Silent Night 2014

[Coco]

A hand was gently placed as the small of Catherine's back, and then the Claviger of Spring appeared a moment later at her side, pearl white teeth on charming display.

"Well hello, dear Catherine. You're looking simply sumptuous, tonight," Coco declared, leaning in for a quick kiss, though the taller painter would have to close the vertical distance. After her lips were free once more, the Wasp's split eyes looked in the direction of the fiddler ( Trickster ), to see if she had followed.

"I want to introduce you to a friend of mine. Lynn Mills, musician extraordinaire!"

[Trickster]

Lynn smiled up warmly at Catherine and held out one hand. "It's lovely to meet you. Although you may want to hold your opinion, as I've come with a new song to offer the New Year and it may be a terrific flop." Lynn absently adjusted the strap of her fiddle case where it hung across her back. She thought that the two looked simply stunning together, the shorter vibrant Coco against the simple elegance of the taller Catherine.

[RebornSeas]

Alex, having finished his pledge, hurried to join Coco and Lynn now that they were at the bar. Of course, he couldn't help but see the shared kiss between the ladies, and again, the tinge of red on his cheeks appeared.

And Lynn's earlier statement about stamina started echoing in his ears again. "Hey Lynn, Coco!" Glancing between the Wasp and Catherine he added with a smile, "You two look good - uh, happy together. A Charming Couple."

[Kyle Ferlen]

See? That wasn't so bad. He muses to himself, returning from making his pledge. He definitely heard someone mention a musician . Kyle's eyes drift back towards the bar and see what looks like an entirely different group of patrons. He shrugs, to no one in particular. It's not exactly rude for someone like Kyle to lose people in a crowd. He could always apologize later. Looking back in the direction of the speaker, he sees a group of ladies and a man with some sort of golden brown highlights. Drawing closer, he sees that a particularly pale girl has a fiddle strapped to her back. He grins happily.

"Excuse me, miss? Are you gonna be playing that thing tonight?" His voice is laced with charm and genuine delight. "I've been dying to hear something from a local artist." He makes eye contact with the rest of the group.

"Chris, by the way."

[Whisper]

Maredrauga eyes slowly moved about, as he sat alone in the corner. He could play at being social, but he found more comfort in just watching the various social interactions.

[Trickster]

starting a new conversation thread for Coco , Kyle Ferlen , Alex Addler and Catherine Brume

[Whisper]

Maredrauga and Ava continued here.

[Katrin Byeli]

As those who wished to swear themselves to her dwindled, Katrin's eyes took in the gathering, which was as good a turn out as could be expected. It really wasn't that surprising that none of her fellow Sovereigns had decided to join them; walls had been built between the Courts since the destruction of the Four Seasons and it would take some time for a simple concept like trust to be established once more.

Intrigue was so much better.

With fluid grace, the Winter Queen stood and once again made her way to the stage, ascending above those in conversation or clinging to their walls. Once before the microphone once again, a small, practiced smile appeared.

"Ladies and gentleman, we shall now begin the evening's entertainments," Katrin said, pausing until she had gained everyone's attention. "Those who have spoken to Swilla and informed him of their requirements may now perform for the Freehold, a tradition long established in Sacramento but sadly forgotten in past Seasons. Throughout, respect those who are here and those who are no longer, and always ensure to prepare your farewells."

With that final, cryptic sentence, Katrin returns to her table and waits for the performances to begin.

Anyone who is wishing to perform may now do so, and may post their performance and dice roll. Spectators, feel free to post reactions as and when. The thread will be closing in a couple of weeks

[Trickster]

Lynn made her way to the front of the room, fiddle and bow tucked under one arm. She felt a trickle of unease, as she was about to perform a song that she herself had written for the occasion and the audience. It would either be taken very well, or she’d offend the entire Freehold in one fell swoop. There was something to be said for efficiency.

Taking a deep breath, Lynn made her way to the stage and took her place. She played a few soft notes, more as an auditory throat clearing than anything else. She took a deep breath, braced her self and started to play.

  

Date		Action		Roll		Result
2015-01-01 10:56:10		[01] Lynn Mills rolls 9 to play the fiddle [Dex (3) + Expression (5) + Equip Bounus (1)] (10 Again)		2, 10, 8, 3, 3, 1, 5, 10, 5, 10, 7, 3		4 successes

It started out softly, in the minor key as if it was a lament.

When we are Lost, what guides us home?
What signpost in the Dark?
What beckoning light;
Where so few dare to roam?

When we are Broken,
What calls us back,
What breaks our chains,
What clears our path?

When we have Forgotten,
What reminds us?
Of who we were,
Of what we were to be?

The tune gradually changed, altering keys and tempo until it became something more triumphant and joyous.

Lost and alone and far from home,
We wander in the dark,
Lost and alone and far from home,
We fight against the night
Wanderers all
We gather here tonight!

We raise a glass to the things that may last
and we turn to one more fight.

Lost and alone and far from home
We who are so changed,
We choose to dance and sing
And laugh and maybe to regain.
That which was lost and
Those who were Lost and to remember names.

Lynn’s fingers flew across the strings as she played, absently tossing a strand of hair back over her shoulder as she stood. A bright grin stretched her lips as she sang.

Homes we have lost and homes we have found
Rebuilding along the way
We choose to love and live and
laugh and thus deny them sway.
We’ve build these lives and
Made our names and thus we do reclaim.

Lost, not Alone and now we’re home
We’ve gathered here tonight.
Lost, not Alone and now we’re home
We burn brightly in the night

Now the song was an anthem, a joyous triumph over the loss and the hardship that they had all suffered. It was triumph and joy in the dark places of the world.

Lost,
Not Alone
And now . . .
We are Home

Lost,
Not Alone
And now . . .
We are Home.



After that she found herself segued into a couple of instrumentals that she found particularly soothing, even while wondering impishly if anybody would notice where they came from.

  

Date		Action		Roll		Result
2015-01-01 10:56:10		[02] Lynn Mills rolls 9 to play the fiddle [Dex (3) + Expression (5) + Equip Bounus (1)] (10 Again)		1, 1, 5, 3, 10, 4, 6, 9, 4, 3		2 successes

The Last Goodbye

  

Date		Action		Roll		Result
2015-01-01 10:56:10		[03] Lynn Mills rolls 9 to play the fiddle [Dex (3) + Expression (5) + Equip Bounus (1)] (10 Again)		9, 1, 2, 9, 2, 7, 8, 6, 5		3 successes

Song of Time and Storms

Finally stopping, she blinked slightly as if waking from a dream and stepped down from the stage. With a bow to the room and a second to the Winter Lady, she crossed back to the bar.