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

[widows_kiss]

[ When he leans in and lowers his voice, Natasha reacts in kind. Shifting to angle herself, she puts herself between him and the rest of the room, blocking the sight of him as best she can. Giving them a slight bit more privacy, at the least.

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?

[londonbound]

[ Rhy nods, taking another sip of his drink as well. ]

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.

[widows_kiss]

[ She takes note of the name, making a mental note to see if she can find the woman later. ]

I can't say I blame them. I'm not sure I'd want to stick around after that, either. [ She wonders why this Yennefer had?

But she takes another sip of wine before casting him a crooked smile. ] So drifting away from topics you aren't certain of, what is something you are? What would you say is necessary knowledge to possess in this place?