(2012) Winter Coronation

[Cassandra Reeding]

"I'll always have your back and I'll make sure I can get you time to sneak out for a bit. You deserve it." She whispers to John before taking his gifts and bringing them over to the food table, placing them in the box beneath as she had promised. As she watches John deliver his speech from the side of the open ballroom floor, there is this reassuring smile upon her face and a look of pride in her emerald eyes. No need to worry. You've got this.

Suddenly, as he is speaking, there is a realization of all of the work she has ahead of her as Onyx Thane. Occult knowledge, Hedge knowledge - she'd have to collect it all. It would be daunting, but at least she has some level of insight. Hopefully that will be enough.

When John addresses her at the end of his speech, it knocks her out of those worried thoughts and again, she just smiles, "It is customary to start celebrations off with a dance. I'll play for the room in a bit." She moves a little closer, waiting for him to extend his hand out to her when he is ready. At the very least, they get the dance out of the way and he is truly free to do as he pleases.

Side thread: (2012) The Dance

[Circe]

Having delivered her gift, Circe bows out to check on Ram whilst making sure Vivian uses the stone. Though she did pause to listen to John's speech.

Hiding? That wasn't a Winter only thing. Circe saw nothing wrong with going unseen, nor with ambushing their foes. The touchy feely stuff was nice too of course. Why you fight was at least as important as how you fight.

Then her court was her priority. The elfin Fairest struts up behind Ram, "And they are awesome horns," the Queen quips to her courtiers, "Ram I see ya have met Vivian," Circe walks into Ram's line of sight before patting him on the shoulder, "Haven't sworn her in because I wasn't carrying the rock with me. I trust Vivian that ya are getting a warm welcome. By the way that," she points out the Pledge Stone, "Right there Vivian is where ya swear inta the Freehold. I trust that ya will be doing so?" she eyes Vivian.

Because not only would it look bad if she didn't, but Circe didn't want to have to shoot a Loyalist she'd invited in. Circe's eyes dart to Cassandra and watch as she starts a dance floor. Was it going to be waltz, break, or mosh pit? Circe would wait to see what it was before she tried to get involved in this dress.

[Yamiyo Lillich]

Watching as Titania entered, it were impossible to miss such beauty. Offering her a kind warm smile with a simple nod, not wanting to interrupt her business.

Frowning a bit as the adorable monkey didn't respond to her but still she did want her to wear the mask, walking up to Sonnie Wu and letting her quick hands place the mask into her dress.
"Feel free to borrow my mask for the night dear, I am sure our new King of Sorrow would appreciate it and it will be easier to eat with." Smiling at her before carrying on.

Waving a bit towards Ram before replying Vivian.
"Just my way of hoping that you will feel welcome here."

Turning her head to listen to the long speech of the new monarch lightly applauding him as he were done and the wyrd stone did it's work, noticing how Vivian weren't there yet.

Smiling a bit as she heard the words of dance, giving Circe her time to speak her words and for the summers to do theirs before looking back at Vivian.
"Would you do me the honors of your first dance for the evening?"

Eyes looking towards Circe.
"You look fabulous tonight dear Queen of summer, say I have a little thing I would love to have made if you would be willing to take a commission?"

[Seraphina]

A smile filled with pride at the compliment, “You provide me with an excellent base to work with. Should you need other pieces, I would be more than happy to help again.” But he did wear it well. Another bow of her head, “Thank you.” She looked forward to working with him and Winter in the future.

Feeling the warmth from the Wyrdstone, the feeling of safety, she let out a small, happy sigh. Things were coming together, the Freehold was complete again.

Stepping back and off to the side, to give him the floor, she listens. Small nods here and there. She might not be a Winter, but his words were wise and worth heeding.

She follows the Winter King and Cassandra step onto the dance floor. A happy smile as they glided across the dance floor, happy for both of them. Was she supposed to clap? She wasn’t sure.

Deciding it might be best to not, she moves over to where the new face was, offering a warm smile, “Hello,” greets the angelic voice, “I’m Seraphina, Queen of the Spring Court, welcome to our Freehold. But you can call me Sera if you want.” Her tone friendly. “How are you settling in?”

[Anatole]

Anatole listened attentively to James Turner as he made his speech. To show his general support, the dwarf drummed his walking stick on the floor at key points in the Darkling's speech. No one would have been able to hear him grunt his approval, anyway.

He wasn't quite sure what to make of the ball; hsi eyes followed John and Cassandra as they flowed about the dance floor.

Shaking his head he twisted his stunted form around, taking in who was clustering around whom.

[Titania]

To the King's inquiry, she responds with a cheer and "I've picked the ones that would match with your complexion", she smiles.
The most appreciated gifts are the indirect ones, the Winter Court should be well aware of it.
She slips into the crowd, listening to the King's speech in religious silence.
Cassandra's marvelous performance, paints a smile upon her face, stealing the attention and sucking air from the room. It seems they'd have to feature her talents more prominently.

[Rhodes]

The Dread Lord has stayed quiet throught he proceedings, holding close to Sera. Her compliments were smiled to (a whispered "Thank you - and you are beautiful"), his greetings acknowledged with inclined of the head.

The swirling thunderstorm clouds that make up his hedgespun coat seem lighter, almost benight fron the dark brooding colours they usually are. The red flowers on his head have died back, leaving dark green leaves surrounging tried, dark-ringed eyes.

Unweaving from Sera as she mingles, he watches the surroundings carefully, and slowly and dignifiedly makes his way through to James.

Rhodes follows to here

[Sonnie Wu]

Sonnie blinked in confusion at Yamiyo, then looked in greater confusion at the mask she was handed by the Succubus. She tried to say something, but Yamiyo walked away. Her eyes scanned the room, looking at the other guests, before looking back at the mask in her hand.

Is... is there something wrong with my mask? I thought it was cute!

The Monkey was sad now.

[Circe]

And Circe gets distracted. "I like the chance ta practice Yammy, what are ya hoping fer? Metal stilleto heels? Or without the heels? Sparklies? Computer virus? Cakes?" Circe is smiling at Yamiyo as she shrugs, "I'm crafty enough ta do all. I even thought of a way ta make gloves ta help Ram kick more ass," she bumps shoulders with the Render.

It was a simple enough equation to work out. Circe was also empathic enough to notice Sonja Wu was going Winter. Spring wasn't in position to help. Circe motions for the monkey to come over to her. Seraphina was occupied with her husband, Yamiyo was with Circe and the Summers, and Titania is a cinnamon roll.

Whilst Circe couldn't just make a mask, she might be able to talk Sonja into understanding what she did wrong. It had been the kind of mask a child would wear to such an event that was meant to be formal. So yes there were consequences but they meant nothing it Sonja didn't understand them. Or Yamiyo can help her fellow Spring, whichever.

[Gerrit]

Gerrit was thankful for the little rest he had at the table, just watching the Freehold do what John and Cassandra would call 'the dance'.

There was the new one, getting what he suspected was the same welcome he had gotten from Yamiyo and then ending up in a conversation with Ram. With no flourishes and little words the two were probably going to get along great. That's good. I wonder if I'll get the chance to really talk to her - but considering everyone tends to flock around the new arrivals the chances are rather slim.

Speaking of flocking - John was of course getting all the attention the King of Sorrows deserved at his own Coronation. Gerrit could imagine how the Darkling felt right now - this wasn't even standing around a bar on Halloween with a few strangers, this was him in the limelight of the whole Freehold. But he's doing just fine.

The Winter Monarch's speech made the Ogre smile behind his mask. He felt that his opinion on the Court, which he had addressed at the last Winter meeting, had been heard. They represented not the coldest of the cold, they were here to help and protect the Freehold. He acknowledged the speech with a polite applause - he'd have to congratulate John later in person. For now, he was dancing with Cassandra.
He noticed himself sitting more upright, more rigid while watching the two. John was doing well enough, but Cassandra was simply breathtaking. The way she moved seemed to make time stand still and defy the laws of gravity. At this moment, she was the fairest of them all.
Why then couldn't he just appreciate that beauty, why did he feel that bitter taste of resentment again? He is the King, she is his Thane. Of course they're dancing together. Plus, if she really does have feelings for him? Unconsciously he started picking at the scabs on his hands again. It's not that John reciprocated those feelings, and it's not like either of them didn't deserve this, but.. but what? It was time for Gerrit to deserve something good happening? What a selfish thought. Gerrit flinched as he dug to deep and drew blood, tearing his eyes away from his fellow Winters. Hastily he looked for a napkin not to mess up the rental tux.

He busied his mind with the other Lost in the room again.

Rhodes and Seraphina made their way to the newest member of the royal circle. Gerrit's eyes followed them to a certain point, then he looked away. It was good that they seem to acknowledge John. Now they could do some royal double dates-

Sonnie seemed to have something on her mind. Maybe others' reception of her mask got through to her. Good. It wouldn't be a Winter Equinox without some sadness.
Realizing what was happening again, Gerrit stood up and made his way to the table with the snacks and refreshments. His legs felt wooden and he only noticed halfway through the room that he stil pressed the napkin at his hand. Quickly he stuffed it into his pocket.

At the buffet he just stood for a few moments, thinking about nothing and just looking at what's there. He needed a reset.