OPEN MINGLE: Welcome to Thorne

[londonbound]

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!

Rhy will have sent a written invitation to all Thornean newcomers within a couple 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 (or Kell), 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 he 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.


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 with 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 patters, 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 insultation 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!

If you have any questions, please PM this journal or catch me @ belleteyn on plurk! ))

Comments

Rhy Maresh | Shades of Magic Trilogy | The Lovers

[londonbound]

[ Launching and organizing the welcome banquet this time around has had some added difficulties -- both external, considering the supply shortages, and internal, considering Rhy's own complicated feelings about Castle Thorne these days. But none of that is the fault of the newcomers, who are appearing again after months of quiet. When he sees new faces around the castle, Rhy begins to ask around, and soon enough has managed to pull together a small banquet with the help of the castle staff.

It's not as lavish as it used to be, but he hasn't insisted on anything too fancy, either. He knows very well, after so many visits to Nott by this point, what real want looks like. Everything here is just enough for those attending, elegantly presented but otherwise fairly simple fare. Some in Thorne may be trying to impress their new Summoned, but Rhy has left it entirely up to the staff, insisting they don't need much and that it's really just a small affair to make the newcomers feel welcome at a time they're probably quite confused and stressed.

At the banquet itself, Rhy can be found walking around with a courteous smile and quiet, elegant demeanor. He's finely dressed in red and gold, and carries himself with an air of confidence. When he approaches, his honey-colored eyes are warm, and his voice sincere.

If you aren't holding a drink, he may offer you one, or gesture at the nearby refreshments, encouraging everyone to relax a little if they can. ]

Good evening, I'm sure this is all very overwhelming and you must have dozens of questions. I hope you'll find at least some of the answers here. Sit and have a drink if you'd like. You are among friends.

[ Or, if he finds you behind the screens, perhaps looking a little lost, he may offer assistance: ]

It seems strange at first, but it's rather intuitive once you've understood the trick to it. Have you practiced meditation before?

[widows_kiss]

[ She hasn't been here long when he approaches and she'd taken a step back to take in the ballroom, the people in attendance, anything that stood out to her eye. There always seems to be something new to take in, she's finding, no matter where she finds herself in this place.

She catches the movement of his approach out of the corner of her eye before he actually reaches her and turns to meet his greeting with a warm smile, happily accepting the glass he holds out to her. ]

Thank you. It's certainly been... an enlightening experience so far.

[ And that's quite an understatement, even for her. ]

The warm welcome is nice, though. Certainly more reassuring than the mage's initial impression, at least. I'm Natasha, by the way.

[londonbound]

Rhy. [ He introduces himself with a nod, then a wink. ] Though the invitation probably gave that away.

[ He's not exactly subtle.

Rhy raises his glass, tipping it toward her. ]

A warm welcome is the least -- or perhaps the most -- we can manage when little else is up to us. It is a reminder that none of us are alone in this experience.

[politicians]

[ elrond takes the drink politely, offering a light tilt of his head in acknowledgement. he's not sure he's overwhelmed. if anything, this sort of gathering reminds him strongly of home, except it takes places in halls and stone rather than wood and forest. ]

What if I am not sure of my own questions?

[londonbound]

Then you are welcome to drink in silence, or while making statements instead.

[ Rhy raises his own glass slightly, a polite gesture of acknowledgement more than a real toast. ]

I could ask questions, if you like.

For instance: what is your name?

[burnyoudown]

[He accepted the drink gladly, double-checking it to make sure it wasn't tea, because he was even less into tea than he was into wine, and nodded because it was as close to a polite greeting as he was going to get.]

I don't make friends that quick, but we'll see. [He shrugged.]

And really, this is all more frustrating than it is overwhelming. I mean, how many times do you get to actually live the nightmare of finding yourself naked in front of strangers?

[He hadn't particularly minded, but it definitely wasn't on his top list of fun things to do. It might have been days ago but it was one of those things that stuck with a person.]

[londonbound]

[ Rhy laughs, a brief sound that on anyone else might have sounded like a scoff, but he makes it sound somehow earnest. Warm, clearly laughing in commiseration with the implied discomfort, not at it.

The drink is, in fact, wine. Rhy has a matching glass, and takes a drink. ]

And not even in a fun way! A right shame, really. In better contexts, it doesn't have to be a nightmare at all.

[ He's not flirting, just lightening the mood with a stupid, slightly raunchy joke. But the way he smiles and winks, leaning close when he lowers his voice for the last bit, it's entirely his fault if someone gets the wrong idea. ]

Natasha Romanoff | MCU | The Lovers

[widows_kiss]

[ Natasha had received one of the written invitations to this celebration and it sounded like the perfect place to get to meet some of the other Summoned she shared this place with. She's met a couple in her wanderings over the past few days but finding people with a better understanding of this place and what she's likely to face here is imperative.

She's dressed up in a gown of black and gold - magic makes getting ready for things so much simpler than it had been back home, that's one silver lining, she supposes. But she wanders into the ballroom in heels and with her scarlet-and-blond hair done up atop her head and it feels strange, doing this. It's been a long time since she's had reason and it almost feels like going undercover again. In a way, it sort of is, she surmises after a moment, letting her gaze rake over the ballroom.

But it's with that thought in mind that has her moving, mingling where she can. For most of the night, she has a glass of wine in one hand and might occasionally nibble on a little of the food, but for the most part, she is here for the company and will happily fall into conversation with anyone who looks open to being approached. Maybe even a few that don't, as she's rarely let that scare her off before.

She watches the magic demonstrations every time a new flashy show is made. But there's something more calculating and assessing in her gaze tonight, as if she's tracking their movements, their efforts, cataloging everything unique in what each person does when casting their demonstrations for all to see. She's still aware of her surroundings, but there's an intensity in the way she watches them that goes beyond mere fascination with the performance tonight.

When the night starts to get a little much, she's more than happy to slip off to the quiet behind the folding screens, meandering her way around the lounge here. Seeking advice from those who have been here longer was one of her reasons for coming tonight. Mentions of the Horizon catch her attention, since she'd spoken to Wanda briefly about that and it's definitely on her list of priorities to learn more about. But she'd seek out any who look well established and in their element here, even if her questions are always carefully worded - just in case. ]

[ia]

Oh, now that's a look.

[ Eventually Nat will find Sophia leaning against a sofa, making some notes on a piece of paper. She's not as extremely fancy of the redhead, but She can clean up when needed. Pants are more of her thing. She's holding a gobled with...lemonade, by the looks of it. Sophia raises it at her. ]

Enjoying the party? It's very...elegant and informative, much like the host.

Istredd | The Witcher | The High Priestess

[magicalarchaeologist]

Istredd didn't hesitate to volunteer to help out on the magical side of this now that the former guide had gone missing. While he's not always great at small talk and parties, adventuring to the Horizon or talking about the facts of being there is much more in his comfort zone. Rhy's party when he first arrived was very helpful for him, so it seems only right to help continue the efforts.

The area set up in the back is very quiet and relaxing, the optimum situation for people who would need to use this as a meditation or soothing area. It's fine for people more accustomed to being wallflowers to take a break in here as well, everything Rhy designed for this party was meant to be helpful to newcomers. And maybe make some new connections too.

Istredd is a tall man at 6'3 wearing plain dark gray clothes. His unusually bright blue eyes are a stark contrast to his very dark hair and light brown skin, and his beard is a little too thick. He's forgotten to trim it. He takes his new responsibility seriously and can seem stiff at first, very polite, but his hesitant smile is genuine.

He does not go to the banquet himself, only getting some tea from the refreshment tables so he is available to help others the entire time. Istredd does not use his magic for elements to show off, but he does manage to create a beautiful illusion in the room, causing the entire back area to seem completely lined in glitter and gold before releasing it.

"How can I help you?" He may ask when someone approaches the quieter area, usually getting right to the point. Or "feel free to join us" if he's sitting down with others, some of them may already seem to be in a meditative state.

[widows_kiss]

"I hear you're the one to talk to, when it comes to magic."

Natasha approaches with the soft click of her heels on tile, one hand cupping a glass still half-full of wine. She's spent most of the evening out in the banquet itself, getting to know some of the other Summoned, but discovering more about the magic of this place and perhaps the Horizon is just as much of a priority for her as meeting the other Summoned she's now sharing this space with.

She'd been directed his way by someone she'd been speaking to and their description had been pretty spot on, although he seemed a hard man to miss, in her opinion. She offers him a smile, the expression warming her green eyes as she takes him in.

"You are Istredd, correct?"

[politicians]

[ so this man can perform magic. elrond observes him quietly. he seemed so unassuming to hold such power. or perhaps it is elrond who must shift his understanding of magic to match what this place believes in. such a thing, of course, is easier said than done.

but elrond is nothing but adaptable. he had to be, in order to survive. ]

How long have you been here? To become such an expert in these matters.

[ia]

"Istredd?" He sure looks like an Istredd.

Sophia walks up to him and gives him a small seize up, which probably looks hilarious considering she barely breaks the five feet of height. Dressed up in a comfortable blouse and pants, she's probably confusing a few noble ladies. And lords. Truth be told, she doesn't do dresses, not even the particularly elegant, detailed, frilly ones. Specially not those.

"I was told you're the guy that knows about magic...and about Horizon, which is a place? Of sorts? And so here I am, perhaps one more person bothering you for basic knowledge."

She'll be very grateful about it, though.

[blackeyedprince]

Kell has drifted in and out of the main party area into the study area several times before he got a chance to find Istredd not surrounded by people.

"Do you need a break?" he asks, then adds without waiting for reply, in case the other man felt obliged to say no. "I can take over for a while if you need to stretch your legs. Or I don't know, grab something to eat perhaps?"

Kell wouldn't have offered if this was somebody else. Last time it was Kylo, and he hated the guy. For no personal reason. He just felt wrong to him. Always out there with his group of underlings.

But Istredd is different. He is relentless, but patient. He's been sitting here from the very beginning of the party, guiding and explaining the intricacies of how Horizon works for them here to everyone who comes. It's only fair to give him a chance to take a break.

[ziryla]

( This is of the first social gatherings she attends without the mantle of titles, and without the complexities of recognition. There is no crown to wear, no Greens to confront. But it is an opportunity that cannot be overlooked — she must learn all she can about this world, and more pointedly, this keep if she is to find her proverbial footing. It will do her no good to wither away in her anger or worry, for that which is left behind her. It isn't entirely pacified, never quite will be, but she will not be given to wallow in self-pity.

Instead, she lets herself be guided by her curiosity, and fall into the social game like a worn glove. Through the banquet, she carries herself with habitual posture, surety worn like a tightly buttoned coat and she drifts through the hall.

When at court, one identifies its key players. The purpose of this banquet, it seems, is to offer help to the newly summoned. A noble enough endeavor and one she intends to utilize. She needs to know names, and faces; solitude is a thing that can fester, and drown out hope.

She's directed to a man named Istredd, who is carved tall amidst the small crowd and she approaches, hands folded in front of her. ) Lord Istredd? ( The title is an assumption; it is better to appeal as such, at any rate. There's little pride lost in it. ) I'm told you're the one I need to speak with, on the topic of magic? ( her smile is small and quick — polite, but direct. )

Lucifer | Supernatural | The Devil

[thedevilwhorose]

There's no peanut gallery commentary from Lucifer this go-around.

He absolutely does not want to be here, more so than usual. But now more than ever he has to. Someone here has to have some form of ambition to want to get out and snoop into the business of the other factions. They've got to if they care about their own livelihood, right?

He's not dressed up in the slightest for a party, instead keeping his usual odd multi-tunic fashion and yet he still manages to look cold. He can be found generally sprawled over one of the tall tables lining the edges, with a small open book and a cup of tea.

This is the most receptive he came make himself to newcomers... which is... subpar at best.

But he is actively making careful, distracting comments or sharp glances to anyone that might be speaking ill of their predicament, Thorne, the queen. "You don't mean it like that," or "Come over here, you're making a fuss."

elrond | rings of power | temperance

[politicians]

[ as the herald to gil-galad, being at ease with a large gathering is part of his skill-set. dressed in a warm blues, with the barest gold thread pattern — like waves upon the sea. upon his chest is a small, pinned broach of a star. he claps brightly at the shows of magic though his expression does not reveal any kind of show and awe, merely a silent touch of appreciation for their abilities.

he does take note of the refreshment tables, seeing what they have and what they lack. hard times for all, it seems and elrond hopes that no one goes hungry on his behalf. on his part, his plate only seem to have vegetables and fruits.

otherwise, elrond is greeting people with a smile and a tilt of his head, his ears in full view. ]

I appreciate that you've given us such a warm welcome. Are you also a new arrival or have you been here for some time?

[ushiri]

Since the late summer. You're the first new group of Summoned to arrive since I've been here.

[ The man Elrond speaks to now is human. Tall, with long dark hair and dark eyes. His clothes are equally dark and plain, no sign of a weapon on him but he'll find that commonplace here amongst the Summoned the the castle - most with a weapon would be keeping that fact well hidden, since they're banned.

He nods in the direction of their well-dressed host. ]

Rhy put this together for us last time, too.

[thedevilwhorose]

Warm welcome. Right. [He scouts across the way to find Rhy mingling. He might just be the only candidate to give anyone a "warm welcome." That's likely a sign about the Thorne Summoned, isn't it?

He pays absolutely zero attention to the ears. Doesn't even phase him at this point. While he never had any interaction with the denizens of Avalon, he's been in Abraxas long enough.] Too long at this point. [He grins.] Time flies and not in a fun, happy way.

Kavinsky | The Raven Cycle | The Devil

[burnyoudown]

[Look at him, actually wearing a shirt without the sleeves ripped off. They weren't poofy sleeves though; they laid flat and were wide at the wrists, meaning he was constantly rolling them up so he wasn't dragging them through food and other shit. Sometimes, he didn't think any of the clothes here were designed for practicality--it was irritating.

At 5'10", Kavinsky was skinny and relatively pale, dressed in dark pants and boots, and a light colored shirt. There was a small gold hoop in one of his ears and a gold chain around his neck, tucked under his shirt. He didn't look like he felt out of place, but he did. Things had been funny at first, wild and crazy like a dream, but he'd been here a few days and shit was distinctly less amusing now.

He missed his boys, Prokopenko specifically. He missed his car and the shitty mansion he shared with his shitty mother. He wondered if the Fourth of July had already passed, if he'd missed his own party or if time was in some sort of weird limbo. He missed how easy dreaming had been--would it become easy again or would he always be struggling here?

There were a lot of things on his mind and even a glass of wine wasn't helping. Possibly because he wasn't even a wine drinker, normally. He preferred whiskey or vodka or whatever beer he could get his hands on. This probably wasn't even going to get him drunk. Even worse, somehow, was the fact he was starving for the first time in ages. He wanted to eat everything in sight but he also didn't want to get kicked out of this get-together because he'd hogged all the food.

Wandering back to one of the refreshment tables, he sighed.]

I'd kill for a cheeseburger.

[thedevilwhorose]

That's what you'd kill for, really? I mean, come on, you could probably teach the kitchens how to make them and they'd be all over a new fad. [That last part is more of a stretch, but hey. Someone in town would be on it, just not the castle kitchens themselves.

If they feel like listening to the Summoned for ideas, that is. Tensions are high and their one outlet with interacting with the locals in town over the officials in the castle had become rough.] Get better standards for murder.

[ia]

I think we could find you some bread, patties and cheese. Can't be that hard.

[ Sophia herself mostly pecking a bit of everything, because there's something about the cuisine she can't have enough of. Now that they're both standing, it's painfully obvious how short Sophia is. She's dressed similarly to him, but the blouse is at least remotely girly. ]

Might cause a cultural revolution though.

[blackeyedprince]

Banquet

[Kell has helped with all steps of the preparation to the party, from delivery of invitations to setting up the banquet hall. When the event proper comes, he's tired but quite content. It was harder this time around. Both to acquire the necessary help and supplies, and to convince himself they should do the thing at all. He still feels conflicted over it. It feels excessive to bring all this food for a banquet while there's real lack elsewhere. It feels a waste of time to be here and not there. To at least pretend to have fun when he feels he should be doing something more productive.

But this is productive. This is important. They are making a statement here. A political one. This is organized by the Summoned for the Summoned. With the help and resources from the castle, yes - he has no problem with exploiting the monarchy for those, even if he hates them - but it is their idea, their initiative, their execution. So they should be the ones the newly Summoned turn to when they have doubts or questions. And they will make sure the new arrivals get the right answers to both.

So, quite uncharacteristically for himself, Kell is mingling. He approaches people both familiar and strangers. With a glass of wine, and for those that don't know him, the most friendly expression he can muster.]

How is the evening going for you?

Magic Studies

[Kell is happy he's not the one in charge of all the commotion connected to explaining Thornean magic to freshly Summoned. That would be Istredd. Well, he's happy he's not organizing, but more than willing to offer help whenever he sees the familiar confused look on someone, who intentionally or not, ventured behind the screens, and Istredd is occupied. It's a welcome break from the buzz of the other part of the evening.]

Just curious what we're doing here, or would you like to try for yourself?

wildcard? party prep

[ushiri]

[ Kahlil would rather be off doing a dozen other things right now, as much as he enjoys meeting new people he's not sure he's the best person to help greet them. But he's here, and at least part of that reason is because Rhy is the one who organizes these, so of course he'd offer to help. He arrives in time to help set up some of the tables and refreshments. He's brought along meager donations purchased in Nott to help expand the limited menu: a couple of bottles of wine. The prices have noticeably increased in recent months with stocks dwindling. One of the bottles he offers to the staff that helped assist, the other he sets on the table.

He's thinking about sneaking a drink early, but there's Kell right there. Instead he pours himself a harmless cup of tea. ]

How long do you figure the castle can continue to keep up appearances? [ He nods at the table. The new arrivals might not notice anything odd, but it's definitely a change from when he first arrived. Even so, it feels extravagant and almost wasteful, given everything going on outside these walls. ]

banquet

[thedevilwhorose]

[There's an odd delight at seeing Kell. Mostly because it's someone he knows, someone he doesn't have to put on an act for. Not that he's really done much else for the new arrivals, but for... better or worse, many of the current Summoned know him.

Some maybe far too well now.]

Euuuuuuuugh. I hate socializing. I hate parties. [Then why are you here, Lucifer? Same exact reason as Kell.] We can't all be your brother.