Saint Valentine's Day 2015

[Katrin Byeli]

The Queen of Sorrows picked up her drink for the first time that evening and delicately sipped at the red liquid within the glass, eyes taking notes as she surveyed her domain. Such a territorial notion, even after all these years. The only other person to match her age and experience was the Solstice Courtier and she tended to keep herself to herself these days. The Quicksilver project was a quiet success, one that could be developed but it was too open for the Winter Court.

Balance needed to be tended. Gianna was that person.

Katrin's role was more involved. She needed night's like this. Evenings that needed to bring together the Freehold to savour and to remember. Emotions played a key role in their society and social events reminded the community of such states of mind. Tonight, unrequited love. A subject close to Katrin's frozen heart. However, if anyone sang Let It Go to her, she would make them curl into a ball of Sorrow for the rest of time.

The glass was placed back on the bar as Katrin half caught conversations and observed those leaving notes and cards of love. A small, very small, smile crept onto her face.

[Daniel Leto]

Daniel explored wandered aimlessly for a few minutes, simply observing. And methodically seeking out any dark chocolate scattered on the tables. He’d excepted a little more of the normal buffet and so had come hungry. The fact that every piece seemed to have been personally crafted and unique made it feel like picking searching through a box of Belgium chocolates.

During his meanderings he passed Gregory and Green and he gave them a friendly wave and respectful nod. Respectively. He also dropped off a small stack of cards at the mailbox.

In the end he decided to attach himself to the more casually dressed gathering in the Killjoy Corner.

[Terri Nutkins]

After her brief but necessary chat with Daniel, Terri heads over to join Rick and Sasha, and a much needed drink.

[Degnar]

Andrea Ward and Degnar continue here

[Nathan Griffin]

This wasn't going to end well.

It was his second time in the bar, really. He had come for the Silent Night and left as, well, as silently as he had arrived. He didn't like the crowd, he didn't want attention and there really were better things he could have been doing. He wasn't sure what those things were, but if he thought long and hard about it surely he could have come up with something. There was really no need for him to come to this particular party, and it was probably a terrible idea all around. But some annoying little part of his brain had been quietly nudging him in that direction, slowly pulling apart his every objection and setting it aside very nonchalantly.

After having to beg to make a call, it was easy, or at least easier. After taking a detour to the Sacramento River (not ideal, but beggars can't be choosers) he had made his way to the nearest charity house he could find (a church, of all places. He hated his life) and luckily enough had managed to get his hands on... I want to laugh. Does anyone want to laugh?. He wasn't much of a suit person but, whatever it took to please the royals.

Speaking of which... Pulling awkwardly at his tie (just enough to realize he didn't have a tie) he took a look at the snowy Slavic beauty and her stunning... Err, dress. Yes, that's what I was thinking. He almost had half of a mind to go talk to her. Way out of his league, for sure, but it was the perfect day to do stupid stuff. And so it begins... He quickly looked around for anyone else he knew to take his mind off that terrible, terrible idea. He spotted Chris talking with that huge guy from the exhibit and made his way there.

Off to Kyle and Malcolm

[Katrin Byeli]

Once the night was as full as she thought it was going to be, Katrin finally stood from her stool, leaving the glass where it was. She trusted no-one would touch it but perhaps someone may make the effort to refill it. With graceful steps, the coldly beautiful Sovereign moved to a space where she was still close to those in attendance, not wishing to strain her voice from the stage or to appear any more distant than she was already considered.

How was she supposed to act, exactly? Winter's hide. It was a stereotype that needed to be kept fresh in the mind so when the Season's changed, it was noticeable to all; the Gentry included.

"Good evening, ladies and gentleman," Katrin began, waiting for a few moments until she had the attention of all. Nothing less would do. A small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. "Thank you all for coming. Saint Valentine's Day is viewed as a tradition of some mockery or over-the-top displays of affection, a pointless or silly time of the year, no? Personally, I tend to think of it as a missed opportunity, the one time when sorrow and desire are so closely linked, it could be said that it is a perfect holiday that reminds us of the ending of Winter and the start of Spring. The Seasons are linked more closely than simply three months here followed by three months there, yes? We are a community and our fore-bearers knew this. Valentine's Day is an occasion for celebration, no matter what others think. It is a time to open our hearts, no matter how frozen they may appear, and allow hope to shine through."

Katrin pauses as her gaze lingers over everyone, the smile having spread slightly.

"Enjoy your evening and thank you, once more. I shall be personally handing out any cards shortly. If there are any who wish to speak with me, I am free for the next few minutes, yes?"

The scene is now closed to new arrivals. Cupid ST will be sending PMs to those who have been fortunate enough to have letters of love. If anyone wishes to speak with Katrin, feel free to open a scene a tag her in it

[Kyle Ferlen]

Kyle listens, momentarily transfixed by the Winter Queen. He certainly had never given Valentine's Day that much credit, but her speech doesn't seem out of place. If anything, Kyle feels a little uncultured. He had always seen the holiday as just another marketing ploy. If he didn't know any better, he could say that monarch's words were intended for him. That's why I'm here, isn't it? Thawin out just one frozen heart and sharin a little hope with her.

He sees Sasha coming towards him and smiles, wondering if he should wait until the cards are handed out before speaking with her. Screw it. His smile widens.

"Sasha. You look..." he closes the distance between them a little more. "You look great. It's good to see you again."

[Kyle Ferlen]

Kyle and L'aire continue here.