Session 90: A Toast Before the Fall

General Summary

The party continued their dinner at the Harvest Feast at the Fortnight Festival.   Aisling and Myohn were at the first table, filled primarily with the Courts that preferred art and decorum. As the dinner went on, they both noticed Anywyn Brookmist of the Court of Brook and Bawn trying to hide the awe that she has taking in all of the fey at her first formal outing. However, Aisling caught a little more in Anywyn's glances around--she was trying to hide her glances from the Iron Swan, but more than that, Aisling recognized that this was a young girl caught up in the excitement of the festival and was hoping to catch a flirt.   The pair also noticed Whisperwind Tressa of the Court of Wind and Stars watching Kaela the Emberfrost from Svartálfheim and occasionally seeing the wind wisp up around her as she sits. Her attention isn't limited to Kaela, but it does keep returning to her. At one point, Aisling notices that Tressa takes in a breath, her heart skipping a beat, as Aisling sees that Kaela has just said Tressa's name. Aisling doesn't know the context in which Tressa's name was brought up, but got the sense that Tressa was just excited to hear her name on her lips regardless of context.   Blue had been serving the Starborn Lady and her Court of Wind and Starts, despite servers already being at the dinner. Blue would take the pitcher or the plate from the server and then serve it herself. Aisling had seen fear in her eyes before--fear of the Starborn Lady--but now she also kept looking over at the Archdevil Ephudol with a similar fear. It was difficult to tell if Blue feared Ephudol or the Starborn Lady more. However, Aisling noticed the occasional glance and nearly imperceptible smirk that the Starborn Lady had toward Blue--the Starborn Lady was aware of Blue's fear and seemed to be enjoying it, perhaps even intentionally psychologically torturing her. Aisling moved to take over the serving, pouring drink from the Starborn Lady who thanked her, but said it was unnecessary, wanting to keep Blue managing the responsibilities.   Ilbryen sat at the second table with Courts that rely on knowledge, hidden and open. They noticed that occasionally the participants at the table would suddenly hush or change the topic of conversation at a whim. Ilbryen noted that this occurred whenever there was a swirl of the mist that floated about. Elen of the Ways, Emissary of the Stag King, noticed Ilbryen's catching this and she explained to Ilbryen that Whisperwind Tressa of the Court of Wind and Stars can hear bits of conversation brought to her by the winds, which she has control over. She stated that Eldrasveil had been so kind as to provide them with a mist that is more than simple ambiance--when the mist swirls, it means there is a wind. Unless you want your words heard by Tressa, and therefore the entire Court of Wind and Stars, that is when you do not speak. Those at Ilbryen's table tended to prefer their secrets kept. And though the Court of Yestermorrow may be open about the histories they record, Thomas and some of the others have a gift of foresigh. The Starborn Lady cannot see forward, and it infuriates her that others might know things that she does not. Using their magic, Ilbryen mentally passed on this information to the rest of the party.   Ilbryen noted that the chronomancer, Minet Reed's fades echoes of himself that seem to be with him are actually more likely moments in time wherein he did something, then "rewound" time to do something different, but it leaves a faded ghostly echo. Ilbryen noticed that many of these echoes seemed to focus on them and they realized that Minet had seemingly initiating conversations with Ilbryen then "undoing" them. Seeing Ilbryen show interest in him, Minet began a conversation with Ilbryen, asking them, "What is the greatest magic of all?" To which Ilbryen responded "Friendship." Minet was taken aback by the answer, implying that it was stupid and that if the magic of friendship saved anyone's life, therefore anyone who died didn't "friend" well enough because otherwise they would have been saved. Ilbryen attempted to bring up the power of friendship and collective bargaining, but Minet didn't want to hear it, stating that the most powerful magic of all is powerful magic--it is the ability to control and bend and alter time. Ilbryen suggested that the pair of them were meant to meet up again later, and so Minet allowed them to end their conversation "agreeing to disagree".   Ilbryen also spent time during the dinner to try to teach Dan the goblin more riddles.   Bolvaic and Aralmeni sat at the third table. At one point during the dinner, the Ashen Lady appeared to be completely motionless--though no part of her body visible under her clothing or mask. The unmoving lasted for a minute or so, then she began to move again as if nothing had occurred.   Aralmeni clocked General-Headquarters-Hindquarters-Gives-Orders-Front-and-Rear-Sergeant-Billygoat-Legs eyeing up the entire party, pulling out a small book from an inner pocket in his jacket and taking notes before closing and putting the book away again. Bolvaic was made aware, but the pair decided to just watch him for the time being.   At the fourth table, Zadock, Levi and Tertius sat. Levi noticed Kaela the Emberfrost and the Iron Swan kept looking over at the Frost Prince, though he was unable to discern their motives for their attention. Sneachda, meanwhile, seemed to be protective of the Frost Prince and she spent the dinner eyeing up the different Court members of Álfheimr, the Court of Heat and Rapture, and the Court of Storm and Surge.   Mac Tíre brought up Cerunnos several for times throughout dinner, always in a derogatory way, though Levi could not deduce the motive or the reactions of the other members of the Court of Predators. Though Levi did catch Meeg giving Bjørn a knowing nod, as did many of the other goblins at the surrounding tables. Levi quickly realized that Meeg and the other goblins had begun to assume that Bjørn was Levi and therefore the goblin bear involved in their plans.   Illevaere sat at the fifth table and noticed that the conversations between Queen Aibell, the Barbed Countess, and the Goblin King seemed very comfortable, as if in a comfortable way. Through the conversations, Illevaere realized that the Goblin King was actually likely much craftier than he let on--likely playing the buffoon as a bit of obfuscation. But crumbs of their conversation seemed to imply that the Queen and the Countess were discussing items at The Goblin Market, apparently arranging some sort of meeting for exchange, though without spreading any details.   During the dinner, Gloni from Svartálfheim arrived and whispered something to Dökkálfar, who them immediately excused themselves and left. Illevaere was able to overhear the whisper, which was “Era of Storm and Surge came to the villa. She is inquiring about poisons. I thought you should be there.”   Illevaere got one of the servants to bring them a second contract to be signed from Curst Intolerance, the very obviously Scarlet Centurion in disguise. Illevaere took the contract and tucked it away from later.   Illevaere also noticed the Fractured Princess of the Court of Shattered Mirrors take out a silver goblet and polish it with her napkin, then smash it on the edge of the table to crack it. Afterward, Illevaere caught glimpse of a figure reflected in the goblet that wasn't the Princess, but someone else completely. The reflection disappeared from the goblet, but Illevaere caught glimpses of it moving throughout the dinner, appearing momentarily in a chipped plate, or in a wine bottle whose lip had been scratched when the cork was removed, and even in a polished, but battleworn pauldron that bore the scar of a weapon attack. The reflection would then come back to the Princess's goblet and she would listen to its silent voice, sometimes laughing, sometimes responding with a word or two, but Illevaere got the obvious implication that the reflection was out spying and eavesdropping for the Princess.   As dinner was coming to a close, Grainmother Sheafheart of the Court of Golden Fields addressed the guests. She thanked them all for coming in the spirit of unity and stated that, while she would not be at the full festival, she was happy to be a part of this meal. She asked that, in the spirit of comradery and friendship, that any guest who felt so inclined could give a toast to the Courts and the to Festival, and she would award the best toast with the Golden Apple prize.   Bolvaic asked the servers to refill his glass after every toast and they complied through the twenty or so toasts that were then given.   The Starborn Lady was the first to give a toast, including mention of the other seasons and courts. Smolder, of the Court of Cinder and Ash, was next and he gave a very charming toast, although it was more directed to the Ashen Lady directly instead of to the gathered courts proper.   The Barbed Countess gave a toast, praising the ideals of vengeance and her Court's readiness to impart it. But as soon as she was finished, Sir Hearts Aflame of the Court of Heat and Passion booed her and said that it was a poor toast and a downer, then boasted that he would show everyone how it was done. He then proceeded to give a toast that praise himself and all of the "8's and above" in attendance.   Illevaere gave a toast that praised Caena, but also subtly barbed at the Court of Thorns and Brambles. Myohn, then gave a toast praising the Swan Queen directly, to which she seemed quite pleased with--as the compliments were worthy, but also, it would be less likely that Myohn would win the toast since it was specifically directed, and therefore, someone else would win the toast and therefore be the most talked about guest and therefore a good choice for her dance partner.   Aisling then gave her toast, which praised various courts, but with enough subtly that it was not seen as pandering. Using her ability as an inspiring leader, Aisling gave a boon of refreshment and health to the Starborn Lady, Blue, the Queen of Elphame, the Barbed Countess, Shadow Regeant Umbra, and Grainmother Sheafheart. Each of the recipients received the boon quietly, but made note that it was received. Aisling's toast also seemed to be in contrast to Illevaere's toast, further playing into the deception that Aisling and Illevaere were not on good terms with one another.   Hyrsame gave a toast that was fairly anti-establishment and Ilbryen then toasted to "friendship" as well as being anti-capitalist and defining the power of unions coming from friends. True Thomas gave a very short toast to those who left and those who do not realize what was left behind.   The Goblin King gave a toast that was meant to be a distraction and the signal from Levi, as the goblin bear, to then begin to maul everyone at the feast. However, Levi was just lightly tapping people with Bolvaic's maul throughout the dinner and the goblins thought that Bjørn was the goblin bear. The goblins all retreated, though they did not get the apple, but were able to snatch a gourd from the table as they fled.   Caelum gave a toast celebrating chaos and change, and Vasilisa's toast was more about the acknowledgement of trickery and things not always being as they seem. The Fractured Princess gave a toast cheering the masks that people were wearing at the feast and wishing everyone see the reflection of their real face in their wine.   Other toasts were given, but as the toasts began to close, a very drunk Bolvaic gave a very drunk toast to his not as drunk companions.   Grainmother Sheafheart thanked everyone for their toasts and their spirit, but ultimately awarded the Golden Apple to Aisling, and crediting her as a member of Álfheimr as she awarded the prize.   As dinner was coming to a close, the guests were informed that they had about an hour before the Autumn Canopy Ball would formally begin. Illevaere used their gift from Caena to reduce Bolvaic's drunkness, but he was still rather inebriated when he was approached by General-Headquarters-Hindquarters-Gives-Orders-Front-and-Rear-Sergeant-Billygoat-Legs who stated that Bolvaic's toast implied that he was obviously very familiar with his companions and asked if they could share intelligence regarding plans of attack. Being asked to share his intelligence for the first time, Bolvaic agreed. General-Headquarters-Hindquarters-Gives-Orders-Front-and-Rear-Sergeant-Billygoat-Legs took out the small book he was making notes in at dinner and he went over his notes with Bolvaic, stating his observations of each of the party and his proposed "plan of attack".   Operation Stamina Protocol (Bolvaic and Aralmeni) It seems as if these two are romantically entwined. Judging by demeanors, I would suggest that they are not yet at the point of either going AWOL for an evening. Best tactic: Joint endeavor. Declaration of appreciation of the bearded–add small flowers to my own beard to draw subtle attention toward its rich magnificence.   “I hereby submit a requisition to be your third standard-bearer, if only for one night, to conduct a coordinated joint operation of mutual pleasure, to be conducted under candlelight and full consent, wherein all three parties shall engage in synchronized tactical exertions until mutual satisfaction is declared achieved and/or exhaustion compels a ceasefire.”   Operation Glitter and Glory (Aisling) Emphasized and developed gluteals, hips, and core. Frequent outfit changes of exceptional visual quality, but low tactical and defensive practicality. Smile is weaponized. Table choice implies artistic tendency. Bardic nature? Though a brief glimpse at a firm, rounded, toned calf that could crush a head between them implies physical activity involving high leg movement and/or a proclivity to wearing high heels, but with such defined calves likely a disappointment in finding boots that fit.   “Miss Hawthorne, your smile constitutes a weapon of mass infatuation. I request permission to be disarmed by it. I await your reply standing at attention in salute.” *Note: Do not actually stand in attention and salute to instead imply what is occurring in the nether-regions.   Operation Bibliothecal Breach (Ilbryen) Pure academic: Emone, book, table choice. However, not wearing spectacles to whip off to reveal sudden transformation in appearance and accompanying demeanor (Side note for future research: Never seen an elf with poor eyesight requiring spectacles. Humans rely on spectacles, especially with aging. Half-elves? Do/will they require spectacles? Being half-breed, perhaps a monocle?). Without spectacles to remove and hair in bun to release, cannot rely on swift transformation to eroticism. Slow approach? Note: research lifespan of elf human hybrids to determine appropriate length for slow approach.   “Esteemed scholar Dorydark, I humbly submit a request of entry into your personal library for extensive field research. I assure you I can handle tight book bindings, the discharge of ink from quill without getting it in one’s hair, and lengthy hoofnotes.” (Pause for charmed chuckle toward footnote to hoofnote pun) “Please allow me to explore your margins with appropriate subtext and perhaps some light disrobing during chapter breaks.”   Operation Sporeplay (Illevaere) Fungal growth, blackening of limbs, mildewed scent, association with Caena, Court of Blight, et al. Many red flags. When offering drinks, offer cranberry juice or cranberry riesling to alleviate undoubted UTI which may be hampering recreational use of their nethers. Ensure use of all protective barriers. Perhaps limit to mutual masturbation at a minimum of 10 foot distance. Mushroom/Penis likeness comparison?   “Madam Solandra, you are like a creeping moss over the soul, slow and inescapable. I surrender all fortifications. You may now spread your pestilent influence across all my most vulnerable terrains, provided I am allowed to sigh your name in the process. Something something my mushroom sprouting?”   Operation Thunder Thighs (Levi): Deltoids! Wears bear pelt, bear totem. Changed into bear during dinner. Use knowledge of bears to seduce:
1. Eat honey
2. Climb trees
3. Pretend that I am dead when he approaches.
Note: Do more research on bears. Be cautious with obvious cuddling teddy bear references–may deem emasculating.   “Northlander Kilgore, I respectfully report that your shoulders have exceeded standard issue dimensions, and it is the considered position of my entire lower flank that your posterior is quite the strategic resource. I formally requisition permission to strategize an approach from the rear.”   Operation Spurs and Surrender (Tertius) Fancy attire consists of pleasant suit, but riding gloves. Thin frame, but developed quadriceps and inner thigh muscles. Erector spinae developed giving posture, not of formal nobility, but to absorb shock through jolts. Presumption: equine enthusiast. Apply praise. Repeat until he whinnies.   “Duke Tertius Greyhall, your gait is a marvel. For the record, I am fully trained in tandem riding, saddle-sharing, and tightly fitted livery. I submit myself as mount, steed, or companion–at your discretion. I would enjoy cantering by your side unbridled.”   For his exchange of information on approaching members of his Court, the General stated that the approach of "just ask them" would work on any of them. However, he did share admiration of Bolvaic's tear-away pants and stated that Admiral Aphrodite has tear-away armor (which really does not cover any of her vital organs anyway) and she discards it once in grappling range to begin wresting her opponent.   Bolvaic asked if the General would add his name to his dance card, to which the General agreed and suggested that perhaps they could see about adding Aralmeni to their cards as a joint third.   Levi spent the time after dinner approaching people to discretely get a scent of them and discovered that the Iron Swan had the same orchid scent upon her that he had scented on the Frost Prince.   With the discussions and trade of information ended, the groups headed back to their respective villas.