(2412) Winter Coronation

**Vincent Black** · Jan 16th, 2025 10:02 AM

Vincent looked to the flame. He wanted to toss the letter that he carried with him. He wanted to, but he also wanted to keep it. The last words of his friend as she went off on her journey to find her lost love. So instead, he picks up a pen and writes his secret down. One that he is now aware is not common knowledge.

She is not coming, and it is not because she got stuck in traffic. She left us Sonnie, I know it and it seems like you know it too. He throws his secret in the fire and finds his way to where Sonnie is attacking the food. "Hey monkeygirl, when should we tell the others the truth about Sera?" he whispers to her as he makes himself a plate with treats, he most likely will not eat. He has not been very hungry lately.

**Svelte Sven** · Jan 16th, 2025 08:45 PM

The younger Winter Courtier observed as the rest of the Freehold congratulates its new king, trying to absorb as much information as the proceedings continued. Spring's Queen not being here is an ill omen. He tried not to let his unease show on his face and instead turned to the Claviger that was readying an assault on the food table and offered a smile. "Please, enjoy yourself, Ms. Wu. If necessary, I can prepare a doggy bag. After all, I see Sir Fugly was unable to grace us with his presence." He offered a wink from behind his half-mask. "Sera mentioned him in a conversation."

Sven's attention was drawn to the gathering Sovereigns for a moment, curious to hear their discussion of Freehold affairs. However, as Vincent approached Sonnie, the Courtless Beast's expression gave off the impression that something important, and private, was meant to pass between them. Even if eavesdropping was in his nature, it was rather rude. And at least for the duration of the Coronation, the Darkling was trying his utmost to be polite. "Excuse me, I need to throw something in the fire." He said to nobody in particular before leaving the food table.

With pen in hand, the Whisperwisp scrawled his secret on a slip of paper before starting at it for a few moments. His stare was so concentrated that it was as if he were afraid the words had somehow scrambled off the page. Eventually, he slowly made his way over to the fire and cast the little slip into the flames. Good riddance to troublesome feelings. Despite his attempt to reassure himself, he didn't feel any different as he saw the paper consumed by the fire. Sven returned to his side of the food table, albeit with enough distance from Sonnie and Vincent that he couldn't pick up any specific words from their conversation.

**Kray** · Jan 17th, 2025 04:30 AM

With his ball of crumpled paper burning away the ogre begins to tuck into his bowl of stew. Looking to the new crowned Onyx king as he hobbled over. He returns the nod of respect. "Uh. It's the job isn't it. And I wish you luck with your own vigil. And help should you find it needed." Not that he had a great deal much to offer the winter court but Ash and Onyx archetypically worked well together and the ogre was quite willing to build that relationship.

And of course the call to work together. Well we got plenty to be handling that's for sure. "Hm. yeah Seems we have quite a bit to address, plan and talk about." Circe was the most informed o that he had no doubt but he was involved in plenty of current affairs. And with Sonnie's declaration it seems a meeting was going to be really required. Because regardless of reason she and like jasper is not here. Interesting times ahead. Another spoonful of stew is consumed as the ogre's mind begins to turn.

**Withers** · Jan 17th, 2025 07:26 PM

Sonnie's words, alongside her choice not to engage in ritual, were noticed, but Withers only afforded the Beast a small smile as Sonnie attempted an apology on the Vernal Queen's absence.

"Unfortunate," he said, the smile lessening as the element of concern touched his age features. Still he would avoid voicing concerns of ill omens when there was more yet to learn.

"Our life is not one in which idiots can survive," the old Darkling said, turning his attention to Circe, "Your own tenure here evidences your strength and I look forward to hearing your wisdom, as well as your findings... It need not be tonight, the hour grows late... but perhaps a meeting of the Sovereigns is due soon to discuss what we face as we approach the new year."

Vincent is acknowledged as he speaks, but the Winter King does little else.

OOC: It is my understanding that this scene is Stickied to the Winter Solstice and, if I remember correctly, the letters sent came after? Holding off on Withers acknowledging the words until we can confirm.

Withers watches as Sven approaches the fire while Kray speaks, pleased his fellow Onyx has participated as he turns his attention back to the largest of their guests.

"It is duty," the Antiquarian agreed, "With some luck and our collective work our long peace will be maintain, but, yes, I intend to remain vigilant. Such is our way."

Looking between Summer and Autumn, Withers nodded in agreement to Kray's words.

"It seems we do, perhaps we should discuss a date?"

**Sonnie Wu** · Jan 17th, 2025 10:13 PM

Sonnie felt like she was missing something. Wait, was there a ritual of some kind? Withers had said... something. She'd been so distracted by Sera's absence that the Winter King's speech had barely registered with the Beast's single brain cell.

Now Sven was speaking, and he knew about Fugly? Focus! "Oh, yes! My pooch! Yeah, I don't usually bring him to these things. Maybe next time! But he'll appreciate a doggie bag, thanks!"

Had Vincent said something? "Huh?"

"Oh, um, I should go do this secret paper thing, first! Excuse moi!" That was what Withers had said! Writing down a personal truth and burning it! See, her memory worked. Sometimes.

In any case, Sonnie displayed some amazing self-control by not diving headfirst into the food table, and instead going to participate in the Winter Court's ritual. If the Spring Queen was going to be a possible no-show, it was up to the Claviger to show some of that decorum stuff and respect Winter tradition, even if she didn't understand it.

She stood there for a while, staring at the slip of paper in her hand, thinking.

Deep Thoughts, by Sonnie Wu.

Stupid.

Be nice. Just think of something.

Hungry.

She sighed, and scribbled something down. Folding the paper, she stepped over to the fire pit and tossed it in. She quietly watched the flame consume it.

Pretty.

Not the point.

Shaking her head, Sonnie headed back towards the food.

OOC: Yeah, Coronations canonically happen on the corresponding Solstice or Equinox, and Sera's goodbye letters weren't delivered until mid-January. So I'm not going to delve any further into that. Sorry, Vincent.

**Circe** · Jan 19th, 2025 01:37 PM

Circe giggles as King Withers speaks on Darwin Awards in the Hedge. "Yet I am shocked by those who survive the Hedge, but oft search ceilings if I say gullible was written on it," she shrugs with both hands raised as she shakes her head. "We'll make time for it then. Formal, coffee brunch, lunch, whenever is good for you. My schedule is flexible King Withers. Yet," she gives him a smile, "If you expect me to cater aught for events, I shall need forewarning."

Circe had no clue where Withers lived, so she didn't know if she'd play host or they'd meet in Funderland or somewhere else. Then decides that might sound a little odd. "Right," she sighs as she shakes her head, "Subtle in private ain't a thing. Safety equipment, armor, guns, bombs. I can get or make all those as the Freehold needs and not just make things in my kitchen. I do not mix the two in the same place...well," she rubs her chin before shaking her head, "No. Don't want to mix up gunpowder mixers with the one I used for juicing Goblin Fruit."

Circe looks at Vincent as he whispers to Sonja. Then the monkey goes to burn things. Circe honestly expected Sonja to do that a LOT faster. Burning things. Maybe without writing anything down. Well, at least Vincent was looking out for his fellow Spring. Curious about Seraphina's tardiness as well.

"I am never giving her access to a flamethrower," she just says out loud that thought. It seemed like it'd be a bad idea. The Molotov Cocktail filler would probably be dangerous enough for Sonja to get access to. "Oh ho ho ho, sorry, idle thoughts from the blueberry thot."