(2012) Winter Coronation

[Yamiyo Lillich]

Smiling as she saw the adorable monkey enter, then all to quickly hear the disapproval of the new monarch. Not that she couldn't understand it, quickly taking out her own mask and handing it towards Sonnie.
"You look amazing dear but perhaps this mask would be better for the night." Her own makeup one should suffice and no one had talked against it.

Leaning in close to whisper to the new monarch not really making a grand effort to not be heard just softly whispering a bit.
"Here I think you might need this better than me." Deft quick hands having already placed a small envelope in his inner pocket containing a coupon for a two hour massage from a professional, softly tapping on it to make sure he would feel it were there her goal were to hide her deed from others not him. "I plan to, can't wait for a chance to dance, may the seasons be in harmony." Leaving the new monarch alone after that, he had a lot to deal with tonight and she saw no reason to make it harder on him.

Sneaking a small envelope into James pocket 4 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2020-12-25 16:11:01	Yamiyo Lillich rolls 8 to Sneaking an item into the kings pocket dex+larceny (10 Again)	9, 1, 2, 10, 10, 10, 1, 5, 3, 7, 4	4 successes

Curtsying lightly for her Queen and the dread Lord, tonight were the winter monarchs night and he alone deserved her deepest curtsy.
"You look fascinating tonight my dear Queen and with quite a dashing fiancée at your side." Rose petals of varying colors dancing along her hair as various roses bloomed in her steps, a new gift from the spring that she were still getting accustomed to.

Next were a curtsy for the summer Queen, she seemed busy now though so she would wait to speak with her.

Looking towards the newcomer with a warm kind smile as she softly replies her, signing everything she says in ASL.
"Do not worry dear, we are all a bit odd here and you are perfect just the way you are. Just be yourself, as long as you have a kind heart so will you not only be accepted but appreciated and quite possibly beloved here." Taking up the last gift she had for the evening, it was a good thing that she hadn't known who would be crowned so she had her spares it seemed. Handing Vivian Wing a small envelope containing two movie tickets. "Here see this as your welcome gift to the freehold gift, take your partner to a nice movie and enjoy the holidays or perhaps just bring a friend just make it a night to remember."

Sighing a bit before smiling towards Cassandra.
"You are absolutely right dear, I do believe that I am doing better than I have in the past though or am I just fooling myself?" Giggling a bit feeling sure that Cassandra knew exactly what she were talking about.

[Seraphina]

A smile was offered to Yami, who seemed busy with someone new. She’d have to go introduce herself later.

Internally, she winces at Sonnie. Loud tended to not go over well with the Winters. Thankfully, she catches herself and tones her voice back. And the mask? Not one she would have worn, but the Beast made the effort. She just wonders if the Court of Winter would see it the same way.

She waves back, remembering previous Winter Coronations. Wondering if this was set to be a repeat, but with her at the head of Spring.

The dry heat from Circe was felt as she entered, and the wave was returned with a smile and nod. But she does catch that the new face was a Summer, which was good! Summer needed more Lost within its ranks, help Circe on the front lines.

Focusing on Gerrit, she smiles warmly, “Thank you, and might I add, you look dashing in that tux!” walking into the room with Rhodes, she takes in the decorations, sapphires wide in awe. “Looks like Winter pulled out all the stops! It’s simply magical in here!” they really did an amazing job.

Spotting Ram , she offers him a friendly smile.

While she wanted to talk to the new face, this was a Coronation, and she needed to offer respect to the current Monarch.

She felt her Mantle flare as John laid into Sonnie. Her best friend and Claviger, but she pulled it back in. This was his Coronation. Thankfully, and surprisingly, he tones it down.

Finishing their path to him, she dips into a curtsy, head bowed in respect. “King of Sorrow, congratulations on your Crown and may your Season be a prosperous one.” Speaks the angelic voice. And she was quite impressed with how the suit turned out, he wore it well. “I look forward to working with you and the rest of Winter to continue to keep our Freehold safe. If Winter is in need, you only need to call.”

[Titania]

Listen to many but speak to few, the rest is silence.

Unsurprisingly, the Telluric arrives at the right time, bringing with her the Aurora.
Every event has dress code, and this one is no exception. Yet, she wouldn't be herself if she didn't give it a personal spin.
The dress is elegant in its simplicity, perhaps a bit too eye catching. A sleeveless cascade of pigmented silk, running the full gamut of the season. Pastel green and baby blue, pink and azure. As Fall gives to winter and winter inevitably cedes to the incoming Spring.
Her makeup pays homage to the style of a carnival ball. Like a peacock, blue and green eyeliner stretches into infinity. Below her left eye hangs a single henne tear, a symbol of what she has lost. From her right ear dangles a lone peacock feather, a diamond stud jealously emblazoned in its eye.
As she gains admission, she puts on her mask. Gold and brass, the face of a human meshed with the fluttering wing of a butterfly, laden with topaz and beryl stones, a testament to her recently reacquired wealth.
In the Hall of Whispers words earn no favor, she makes her way to the Monarch and her future motley mate. And after having bowed to him, she speaks.
"Your Highness, here is a present, as it was promised", she says producing a small jewelry box.
A set of 3 watches, shaped like the Zodiac. As she notices his tieclip, she winks.
Only after the King has spoken, she's free to mingle with the rest of the guests.

[Sonnie Wu]

WOOSH!

Whatever King James (why did that name sound familiar?) was trying to scold her for, it didn't really register. Sonnie looked down at her dress. Was there something wrong with it? Did she say something? She knew she followed the rules. What bug had crawled up the Darkling's butt?

"Um," she paused, "Okay, sure. King of Sorrow." The Beast nodded. Certain social graces might have eluded her, but she knew better than to argue with a Court Monarch at his own coronation. She'd seen the results of that last year with the Summers.

She smiled at Cassandra, happy for the distraction from the newly-crowned King, "You're welcome! You guys have a cool party here, I have to say." The fake accent had apparently been forgotten, rather quickly.

Cool party. Ha!

Then Sonnie was distraction, again, but the Iron Spears. Circe's comment followed by Vivian's compliment were confusing. "Tales of battle? Uh, sure. Sounds like fun," she nodded energetically.

Titania's entrance grabbed all the attention, of course. How could she not? The Monkey was marveling at the Bright One's dress like everyone else must have been.

Wait, was I supposed to bring a present? Crap!

[Gerrit]

With Titania being fashionable late, every Lost that Gerrit knew of was present. He went to lock the door, checked it to make extra sure and then entered the ballroom proper. He couldn't deny that all the compliments about his suit - from Seraphina, none the less! - made him walk a bit straighter. Maybe I should look into getting a suit for my everyday life..

Inside he saw what Cassandra did with the room with a little help from Winter's men, but mostly on her own. It's beautiful. Pride and excitement made the Ogre's stomach flutter and he treasured that feeling for a moment before looking for John. He waited for the new Monarch to make eye contact with him before nodding once, signaling that every known member of the Freehold was here. Then, without really thinking about it he bowed to the Darkling - a gesture possible looking out of place from across the room, but it kind of felt right.

Gerrit made his way over to his place to calm down from the rapid fire impressions of mostly otherworldly beautiful guests, a luxury John was not granted tonight. There, the Stonebones waited for the official part of the evening to start or someone to approach him.

[Ram]

Ram rubbed the back of his neck at all the compliments and mumbled something could have been ‘thanks’. Even dressed up he felt lacking in fashion given others’ outfits.

He brightened when Circe introduced the new Summer. “Hey,” he greeted Vivian “I’m Ram.” He hoped she didn’t think he thought she was stupid or anything, what with everyone saying his name. “I… normally have horns,” he clarified.

[Vivian Wing]

Vivian smiled nervously as The King of Sorrow related the news that they would soon be enjoying the program, rather than mingling freestyle hell. Oh thank goodness. Getting a little much in here! So she had no idea what to say back really, those alien eyes revealed nothing. She nodded and carefully bowed out of his presence. Not wanting to hog the monarch.

Vivian took the tickets from Yamiyo, nodding to explain her comprehension. She slipped the tickets into her bag. The old candy shop man may want to get out for a movie. She'd have to ask him. He was about the closest thing she had to family in this world. "Thank you, I won't forget your kindness."

Cassandra, came and went with her gift, her reassuring touch to the King's arm made her smile. She quietly admired the other woman before being introduced to a fellow summer.

To Ram, she chuckled a little nodding. "Oh I see, you don't have your horns right now, and I'm stuck in a flesh suit. We all have our problems don't we?"She said nodding sincerely to him.

[Anatole]

Anatole smiles and nods when Ram acknowledges him, however briefly. When the big Ogre confesses his identity, the burned dwarf can only grunt, having perhaps made the wrong assumption and believing he'd cornered Gerrit As if on cue, the bouncer crosses the room - Anatole grunts again.

He inclines his head to Vivian Wing as she draws near. He is already turning about to @Cassandra Reading

"Of course. I look forward to it..."

And then she was gone.

Grunting again, he moves off - walking stick tapping loudly on the floor - and tracked down the table for his Court.

[James Turner]

"No apologies necessary, I appreciate the sentiment either way." Another rippled of the mask as the voice that came out was pleasant, friendly a small hand waving away those concerns. Then she pulled out a beautiful box with a beautiful blade, he had to hold back his knee jerk reaction to whistle. He'd take the box when offered, running fingers along the smooth edge of the wood, feeling the grain of it before it slid over the onyx. Then he picked up the blade, looked it over, checked the balance and grip himself before folding it closed and setting it back in the box.


"A fitting gift from the Summer Monarch, thank you. I'd like to say I'd never use it but we know eventually I'll have to." Another bow, deep at the waist as he held onto the box for now. "It's truly a beautiful blade. Thank you again, I do hope you enjoy the evening." Then she was off to converse with her courtmates, it was good to see the Freeholds numbers grow.


Inside though he just wanted to scream, all the people around him, all the attention. The tension that he'd helped to create. It felt like a million hands were pulling at the edges of his being and trying to pull him down, to claw and drag him screaming to the floor. The back of his throat still sore from the reflux he experienced, clearing his throat as Yamiyo leaned in closer.


That movement had caught him by surprise as she slipped into his personal bubble and pushed something into his pocket behind the cigars. "Um, thanks?" A tinge of confusion to his voice as she tapped the envelope not sure what it was or what she'd meant by the gesture only able to take it at face value as the kindness it was.


He knew his reprimand of Sonnie would likely go over her head and not be a great start to the evening but he understood why they did a more formal event. Rule, Order the Freehold had been without a Winter Court and so they had to reassert the season and they couldn't be seen as being push-overs as much as he hated it.


He gave a deep bow as Seraphina addressed him. "Welcome Queen of Desire, I hope the evening finds you well. Thank you again for your most excellent work, I think it looks better than I could have ever imagined it. I hope the coming Spring is bountiful for you as well, if you ever need anything do not hesitate to ask." His natural instinct was to apologize for the unpleasantness but he knew he couldn't do that, it'd defeat the purpose of it in the first place. Sonnie seemed to continue being Sonnie and enjoying herself so he'd hope that'd be that.


Even among the beauty of the freehold, each Fairest a gem of their own sparkling in the evening light. It was often overwhelming to be surrounded by so many beautiful people, especially when you were anything but. His thoughts wandering as he saw Titania enter and Gerrit give him the nod and shut the door as the Freehold was all gathered. It was time. Titania and Seraphina always seemed to have their fingers on the pulse of fashion in the freehold, enjoying the way Titania's dress matched and complimented her own bright colors.


He accepted the box and looked at the watches. Was he supposed to keep all three and swap them out, wear all three, one for every winter court member? He'd have to ask later as the intricacies of fashion and accessories escaped his grasp. The silver mask shifted and he gave a bow at his shoulders. "Thank you Lady Titania, you did not have to. I hope you enjoy the evening. You're going to have to tell me which of these will go with this suit I think."


Everyone came, gave their greetings, gifts and then scattered into social groups and chatting with one another as Cassandra finally approached him and whispered. He nodded and as it was just the two of them he let out the deep breath that was squeezing his chest. "Thanks, feel like I'm going to barf and it hasn't even started yet. I need a smoke but I owe a speech and a dance. At least after that I can have a drink." His posture loosened as he was able to breathe. Looking down at the box and tilted his head to the side to show his confusion. "Thanks, you didn't have to. If you don't mind taking them?" He said holding out the last two boxes mostly as the rest he was wearing or fit into his pockets. "I gotta..." He motioned to the Wyrdstone able to pass off the boxes, giving Cassandra a bow at the waist as he stepped over to it.


He took in one breath, then another he had a few seconds as Cassandra put the gifts away and lowered the music. As things became more quiet he cleared his throat and looked out over the room.


“Uh, hi-hello. Thank you for coming tonight, it’s good to have the cycle back and working again. Speeches aren’t really my thing, I’m not very good at them so I'll try and stay brief. I'd like to start out by thanking my Courtmates for beliving in me, all of you for the gifts and continued patience.


I’ve been asked what Winter means to me so I’ll try and answer that for you tonight. Winter is a cold, brutal, and unforgiving season. After the fall Harvest comes the cold death that winter brings leaving the foolish and unwary to weather the cold or perish.


“That’s what Winter is but not all of what Winter is. Winter is death, silence, and cold but it’s also family, community, and hospitality. It’s part of the Origins of Christmas from the traditions of Yule or Saturnalia where this time, the darkest time is considered a point of celebration. The Solstice marks the end of the long nights and the beginnings of the coming Spring.


“People came together as a community, as equals, to celebrate this occasion. Surviving the long night or the wild hunt whatever their beliefs were. That’s what Winter means to me, it’s why we’re here tonight. To come together, as a community, as equals to celebrate surviving the longest nights and to look forward to what the future has to hold. It’s a family sitting around a hearth, inviting in a lone and weary traveler in to get out of the cold.


“Winter is hidden, Winter is silent, but it’s also more than that if you let it be. Nothing has changed, I will always open my door to let you in from out of the cold. Thank you. With that will those of the Winter Court, those who are new, or those who still seek a Court kindly pay their glamour to the Wyrdstone?"


He didn't know if he had to but he let his fingers trace along the surface of the stone as he started off by paying the cost for the binding and protection the stone provided. After that was finished he looked to Cassandra.


"Are you going to start by playing or play us out? I owe you a dance, I did not forget."

@Saber Sloth

[Saber Sloth]

Before his speech, the Wyrdstone flashes, taking in the newly Crowned King's Sorrowful Glamour. For an instance there is silence, the cold hush of the deepest of the Season, the Wyrdstone ices over, thawing as the rhythm of the pulsating thrum changes from that of the Dread King's to that of the Lord of the Silent Arrow's.

Everyone sworn into the Wyrdstone feels that reaffirming knowledge that this is a safe place. That there are no agents of the Others within their Freehold, there is a noticeable absence in the circle, everyone can feel the Airtouched's lack, Vivian Wing only needs to pays the Wyrdstone a measure of her own Glamour, she too will feel the certainty, the inclusion.

That is, if she isn't one of their Agents...

pisces When you pay the 1 Glamour into the Wyrdstone you can up your Freehold Status to 1!