(1310) Harvest Gathering

[TheMalkCat]

Thao nods as Morgan excuses herself from speaking about the Hedge-Beast. He begins to fill Ava in on the details, beginning with how Thao first came across a grievously injured Morgan on his way home from work. He describes how he brought Morgan back to his appartment with the aid of Mary Lee and tries to recount the raccoon-girl's account of the huge chimerical goat headed gorilla monster who chased her through the Hedge and scored long deep gouges in her back. He finally gives a brief description of the necessary surgery he performed on Morgan and her recovery process to drive home the dangerous nature of this rogue beast.

"An' we have no id-dea where it is. Ah think this m-m-matter should b-be brought t' Queen J-jasons some t-time after this G-gatherin' so th' Freehold c-can decide how t' handle this p-problem."

He pauses for a moment and tries to think of any other pressing matters to bring before the Lady Scrivener. Thinking over his recent Pledge to the Freehold the Chirurgeon finds it prudent to share his contact number, working hours, apartment address and the address of the Hospital and department where he works. "As Sc-crivener, Ah thought you'd wanna know where t-t' locate m-me so you c-could pass it on t' any Lost in Sacramento lookin' fer p-patchin' up; anythin' from simple bilateral...(mumble mumble medical blathering)...ajor surgery. Ah'm also workin' on a few folk c-cures fer any Lost who aren't t-too keen on th' invasive t-treatment. All g-g-gratis unless th' Autumn Sovereign will allow me t' ch-charge a b-bit o' copay, though t' b-be honest just bein' able t' (more mumbling, mumble words and things) 'd b-be enough fer m-me."

The Chirurgeon continues to consume his food and answers any specifics regarding his medical practice which the Lady Scrivener or any other Changelings may bring up and takes the time to engage in small talk with his fellow Freehold members. When Queen Jasons ties together the Fate binding the newly Pledged, the tang of burning wormwood waxes around Thao. The Autumnal Wizened allows himself a shudder at the gravity of this gathering as it rides well into the night.

[Marcus Evan]

"How about The Lily? Have you ever been? It's quite posh."

Marcus reflects that the last time he'd been to The Lily was for Rick's bachelor party. It's a bittersweet memory. They'd had such a good time that night, yet now, it simply makes him miss his best friend, the former Autumn King. However, he keeps his face hopeful in light of the promise of creating new memories there with Mary.

[CyledyrWyllt]

The chill darkness of the Autumn night deepens outside as the changelings continue to celebrate the Harvest Gathering held by the season's Witch-Queen. As the freehold party winds down, they each might filter back out into the gloom of the city with a sense of belonging and perhaps aren't quite so afraid of what the season of fear might bring. The haunting glow of Betony Rue's crown illuminates the window of the front room until the last straggling celebrants are safely away. One by one, the lights in the windows go out and all is quiet once more at the boarding house.

Great scene everyone!