[ Prince ] Rhy Maresh (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
londonbound) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
abraxaslogs2022-11-27 01:09 pm
londonbound) wrote in abraxaslogs2022-11-27 01:09 pm
OPEN MINGLE: Welcome to Thorne
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.
Magic Studies.
(( 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! ))
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! ))
Rhy Maresh | Shades of Magic Trilogy | The Lovers
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?
no subject
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.
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[ 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.
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A reminder that's needed for most newcomers, I'd wager. I suspect not many brought here were prepared to deal with the reality of being abducted to another world without warning. And no obvious way to return to their homes. [ Most people aren't going to react to a surprise like that well at all. Not that she blames them.
But she turns to regard him with a curious glance, since he is playing host for the evening. ] But I take it to mean, since you're playing host, that you've been here for a while now?
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No, our hosts provide us with necessities, but it can feel overwhelming and lonely being thrown into such a frankly insane situation. Most people want to find a way home and can't. But being among those suffering similar losses lends a sense of, if nothing else, camaraderie. Our hosts may be gracious, but that is something we must find among our own.
[ He's also been feeling all kinds of ways recently about the graciousness of their hosts, but out here, with some castle staff in and out for various reasons and the apprentice mages showing off, he keeps his tone light and polite. ]
I've been here a year now. Somehow. Sometimes it feels longer, and sometimes only a blink.
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Well. There were probably worse places to end up. ]
They did seem less inclined to be empathetic to the abruptness of our arrival. Although at least they allow this [ a gesture at their surroundings now ] rather than keeping us separated and cut off from one another.
[ Not the wisest move on their part, if they wanted a more biddable or easily controlled group of soldiers to fight for them. The again, maybe they were trying the carrot rather than the stick. She wasn't going to complain. But that didn't mean she wasn't well aware of how quickly things might change on them in the future, if they didn't get what they wanted.
Natasha arches an eyebrow at his answer, however, a little surprised. ] That's a very long time. How long have they been Summoning people from other worlds to aid them here?
no subject
Since before I arrived. A year and a half, or so, as I understand it.
The mages here in Thorne were the first to successfully perform a Summoning. Though at the time, they imprisoned a good number of the Summoned, saying they were not intentionally brought here -- mistakes of some sort.
You'll hear it from those who have been here since then. A handful remain.
Thorne doesn't treat their Summoned that way anymore, and for that we are grateful.
[ The last bit is said at a less-quiet volume, though not at all loudly. His tone throughout is informative, friendly, without rancor. Relaying what has happened, nothing more. ]
no subject
The information he gives her has her frowning, however, brow furrowed in concentration. This gives her quite a few missing puzzle pieces, actually. ]
So Thorne was the one who started this Summoning business in the first place? [ Interesting. And useful. ] Grateful indeed. That would certainly make for a far more unpleasant welcome.
[ Casually, she takes a sip from her wine and lets her eyes drift around the room briefly. ] You say there are a handful of the original Summoned still here. Did any of them remain in Thorne or did they all seek shelter elsewhere? Is there one I might speak to?
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This was before my time, but my understanding is that... foreign actors of some sort, whose identities I'm not certain of, broke into the castle grounds and created portals to allow some of the Summoned leaving.
Most, I think, took the opportunity. Some fled to Solvunn, some to Cadens.
Of those who remained, I'm aware of one for certain: Yennefer, a mage and potion-maker. I believe she holds classes. I've heard she was here and chose to stay. But I won't speak much more on those things I'm not certain of. If you're very interested in what happened during that time, you may try to speak with her, but I know she's a very busy woman.
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What if I am not sure of my own questions?
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[ 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?
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[ herald to gil-galad was on the tip of his tongue, but elrond deftly rolls it back. it is best to start humble and find his place first before starting with achievements on another world. ]
I hail from a world known as Middle-Earth.
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I am Rhy. [ You know. From the invitation. If he hadn't put it together yet though, at least now he has a face for the name. ]
Formerly of London, jewel of the Arnesian Empire.
[ Rhy smiles, and there is something a little sad in it, before he covers it by taking a drink from his glass. ]
Now: of the North Wing of Castle Thorne, like everybody else.
I've heard others mention a place called Earth. Though I've no idea if it was top, bottom or middle.
no subject
I had no idea there were many others. I only know of Middle-Earth, realm to Elves, Dwarves and Men. Among others.
no subject
I do not know anything about dwarves or elves. I do know plenty about men.
And women, too.
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Yes, that seems to be the main commonality.
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Rhy raises his brows in a sort of "get it?" face, but the moment's passed.
He waves his free hand instead, as if to wave away the stupid joke. ]
So. What are elves and dwarves, then? Or is it a secret to those of us from non-earths?
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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.]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
I've definitely dreamed about being naked with certain people.
[Mostly one person in specific, but it sounded better if he implied there were multiple people. Besides, it wasn't like he was shy about nudity, whether it was his own or other people's.]
Too bad it's just been dreams, but their loss, you know?
[On a more serious note, though-]
This is a nice, uh, get-together.
[It could use some loud music, in his opinion, but he couldn't seriously imagine hip-hop blasting through the halls of the castle. The native folk would probably lose their minds.]
Everything else's kind of been a bit of a clusterfuck before this.
no subject
Naturally. I understand.
[ He nods, takes another drink and nods toward one of the small, high tables meant for setting glasses on and chatting. They can take a moment there, so they won't be standing in anyone's way. ]
I'm glad it's been a spot of something better among the, ah. Clusterfuck. [ Not a word he's used before, really. One he learned from others here, but he definitely gets the point, even if it sounds a little foreign in his mouth. Rhy shrugs. ]
As I've told others, our hosts give us what we need. But they haven't really the time or predilection to tend to anyone's comfort beyond the material necessities. Can't blame them, of course. [ He absolutely can and does. ] I suppose they're very busy. [ doing war crimes. ]
It isn't much, but my goal was to remind both those newly arrived and those who've been here that we aren't alone. We share a common experience and understanding between us, even if we're from many worlds apart. I like to think that means something, and hope that others will feel the same.
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He had to bite the inside of his cheek to stop himself from saying that predilection sounded like an SAT word. He could use fancy words with the best of them, after all.]
I guess it could be worse. We weren't just ditched on the streets. Running a country or whatever's probably super time consuming.
I appreciate it--your goal, I mean. I'm still wrapping my head around the different worlds thing but. We're in this together and there's safety in numbers, after all. Having people we can rely on when we need someone is important.
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[ It wasn't always the case. Kavinsky may learn this sooner rather than later, if he asks around.
The thanks seems genuine, and makes him smile. ]
I'm glad you feel that way. That was my thought, and that's why I wanted to give newly Summoned the opportunity to make connections. Friends, even. I remember how horribly alone I felt at first in this unfamiliar place. Anything that can help ease that pain for others seems... worthwhile to try.
But I didn't do it all on my own. The castle staff have been immensely kind and helpful. [ He means the kitchen staff, the servants and those volunteers to help demonstrate some Thornean magic -- not necessarily the higher ups, though he supposes they had signed off on it. ]
Istredd -- have you met him yet? -- has also been of great assistance. And my brother Kell, tall red-haired fellow. He's around here somewhere. Not much of a social butterfly. [ Rhy laughs, short but fond. ] But he doesn't really get a choice, as I made him help.
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Yeah, I agree. That was sort of- my closest friends back home- I wanted to lessen that pain of being alone for them.
[Which was probably ridiculously sappy, but he couldn't help it; sometimes, he was emotional.
Considering things for a moment, he shook his head.]
Pretty sure I haven't met either of them, yet. Haven't talked to a lot of people here, so far.
[But he was always looking to change that.]
Sometimes, the people who aren't social butterflies just need a little push. [He agreed, grinning.] Helping out and meeting people is good, though. You never know when you'll need to lean on someone else.
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Exactly. You understand.
I'm glad you decided to come. It's nice to meet you.