[Haven] What does love do?

[Darius Baer]

It took every ounce of discipline that Darius could muster to keep a straight face - a mostly straight face, lest he seem morose on a trial of celebration - as Balthazar and Elisabeth exchanged gifts, poured sand, and, of course, kissed. The bearded Scalvorian knew he was in the eyeline of most of the guests, but despite his ceremonial role of public speaking and vow burning, he didn't want to draw undue attention to himself.

It was, after all, the Blacks' trial.

So as the proclamation was made, and the couple kissed, Darius stepped back, in an attempt to make himself less prominent at the front of the chapel.

He needn't have bothered.

Light filled the room once more, and it became so bright that Darius was forced to raise one arm to shield his eyes. Katara let out a screech from above, but her ward could not see what - if anything - she was looking at.

Even before the light faded and Darius was able to open his eyes once more, he knew that something had changed, for he felt a light breeze brushing against his face. When he did eventually look, he saw that the glass chapel had been replaced by a canopy of nature. He craned his neck as he looked up at the glass ornaments that hung and spun above, reflecting the sunlight.

When he looked down, Elisabeth was looking at him and thanking him. He blushed at the kiss - that had not been expected - and could only reassure her that the honour was his. And then the happy couple moved on to greet their guests, which brought no small amount of relief to their celebrant.

Darius began to make his way back towards the small room where he had prepared for the ceremony, but he didn't get far before he felt someone clap him on the shoulder. He turned to see his friend Oram, and he couldn't hide his delight at seeing the wilderness man again.

"Thank you," he nodded gratefully at the man's compliment. "And no, I had no idea. I only knew the traditions, and Immortals arriving at a wedding is anything but traditional!"

He was still chuckling at that jest as he bundled the last of his possessions into his knapsack in the small room. He could feel a weariness creeping over him - a quick reminder that he had not slept the night before.

He heard a knock at the door and opened it to find Astra and his father standing there. Both of them wore expressions of pride - Josef in his smile, and Astra in the glowing orange of her eyes.

"You see, lad?" the senior Baer beamed. "We said you'd do a fine job!"

[Balthazar Black]

100 Ashan 722

By the time Balthazar and Elisabeth had parted, the chapel of glass had turned into something else once again. If not for what he'd been doing when it happened, Balthazar might have had a little whiplash... and some troubles. He was still not fond of vines and those sorts of things. He could not forget Quacia. His eyes shifted out to the crowd for just a moment, weeding out a familiar face who had been there with him in the war, but after a trill or so Balthazar was able to refocus on his wife. It was done. They were married. Elisabeth Black. Part of him wondered why he ever chose that name. Part of him thought that if he ever knew he'd be married he might have picked a different one... but most of him really didn't care. He was happy where he was with the woman he was with. His wife. Elisabeth.

He smiled at her and turned to look once more at the new holy ground they stood on. Trees stretched into shapes he could not have imagined naturally and little glass ornaments hung bearing symbols of the immortals. Balthazar looked for the one he had not seen represented before, his immortal, Vri. It was tradition, as far as he understood it, for he and Elisabeth to go and look at the gifts that had been brought for them but Balthazar was somewhat more concerned with ensuring their gift reached the other one in the room with exceptionally light hair. He remembered all the things he'd been told by Elisabeth about the traditions but he focused on the part where they gave something away.

However before that portion of the wedding could begin, Elisabeth asked Balthazar for his help with something. It translated mostly into 'I've got a plan but I'm going to have to drag you with me since we're tied together.' He didn't mind. He nodded and went with her to deliver the lily's she liked so much to the place where she wanted them. It did not take long, and it looked nice. To him at least.

Balthazar was surprised to find Woe leading Gennadiya up towards the bound couple but his expression gave away little and he hadn't stopped smiling since Darius concluded the ceremony. While Elisabeth spoke to Gennadiya, Balthazar found himself compelled to try and speak to Woe. However when he remembered his hand was bound to Elisabeth's he realized there would be no opportunity for an aside. A shame, but he didn't want to bring up the war with the women because it was something only the two of them had gone through. So instead he offered the man a small nod when he saw him and turned his attention to what his wife was talking about.

She explained what their gift was to Gennadiya and Balthazar thought back to the trial when the first of the pearls had been found. Remarkable little things. "It's good to see you both again." Balthazar said with a small nod to Gennadiya and Woe once Elisabeth was done talking. "I hope we get another chance to catch up before the celebration's over. It has been too long." He didn't say much more than that for their first meeting though because he wanted to keep moving and get through any of the other official things they had to do. If Elisabeth had been dragging him before, now it was Balthazar trying to drag her towards the gift table. He could talk to people once they did that right? Was it necessary to do it first? He'd have looked to Robin for help but the boy was native to Rynmere, not Scalvoris. How would he have known?

Devin intercepted them before they reached the table but when they did, Balthazar's smile widened a little. It had been some time since he'd seen his friend in person- most wouldn't count when he projected his senses across Idalos to watch a funeral, but he was certainly glad to see Devin there now. The bard congratulated the couple and Balthazar was quick to say, "Thank you for coming, I am glad you could make it. We should catch up sometime. You're always welcome in Haven."

Devin didn't remain much longer after that, probably going to enjoy the party like the rest of the lot. Almost to the table. Almost to the next- oh look, a small furry creature that talked. Balthazar squeezed Elisabeth's hand and looked down at Winston as the little one made his introduction. He seemed uncomfortable, the poor little fellow, but maybe he was nervous? The ceremony had been eventful, maybe he was just worried about their surroundings changing again? Balthazar looked to Elisabeth for a trill as he tried to figure out how to respond and before he could, the cadouri seemed to snap. Winston leapt and began shaking a finger on Balthazar's free hand, surprising the mage a little.

He was an energetic one, and an enthusiastic one as well. Balthazar smiled, his mouth hung a bit open while he tried to think of what to say about Winston's praise. Balthazar had little idea what had really transpired beyond his own Immortal's involvement. "Well- thank you, and thank you for coming. We'll make sure to invite you to any other gatherings and I'll look you up if I find myself in the Sweetwine." Balthazar decided that was probably the best response he could give. He couldn't try to explain what happened. He let Elisabeth say anything she wanted to say to the cadouri and then Balthazar tried to get them back on their way.

At last they reached the gift table and Balthazar felt a small bit of relief in knowing he could stand still for a bit. "I wonder how this came to be the tradition." Balthazar mused as he lifted his and Elisabeth's bound hand. "I understand the symbolism but... still odd." Balthazar spoke quietly so only Elisabeth would really hear the comments as he looked over the gift table. He was careful to try and match names of the givers to the gifts they were receiving. He wasn't sure he would personally write out letters to thank everyone, but he was certain that he and Elisabeth would do something to thank them. It was in her nature and even if she didn't mention it, he would. Just... after the party.

Oram gave them a brief greeting and Praetorum was not far behind. The fellow attuner seemed a little jostled but Balthazar couldn't really piece together why. He could try to attune and figure it out, but Praetorum was among the few who would be able to tell what Balthazar was doing. Better to ask if he wanted to know. Praetorum, like most of the others, had congratulated them but his congratulations came with a humorous remark about what had happened. "To be fair, I don't think that either of us expected this to happen." Balthazar pointed out with a grin. He certainly hadn't thought hard enough when he saw the guest list in hindsight. "We're glad you could make it though, it wouldn't have been the same without you."

[Woe]

Woe shrugged at Gennadiya, as she confided her feelings about several of the Immortals she served. That Ziell and Ymiden were in some ways present, but that Daia and Moseke were distant. Woe knew the truth of it, of course. That the four, plus Ilaren hadn’t been specifically invited, despite their importance to the forging, and ostensibly toward the married couple. There were oversights made. Woe could hold it against them if he wished. He could’ve proclaimed it for all to hear. However, Chamadarst hadn’t intervened on behalf of Vri only for his errant servant to get in the middle of the deal, and disrupt it. Whatever had happened here had nothing to do with Woe, it was between Vri and Chamadarst, between them and the married couple. An act of protection and reconciliation.

Woe spoke to Gennadiya, just before Elisabeth and Balthazar came to meet them. Apparently they hadn’t forgotten the tradition, which bode well for the rest of the festivities. Before they gave Gennadiya her due as first guest to arrive, he said to her one thing, while ,

“All’s well now, It seems.”

Woe nodded to Gennadiya, letting her receive the gift of a fire pearl. It was a grand gift, and a rare one. Certainly Gennadiya deserved it, and Woe was glad that she received it.

Woe caught the nod from Balthazar, but knowing that they wouldn’t be able to speak frankly about the things they might need or otherwise want to, Woe only said,

”Congratulations on the wedding, Balthazar and Elisabeth.”

He said the words to both of them, but the hidden meaning was only for Balthazar to understand.

So having said that, he left the couple to greet the rest of their guests. There’d be time to have a reckoning later, and they had plenty of others to greet and get to know.

Woe for his part accompanied Gennadiya, as he’d already decided he would watch and make sure no ill-fortune became of here as a result of local superstitions or any such nonsense.

There’d be drinking, eating, and dancing no doubt as the evening wore on, and despite Woe’s prior inclinations, he did not leave early, but stayed for the dance.

[Elisabeth Black]

100 Ashan, Arc 722

Haven Settlement/Faldrass

Elisabeth couldn’t shake the smile that seemed permanently affixed to her face. It would be evident to anyone looking at her that the young settlement leader was overwhelmingly happy. In love and happy. Stealing glances at Balthazar -her husband- as they moved, Elisabeth considered how blessed she was to have him in her life.

The bound hands were an interesting obstacle to overcome. Laughing softly as Balthazar asked how it had ever become a tradition, she shook her head. “I’m not sure, but I do know there has to be a good story behind it – there always is.”

Genna and Woe were the first to greet them. After Genna’s heartfelt words, she nodded gently. “Thank you. We will talk later – promise.” To Woe, she smiled and thanked him sincerely for his sentiments. "Thank you, Woe. We are so happy you could be here with us today." There was merriment to be had, and Elisabeth didn’t want to hold anyone up from getting something to eat or drink.

Baron Devin was next, and surprise washed over her face as she realized Balthazar and the man were acquainted. Had Balthazar told her that? She didn’t think so, but perhaps.

“Thank you so much, Baron. We are honored you could be here to share this trial with us.”

Elisabeth smiled at Balthazar as the little cadouri approached him. Still, she couldn’t have foreseen the exuberant outburst that followed. Squeezing her husband’s hand, she listened as the ferret proclaimed the wedding the best ever.

When he turned to Elisabeth, she was all smiles. “You are welcome here anytime. Thank you so much for coming and celebrating the trial with us.”

Sensing unease from the other little one, Elisabeth kept her comments short and sweet, smiling kindly. “Thank you for being here. Please feel free to come visit us whenever you wish.” Saoire’s children were special to Elisabeth and Haven, and she never wished any of them to be uncomfortable within the settlement.

She and Balthazar continued greeting people, with her husband dragging her along as he focused on getting them to the gift table.

Oram was given a bright smile as he congratulated them. Elisabeth liked the man and was sincerely glad he had been there. He moved on to Darius and Balthazar, once again, pulled them closer to the gift table.

Something was wrong with Prae – she could see it in his eyes. The Ithecal chose not to address it, and out of respect for him, she didn’t either, but she’d make sure to follow up later in the evening. Elisabeth smiled when he teased them for the rather exciting wedding. “I told Balthazar life was never boring with us, and that’s proven to be more than accurate, I think.”

Her hand stayed laced with Balthazar’s by decree of the ropes and ribbons, but truthfully, there was no other place it would ever want to be.

As they continued to greet their guests, making their way through the crowd, what struck her was how happy everyone looked, smiling and laughing. A celebration of life and light, but love didn’t just stop there.

Love was something that inspired people to go out into the world and make it better for others. It expected nothing in return but had the power to change the world.

Love was eternal. Love was unconditional. Love was endless.

Love was all around them.

Thank you Visna for the beautiful wedding template!

[Pegasus]

Thank you for your attendance ......

Well, what a wonderful thread! I hope you all enjoyed it and thank you so much for your thoughtful and well-written posts. Each one of you added a lot to the thread and I was impressed at the many, many wonders you wrote. You all get the rewards in the "All Players" tab - and also the individual rewards you get in your own tab. Thank you so much!

All Players

• Language: Scalveen
• Knowledges:
  • Etiquette: x5
  • Socialization: x5
  • Investigation: x5

Winston

Oh you added such a lot to this thread! I thoroughly enjoyed your contribution and the way that Winston looked at things with such wonder and excitement! I enjoyed your inner dialogue very much, it was fabulous to read - he made me laugh aloud more than once! I hope that Winston has made some wonderful memories here!

I have awarded you 2 medals
1 x Lol-Worthy
1 x Painting with words.

rewards

• Renown: 15
• XP: 20
• Knowledges:
  • Socialization: Scalvoris Wedding Customs
  • Cooking: Sticky things don't like tissue
  • Socialization: a hand-made gift is always best, regardless of the occasion
  • Discipline: Think of the consequences
  • Socialization: People like to be included
  • Tactics: Always get the biggest person ‘on side’.
  • Detection: A higher vantage point offers a better view
  • Socialization: Social shield
  • Socialization: Confidence is key
  • Athletics: Only grab the clothing
  • Etiquette: Sand and Glass is to Scalvoris, what Salt and Pepper is to Chips
  • Etiquette: Always show gratitude
  • Socialization: Not everyone is an extrovert
  • Socialization: Timing is everything

Devin

Devin was so fun throughout this thread - I love the way his mind works! He's a really intriguing pc because he's so exuberant and jolly but, at the same time, he has real depth to him. I love the way you wrote him here - he was fun and sweet and very emotional. Lovely writing - enjoy your rewards!

I have awarded you 2 medals

1 x Lol-Worthy (total now 2)
1 x Painting with words.

Rewards

• Renown: 15
• XP: 20
• Knowledges:
  • Cosmetology: Oil baths give your skin a fresh glow
  • Etiquette: Don’t outshine the bride of groom
  • Etiquette: Traditional Scalvorian wedding gifts
  • Caregiving: Reassuring someone who might be nervous
  • Detection: The light’s centered on Balthazar!
  • Discipline: Keeping yourself from standing up and applauding
  • Detection: Hearing someone whisper something
  • Socialization: Trying to convince someone that you are harmless
  • Investigation: If birds are behaving strangely, it’s a good idea to ask a bird for help
  • Detection: The sound of birdsong
  • Discipline: Resisting the urge to exclaim “aww”
  • Endurance: Enduring a bright light

Woe

Woe was fab during this thread, I really enjoyed his way of thinking and his internal dialogue, thought processes. He's a truly excellent follower of Chammy - even in this place, surrounded by others, there was a sense of isolation to him. That's really good writing, and I'm so impressed with how you manage that consistently. It's a true craft.

I have awarded you 2 medals
1 x Lol-Worthy
1 x Ascension. Please see consequence below.

Consequence
Woe leaves the wedding knowing that (somehow) he performed Chammy's will here. He knows that he is one gesture / interaction / service away from Chamadarst's strongest favour. But, being who he is, the Immortal will not give Woe a task. Woe knows what his task is - to impress Chammy with something appropriate.

Rewards

• Renown: 15
• XP: 20
• Knowledges:
  • Etiquette: Bringing along a social buffer to a wedding may not be the best idea.
  • Cosmetology: Bathing and selecting an outfit for a special occasion
  • Cosmetology: Triggering a special ability to smell like a nice bunch of flowers
  • Strength: Carrying a heavy cask of liquid
  • Appraisal: Recognizing familiar handwriting and art style of a particular artist
  • Socialization: Capstone: Stealth Entendre: Using it to tell an innocent lie.
  • Deception: There's no harm in an innocent, well meaning omission

Tiggy

OMG, if we had awards and one of those awards was "the single most adorable pc in the world ever" Tiggy would get my vote! He's cute and he's brave - he's really brave. He's like Piglet with prickles, and he's just perfect. I loved your writing in this thread and I look forward to seeing more of it!

I have awarded you 2 medals
1 x Lol-Worthy
1 x Painting with Words

Rewards

• Renown: 15
• XP: 20
• Knowledges:
  • Discipline: Don't think about the worse case scenario
  • Brewing: Granny's honey makes good mead
  • Socialization: Focus on the bride and Groom
  • Detection: noticing clues to surroundings in distressed circumstances
  • Research: remembering details previously learnt
  • Socialization: know your limits
  • Discipline: Get yourself out of difficult situations to stop yourself losing your cool
  • Etiquette: Scalvoris wedding traditions
  • Investigation: When you have no proof, go to the most likely conclusion
  • Discipline: deep breaths help keep calm under adversity
  • Socialization: keep a social hand grenade ready for distractions
  • Medicine: recognising what you need to heal yourself from trauma

Elisabeth Angelus

I love the depth of emotion you got into every word here. These posts of yours were obviously crafted and written with real care and attention to detail. Elisabeth seemed to be so full of joy and love that she was literally overflowing with happiness. It was wonderful, beautiful writing and - more than that - well done on keeping everything on track ooc and setting it all up. Beautifully done - enjoy your well-deserved rewards.

I have awarded you 2 medals
1 x Married
1 x Pioneer (see consequence 2)

Rewards

• Renown: 15
• XP: 20
• Knowledges:
  • Etiquette: Honoring Scalvoris wedding traditions
  • Caregiving: Laying out clothing for another
  • Cosmetology: Weddings require special cosmetology considerations
  • Discipline: Sometimes, you gotta be Elsa and 'Let it go'...
  • Etiquette: Scalvoris wedding rituals
  • Storytelling: Word have emotional weight
  • Psychology: Emotions can be overwhelming
  • Etiquette: Honoring holy ground

Consequence 1
As a result of this, Haven has a small canopy-style gazebo of trees. They are always blooming, no matter what the season and those who sit beneath them will experience the sort of calm one feels from a jubiplant. Over time, people will continue to leave small glass gifts and at some point during the wedding trial, you will notice that, in the center, hanging from the apex of the roof is a glass wind chime. The sounds which this make are gentle and soothing and simply beautiful.

Consequence 2
I can honestly say that I have never seen anyone plan their wedding to this level IC. As a consequence of this, this thread (and all the very many threads which led to it) qualify as a Tier 2 Gateway plot for Logistics. Please PSF the relevant and appropriate things and stuff (ability, etc). Congratulations!

Consequence 3
For her sense of optimism and hope, Xiur grants Elisabeth the next three abilities in her Nalos mark.
Cloudy Armor
The Blessed is covered in a cloudy blanket that cushions or misdirects melee strokes and ranged missiles so they afflict only light wounds. A very skilled fighter or marksman can accomplish higher levels of damage against this armor. In game terms, this armor reduces the attacker's pertinent skill by one tier, so that the Blessed's counter skill is more effective.
Guiding Stars
The Blessed is guided by the stars at night. When the stars begin to appear it is as if they speak to him, giving intangible hints as to where things are, the best way to go to reach them, and what hazards may lie in whichever path he takes. The glares of starlight seem to take on brief shapes that warn and direct. There must be either direct, or directly reflected, starlight present to receive this benefit. Night clouds lit with starlight will also bestow this benefit. Those that lack Xiur's mark will not perceive this effect.
Spread the Word
The Blessed can make additional individuals the central focus of "Flow of Morale", "Calming Overcast", "Cooling/Warming Trend", "Night Torch" or "Dry Ice Cloud" without it costing him his charge of its use. This second person must be willing, but can only be given one of these boons at a time. The Blessed can bestow several of the same boon, or one each of several if he chooses.

Oram Mednix

Oh, he scowled! I think I might feel like a failure as a mod, if I don't make Oram scowl once during a thread! I love Oram, as you know, and here I particularly enjoyed his inner dialogue and his 'reaching out' to Cassion. What is Old Dust up to, I wonder!? Beautiful writing and well done!

I have awarded you 2 medals
1 x Lol-Worthy (new total 3)
1 x Pioneer (First PC to reach Chief Ranger (sorry, meant to do that previously) )

Rewards

• Renown: 15
• XP: 20
• Knowledges:
  • Cosmetology: Appropriate warm weather attire for a wedding guest
  • Etiquette: Appropriate gifts for a Scalvoris wedding
  • Engineering: Designing an effective spinning windcatcher for a windchime
  • Discipline: Don't think about the worse case scenario
  • Brewing: Granny's honey makes good mead
  • Socialization: Focus on the bride and Groom
  • Detection: Noticing that an object has been removed
  • Psychology: Weddings are stressful and anxiety-raising.
  • Meditation: Staying present to an occasion even when preoccupied
  • Etiquette: After weddings come receptions
  • Navigation: Recognizing an altered location
  • Etiquette: Congratulating a bride and groom after a wedding
  • Socialization: Complimenting a friend's performance

Balthazar Black

Your writing here was just lovely. I am always impressed with how "in Balth's head" you are, and here he was in a situation which was very uncomfortable - and very wonderful all at the same time. You portrayed his depth of emotion beautifully and his focus on putting each step one foot in front of the other and getting through this wonderfully. Beautiful writing - well done!

I have awarded you 2 medals
1 x Married
1 x Pioneer (See consequence below)

Rewards

• Renown: 15
• XP: 20
• Knowledges:
  • Meditation: x1
  • Discipline: x1
  • Socialization: x1
  • Meditation: x1
  • Discipline: x1
  • Detection: x1
  • Etiquette: x1
  • Discipline: x1
  • Detection: x1
  • Etiquette: x1
  • Discipline: x1
  • Detection: x1
  • Detection: x1
  • Discipline: x1
  • Socialization: x1

Consequence 1
As a result of this, Haven has a small canopy-style gazebo of trees. They are always blooming, no matter what the season and those who sit beneath them will experience the sort of calm one feels from a jubiplant. Over time, people will continue to leave small glass gifts and at some point during the wedding trial, you will notice that, in the center, hanging from the apex of the roof is a glass wind chime. The sounds which this make are gentle and soothing and simply beautiful.

Consequence 2
Balthazar is granted the last 3 abilities in his Bellinos Adored.
Untouched by Death
This ability is a passive one, granted in protection to the chosen of Vri. The dead that remain on Idalos and become Ghosts have a host of troublesome abilities and many have resentment toward those who would serve the Immortal of natural ends. This ability gives a marked natural protection from Ghosts and the abilities they employ. Ghosts will find they cannot harvest emotions or heat from a Bellinos, finding instead that their ectoplasm is torn and shredded around the Bellinos themselves. The touch of a Bellinos is dangerous to a manifested ghost who will find it immediately begins discorporating their spectral forms. A Bellinos can forcibly forgo this ability when focusing, but otherwise this protection remains with them perpetually.
Shadow of Demise
This ability marks the Death on any person or object, revealing them to the marked. The Bellinos is instantly aware if any object has brought death, is intended to bring death, or has been created to bring death. While weapons are obviously made to slay, this ability allows a Bellinos to instantly recognize poison or a disguised concealed weapon. Magical items designed to kill will also immediately reveal themselves beneath the Bellinos' perceptions. A Bellinos can sense the amount of life any person they look upon has taken, measuring the shadows behind them or the blood dripping from their hands that only they can see. This ability cannot be ignored or nullified. Some Bellinos see this as a curse, forced to look on the active agents of death in the world, while others see it as an advantage to know whom to avoid and what items may promise unexpected peril.
Thoughtweave (Minor)
Power over the past is not limited to recollection only of the dead but of other things long past. Items, objects of power the dead once held or those favored objects from the past can be plucked from the mind of an Adored and brought into the real world. For up to a trial, an object can be plucked from memory that is no longer in the possession of the user. Weapons, armor, even toys recalled in childhood long lost to the ages can be summoned. The item must be one that was mourned in some small way, that its loss in the Adored’s life meant something. This object can be summoned from a single memory at the cost of that memory. In spite of the Eidetic grasp of Vri’s servants, memories sacrificed to ThoughtWeave fade after the power has faded, only recoverable if someone else can return the memory to the Adored. At this level, objects summoned are usually small to moderate sized, no larger than a suit of armor.At least three such items can be maintained with this ability and can be held in existence for up to a Cycle (although only three such items can remain in existence at any given time. A new one cannot be summoned till an old one is dismissed).

Gennadiya Lyosha

I always love the way you write Genna and here was no exception. There's something so precise and soft and gentle and delicate - and yet determined and strong about her, and you portray that wonderfully. Genna's emotions shone out of her throughout this event. Good work, beautiful writing - enjoy your rewards!


I have awarded you 2 medals
1 x Painting with words
1 x Right in the feels.

Rewards

• Renown: 15
• XP: 20
• Knowledges:
  • Socialization: Giving a practical and beautiful gift to newly weds
  • Detection: Recognizing When Emotions Are Effect By Immortals/induks
  • Psychology: immortals/induks Feel The Need To Publicly Award People
  • Detection: Recognizing Symbolism Even If You Don't Understand The Symbols
  • Psychology: a Crowds Mood Can Affect An Individuals
  • Detection: Recognizing When Something Is Sacred To An Immortal
  • Etiquette: Etiquette, Not Monopolizing The Hostess Attention

Darius Baer

All this and an officiator of weddings too!? Darius did a fantastic job here, he worked with Elisa and Balth and he really "went with the flow" as things went a little sideways from what he expected. I thoroughly enjoyed your contribution to this event and, as the person who wrote the Scalvoris wedding traditions, what you did really made them come to life. Thank you so much for your contribution here - I have come to take for granted that you will write beautiful words (as indeed you did) but I hadn't considered that you would bring the lore of this island to life. Thanks!

I have awarded you 2 medals
1 x Scandalous (the closest I could get to "did a spiffy job at running a wedding")
1 x Helper (for helping bring the lore to life - I'm going to link this thread in the Lore Thread as an example of how it's done!)

Rewards

• Renown: 15
• XP: 20
• Knowledges:
  • Meditation: Watching a sunrise can be therapeutic.
  • Etiquette: Scalvorian wedding traditions.
  • Research: Learning by rote.
  • Meditation: Take in the moment.
  • Discipline: Don't flinch!
  • Investigation: Using past experiences to guide potential lines of inquiry.
  • Etiquette: The show must go on.
  • Socialization: Leading a group in a recitation.
  • Seafaring: Common sailing knots.
  • Etiquette: Breaking with tradition for the right reasons.
  • Etiquette: Knowing when to step out of the limelight.
  • Endurance: Enduring a night without sleep.

Praetorum

Poor Prae! He came, he tried to help, he got splatted. I want to be clear that I love the way you write Prae - he's so loyal and so determined to help. It's like he's so very very controlled, right until he's not. It gives a real depth to him, those little character traits that you give him and he is written and played superbly. Wonderful writing! Enjoy your rewards!

Rewards

• Renown: 15
• XP: 20
• Knowledges:
  • Etiquette: Weddings are complicated
  • Etiquette: Appropriate Wedding Gifts
  • Leadership: Gauging how liked a leader is
  • Etiquette: Seating by size
  • Detection: Noticing change in your emotions
  • Investigation: Guessing immortal influence through context
  • Investigation: Trusting your gut instinct
  • Politics: Figuring out immortal dynamics
  • Politics: Noticing signs of immortal favor
  • Meditation: letting the pain slip away
  • Discipline: stop giving into his sparks' impulses
  • Attunement: what an Immortal's frequency would sound like

Consequence 1
Praetorum will suffer from overstepping- induced synesthesia for a full arc. It will get slowly better and eventually fade away, but in the meantime it will get worse during times of stress and pressure. He will experience each type of synesthesia throughout the arc, sometimes alone, sometimes together. This is deeply inconvenient but, I hope, a lot of fun to play. Whenever he uses magic, it will get worse for the next three trials.

Consequence 2
Prae attuned (or tried to) to an Immortal and that has led to a strange two-way thing. Unknown to him, and unseen by any except the immortals, it's like Praetorum is vibrating at a higher pitch and will draw Immortal attention more easily. However, the Immortals who take advantage of that are not the kind he probably wants to be drawing the attention of. This will potentially be a big issue for Praetorum's planned journey to Sirothelle and - although he doesn't know it is happening - he is providing all sorts of information to Immortals. This will be noticeable by any Immortal he meets face to face, but until it is noticed, he's a veritable banquet of information for the more nefarious of Immortal-kind. Please be sure to keep this in mind as you undertake plots, etc. Ask for help if needed!

Gifts

Elisabeth & Balthazar got the following gifts!

• Honeydrops, made by Winston
• Wine and glasses in a beautiful box, from Devin
• Whiskey (purple), a decanter and glasses, from Woe
• Mead, made by Tiggy
• Glass wind chime, from Oram
• Daggers, made by Prae
• A hand-carved box with 12 draws in it; each draw has a different tea, made by Jacien
• A set of silver cutlery from Haven Farm
• A silver and glass bowl from Munny Farm
• A set of silver tableware (salt, pepper, napkin rings, etc) with delicate engraving on it from Horatio B Thunderbussel.
• A small glass coin, without a label.
• A snowcrystal carefully wraped in a box - from Eckman
• A small glass flower, a pretty ornament - from Stan at the Glass Temple
• Two pure white feather quills, without a label.
• A luxury box of chocolates and some nice crystal glass bowls, from Bao Bao
• A pair of whistles (one in silver, encrusted with gems of Peanut Wood, for Elisabeth, and one in gold, encrusted with onyx, for Balthazar.) and and a serving bell (golden and silver) from Kisaik
• Genna's gift will get given to them - but the day after / when they're next seen. One of the Haven settlers has taken it and is keeping it away from the wedding, cos of the whole "warding off evil" stuff.
• A beautiful mirror, exquisitely crafted, for hanging on a wall. No label.

Please let me know what you're going to do with the unlabelled items. Thanks!

Thank you all for the wonderful thread. A special thank you to Tech Guy - that review took half the time!