No place like home

[Gerrit]

An intense rush of Sorrow caught the Ogre by surprise. Not that Sorrow was something he didn't have his fair share of experience with, but because it had so many pure qualities all at once: it was the deep, buried velvet blue of tragedies long ago. The sharp, gasping pale wave of loneliness. The slow burning amber of melancholy, of nostalgia. The monolith of tears of loss, big and unavoidable.
Gerrit didn't know if Winter deemed him fit to represent the Season to this Freehold or if he got chosen by default - but if the last weeks had taught him anything, it was that he didn't have to question the Wyrds decision. Or his own, the decision to accept the hospitality of the Freehold and the responsibility granted to him by Winter.

With a snapping crack not unlike his Mantle's ice flowers formed at his temples, digging into the skin painfully without drawing blood and growing denser and higher until a crown manifested. It was simple in its basic design - solid, thick panes of clear ice symmetrically arranged around his head - but like fern frost one used to find at ones window in especially cold nights, flowery patterns adorned the base of it.

And despite it being anything but delicate, its weight didn't bother the Stonebones too much. It felt right.

[Seraphina]

A solemn nod, “It’s why we brought back the Director position, for situations like that. Someone needs to stand in and try and keep things together.” But if it would hold? Well, time would answer that.

There was a soft chuckle, “Now that would be quite the elaborate setup and long con. But, I understand how some can be unsure, there are some nasty Freeholds out there, not as welcoming, not as kind.” She’d passed through a couple. She takes a moment to think, “I haven’t noticed if the break in the cycle has, well, alerted Them. The one we dealt with before hasn’t been around as of late, at least, not that I have seen. Both in the waking and in the Dream world. Though I would warn that that does not mean we are in the clear, not by a long shot. It’s happened before and can very well happen again.” They had to always be aware.

“Thank you, but it’s not as grand as I had wanted. A special building, with each Season putting something into it. But, have to start somewhere I suppose.”

A bright smile, “I’m so glad to hear you managed to keep it! Not a small feat.” She hoped he was able to get things back to the way they were. “I’ll look forward to hearing from you then.” Always one to support another Lost.

She just nods and watches him reach out to the Wyrdstone. This was out of her control now, the stone would either accept him…or reject him.

But it did something she had never seen…it crowned him! Sapphires widen as she see’s the crown, a beautifully Winter one at that, take shape on his head. It was spectacular!

Smiling, she bows her head respectfully to the newly crowned King of Sorrow, “Your Highness, King of Sorrow, welcome back to Sacramento.” This was going to create some ripples throughout the Freehold. But welcome ones in her mind.

[Gerrit]

Hearing Seraphina addressing him like that made him realize for good that the Wyrdstone hadn't just accepted him back into the Freehold, but had crowned him King of Sorrow. Which, in a way, also meant that he couldn't disappear again.

"Uh- thank you, Seraphina." Should he talk more formal now? Was the topic of their non-Faerie businesses too trivial now? Gerrit felt silent for a moment and decided that things didn't have to change too much necessarily. "Well, I am glad to hear that my absence didn't attract any unwanted attention. And that the seasons are apparently all represented again. But crown or not - I would be happy to assist you in the future if you want to expand your project."

Gerrit reached out for the tea again - it had grown cold already - and emptied the cup. There was a lot to be done: reach out to Anatole and Liam, maybe even show himself at Funderland more often. Get Rosie's up and running again. Look for a place to stay. "Thank you for everything again. It's good to know I'm among friends again."

I would be fine with this scene soon, to get it into continuity. But feel free to continue if there's anything you want to add

[Seraphina]

With a single nod of her head, she observed their new Monarch. Had Gerrit ever desired the crown before? Even if he didn’t, the Wyrd saw him worthy and fit to wear it. And she couldn’t argue with that, she liked the Orge. “I’m glad to have all the Seasons represented within the Freehold again. If you decide you want a gathering, I would be happy to offer my assistance.” But she could understand not wanting a gathering. “I know the other Monarchs will be thrilled.” Though she would leave that to Gerrit to tell them, she didn’t think it was her place. “Thank you, very generous of you, and I’ll let you know how the project advances. Perhaps a meeting of all four of the Seasons should be in order, to touch base and share anything important.” It helped them stay in touch with whatever was going on.

Offering a warm smile, “You are always among friends here.” Seeing the empty cup, “Would you like some more? Or even some for the road? I have a travel mug you could use.” Yes, she always came prepared. “I’m not sure how eager you are to get settled once again, and don’t want to keep you from that.”

I'm fine with wrapping up so the Crowning can get into continuity

[Gerrit]

While it was understandable - respectable even - that Seraphina's behaviour and tone got so much warmer as soon as the Wyrdstone gave its green light, it made Gerrit question the notion of him being a trusted friend. But who am I to judge the need to validate said trust beyond any doubt? The thought made him smile, wider than he had done so since coming here. The Nyx seemed optimistic and helpful to a fault, but she was no fool. "I think you're right. A meeting with Circe and Rhodes would ensure that we're on the same page. And it would give them an opportunity to ask whatever they want to ask me." Because even though he didn't want to lie about his reasons or his time away, he didn't exactly want to go around and freely offer those things himself.

"I would like some tea for the road, thank you. You're right, there is a lot to do. The sooner I get to it, the sooner things can go back to normal." However fickle the concept of normality might be. He would help Seraphina cleaning up (if necessary) and then he would take the offered travel mug out of Funderland to once again get settled in Sacramento.

Thanks for the scene!