An Evening Gathering

[photophobic]

WHO: Anyone welcome to wander around Castle Thorne!
WHAT: A little roundtable-townhall-mingle, a space to share information and discuss the Situation
WHEN: post-Horizon, after the new arrivals turn up so they can join in
WHERE: Castle Thorne's Dining Hall
NOTES: A little like a group therapy session but not, all characters will be invited to share anything they would like about their experiences and ask each other questions. Afterwards the group are free to mingle and discuss freely (just reply to the post itself). Let's bond, learn, complain about our new body parts and swap the hot goss!

---

The invitation spreads easily enough among the Welcomed (and those of the formerly imprisoned who have since earned a pardon), thanks to the cheerful efforts of everyone's favourite bard and the ever-grinding rumour mill: tonight, anyone interested in participating is invited to remain in the dining hall after the evening meal to discuss recent events. Depending on how far along the game of telephone the invitation is by the time it reaches any one person, further details may be difficult to pin down. It is clear at least that this meeting isn't being organised by Ambrose or anyone else from Thorne, though there's no effort to keep it secret from the inhabitants of the castle either. A call to arms this is not. This is not the venue for plotting against the establishment— seditionist talk is best left to the privacy of the Horizon.

Anyone choosing to attend will find the evening meal proceeds as it usually does. As the plates are cleared, though, the table becomes the setting for something of an informal discovery session, a meeting of minds. Everyone here is welcome to take a turn to speak if they would like, and to ask any questions they hope someone else may be able to answer. As the imprisoned are unable to attend, a recording is being made. However, going on the record is optional. Anyone who would rather keep their thoughts transient and non-incriminating is welcome to speak up without fear of being caught on tape.

The meeting breaks up once everyone has had a chance to speak, leaving plenty of opportunity for less structured discussion. Hopefully everyone can go to bed tonight feeling a little more informed and a little less alone...

Comments

[photophobic]

I was.

[But that's a little less exciting, for Kylo. Still, Ronan did ask.]

I am the last of the Skywalker line, born into House Organa of the Core World Alderaan, with all the rights and privileges afforded me by the law of the Elder Houses. I would have inherited the title Prince of Alderaan from my mother, had the planet not been destroyed. I believe the planet Birren, traditionally ruled by the Royal House of Alderaan, refers to its monarch as the Supreme Governor. [A mouthful. Kylo's lips twist.] As far as I know, all rumours of my father's descent from Corellian royalty were the usual exaggerations.

[nightwash]

Your planet was destroyed?

[ Well, this is certainly less fun. But it all makes so much sense now. Everything about Kylo always told this story without telling it. Now, as Ronan's eyes sweep over Kylo, it's unmistakable. Of course he's an emperor and the leader of an order of knights. Of course he was born a prince. Of course he lost his home.

This is exactly the kind of story Ronan adores. Uncanny, the way it feels specifically crafted for him. But Ronan doesn't let himself look in that direction. He'll lose what's left of his mind if he discovers Kylo is his dream. ]

Shit. We don't have to talk about it.

[photophobic]

[Hm. There's a lot Kylo could say at this point, but only one part of Ronan's assumption seems to warrant immediate correction.]

Alderaan was destroyed before I was born. I have no attachment to it.

[Beyond of course the shadow its loss cast over his childhood. That, though, they definitely don't have to talk about.]

[nightwash]

[ He doesn't quite believe Kylo. Though he's never personally lived in Ireland, Ronan has nevertheless inherited plenty of love for his father's homeland. But he doesn't press the issue. ]

So, what do most people call you?

[photophobic]

[Kylo's lips flicker back into a the slightest twist of a smile.]

Kylo Ren.

[His chosen name, the true victory. Supreme Leader is more of a job title, really.]

Unless they need reminding of their place.

[nightwash]

I'll keep that in mind.

[ Damn, when can they get out of here? ]

[photophobic]

[Not yet, Ronan. Behave. Kylo leans in just a little closer because it's surprisingly entertaining to torment him, and murmurs:]

See that you do.