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]

"If two weeks is impressive, I'm a little concerned about the willpower of our fellow Summoned." Her voice is wry as she takes a sip of her wine and closes the book, although she leaves it on her lap for the moment.

"Your teacher wasn't as friendly, I take it?" She could sympathize. Her own education, such as it was, hadn't exactly been anything remotely like an enjoyable experience. Certainly not something she would have wished on anyone else. "Then I really did luck out."

"It's alright that I borrow this?" she gestures at the book in her lap, wanting to make sure. She has no idea if this is something they've got multiple copies of, although she's assuming so.

maybe can wrap on his one with yours and do something newer :D

[magicalarchaeologist]

"People get excited. Some of them, at least. Others are afraid of it. Both are a concern since moderation really is key." He would say fear is generally a more dangerous possibility since people who refuse to learn will more than likely end up hurting themselves and others. There are a few youths here either denying their abilities or struggling to control them, and it will take some time to feel they're safe. Istredd has offered but it is a struggle.

He makes a face and shakes his head. "No, my teacher is a horrible person." He uses 'is' because Stregobor is still unfortunately very much alive back home, and also, frankly, in his mind weighing on him. "I am hoping to make it a more pleasant experience for others." In some ways they had similar teachers, only in some ways Stregobor did care for his charges, just never more than for himself and his goals.

"Yes, of course, I brought a few copies here for newcomers. I will have beginner sessions every other morning, you can come to the training rooms and we can go over the spells."

that works for me!

[widows_kiss]

Being cautious of such powerful abilities is a wise course of action, in her opinion - power should always be handled with caution, no matter its form. But fear rarely led to good places, no matter the cause of it.

But she grins at the face he makes, understanding that his words are still probably an understatement of the reality he'd come from. She doesn't push farther than that, though, not wanting to bring up a more unpleasant topic. "Well, you're succeeding so far. At least where I'm standing. I'm grateful for your assistance and your explanations. And I'd be very interested in attending some of these sessions of yours. I'll be sure to keep those mornings clear."

She pushes to her feet, still clutching the book he'd offered her. "Again, thank you for this, Istredd. It really does mean a lot."