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

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.

[politicians]

[ men, it seems, are the most common here. not that elrond minds. men are his kin after all, though distantly. it shames him to think his dealings with them are so few until now. ]

Our host is most gracious to do so for every new arrival. It speaks well for our solidarity.

[ushiri]

He's a good man.

[ That part Kahlil agrees with. Solidarity - well, he can't really speak to that. He tilts his head slightly. ]

How does Abraxas compare to your world?

[ He likes hearing about other lands. ]

[politicians]

[ elrond pauses for a moment to collect his thoughts. ]

It seems like a vast one, though closely knit within their communities. I suppose Middle-Earth is similar in that regards. The Dwarves remain in their mountains, the men in their villages and the Elves in the forest.

[ushiri]

[ Middle-Earth? ]

You'll find a lot of people from Earths here. You're the first one I've heard mention elves and dwarves, though.

[ These are fantasy for Nayeshi, like the dragons the young noble girl mentioned. But then, Nayeshi is a paradise world to Basawar. Maybe everything that is myth in one world is real in another. ]

[politicians]

Earth?

[ the word by itself is confusing to elrond and it shows very clearly on his face. ]

How many Earths can there be?

[ushiri]

[ Ah - oops? His gaze sweeps across the room for a moment, scanning the other Summoned milling about. ]

More than a few. You'll find some people from Earth that are familiar with werewolves and vampires, and others where those don't exist at all. [ A small shrug, and he glances back to Elrond. He can't say for certain how many there are out there, just that the universe, multiverse is much larger than he understood before coming here. ]

[politicians]

[ elrond has a passing familiarity with such wolves, though "vampires" are new to him. ]

Well. All the more to learn and discover.

[ushiri]

[ True enough. What more is there to say after that? ]

You'll find plenty of both to do here. [ He gives a friendly nod, taking that as his exit. ] Enjoy the rest of your evening.

[politicians]

[ ah, elrond offers a curt bow. ]

Thank you.

[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.

[politicians]

[ elrond cocks his head in a beatific moment of naivety that he does not betray. ]

Would you be willing to elucidate? Time flows different for Elves, I'm afraid.

[thedevilwhorose]

[Time flows differently for him, too, when he spent much of his existence trapped in a cage.] Oh, months. [He wants to retch thinking about it too much. It's too disturbing.] Half a year, thereabouts. The uh... the Singularity. It doesn't mess with time [yet. god, he hopes it doesn't start] but I suppose you could say it messes with us, for whatever reason. Sort of easy to derail any plans you might have for your life here.

[politicians]

[ elrond seemingly shrugs, much like a willow in the breeze. ]

I'm afraid I've yet to form concrete plans. I'm mostly starting to educate myself first and foremost.

[thedevilwhorose]

I'd recommend being loose with those plans then when you do find a path, and be ready to be disappointed with the amount of knowledge Thorne is willing to give us. [Then a pointed, careful gaze, his voice quiet.] And be careful what you say around the place. Regardless how you feel about this it, now or later, they don't particularly appreciate talk against them. [Maybe now more than before, increasingly getting worse.]

[politicians]

[ so their lords and masters are a paranoid lot. that does make elrond's work more difficult, but not impossible. ]

I will be sure to watch my tongue. Or to keep it overly sweet if need be.

[thedevilwhorose]

Ahhh, there you go. [He laughs and claps him on the shoulder.] You'll fit right in!

[politicians]

[ the touch startles for a moment, his eyes wide. ]

Is that all it takes? A sweet tongue and an easy smile?

[thedevilwhorose]

For the moment [he clicks his tongue] until something else goes horribly wrong and they start a witch hunt. So, the strategies shift all the time, because honestly? Something is bound to fall apart, quick.

[The question is if it'll be from Thorne or Free Cities, or the elusive Solvunn.]

[politicians]

Has such an instance occurred?

[ it sounded as though the man was speaking from experience. ]

[thedevilwhorose]

"We're at war." [He says it with the punctuation of air quotes, even though the gesture will mean nothing to Elrond.

He knows there's some risk to going this far into it, but now might be the best time. Under the guise of a party (the best time for politics) before anyone has any formed opinions. If Elrond took his words back to the officials, he'd just say he was getting a read on the new people. A sweet tongue and an easy smile.

Thorne might by thorny with Lucifer at the moment, but he's certain he can still sway them if it came to it.]

They want this war. They have their own agenda just like anyone else. They'll take whatever reason they can get, whether or not it's justified, whether or not the source has been verified.

[politicians]

[ elrond absorbs, thoughtful and silent. after a moment has passed, he asks, soft as rain. ]

What do you want?

[thedevilwhorose]

[There's something impossibly grounding to realize that despite all the complications that have been thrown his way, many of them his own doing, his answer hasn't changed.] To survive.

[politicians]

[ a curious answer. it is not to live but to survive. ]

To what end?