

Here, there's even more new food to get used to. Standing next to the huge table full of food in the center of the room, in the outfit she'd gotten to replace the one she'd been given after falling here, Catra stares down at a platter of food she doesn't recognize and pokes it cautiously with a claw. It wobbles threateningly.

Nearby, a clap-bang of magic sounds from a demonstration, and Catra hisses in alarm, her tail puffing up to three times its size. Then, she gets visibly annoyed by her own reaction, glowering at anybody that dared notice.

"What is this," she demands of the person closest, pointing to the food that had wobbled. "Why does it look like that."

ii. magic studies

As soon as she steps cautiously behind the screens, the noise of the gathering seems to fall away, but Catra's tension doesn't go with it. Ever since Istredd had mentioned the Horizon she's been interested in the idea -- she doesn't fully understand it, and it's enough like magic that it still makes her wary, but having a place to go to have private conversations away from Thorne's ever-present ears sounds like it'd be useful.

She settles gingerly onto the edge of one of the low sofas, ears pinned back, gaze darting to any sign of movement. Catra's not exactly the shy type, but she can't seem to make herself pursue anybody who can teach her about the Horizon. Instead, she'll just have to hope that somebody approaches her.

banquet.

[iustise]

To Catra's credit, if Lord John had a tail of his own, it would probably look much the same as he tries to calm his suddenly racing heart, trying to convince his brain that he need not truly drop to the floor and take cover, that that was not in fact the sound of rifle or cannon fire but the overzealous boom of someone's spell from nearby.

His eyes widen a fraction as he takes in the sight of her, from where she had been standing ahead of him in line for the banquet table. He had not truly appreciated the sight of her ears or tail until just now, and the fact that they were -- well. Real. He'd encountered many such disguises at the Masquerade ball put on by the fae last month, but there is no reason to maintain such magic here and now. And though John cannot claim to be an expert on those in the palace, he does not think he has seen this particular person here before.

"Ah," he says, doing his best to collect and center himself before replying, "It's a pudding."

Magic Studies

[wasalmostdaphne]

Normally, Bay would guess, that someone who isn't exactly human would be more comfortable in magic. However everything about this cat said she wasn't cool with things. Bay had come in with the hope she could learn a thing or two about magic from watching Istredd do his thing. But she can't help but butt in, if she thinks she can help. She tries to catch the woman's eye before talking, hoping to keep her attention.

"Not a fan of magic?" Bay's relaxed, putting some attempt at 'upbeat' into her expression in the hopes being friendly might cause the woman to relax. Channeling her mother was never an easy thing to put to her body language, since she spent so long trying to distance herself from her. Or maybe the world did that for her. "I'm Bay."

Bay's eyes don't drift much from Catra's face while she talks. And she will move to keep a line of sight if Catra tries to be anti-social.

banquet.

[londonbound]

Rhy is making his rounds, introducing himself to the new people, checking on those who knows-- when someone next to the food tables jumps and makes the oddest hissing noise. He reaches out automatically to reassure the girl, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Peace, friend. Are you all right?"

His gaze travels to the source of her apparent consternation. Is this poor young woman afraid of... dessert?

"Oh, that? It's strawberry jelly. I promise, it can't hurt you."

Unless one is allergic to strawberries or gelatin maybe, but Rhy doesn't have much of a concept of allergies, so he thankfully doesn't bring any of that up.

Bay Kennish | Switched at Birth

[wasalmostdaphne]

00. Preparation / Food

Bay having met a summoned with an... interesting relation to food, spent some time prior to the event in the kitchens baking all manner of sweet or savory treat for people, complete with little cards listing ingredients and what its called, for anything she was responsible for in the kitchen.

Anyone that arrives early enough will see her setting the items and serving tools out among the other food not made by her.

01. Still Overwhelmed

Bay did make a small attempt at approaching people, trying to talk, general polite things. It's exausting. People gathered in groups and trying to split her attention never worked. She did not get how Daphne managed.

Bay does what she did when she was new, mostly. She's curled up in the corner of the room with her sketchpad and charcoal, sketching various people who seem interesting. Rather than her introverted reading last time. She's also helpfully made a little card for herself.

Hi, I'm Bay.
Please wave to get my attention. And face me when talking. Thank you.

It's set next to her to helpfully solve any of the usual miscommunications when people come talk to her and she's doing something. She does plan to make another go at being social, but for now she'll happily let people come to her.

nikolai lantsov — grishaverse

[parce]

01 REFRESHMENTS

( this being his second gathering in thorne, nikolai feels that maybe he has a handle on things now.

(he doesn't.)

he hasn't been keeping track of the time but he knows it's been a few months now that he's been here and while it hasn't been terrible, some restlessness is starting to seep in. in ravka, he'd been able to leave the castle and at least set out on his own adventures but he's thoroughly stuck here.

there's an itchiness under his skin that's making him want to do something besides stand there with a glass of tea in his hands, watching magical demonstrations. but he's one person, he doesn't have his ship and he doesn't want to do something that might get him killed.

he'll have to think.

and until then, drink. )

02. MAGICAL DEMONSTRATIONS

( if there's one thing that nikolai hasn't quite gotten the hang of here, it's the use of magic.

and while he doesn't want to look like he's paying too close attention (because he doesn't want to admit a weakness), he is.

the horizon is something he hasn't explored much though he has been there. his realm remains mostly sparse and while he is half paying attention to the goings on, he's also thinking of how he could spruce his space up.

he has an idea or two. )

03 WILDCARD

( for anything else that you wanna do! )

01

[chosenfordarkness]

[ These banquets tend to bleed into one another in terms of memorability, though they've become a little less decadent. It's all fine, it always felt like there was too much, anyway. The wine still flows and everything continues.

One of the biggest universal tells is the restlessness of being pulled from something. The need for a weapon and a cause, the feeling of uselessness being in a castle with little to do on the horizon of something bigger looming. It took Anakin a few months to get it shaken from his system, but even then, it still lingers.

He sidles up to Nikolai with a glass of wine, his eyes on the lackluster magical performance. It's all for show, but mostly to impress the newcomers. He nods toward the center of the room. ]

Makes you wonder if they're intentionally trying to bore us.

Linhardt von Hevring | Fire Emblem: 3 Houses

[sleepfan]

Magic Studies - learning - but learning what?

[The healer is more interested in the quiet than anything else - there are too many people around and Linhardt would prefer to minimize his exposure to people. After a quick and efficient Horizon trip - ("What is the minimum amount of time necessary to count as a first visit?"), he claims a couch in the furthest, most unobtrusive place and proceeds to immediately fall asleep.

Some observation would reveal Linhardt slips in and out of sleep - he's not actually asleep the entire time, he just doesn't seem inclined to open his eyes or move at all.

Don't mind him. He's just listening.]

What was the last thing you said? I didn't catch it.

[He yawns, still remaining in his sleeping posture. Is it rude to jump into the conversation? Yes. He doesn't really care.]

Banquet 1 - observations

[Linhardt does not like social events. He's only really there because there might be new magic to learn. Since he isn't responsible for anything here, there's nothing stopping him from drinking, so his first stop is the refreshment table. And if he's drinking, he should also eat something, ergo Linhardt needs to stop at the food table.

He does take some food, but he doesn't move immediately - instead he's looking at the food on the table very intently.]

Something about this is tonally dissonant.

[And that is concerning.]

Banquet 2 - disappearing food

[The problem with this party is that quiet area is in the corner and the food is out in the open. Leaving the quiet corner means risking more social interaction, but not leaving the quiet corner means not trying any of the desserts and losing the nice layer of fuzziness that's over the world right now.

Luckily, Linhardt has teleportation magic. Which means that he can get food, drink, and other miscellaneous items without leaving the safety of the Quiet Corner. Annoyingly, it appears there's some variable in Abraxan spacetime that means Linhardt has to actually see what he's teleporting and he can barely move anything, so he has to pop his head above the screens every time he wants something and sometimes he has to act multiple times to get a new plate of food.

Forks and other cutlery tend to disappear and reappear, as do plates - the food that appears to blip out of existence never returns.

For people in the quiet area, the odd man in the back who's been sleeping(?) seems to have awoken. He frequently peeks out over the screens, an action that is followed by the appearance of food that Linhardt immediately starts eating.]

Banquet — Observations

[soothsighs]

( It has been some time since Urianger attended one of Thorne's meet-and-greets for new Summoned. He remembers well his own arrival — how he'd been immediately suspicious of their captors motives, and now in the aftermath of the Queen's temper tantrum? He feels justified in his gut feeling.

Thorne cannot be trusted. The other Summoned, on the other hand, deserve supports wherever possible. )

"This" could refer to many aspects of thine arrival in this place.

( Urianger replies, unsure as to whether the man is speaking to him directly or simply musing aloud. No harm in replying, at least. )

Might I enquire as to the current source of thy feelings of dissonance?

Disappearing Food

[widows_kiss]

[ The teleporting has baffled at least three servants who have been bustling back and forth refilling platters, but Natasha has watched it all play out from a short distance away, nursing her glass of wine and hiding a bemused smile behind her glass, should anyone look her way.

It’s only when she sees that unfamiliar head poke out from behind the screens once more and yet another thing abruptly vanishing from the table that she pushes away from her spot and saunters towards that screen. Coming around it to peer behind it with an amused look, she arches an eyebrow at the young man she finds there. ]

Having fun?

observations.

[londonbound]

[ As one of the organizers of this event, Rhy has done his best to mingle with as many of the new people as he can catch. He's always been a friendly, outgoing type, but thankfully, Rhy is aware enough to realize that not everyone is like him; he doesn't mind.

At some point, he's noticed the quiet young man who's spent most of his time behind the screens with Istredd (and seems to have occasionally nabbed some food by mysterious means). Since his goal here is to give everyone a friendly face to recognize and build camaraderie, Rhy waits until he seems more approachable before coming closer for an introduction, not wanting to be intruding or annoying.

Whether the comment was actually meant as a conversation on the newcomer's part or was just a passing musing, Rhy takes the opportunity. ]

What do you mean? I'm happy to clear up any questions you may have, if I can.

Magic!

[blackeyedprince]

If Linhardt could have been bothered to open his eyes, he would notice that the man explaining is pale, redhead with mismatching eyes - yes, it is all black. no, it wasn't an accident, he was born like that - and a perpetual scowl. Kell is trying to be approachable and helpful. He's doing his best. He just doesn't have Istredd's calm or patience. And he hates having to repeat himself.

"I said that learning spells only from books is not enough as you always need someone to teach you pronunciation." At least he's able to keep himself from overtly rolling his eyes. "I would have been easier to get, if you weren't asleep halfway through the explanation."

Obviously, he's not one of the teachers, and he barely manages to hide that he'd greatly prefers to be anywhere else. But those welcoming parties are important, crucial even, both to new and old Summoned. Especially in Thorne. So Kell drags himself to every single one, grits his teeth, helps as much as he can with preparations, and then makes a valiant attempt at being somewhat socially tolerable. It's taxing, and sometimes he slips.

jill warrick ❄ ff xvi

[glaciare]

i. banquet

( While others may claim the spread laid out for them is meager by comparison, for Jill it's the most food she's seen in one place that is free for her to eat since she was twelve. Even Lord Byron was limited by the state of the realm and the inescapable encroach of the Blight upon Rosaria's farmlands. There is just simply so much of it here that she can't help but wonder who or what is going hungry for their luxury. It seems unnecessary, truly -- they might be distinguished and honored guests here to fight battles for Thorne, but the idea that they need not want for anything at all sits poorly with Jill. Yet by that turn... she is not a woman who doesn't enjoy food.

She can be found with a small plate in her hand, very clearly debating over her options. The meat pasties look delicious, the steam wafting off them has her nearly salivating. But there's other stews that look to be divine, especially when paired with the steaming hot buns. The sliced ham is also tempting, and Jill's hand wavers between that and the serving utensils for the roast beef. Oh, and she forgot the roasted vegetables -- abandoning her plans for the mean, Jill spoons herself a reasonably sized amount of those. )

Oh, the wine.

( She'd almost forgot! )

ii. magic studies.

( Jill's experience with magic is unlike anything taught here; while others might only be half focusing, all of her attention is on the lessons being taught -- from the Horizon to the unique way of communicating. It reminds her of a stolas, if lacking the telepathic part of the messengers. But it is a familiar practice, if in theory, and might be easier to grasp rather than creating her own world. Not that she isn't interested in that, but-- start small. Work her way up, just to make certain that using this world's magic will not come at a cost she cannot afford to pay. )

Well, shall we try it out?

( She asks, turning to the nearest person to her. It isn't something she wishes to have go awry when she needs it, and knowing how to send and how they will be received will keep her from being surprised by any message when it comes time to truly use them. )

iii. wildcard

[ jill can be found around the gathering -- she may not start conversation, but will always politely chat if approached. most of her attention is on the magic displays, and her eyes never rest on one singular person for long. she also spends a fair amount of time interacting with the people who are there to work within the bounds of their job; the only time she seems to have initiated conversation. feel free to throw something else at me if none of the above catches your attention! ]

Banquet!

[soothsighs]

( Urianger notices the woman studying the banquet table early on in the evening. He thinks little of it — there's a lot to choose from, after all — and while there's a vague recollection from the Nocwich markets he isn't about to intrude on her time unnecessarily.

It's when a good amount of time has passed and, from the corner of her eye, he spots that she's still pondering over her choices of food, at which point he feels the same tug that he felt for the Pixies, the Loporrits, and even for Ryne guiding him towards her. )

Art thou in need of some assistance, my lady?

( A small smile touches the corner of Urianger's lips as he lets his gaze drift to the spread. )

Even discounting the wine, 'tis a great deal to choose from ...

( But then he glances towards her plate, at which point a little amusement settles into his gaze: )

For such a diminutive plate.

Banquet

[widows_kiss]

Here.

[ A glass of sparkling wine is held in Jill’s line of vision as Natasha steps up beside her, having just plucked a pair of flutes from a passing server’s tray. She offers it to the woman with a crooked smile, her eyes warm. ]

It’s a little overwhelming, isn’t it? All of this.

ii

[funbreaker]

I suppose that would depend on what you mean by "it."

[ Thancred's reply comes easily enough, although his gaze is a bit sharper than his tone as he looks over this new arrival. There are quite a few here this time around, and Thancred makes a habit of stopping by this gathering that Rhy always puts together when there's another group fresh from the well.

It's good to size up those new Summoned who will be trapped here in Thorne's comfortable cage with them, and to also keep an eye out for any familiar faces. ]

If it's spells you'd like to sling around, I may have to decline, but if you need help with the Horizon...

[ Here he sends her a charming smile, which seems to find it to his face with no trouble at all. ]

By all means.

Banquet!

[youmiscalculated]

[ Adora, for 17 years, only had two types of food to eat: gray ration bar or brown ration bar. Neither was actually good now that she's had real food to compare, and she really hopes she never sees another ration bar ever again in her life. She's only just gotten to sample the wider ranges of food Bright Moon has to offer—not to mention greater Etheria—and now there's even more food to get to know.

Which means her plate is much like Jill's, and when she hears the delighted-sounding comment about wine, she perks up. ]

It's so good. And there's like...so much. More than I think any of us should actually drink.

clive rosfield | final fantasy xvi

[flagrates]

BANQUET

[ He's no stranger to a ballroom, though it's been 20 years since he properly set foot inside one, and even longer since he set foot inside one with the intent to stay and experience the festivities. He's never been one for large crowds, and today is no exception, though he doesn't take his leave early as he normally would, mostly because he's more curious than anything about this place they've all been summoned to. He idles, for a while, watching the magic demonstrations, clapping absentmindedly when the rest of the crowd reacts to a particularly flashy spell, though he's clearly not as impressed by it. Contemplative, maybe.

He'll wander over to the refreshmant tables eventually, frowning at the sheer display of everything there. He is hungry, though, and so he'll pick up a plate and start picking at what's available, finally settlting on a meat pastie, and more than one serving of the roasted vegetables. He hovers over the wine and tea, however, frowning again but this time in what is clearly indecision. ]

You can make tea from lemongrass?


MAGIC STUDIES

[ It's quieter over here, and Clive has moved past the folding screens to clear his mind and contemplate this place — this gilded cage he's been brought to. At least he isn't alone, but he's not sure if he's happy about it or not, and he needs a moment or two to think about it, clear his mind.

His ears prick up at the sound of someone's voice, and hesitates at the edge of the small crowd forming around the man giving what seems to be an academic lecture, of some sort, about entering a place known as Horizon, and it's got Clive intrigued enough that he's willing to give a go, if a hestiant one. He doesn't know about the magic in this place, not yet. He's got his own, and it's more than enough for him, but this... Horizon. Maybe it could be useful? He pipes up during a lull in the conversation, raising an eyebrow. ]

And.. we are free to enter and leave as we will?


WILDCARD

( OOC: Hit me up with whatever! If you'd like to continue a TDM thread we can do so here, or if you'd like to bump into Clive elsewhere at the party, that's fine too! )

tdm #1; spoilers for endgame xvi

[glaciare]

[ cont. from here. ]

( She sighs, letting out a long breath as she shakes her head. No, Torgal hadn't come with her. She misses him, of course, but knows he can take care of himself until she gets back to him. No one in the Hideaway would ever think of not spoiling him rotten. But that does nothing to address the next problem:

What had they gotten themselves into this time? )

Something we'll face together. ( Which isn't much of an answer, but it's the one that she has. Jill rests her forehead against his, one hand still cupping his cheek while the other presses against his chest -- over his heart -- to feel the beat of it, the rise and fall with every breath he takes. ) We'd best start out by finding the answer to that question. What to do from there... we'll figure something out. We always do.

( They are never going to have a quiet moment. Jill has long accepted that as the truth of their lives, and this... wherever this is, whatever they've landed in, is no different. But unlike home, where Ultima was truly always going to be something only Clive could face, here he need not shoulder every burden alone. Here she could protect him just as well as he could her -- and through means which did not destroy her from the inside out. )

Lucifer | Supernatural

[thedevilwhorose]

[He does not want to be here.

He barely even looks like he should be here, fully sprawled out in a chair with his eyes closed and head back and occasionally there might be some sign that he's glances at some part of the room, but otherwise for all intents and purposes, he's just some weird dude present.

Occasionally he may've moved about the room, but hardly very often.

But if anyone is highly perceptive they will see through the facade: Lucifer is paying very close attention, both to the new Summoned, and the veterans, and how everyone is interacting with one another. ]

[catchtheseclaws]

Catra's mostly so caught up in her own confusion and irritation that she's not really paying attention to anybody that's not directly in her face -- but there's a Cat Law that states that cats are naturally drawn to people who aren't trying to get their attention, and thus, she winds up noticing the guy who looks like he's trying to sleep but is actually keeping a real close eye on everyone.

So, for funsies, Catra gets out of his line of vision. Approaches on silent feet from behind. And gets her hands on the back of the chair he's on, greeting with, "You know, I hear it's impolite," she puts on a snotty accent for the word, "to be anti-social?"

Catra leisurely pulls backward on the chair, tipping it back until its precariously balanced on two legs and she's hovering over him, upside-down to his vision, a face full of a fangy beaming grin. "You must be even less of a people person than I am, which is pretty impressive, I gotta say. Or are you secretly scoping out the place to do something nefarious later?"

elrond | rings of power | temperance

[politicians]

( i. these hands can heal )

[ compared to the magic classes and much more showy sort of demonstrations, elrond's healing classes are much quieter. he introduces himself in a soft voice that comforts people and guides them through the various herbs and poultices once can use to soothe away bruise and seep away the ills. anyone is welcome to watch and participate.

there is no magic glow, no heavenly touch. but the smells that waft into the air along with the slow deliberate of elrond's voice is its own magic and you might find yourself feeling better, regardless.

once the class is over, he'll pause to greet stragglers. ]

Was that meaningful for you?

( ii. banquet )

[ while elrond enjoys these gatherings and he's certainly in his element, dressed in a sea blue clock, trimmed in gold. he helps himself primarily to salads and vegetables, breads and the like but he remains studiously away from the red meats. at your questioning glance, elrond merely smiles. ]

I'm afraid it does not suit my appetite.

( iii. wildcard )

[ got a different prompt you’d like to do? ping me on timmtams / pm this journal. elrond will be mostly at the library working on peace treatises and letters to be sent to other nations, going to magic classes along with hosting his healing sessions and will generally be seen around thorne itself. ]

( ii. banquet )

[parce]

No?

( nikolai looks down at the meat and tips his head from one side to the other before he shrugs. )

Perhaps I'll eat enough for the both of us, then. If it poisons me, I suppose I'll have it coming.

( he says it easily though, grinning at elrond before he takes a piece for himself. )

Do you not eat meat at all or just this meat?

Adora | SPoP | Strength

[youmiscalculated]

[ There is so much to do, and so much to see, that Adora gets lost in trying to pack in as much as she can as fast as possible. But there are reminders to slow down every now and then, when she's moving slowly enough to see them. ]

ɴᴇᴛᴡᴏʀᴋ

[ Adora is trying to get ahold of this network thing and thinking in her head but only what she wants people to hear. Read. See? Gosh. ]

𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴? 𝘈𝘮 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵?

[ There's a scroll of random thoughts that amount to gibberish before she figures it out again. ]

𝘞𝘰𝘢𝘩. 𝘞𝘦𝘪𝘳𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦...𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘰𝘭. 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦? 𝘐𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥? 𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴.

[ She has no idea how to really end this. ]

𝘖𝘩, 𝘪𝘧 𝘐'𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘐'𝘮 𝘈𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘢. 𝘐 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘈𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘐'𝘮 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘯𝘯𝘺𝘸𝘢𝘺...𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘢 𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵? 𝘖𝘩! 𝘋𝘰 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘦?

[ She does not need coffee and no one should encourage her. ]

Mᴀɢɪᴄ Sᴛᴜᴅɪᴇs

[ Magic is either really screwing with her, or it's...well, it's screwing with her. not at all backtracking As her magic has come back, she's been able to transform, but it isn't the same. It doesn't just feel different, she is different. She isn't channeling She-Ra anymore, and Adora isn't sure how to feel about it. And she should tell Catra, she knows, but it scares her too much to admit out loud.

She doesn't have her sword, and that make her feel more than a little bereft; not because of the sword itself, but because being able to manifest it all on her own from nothing was such a hard-fought battle she'd won in the end. Over her own mind, no less, and now it's just...gone, and she needs something else to help her transform again.

Still, there's an interested young woman at the banquet watching the magical displays with keen interest. When she's especially intrigued and amazed her blue eyes glow just a little brighter than natural when she grins. Maybe it isn't so bad? If everyone else is okay with using the Singularity...maybe it isn't bad? She knows better than that, though. Or she should. ]

Do you ever wonder if something could corrupt the Singularity and everyone's magic?

[ She asks this of the person she decides to finally approach, watching until they don't seem busy. ]

[catchtheseclaws]

"Uh, yeah, look at everything that happened with the Runestones and the Heart of Etheria. When there's a single source of magic, everything's vulnerable, because everything has a weak point."

Catra's been doing her own observing of the magic demonstrations, much in the way a soldier scopes out an enemy's training regime. The one thing she is interested in the Horizon. For now, she's content to lurk near the banquet and pick out what looks like a tiny sandwich packed with some kind of meat, tossing it into her mouth and chewing. No table manners whatsoever.

She'd say more about her thoughts on how stupid it is for Thorne to rely so heavily on magic when the Singularity is a singular source, but... there's ears everywhere, and for once, she doesn't feel like getting in trouble. Not yet, anyway.

"Why, you planning on learning some of the magic here?" Catra's not sure how to feel about that. "You can already punch through a tank, what do you need spells for."

Kelson Haldane | Deryni

[kingforboth]

Banquet

Kelson was used to banquets, so he spent his time smiling and chatting and sipping a glass of wine. Of which he had definitely had better. Still, he kept his game face on, despite the fact that he absolutely hated parties, would have much rather been reading a book, but was at least grateful for not being the center of attention for once. Thank goodness for small favors.

And while he had only just arrived, it didn't take a master spy to realize things were not all well in Thorne. Between the extra guard presence and the rather disappointing offerings (really, he had hoped there had at least been better wine), Kelson would hazard a guess that things were worse off than those who summoned them would like them to believe.

So, he did his best to smile, sip his wine and look like he at least was having a good time. Maybe. Kind of.

Magic Demonstrations

Well. This was different. Honestly nothing he couldn't do himself, but different. The way they did the magic seemed inherently distinct from his own, not to mention the idea that anyone could learn it.

And there was the fact that they were showing magic off like it as simple as juggling. He couldn't help smiling at that. Acceptance.

banquet

[ordinar]

He comes to these things mostly to support Rhy, Kell, and Istredd, who are at the helm of all the planning, but he figures he should probably say hi to the new Summoned too. Wilhelm's usual plan is arrive late, pick a few new faces to approach — gravitating toward those who look around his age or totally out of place — and dip out early. Sometimes with a bottle of wine tucked under his arm. Working on step two of the plan, he pulls up next to Kelson, who looks not only young (and pretty, he can't help but notice), but also a little bored.

"Is this the most fun you've ever had?"

The particular curl of his smile reveals the joke. No shade to the party planners — this isn't really intended to be a rager, but half dinner party and half informational session. Wilhelm has his own glass of wine, which he tilts to his lips.