(2112) Winter Coronation

[Liam Gelt]

So many familiar faces! Liam is especially happy to see R'lyeh and Worm. A couple of more ground-level Lost, like himself. I wonder where Roshon is? She's one of the newer ones, right?

John enters and commands the room with his speech, and the Giant is very clearly moved. He wipes an amber tear from his own eyes and sniffles just a bit as the Winter King takes his seat. He almost starts clapping, but stops himself just short. Wait! It's probably not one of those speeches. "That was very beautiful." He hasn't heard that story about the broken femur before. But it's wonderfully romantic.

Liam nods respectfully to Rhodes and Sera before looking a bit excitedly at the lockbox. I wonder whose card I'll get? He looks to R'lyeh, Worm, and Gerrit. "I think I'll be taking a seat while we wait for the surprise. Care to join me?"

Anybody up for a side-thread?

[Cassandra Reeding]

The compliment from Circe brings a little blush from the Fairest, materializing as swirls of pinks and reds upon her cheeks, her eyes looking much the same in their now matching prismatic state.. She isn't used to being the one really noticed in a room. This is, of course, Seraphina's doing, given just how perfect the dress had turned out. It brings a large sense of joy to her. "Thanks. I have to give credit where credit is due. Sera is an incredible designer and artist." She can't help but give a genuine smile to Seraphina and thanking her as well for the compliment. "This is your doing. It's incredible and I can't thank you enough." There is a hint of tears that come to her eyes, threatening to spill out. No. No crying tonight. She's always so prone to it these days.


John's look to her doesn't go unnoticed, her eyes catching his, the little grey blush that always threatens to engulf his cheeks just a little apparent. Easily mistakeable for early nerves, of course. The Fairest manages to keep her own cool, resolving not to be the one to accidentally spill the wrong secrets tonight. I can't believe it's almost been a year. A strange thought to her. It feels like it's already been an eternity and a day.


"Thank you Gerrit ," She says, walking to stand by him as John begins his speech. It's a good one, aside from the slightly self-deprecating mention of not being as well spoken. He brings up a different side of Winter than most would consider. Huddling for resources and protecting one another from the cold winds of Winter and of Sorrow. It's a take that is often forgotten. He then mentions the truth and lie box and she can't help but smile a little, thinking of what she wrote. There is a sense of worry, but at the same time, she knows in this Freehold, her secret won't be one to use against her. She nods to John when he asks if he's given out the right gist.

Titania enters not long after the speech and she can't help but be drawn in by her gorgeous attire and appearance. Somehow, not a flutter of jealousy catches Cassandra tonight. No, tonight is going to be a good night.


"He did good," She says to Gerrit quietly with a little smile.


She takes a breath and then says, "I think I'm going to try and engage with Anatole." She was going to invite Gerrit to join her if he'd like, but Liam is calling for him to join and she doesn't want to pull him back and forth. She figures John will call for them to distribute the papers soon, but for now, she can talk with the Wizened if he'd like.


The Polychromatic walks up to the Wizened, her once emerald eyes shifting in prismatic hues as she looks at him. "Good evening, Anatole . How have you been? I feel like it's been a little while." You know, since Buttercup and Oliver. A stressful situation.

Side Thread?

[Sonnie Wu]

Sonnie looked over as James Turner spoke to her, and she smiled and curtsied in response, "Why thank you, your Chill Highness! I've been quite well, in fact." The Beast nodded, "Everything going good with you? How's Winter faring so far?" This was probably the most inquisitive she'd ever been about another Court. But she was a curious sort of person.

"Thanks!" she said to Seraphina as the Fairest complimented her dress. "It even has pockets! Look!" She demonstrated that the skirt did, in fact, have pockets.

The Claviger waved at those who arrived after her, happy to see the members of the Freehold still around after all this time.

When James announced the Truth and Lie game, Sonnie listened with interest.

Oh, so that's what it was about. This might be... is his Mantle stronger?

[Anatole]

Anatole catches sight of Titania as the gorgeous Emerald Courtier makes her entrance. He smiles and gives her a sly wink before his attention is wholly taken up by the Onyx Cassandra.

Anatole moves to a side thread with Cassandra Reeding

[Gerrit]

Although he was only one of many people Seraphina effortlessly socialized with, he felt the urge to enjoy the rays of sunshine that were her attention. "Sure. Just give me a heads up when you're free." And almost immediately there was a part of him that convinced him that she was just being polite. Good. It was better to set his expectations realistically.

Gerrit greeted R'lyeh with a smile as friendly as he could muster these days. Maybe it wasn't right, but there was still some pity for the Elemental. He didn't repeat his offer for conversation again though - some people just didn't like to be smothered by friendliness. Now that was something he could relate to.

Next, the Colonel. Fortunately his outfit wasn't as ridiculous as on other occasions - the Stonebones couldn't imagine CW taking John's scalding for inappropriate dress-code as calmly as Sonnie last year. "Hello Colonel Worm. Hope you've been well."

When he had his silent exchange with John the smile reappeared again, and it felt almost natural, worth the pain. Family. Apparently it was the connections of little words, the empathy instead of pity that showed deep bonds. And maybe Gerrit was in a better place all together by now. He didn't dare to become hopeful, but the Darkling's smile and Cassandra's radiant warmth at least promised the possibility of stability.
He listened to John's speech. Just like last year, he decided to highlight the gentler side of Winter - only this time they didn't have a discussion about it beforehand. And this time the Ogre didn't really care much for it, frankly. Yes, the sentiment was a nice one, but only a fool would burn himself up to help everybody else. It was almost funny, how their general outlooks on the matter had swapped over the last year. What a happy and loving relationship can do to a man. He forced a cough, sending ripping pains up his throat and ached the bitter thoughts away. Middle ground. He had to find a middle ground.
The speech ended with a reminder for their idea this year - Gerrit still hoped for numerous submissions. Not only was it a show of trust and respect, the more secrets were shared the harder it was for everyone to deduct the origin. It was safety in numbers, so to speak.

Cassandra was right: John did well. Although it probably meant so much more to her, to share his triumphs and fears. Although he knew he was part of this - they were a Motley. "Yes, he did. I'm sure next year he'll be even more comfortable with the part. And we'll be there with him." And some part of him even believed that, although he mostly said it because that's what the Artist needed to hear at this moment.

And look who'd decided to drop by again - Titania! Had she been merely busy for months or was her attendance some form of mockery? Heck, why was Gerrit even so fixated on the Fairest? Yes, she drew every eye towards her, so nobody could be blamed for thinking about her as soon as she entered the room but still.. Gerrit cleared his throat and gave the Telluric a short nod. "Hello Titania."

Gerrit looked to the entrance, then to the gathered Lost. He had been trying to keep count, but as far as he was concerned they should be all now. Well, there was this mix of many different animals.. Roshon, was it? She was missing. Then again, Gerrit couldn't really tell whether she was reliable or not. If she were to arrive later, she'd have to give someone a call or something, but he couldn't stand around and wait for every late arrival all night. Another change brought by the passage of Seasons. He turned to Liam and nodded. "Yes, I'll be there shortly."
So the Ogre went to lock the door, returned to his place and gathered the box and utensils. His duty was almost over for tonight.

Continued in (2112) Liam, Gerrit, and more?...

[Circe]

"Hey Stargirl," she greets Titania's arrival, "It has been a while. Very kaleidoscope attire tonight, are ya hoping ta colorfully light up the night?" Circe was impressed at the combinations, it was a good contrast with her Mein. "Though if John keeps gaining his Mantle, might be a little chilly for us in the dresses."


Seraphina's challenge is accepted, "Truly? Well, why not?" Circe's blue and white bedecked shoulders shrug, "Beats putting a bowl on my head fer sure," she smirks at Seraphina before leaning in. Her blue hand is raised in an exaggerated stage whisper, "That sets the bar low for yer barber shop moment."


Circe laughs as Cassandra tries to pawn off the praise. "A good artist can't paint shit without a good canvas. Let's just say," she smirks at Cassandra, "Yer dress proves greatness met greatness," she then looks to Seraphina, "And is why I bow out ta ya and yer hubby on Hedgespinning. I'll stick with implements of violence or metal. Imma good at those."


Circe watches as a group of Lost break off for privacy. Have fun kids. Then looks back to Rhodes and Seraphina, quirking her left eyebrow and ear in question. In question of what? Meh, she'd make something up.

[Liam Gelt]

Liam departs for a side table for some chances at conversation...

Continued in (2112) Liam, Gerrit, and more?...

[Rhodes]

More arrivals, and then John offers words. Not long, but formal and sincere. The Feeling of the Wyrdstone is familiar and reassuring. No enemies here. Even Rhodes could feel the wistful wind of James' Mantle, so like his own. Only now, the whispers drew up memories long unbidden. The cocky teen, so sure of his words. The child on hot California beaches. The lithe form of the Nightsinger riding him, pale bodies thrusting together in the moonlight, her black hair waving. The feel of his knife between her ribs, her blood over his naked form....

Rhodes jolted out of the reverie, his hand gripping the one of Sera's on his arm, watching the Onyx King with a new curious expression. A rising ire of bile rose in his head, dark jealousy of the power the Onyx King so casually held in the Court of Winter. He clamped down on the feeling - so gauche to show in public, after all. But it was becoming clear there was an abundance of powerful Mantles, and and the Dread Lord could not stand being drowned out.

And on that note, yet another would appear. Titania's arrival was quiet, elegant, her unmistakable presence and Mantle pulling the attention away following the Onyx King's closing words. To Rhodes, however, it meant only one thing. Too good to show for Autumn but here she arrives? Something must be done about this. An inclined head offered to his Paladin of Shadows, Anatole, as he moves over to join the Her. They did seem to pair up at Coronations from time to time.

He looks to his wife, the sight of her always a calming view. "Well, Darling, I should pluck my paper from the boxes. Who knows what insight it will give?" It was important for the monarchs to show willing for one another. He offers a small kiss to Sera, then makes his way towards that side.

Eyes catch the one person he was still very curious to speak to. Rhodes diverts from his previous path to sweep in the direction of the nervous Darkling. "Miss Ryleh. I was hoping you would be here this evening. I have something I would like to discuss, if you would care to join me?" He gestures towards the table where the box lies.

@Ryleh Saber Sloth care for a Side thread?

[Rlyeh]

She smiles. Everyone is here. Or almost everyone. A lot of people are here. And she's here and no one is frowning at her and there's gentle-friendly-teasing! She's used to the other kind, so this kind stands out. It's weird-good-nice. "Hi." she says, to Colonel Worm , flattening her hand down her dress. "You're clothes are-also-look-good-nice. Yes." Her eyes, rove and devours what she can pick up from people, and watching the pretty-shiny-impressive clothes. There is a lot and she is very overwhelmed. Even though this isn't her first Coronation. It isn't even her second! And that is very strange-weird-good.

Skulking after the Winter King-John, pretty-moonlight-soft-snow-very-impressive and she cannot. She breathes. and presses a hand to the Sorrow-Cold Wyrdstone and presses her own Glamour into it. It gets swallowed down, but she's still feeling the safety-home-trust.

Then.

She can hear her heartbeat. It's loud and she can hardly hear anything under the clamour. But she can feel the shortness of her breath, how it feels like she in a freefall while also feeling like she's been submerged into artic waters. Fear slicks her spine.

The Dread Lord wanted to talk to her.


"Um." she stammers, feeling like it's ringing through the thundering of her heart. "Yes-uh-okay-um-yes?" tumbles out of her mouth before she can stop it.

Continued in (2112) R & R by the Box...

[Colonel Worm]

Worm's about to return the John's greeting when the Darkling enters full Winter Monarch mode. To be expected, given the occasion.

The speech is very different from Rhode's Autumn flash and dazzle. But it's still on point. Hits Worm right in the gut. Indeed, if anyone is noticing, the Goblin is nodding along like he's in church. At one point, he fiddles with his sunglasses, maybe wiping away a tear? When it's finished, Worm sings out, enthusiastic and completely sincere: "Hear, Hear! Love you too, brother!" Can't help himself.

The Onyx King has nailed it: care, support, mutual aid. It comes in different forms. Some heal, some hide, some share. Others fight. Obviously, Worm's in the latter camp. But he does it for the same reasons John's just expressed. He fights because he loves everyone in the room. He fights because they deserve to be free and because they deserve retribution. He is filled with rage, sure, but it is a rage borne of a true sense of duty to his fellow Lost.

Speech over, Worm composes himself just in time for his Queen to say her piece: "No big deal, my lovely liege. You do you your royal thing." At her questions, he peeks over his glasses with a wicked grin, "Oh, I've been doing just fine. Skulls, limbs, giant man-eating frogs, cursed books. I've been fucking 'em all up. Why don't you give me a call soon and we can talk shop?" After all, he's pretty sure it's just the two of them now. Not that it bothers the Colonel. Between Circe and himself, he's positive they could tear a hole through just about anything. Sacramento Summer Court: army of two.

His fellow Wizened's compliment brings his attention around: "Thanks, 'Tole. And good to see you. We should really talk some time. Every time I see you, I'm like 'I should really get to know that guy...'" But then Cassandra swoops in and swoops off with the Autumn (without a word to Worm, which isn't that surprising).

Titania gets a wave. She's a babe. Gotta wave. And he hasn't seen her since the sewers.

Speaking of babes, Sera's compliment inspires him to do a 360. Might as well let her get a look at his ass in this suit. It's banging. "Oh stop, you're making me blush." Though his skin is the same shade blood-red.

To Liam now: "Wouldn't miss it for the world, good buddy. Be there in two shakes." Eyes shift to Gerrit, "I've been fucking fan-tas-tic. You head over with my Mr. Trunks and we'll catch up," he says with a wink. Fully intending to check in with both Ogres, but especially Gerrit. A pledge is a pledge, right?

He turns back to R'lyeh in time to catch her returning his compliment, "Hey, thanks. You want to go hang out with two Ogre's? I could use..." But it looks like she's got other business to attend to. Oh well. Another time.

With that, Worm heads off to join the L & G express...

Continued in (2112) Liam, Gerrit, and more?...