Saint Valentine's Day 2015

[Forn Clakes]

A peculiar tradition, Saint Valentine's day. Many would presume that it was a wholly Spring festivity but in actual fact, it's roots fall directly under the purview of Winter, for in antiquity, it was on this day that one Saint Valentine would marry those soldiers who were forbidden to marry during the height of the Roman Empire. There is much Sorrow to be held for those who were desperate enough to follow this one hope, a single candle in a time of loss. Now, as time has passed, many view the festival as nothing more than a time of love and desire yet for those who believe, it can be something more.

Love in the Freehold can be a fickle thing and no-one knows this more than the Blue Note's only attendee and the woman who had set up the evening's party; Queen Katrin Byeli. Red was the theme and some may think it was untoward for the Sorrowful Sovereign to be surrounded by hearts, roses and chocolates yet deep, deep, deep down in a heart that knew more ache than any, love was a goal to be cherished as the fragile concept it really was. One day, love would come for Katrin. Who knew what would happen to the Court of Sorrow on that momentous day? As she waited for others to arrive, she wore a stunning dress of silken red that seemed to shimmer like blood flowing over the contours of her body. Sitting at the bar with her legs crossed, an untouched glass of deep red wine sat nearby as her eyes watched the front entrance.

Red roses were placed on each table in crystal vases, heart balloons were strung, hovering just above headline of all, including those who usually towered over others, and small, delicate chocolates were placed in heart-shaped dishes for anyone who wished to partake, treats lovingly crafted by none other than Mrs Rosemary. Tonight, there was no buffet but flutes of champagne, glasses of wine or whatever tipple a person wished to drown in were lined up on the bar for all, free of charge. Music played over the speakers, love songs of loss and unrequited feelings, spurned lovers, sexual tension and wary decisions. Saint Valentine would be proud of this night's tradition especially with a large, red mail box near to the bar for anyone to leave a Valentine's card for cupid to deliver.

This Eternal Seasons thread is set on 14th February 2015 and is open to all Changelings in Sacramento. Please narrate your arrival to the Blue Note and split to side conversations as necessary.

Anyone who wishes to send an anonymous love letter or card to another member of the Freehold, please PM me the details of the letter and/or card along with who it is for. Cupid ST will do the rest

[Parable]

Daniel wore the same quilted jacket he had during the last event. Instead of his normal grey or black shirt he had gone with red for the event, though he wore a white shirt underneath that. Winter was still in the air and when going to the Blue Note it paid to dress in layers. Even with the dash of color the outfit looked fairly drab.

Daniel was a little surprised to find himself one of the first ones to arrive. He avoided the champagne and wine went to greet the Winter Queen with Dame Vera Lynn singing in the background and all around the décor shimmering like heart’s blood.

“Hello, Queen Byeli.” Daniel still felt a little nervous talking with the Winter Queen. She looked amazing but he had a difficult time reading her and so felt almost blind when speaking. However, he did notice that despite having a glass near her it looked untouched.

[Tally Benoit]

Tally arrives wearing a basic red hoodie and jeans. She looks around, enjoying the decor. It's clear that it's due to the date.

Huh, mail boxes huh? She takes her time to read the names, she hadn't brought any Valentines to give to anyone. To be honest, it's been a while since she's meet up with any members of the Freehold and just hung out.

[Lesingnon]

For a long while the sight had been a fixture at Freehold events. For a time after that, naught but a fading memory. For most of the past year it had been, perhaps, something that would be seen again.

And tonight it was. As Rick and Terri entered side by side, in the spirit of the holiday.

He'd opted for the standard color of the evening as well. A deep red dress shirt, open at the collar. A pair of cufflinks in the shape of feathers secured it at the wrists, sometimes peeking out from beneath the sleeves of the unbuttoned sports coat thrown on over the top of it. Hardly a daring ensemble. But then, he'd never delved into fashion near as much as the woman beside him.

The woman whom he did somewhat impulsively give a kiss on the cheek to before fully taking in their surroundings. They were early, it seemed, judging by who was here. Katrin, watching and waiting, likely before any guests had arrived. Tally, Daniel...he did idly wonder who'd helped set up the rather impressive decor. Perhaps mortals employees who'd since departed, or were there some Changelings in the back preparing additional surprises for the night? They'd find out eventually, he supposed.

His gaze eventually wandered to the glasses set up at the bar, before flickering to Terri. "Planning to go with your usual, or do you feel like something else tonight?"

[Terri Nutkins]

With her arm entwined in Rick's Terri had the biggest, beaming smile on her face, a shinning light of warmth and happiness that seemed to wash away any worries that had claimed her heart over the last six months. It was the uttermost expression of the hope she espoused to others, proving that even in the darkest moments of one's life, anything was still possible.

The dress wasn't one of her own, rather a friend in the trade that had gifted it to her for a favour that was a longtime coming. It clung to her in all the right places, skimming the floor despite the heels Terri wore, a simple belt tied around her waist to cinch it tight. A simple pink clutch was held in her free hand and she noted with delight the Valentine's mail box, hoping to deliver a card later tonight.

"Oh, I think champagne is in order, don't you," Terri replied, somewhat surprised at the touch of romance from Rick, the gesture he offered with a simple kiss. She must finally be rubbing off on the Elemental. It had only taken several years. Gracefully gliding towards the bar, Terri offered Katrin a small, respectful curtsy and a smile, before looking towards Daniel Leto and Tally ( RockBane ), offering the pair individual, "Happy Valentine's!"

Despite what Daniel had mentioned back in Autumn, she couldn't hold it against the Winter Courtier; It was surely in the man's nature to be gloomy. Terri's arm separated from Rick as she had an idea. "Would you mind getting mine, honey? I just need to speak with Daniel briefly," she asked Rick, offering a small, apologetic smile, her hand lingering on his arm.

Sparkly!

[Lesingnon]

"Of course I don't mind, be back in a little bit." Flashing her a quick smile, he slipped his arm free of her and headed towards the bar.

Katrin got a respectful nod along the way, and it didn't take long at all to pluck a pair of champagne flutes from the bar. And given that Terri seemed to want a quick word with Daniel in private...so he probably shouldn't head straight back to her. So he detoured around the edge of the bar towards L'aire instead, seemingly oblivious to the discomfort she felt being here.

Elemental, and all that.

"Hey, nice to see you again. And I like your dress, it suits you." There was a certain elegance to it, which went well with the grace with which the Dancer moved. His eyes swept briefly over their surroundings again after the compliment, still impressed by the decor around them. "Queen Byeli's really outdone herself tonight, hasn't she?"

[Gregory]

No Valentines were brought by Gregory this day. To him this occasion is marked only by the gathering of Changelings as they rode out the remainder of Winter. His old brown suit, worn and torn beyond disrepair had been replaced now with a gray one. Over his wings he wore a gray wool coat and a red scarf draping down on either side of his neck. Aside from the red there seemed no color on him but that dull gray.

He crept into the Blue Note, his eyes immediately dart to the regal presence of the Winter Queen at the bar. An involuntary chill works it way through him at her beauty and his eyes flicker away, perhaps out of fear, respect, or simply overwhelmed by awe.

The Changeling grabbed a glass of wine and a handful of chocolates and looked for a place to sit and wait out the atmosphere of affection. The Gargoyle seems uncomfortable with the setting and does not seek out anyone in particular to speak with.

However, when he pops a chocolate into his mouth he shivers with delight.