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 recent important events that happened in Abraxas. They may have heard that the Summoned were invited to the Nether in October to help save the ailing dragons from extinction. Kyle and Rhy Maresh represented the Thorne Summoned in a negotiation with the Nether officials to exchange supplies for assistance with their navy. The dragons are alive and well, and the Draconae are very grateful.

Due to an announcement in November, the Summoned are invited to visit Borrel after Nocwich (the first weekend of the month) for the Maritime Fair. It is a three-day festival with lodging provided for the Summoned and a small stipend.



General.

With Rhy Maresth's blessing, Jill Warrick will be taking over his hosting duties on the celebration side of the mingle. Jill 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 Istredd, Jill, or Rhy, 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 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 and liquor from large glass carafes. Hot tea and a variety of warm drinks are also available in a few flavors. 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. Jill arranged for special refreshments to be offered in partnership with local businesses. Dante has also offered pizza for those who want something less traditional.

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. Everything is decorated in Thorne's local winter flowers, filling the space with pleasant smells and pretty atmosphere. There is 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.

Istredd is 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. Istredd recommends people visit his Horizon because he has a history of the Summoned and general helpful details written in there for anyone to see.

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. Your character can also know anything from the entries I linked to above that are in his library if you'd like to jump-start them into having information, or they can know none of it.

Thanks to Lena for originally designing this mingle every month, and Ammay for joining in on the fun now!))

Comments

Istredd | The Witcher | The High Priestess

[magicalarchaeologist]

Istredd takes these events seriously and he's settled into his role as cohost after many months of taking over with Rhy. With Jill now helping as cohost, he luckily doesn't have to panic about not knowing how to throw the party end. He is only seen on that side briefly, either to show off his exceptional illusion magic, causing fireworks to appear on the ceiling of the ballroom and around people to enjoy the lights, and then grabbing a drink so he doesn't end up dehydrated from talking and interacting all night.

"If you would like to learn how to use basic Academic Magic here, or to train in your own, I hold classes every other day and I'm happy to talk about it." That he says after his magical demonstration, and he goes over to his side afterward.

He is then found behind the folding screens where it is comfortable and easy for people to meditate if they'd like to go to the Horizon. He may be seen doing exactly that, or explaining how to use the magical network so people will understand why they might see words appear in front of their eyes. 

Despite him being used to this now, Istredd can come off as a little too serious, his demeanor calm and collected, what you may want from a teacher but not someone who engages in small talk easily. Tall at 6'3, he wears simple and unassuming clothes and wouldn't stand out if it was up to him. The trait that stands out the most is his vivid eyes, so blue they can be seen from across a room. Otherwise he is just here to help.

[thoughts]

River watches his display with wide eyes and rapt attention. She's still trying to accept the notion that magic is real ( magic is real, not yīgè mài qiáo de rén ) and anyone can teach or learn it. How could the impossible be captured in a book or taught the same as advanced mathematics or theoretical physics?

Between that and the too-blue of his eyes, she imagines Istredd must be someone special. She trails behind him front a distance as he makes his way to the more private area of the hall - but she lingers at the boundary of the folding screens, hesitating. Meditation isn't really in her realm, when silence and stillness run contrary to her entire existence. Even if her mind isn't reading right now, her body thrums with energy and her thoughts are restless.

So she stays outside of the magicked area, half of her body tucked behind the screen as she watches Istredd talk with other people. If there's a lull as someone moves away, she might perk up as though to find her way over, only to hesitate a moment too long when others shuffle in. Too skittish to push herself into this strange new world, she just lingers outside of it instead, eyes still wild with curiosity as she listens and watches and waits.

[theladyofwinterfell]

Sansa is interested in learning how to access the Horizon and while the concept itself is completely foreign to her, she knows it is a key part of living here in this place and she will need to harness the ability to go there and create a place of her own. She spots Istredd from across the room and he seems to be authoritative in this regard, instructing people and overseeing their progress.

When she approaches him, it is with an air of confidence even if she is in a deficit of knowledge on this matter. He is tall, one of the few people she's met recently that is taller than she is, and she tips her face up so that she is able to look him in the eyes.

"I would like to learn how to access the Horizon. I know a bit about what it is but I want to be able to go there myself. Would you be able to help me with that?"

[diametrically]

Despite Cassian's best efforts to remain unimpressed and skeptical about magic, the atmosphere and perhaps some of the drink eventually wears away at the passive mask he attempts to keep on his face. It's not just Istredd's impressive (yes, alright he'll admit it) display of magic, but also the fact that this is allegedly the man that Ailyn had described as The Nerd.

He could see why.

Head Nerd or not, it's clear from the get go that his wealth of knowledge runs deep. Cassian can at least recognize that if they aren't in this together because of whatever fates decided to toss them, they'd have a much more difficult time of things. Hence the gathering, he supposes. When there's a lull in conversation he approaches him.

"They don't mind that you offer classes?" It's a question to test the waters, so to speak. Understand how much their hosts allow and don't. "I'm surprised."

[londonbound]

At some point later in the evening, when Istredd looks less busy, Rhy will approach him. He's not shy about stepping right up to Istredd, clapping him on the shoulder and even coming in for a hug if the mage isn't quick enough to step away.

"Istredd! My friend, it's wonderful to see everything coming together, even without me. Maybe I should be a little hurt?"

He's joking. Mostly.

jyn erso | the tower

[vallt]

banquet.

[the invitation is fucking ridiculous, and jyn would've ignored this entirely if not for two things — one, the food, still a novelty to her after six standard months of the worst prison rations imaginable, and two, the opportunity to listen, maybe learn some truth through all the bantha shit she's been sifting through since she'd arrived. if she's honest, though, the first reason is much more compelling.

she'll give it to whoever had deigned themselves to put this on; there's quite a spread on the dining table in the center of the ballroom. once she enters, she heads there immediately, not stopping for, or bothering to make eye contact with, a single person. and once there, she sets immediately to the work of piling her plate high with as many different foods as she can possibly grab. it doesn't matter that she hasn't had a lot of this before; her growling stomach will take anything.

once she's sufficiently hoarded a feast for herself, doing a precarious balancing act with her plate in one hand and a drink in her other, she finds a place by the ballroom wall, standing off to the side. there is no nonverbal signal she's sending that invites conversation in any way.

for anyone who tries to approach, she has a raised brow. a curt (through a full mouth, depending):]

Not a chance.


wildcard.

[i'm also open to any other scenario you might like! feel free to hit me up at lensflares, or same username on discord]

[thoughts]

[ although it's under much different circumstances, river is just as enchanted by the offering of so much food. not a lot of options when you spend most of your time in space, scraping by with just a few credits to feed a whole crew - and the time before that isn't worth considering, when she was a plaything of the liánméng and even earlier when her parents still cared for them in all their finery.

so while the opulence isn't exactly unfamiliar, it's new enough to find river wandering about with a sparkle of wonder in her eyes. she sees jyn make off with a veritable mountain of treats and curiosity has her following from a distance, heedless of her standoffish aura. it's more of a game than anything else as river creeps closer, staying low as though that's stealthy enough in such a wide open space.

not surprising when jyn's voice catches river in the act of a small, pale hand reaching for something at the edge of her plate. sure, there's plenty more on the table, but this one is just there! river blinks guilelessly at her. ]

It's an excess - excessive. Gonna fall.

banquet

[glaciare]

( Jill's lessons in hosting ended when she was twelve, but there are some things drilled in by a parade of governesses that doesn't go away. Checking in on one's guests is one of them, though Jill is far more reserved and less prone to idle gossip as the women who she was trained to impress. Still, it's the first time she'd ever had to put her training to use.

Though she isn't going to press those who don't wish for company. Jill give the other woman a small nod and remains a respectful distance away. )

If there's aught else you might need, please do not hesitate to ask.

[thedevilwhorose]

I wonder if Thorne is just about summoning strays now. [It's said with disdain, looking down at her like she's small, so much the epitome of humanity.

Just shy of worthless.

Why not summon people like her? That go headfirst into the 'gifts' provided by Thorne. Here's everything you never had, at the cost of what? Freedom you perchance never had?

Lucifer really hates this place.]

[diametrically]

[ Cassian isn't quick to forgot how willing Ailyn had been to punch him and a hapless merchant for some what they both thought were (mostly) harmless comments. Experience should tell him that it's very likely to happen again - and yet here he is approaching her. Call him a glutton for punishment, or just plain Dumb (although realistically it's probably a little bit of both) - but he figures that it can't hurt to try and make a tentative ally of the one person who he knows for certain is from the same galaxy.

It doesn't go unnoticed that she had employed a similar tactic to him, bouncing between the walls and the table like both those spots were safe havens in a crowd of unfamiliar faces. Cassian doesn't stop think about it too much, eyes wandering to other places, other people in the room with them. But then he had seen her hovering around the banquet table looking for something that he had made off with seconds before. ]

I saw you looking for the last one of these. [ He offers her one of his own raised eyebrows in return before shrugging flippantly. ] But if you don't want it, I'll have it.

joshua rosfield ( ffxvi ) death

[eikonology]

BANQUET
a.
[ to be perfectly frank, joshua should probably still be resting. he'd been physically taxed to his limit when he'd arrived, and though the physickers and healers here are quite skilled, well.. truthfully, it's going to take him some time to back away from death's door.

still, scarier people than the healers here have tried and failed to keep joshua in bed when he's unwell, and so it wouldn't surprise anyone that knows him to discover that the minute he'd been strong enough to drag himself to his feet, he'd been out the door. he has a lot to learn about this place, and he needs to find a way to leave.

one thing at a time, though, and thus here he is: too pale, still a little unsteady on his feet, handkerchief at the ready and scarf drawn as high on his throat as possible to hide the black tendrils of the prison embedded in his breastbone. he doesn't look much like an archduke or a powerful dominant right now, but considering this is a world entirely unrelated to valisthea and no one so much as knows his name, he's not particularly fussed about it.

he is having trouble with the tea, though. his hands are trembling too hard to carry the cup and saucer safely back to the table he was seated at, and that's annoying. he frowns at the cup in question like it just insulted his brother, shaking his fingers out like it's a matter of willing the weakness away. when that doesn't make a difference--tarja certainly would be cross with him right now--he finally gives in with a tired sigh, turning to someone else serving themself. ] Pardon me, but could I beg your assistance? [ he holds up his hands, mouth pursed with displeasure. (a look he inherited from his mother, and one he'd bitterly deny.) ] I'm afraid that I'd break the cup if I tried to carry it.

b.
[ the magic displays are.. distressing. while it's not exactly uncommon at home for the extremely wealthy and powerful to use their bearers for entertainment in this way, wringing them of every last drop of their magic and killing them for nothing more than vanity, this is still such a wasteful display that it leaves joshua breathless with dismay. of course, he understands that this isn't valisthea, and magic doesn't seem to be the curse here that it was there, but even so--

he flinches at a particularly showy burst of fire, his own fingers tingling with the physical memory of what it feels like to use his own flames, and he curls them the trailing edges of his scarf to hide the reaction. ] What-- What is the cost of magic here? [ surely there must be some price to be paid. ]


WILDCARD
[ joshua will definitely visit the horizon and probably spend a lot of time in istredd's library, will also take notes during magic studies, and at some point, he'll have to step out of the ballroom to deal with his cough, too.. so there are other options to encounter him if you want!! feel free to prompt me, or pm, or message me at perilous to ask for a personalized prompt. ]

[flagrates]

[ The hand that steadies his should be familiar, though at the moment it isn't clad in armor, just a nice shirt. He'd spotted Joshua across the room, taking off from Jill's side without any other word than 'Joshua!?'pushing his way through the crowd of people to get to his brother just in time to keep the tea cup from falling. He pulls the cup out of Joshua's hand, sets it down on the nearest flat surface and pulls his brother into a hug so tight Clive knows he's probably at least leaving a mark, but he can't help it.

His brother is here and alive, though hardly. With as pale as he is, his brother should be resting, but Clive doesn't have it in him to scold him, not yet, and instead he pulls away just enough to look his brother in the eye, unable to speak at first. ]

You're here. I'm sorry.

WILDCARD/B; sometime after Clive

[glaciare]

( Jill hadn't even gotten a glimpse of the younger Rosfield before Clive had simply vanished from her side with a "Joshua?" and she'd seen him making his way through the gathered Summoned to embrace the younger man. Smiling, she'd left them to it -- all too happy to let them reunite as privately as they could here. There's a job for her to do here, too, and Jill turns back to doing her best as a host.

Once she can spy that Joshua has, at least for the moment, managed to shake his older brother off, Jill approaches him with a small but warm smile. )

There is none. The idea took some time to get used to, but the magic here comes at no price to the world or the user. ( Joshua will get a hug if he wishes for one, though she wonders if Clive has broken all of his ribs with his joy. ) Hello, Joshua.

also wildcarding/B

[princeofruin]

[In a proper royal manner, it appears Joshua's arrival was greeted by procession. Only when his conversation concludes with Jill does Dion ever decide to make his way over, knowing well that, between the three of them, he is rigidly an outsider.

It would be impossible to have missed him. Foregoing the threads of familiar ether that run through all of them, for all of the Joshua's fair hair and boyish face, he still carries himself like a man who knows, exactly, his position through the world.

Perhaps less so here. Perhaps less so for the weakness he has been carrying -- that he may carry still.

Dion's thoughts may be particularly colored by the fact that the last thing he saw, before turning to Ultima, was the Phoenix's bright burn, his glowing wings. A magnificent sight to behold, to be sure, if one had had the time to appreciate it.]

Phoenix. [He bows his head slightly, body coiled tight -- as if it is taking everything in him to hold himself back from grabbing the man to make sure he does, in fact, live. But he does smile, which is the first breaking of that taut coiling.] Joshua. I am glad to see you greeted by more than ghosts.

[He half-turns to indicate Clive and Jill. Truly, it is a wonder the former has left Joshua alone at all. And as for himself... well, is he hardly more than a ghost, in the end?]

b.

[ordinar]

[Wilhelm, somewhere nearby piling pizza onto his plate (thanks, Dante), slowly realizes that he might be the target audience of this question. To be honest, he's not exactly sure what the man is asking. But he looks new — at least, Wilhelm doesn't recognize him — and he sounds faintly alarmed, so he'll hazard a stab at answering.]

The cost? [His brow wrinkles in thought.] Well, it takes a lot of time and practice to get it right. You have to take it seriously, or you won't get anywhere

[He shifts his gaze to the fire that a mage is juggling, that the newbie watches. When he concentrates on its movement, he feels the heat in his own fingertips, somewhere under his skin. He could reach out and steal the flame if he wanted to.]

And...you have to accept that you might fail. Things might go wrong. You have to respect it, but you can't fear it.

a.

[londonbound]

[ Rhy's already noticed, heading toward the refreshments table. He's making his rounds, ever the host even if he didn't actually set up this particular gathering, this time. Spotting someone struggling, he's there immediately, reaching out to steady the young man.

When asked, he'll take the cup, carefully carrying it and indicating a nearby table to sit at. ]

Not to worry. Here, I'll help you.

Are you quite all right?


(( ooc: just a quick note to please avoid spoilers for ffxvi, if you don't mind! I'm about 2/3rds of the way done, thank you so much! ))

cassian andor | star wars | the tower

[diametrically]

— banquet

[ Parties and events of gathering normally wouldn't be daunting or foreign to him; once upon a time he had been at the very heart of them, coaxing Maarva to dance with him or drinking the night away with friends. And yet for some reason when he receives the flyer to join this particular gathering the thought of going settles uncomfortably on his skin. But what else is there to do? Mope in his room and ruminate? Trek around the castle for the umpteenth time? At the very least there would be food and information - two things that he was currently lacking.

Quite by accident, he arrives early and is roped into setting up the banquet hall. He doesn't complain too much, introducing himself as 'Alyx' and seems eager to help because it will keep his mind and body occupied. His last task involves carrying an absurdly large dragon made out of fruit into the banquet hall. It makes walking down the hallway and opening doors a difficult task. Why they couldn't have given this job to someone who could magic it there is beyond him but here he is, unable to see past the damn thing. Help a guy out? Or don't. That's an option too.

Later on when the gathering begins in earnest Cassian will ping-pong back and forth between the tables and wall with a heaping pile of food on his plate. Someone might get the impression that he hasn't eaten in a while - or just has a very healthy appetite. Feel free to watch as he burns his tongue on a piping hot slice of pizza or coax him out of his wallflower tendencies. ]

— magic studies

[ When he isn't being wallflower or stuffing his face, Cassian is incredibly attentive not just to the information being relayed to them but to the bodies moving around the room too. He tries not to get too caught up in the magical demonstrations even though it's clear that there's a spark of interest in his eyes; despite his previous skepticism, it's clear that the exposure to magic is slowly wearing that away. The thing that gets the biggest reaction out of him however is the explanation of the Horizon. In particular, the loss of memory makes his shoulders shift uncomfortably. Under his breath, or perhaps to the person next to him he comments - ]

The possibility of being trapped in my own mind isn't exactly comforting.

— wildcard

( Dealer's choice. Feel free to throw me something different or hit me up at timescars or discord @ cardialloyed. )

— magic studies

[stations]

( It feels a little bit weird, being here for the second time. Not technically new, not technically old. Detached from the Singularity, but fully familiar with how to access it again. He remembers vividly what it was like the first time around, his own fear, his own trepidation — and the trepidation of the werewolf guy sitting next to him, who was nice enough to try first so Jack didn't have to.

Guess it's his turn to do that.

He tries for what sort of looks like a smile at the uncomfortable-sounding man next to him. )

Oh- don't worry. I've been here before. It's really not that bad. I mean, the first time is a little weird, but if you go with somebody that knows what they're doing it's over pretty quickly.

( Jack doesn't paint a very reassuring figure, probably. He's a skinny guy, late twenties, with bruises under his eyes and the general unhealthy complexion of somebody that chronically doesn't sleep. Add to it the fact that he's missing a finger on his left hand and his right leg's visibly a prosthetic from the knee down, and it's very easy to assume he's extremely unlucky at best, or outright damaged at worst. Maybe not the kind of person you want to put your confidence in. At least he seems... calm? )

banquet

[ushiri]

Here -

[ Kahlil appears from behind 'Alyx', striding up to the next set of doors and holding one half open for him with one hand and making sure the path is clear. He offers a raised eyebrow to the fruity dragon sculpture, and deftly snags a strawberry from its back ridges, popping it into his mouth.

If Cassian's done any casual digging yet, he might be able to identify this man as Kyle, one of the Summoned known for working for the crown as a courier.

Depending on who he asks, he may have even heard a rumor that birds killed his entire family. ]

magic studies.

[glaciare]

( His help had been met with thanks from Jill earlier in the evening as she attempted to put the final touches on the event; her own anxiety over being responsible for such a thing buried underneath the drive to see it done in time and well. And anyone willing to give their time and energy in service of it is most welcome in her mind.

She's floating in between groups of Summoned when something he says catches her attention. Istredd is a good teacher, and better friend -- and no better guide for those who may be hesitant. )

I felt the same. ( Jill offers, kindly. ) But Istredd will not let you linger overlong if you so wish.

yennefer of vengerberg | the witcher | chariot

[vixening]

[ it is not generally like yennefer to show up to these events. the last few of them she'd had her own worries taking up her focus, and she knows herself well enough to know that she is not a welcoming face for newcomers to help get settled. still, istredd always tends to let her know when the dates are set and that she would be appreciated if she would make an appearance.

whatever her reasons this time, yennefer does decide to attend - arriving in her usual splendor and elegance, as she would any other banquet. it is entirely possible that any of the newly summoned will already have heard rumors about her, from her lengthy stay within the castle to her close connection with the queen. those who have been around the castle for more than just these few days might notice that she doesn't seem quite as straight-edged and tense as she might have before. perhaps, depending on the person, even approachable. either way, you can find her watching the magic demonstrations with only mild interest, clapping as if bored after each one. she will not be performing this eve, but she does keep an eye out for anyone who may or may not be exceptionally interested. you might also find her, quite often, around the refreshment table. honestly, you will very rarely see her without a wine glass in hand tonight.

after a reasonable enough time, yennefer can also be found around the magical studies, though she seems quite content to take a back seat here as well, settling on one of the more lush couches with her wine glass in hand. it would not be too far-fetched to hear her chiming in to one of istredd's many magical rants or lectures, though her expression is more fond even as her eyes will roll if he gets too enthusiastic. feel free to approach her with any questions, especially those regarding her alchemy and herbology lectures, or even her private magical instruction for the summoned. she will appear comfortable, at times even casual, but any mention of the queen, the court, or the politics will receive a smile that is just a little too practiced, a slight tension to her jaw.

she's not here to talk politics, but she may invite you to her classroom for a private lesson, if you'd like to talk more privately. ]

[thoughts]

[ river watches the magic displays with all the shocked awe of one from a world where magic is only a thing of stories and fantasies. there's a childlike wonder to the way she can't seem to be still as she watches, ducking around as sparks go flying or mimicking the mages' hand gestures, even trying to mouth along with words she doesn't know.

it's as she's keeping her eyes open for everything fantastical around her that she notices yennefer and her seemingly unenthused response to all the showmanship. river doesn't care for the court or this castle and its secrets; she hardly listens to the important things people tell her, let alone the whispers of who's who and what they may or may not be getting up to. she hasn't heard of yennefer and she hasn't seen her before either, but she certainly has a presence.

so when she sees her again later, watching istredd teaching others and occasionally adding her own input, river finds herself wandering over. instead of joining her on the couch, she sits on the floor beside yennefer instead, watching istredd for a moment before peeking up at the witch with wide eyes full of intrigue. ]

Is it no good?

[ the magic, or istredd's lessons, or anything at all, perhaps. she seems like she'd rather not be here and river wonders what she sees if not the spectacle of it all. ]

dante | devil may cry | the devil

[subhuman]

[ "A little less traditional" is one way to put it, but Dante is determined to make pizza something of a staple in this kingdom. He's brought it to Nott and to Nocwich, and sure, it hasn't exactly caught on yet, but it's only a matter of time! Besides, if he's got brand recognition when it does start to sweep the nation, there will be one guy everyone will be thinking of:

This guy. Thumbs pointing to himself with his internal monologue that may or may not be a little edging on external.

Banquets are fancy and Dante is typically anything but, but he's dressed somewhat nicely for the occasion as he settles up on one end of the dining table. A makeshift sign in surprisingly handsome script reads: ]

Tired of the same old medieval fair?

Want all the important food groups in a single bite? (Wow!)

A plate you can eat? (Yes!)

Try Pizza!

This way -->
(Talk to the handsome man in red.)

[ Several pies sit in front of him and Dante himself can be found tasting his own stock. Classic flavors like pepperoni and mushroom, a twist on a veggie lovers, and even an impressive stuffed crust show the breadth that pizza has to offer. And there may be one pizza in particular that has pineapple and ham in the shape of a crown.

But if you don't see something to your liking? He'll make to order. ]

just a drive-by shitpost;

[stations]

( immediately upon seeing that particular pizza, one skinny guy stops to stare at it for a minute in deep consternation as he fires off a message. )

nikolai lantsov — grishaverse — the fool

[parce]

BANQUET

( he's noticed, ever since they returned from nether, that the wound on his chest has been starting to grow. dark streaks stretching over his pale skin, more and more each day.

it's concerning but he doesn't want to be concerned. he doesn't want to think about it at all. so, he covers it up and he pastes a smile on his face and he attends the newest thorne get together because he wants to see who this place has dropped in their laps this time.

his whole mood calls for a glass of liquor which is what he's drinking while he sits on a chair, feet extended in front of him, while he watches people walk past him.

he's not shy though and when someone does catch his eye, he smiles easily, cockily and lifts his drink in greeting. )

MAGIC STUDIES

( while not participating, nikolai still stays close to observe.

he's finally started to allow himself to use the magical abilities that this place has given him at least in the horizon. he doesn't really know what and how he wants to approach it otherwise while in the real world.

he reaches up and rubs at the wound on his chest, the dark, deep injury that just won't heal. he needs something to help that and he doesn't want to tell anyone else about it.

so, he's listening closely for hints of how to heal, how to cure, how to just get rid of maladies.

that's what he's interested in. )

banquet

[theladyofwinterfell]

( Sansa is rather used to the smiles of men but this man seems perfectly relaxed here, leant back with a glass of liquor and he has an air of being confident in his space. Is this someone who has been here for a while? If he is, he may be someone she should engage in conversation even if she is wary of those with beautiful faces. In her experience, they tend to be the worst ones. She acknowledges him with a polite smile. )

Hello. How much wine would I need to be as comfortable as you are? You seem to be having a far better time than I am.

( Sansa gets herself a glass of wine but she sips it slowly, more interested in what the man will say to her and wanting her head clear. )

Sansa Stark | Game of Thrones | The High Priestess

[theladyofwinterfell]

( banquet )

Sansa, having only just arrived, sees the banquet as an opportunity. This is the best way to meet new people in Thorne and while she knows that Jon is here and that is both valuable and welcome, she cannot rely upon him utterly. She must stand on her own. She can depend on herself in a way she cannot depend on anyone else, after all, so her drive to make her own place is quite strong.

When she arrives, she is drawn to the magic demonstrations before the food. Food and wine is all well and good but magic is something important to Thorne and she must learn it. Jon had reiterated that point with her as well so she needs to focus on this and make it a priority.

Someone is summoning fire with their hands when she draws close to the demonstration and Sansa looks to the person next to her. "Is fire the only magic or are there others you can learn?"

( magic studies )

Sansa has seen enough magic at the banquet to feel more confident seeking out the studies class to learn to hone some on her own. From what she understands, all of the Summoned are able to do this but she still questions her own ability. Her family is all special in some way but she is not. She is merely a lady and a queen - intelligent, yes, but just a woman all the same. Jon can ride dragons. Arya can change faces. Bran can see all the past and the future. How is she meant to be something she is not?

Still, she will try, and she wants to do something with ice. After a while of working on it, she can get the tips of her fingers a bit cold, but there's no actual ice or spurts of snowflakes or anything that she thinks would be useful like Jon's little flame. Should she have chosen the flame? Sansa doesn't know. There's someone near her who seems to be having a better time of it and she addresses them politely.

"Do you think I am having a concentration issue or is there something else I should be doing?"

( I will also do brackets! If you want a wildcard prompt or have questions, please send me a PP at tessituras )

Banquet

[kingforboth]

Kelson's here because old habits were hard to break. There was a banquet, obviously the king had to attend. He went through the motions, despite not having any status here besides being one of the Summoned. He can be seen sipping a cup of tea and taking bites of food, making small talk with some individuals but generally trying to keep his distance.

Still he knew he should make an effort. He was trying to make an effort, it was just rather hard when he amounted to a political prisoner or puppet and he was quite used to doing that at home, he didn't need to be abducted to some other world to do it there too. Still, he knew how to smile and wave, although his smile was a little sharp around the edges.

"I confess I haven't studied Abraxan magic that much, but, I myself am partial to fire. I don't believe I've seen you around, are you newly detained?"

Rhy Maresh | Shades of Magic Trilogy | The Lovers

[londonbound]

(( closed starters below; please DM me @ lenafish on discord for a customer starter! ))

for jill.

[londonbound]

[ Rhy approaches her at some point, early in the evening when he arrives. He'll politely wait if she's speaking with someone else, catching Jill's attention with a little wave to indicate he wishes to speak with her whenever she is free but not interrupting.

He's by one of the refreshments tables, pouring himself a glass of wine, and greets her with a smile. ]

Jill! This all looks so splendid. Thank you for helping to arrange it all. I see you've sourced some new drinks and dining.