(1809) Autumn Equinox

[Rhodes]

Something about that cold wind seeps into Rhodes' spine, send chills along it that have nothing to do with the cold. Icy fear wraps itself around Rhodes' heart, and mirthless grin spreads slowly across his features. He grips the arms of the chair tightly.

Atop the Fairest's's head, the same black branches that hold the red flowers at his temples stretch and grow and twist and weave, forming a knotted whole. A myriad of autumnal leaves burst outwards, covering the fine crown in a laurel of acorns and fallen leaves - oak, ash, sycamore, turning green with life then the gold, yellow and red of Autumn, before being transformed as a a dull, leaden grey seeps through the veins, capturing the foliage in a Midas-like transportation from Harvest colour to a tarnished metallic grey.

He takes a deep, steadying breath, feeling the adrenaline course through him. The Dread Lord of Autumn rises slowly, and taps his goblt three times with his fork, the clear sound ringing loud and sonorous.

"Members of the Freehold of Sacramento! I must interrupt our delightful meal for a moment. The Wyrd has chosen myself to be the new Autumn Sovereign, a duty unto the others of my Court that I humbly accept." Rhodes looks around at the assembled Lost. He steps out from the table, moving around to the steps up towards the Autumn's guest house so he can oversee all gathered at the table. "This did not happen alone. Only with the support of this Court and the Wyrd does a Crown become manifest. Every member of Autumn has shown themselves to be loyal to their Court. I give my thanks to each of them, in a manner I can see fit - bestowing them with the role within the Court of Fear I believe they will excel, if they will accept."

He picks out the Autumn Courtiers sat at the table one by one. "To Nana, of the Wizened, as a part of word agreed and promise fulfilled, I appoint as my Witch of the Bitter Winds. To Penance the Ogre, I first welcome you officially into the Court of Autumn, as the first Gathering since your induction. I offer you the role of Paladin of Shadows. May you continue to serve as a bridge between the Iron Spear and the Leaden Mirror." He pauses, turning towards the Shadowy gorgeous form of Lucifer with a wry smile. "And finally to Lucifer, the Morning star, I offer the role of Legate of Mists. I hope you will make the words of your Court felt as eloquently and convincingly as those of your own designs."

The Flowering spreads his arms wide. "I hope that you, My Court, will accept your roles. And I extend the hand of the Leaden Mirror to the other Courts of the Freehold, that we may ensure our safety, from all the threats that may become upon us." He smiles broadly. "For now, at least, let us finish our fine meal. Eat, drink, and be merry... for us, danger lurks around every corner." The smile turns hard for a moment, before his eyes sparkle and he returns to the head of the table.

[Ingrid]

Ingrid pauses from the wrestling match with her shadowy fondoo.

The Darkling raises an eyebrow and makes a sound not unlike a relieved sigh.

"Then I guess Spring will be welcoming the new Ashen Sovereign," she replies, squeaking slightly toward the end as her meal makes a bid for freedom.

If Ingrid had any lingering thoughts regarding Lucifer, she did not say.

[Circe]

Circe raised her pseudo fruit pop towards Rhodes in salute. She also shouted, Salve al re, piccola!

Circe looks to Blink and more quietly asks, "Huh, I'm gonna be honest with ya. I totally forgot that I can fork over seasonal titles ta all of ya. Ha ha ha," she the elf spread her arms as she shrugs, "Ah well. Ya want any of 'em?"

[Freya]

Freya did little in the sea of strangers and acquaintances, but watched with great interest as Rhodes undertook the Leaden Crown. Mother Talons' eyes searched the Flowering's features as he experiences his Crowning. As it completes a small, genuine smile crosses the Hunterheart's face as Rhodes acknowledges the contributions of his Court in his success, for the Wyrd only crowns those with appropriate ability and that is difficult to achieve alone.

Regardless, one who was known to her achieved the role of Sovereign, though the Den Mother did not yet know if the Fairest was yet a friend or mere acquaintance. Thus, as proud as her heart was for him, Freya kept her celebration for his crowning conservative, opting for a small clap as his Crowning completed and he issued his first decrees, elevating those who he believed had contributed to his rise to power. Nonetheless, the softening of rigid feathers around her face and head was likely enough to signify her silent approval. Freya was a poor liar after all.

Finding a moment to speak as the others began to say their piece, Frey spoke, "Congratulations, Rhodes. And to your appointees, should they accept."

Circe's nonchalant attitude continued to amuse, prompting a soft chuckle from the bird-thing before she returned her attention, at least partially, to the strange jellymeat in front of her.