faefeasts: the midwinter gala - IC

[Wisps spin through the feast, each positively bouncing. A burbling giggle issues from the pulsing ball of light, and the wisp curls into the shape of a flower.

A second later, Aelius' excited voice spills from the wisp.]

Lords and Ladies and those yet undefined by form, mortals from hither and yon, the Frost Maiden with the Black Ice Smile and I are pleased to introduce you to... to someone new.

[Another happy sound.]

The newborn Lord of New Blooms, Summer's Sweet Scent. Alair. [His voice is soft and full of wonder.] His mother would prefer you not send gifts or even congratulations, and may kill you if you try to touch him, and I may simply melt you to slag on the spot, but you're welcome to stop by and say hello.

From a safe distance.

I'm sure our glorious Queen will understand if we murder you on accident.

[ The voice that comes over the wisp isn't one that's graced the party yet - for better or worse. Tinted with a sharp edge beneath the mild tenor, he sounds both amused and bored. A dangerous combination. ]

Rumor has it that I missed a war and a fight at this gathering. And here I thought it would be the same humdrum as all the others. [ A sound carries under his words - sharpening stone against metal. ] A shame I missed the excitement. [ And that sounds too much like a challenge for anyone willing to take it. He's never worried too much about consequences. ]

I know the King has hosted a few events since the beginning of the party, I wonder if he'll end with one that has a bit more sport?

[Voice Wisp: Steph/Everyone]

Okay so is that's how it's going to be? Always? Crazy party within parties?

[Voice Wisp: summer storm/you'll miss the magic]

Uhhhh... Hi?

So here's what I'm thinking.

[Aelius leading with that? We all know he's not really thinking.]

We split into teams, randomly assigned. One team builds a gingerbread castle. [Aelius, no.] An actual castle that you can walk inside. Has rooms, hallways, traps, whatever. Castle. Team build. [Aelius, please.] Maybe add some defensive capabilities like sentient gingerbread turrets that shoot hardened gumdrops. [Aelius, stop.]

And then team two, they also have gingerbread. But it's a gingerbread army, right? [Aelius, what.] And the army? The army tries to get through the gingerbread turrets and defenses to the heart of the castle. If a single combatant makes it there, then the two teams converge and there's a massive battle.

[Aelius.]

Toy guns and candy cane swords. Maybe the Castle Lord fights on the side of the Castle Team to defeat the Invading Team or something. Winners get bragging rights.

Thoughts?

[Wow.]

[ Mirror: Vevina → Eiran ]

[ A voice wisp might have sufficed, but Vevina decides a mirror - a bi of face to face - is more appropriate. Seated at her desk, arms crossed on the surface, she smiles into the mirror. ]

If you're busy, I'll ring you at a time of your choosing.

[ Voice wisp: Vevina → Erevos ]

Did you get them? [ By 'them' Vevina means the dozen Death statutes she's promised delivered by sprite express. The figurines had ranged in style from stately to bobble head. ]

[She is quiet but a moment before speaking.]

I'm going to be blunt.

[...when isn't she.]

I haven't really been able to sleep since coming here, is that you? If so, how do I stop it?

[ Her voice sounds bewildered, she's attempting to keep her composure but it's fraying around the edges. ]

Where... am I?

[ She bumps into something decidedly not human, and this, after having wandered lost in the forest for a few hours before finding the gala, cracks the final shred of her composure.]

Who---or rather what are all of you?!

[ Her wisp trembles, then Claire takes a breath to steady herself. This is not the best way to make a first impression, with fear and insult laced through her tone. ]

I.. I am sorry. I'm trying to locate my siblings and... so much of this is beyond my comprehension.

Hey, losers.

Have good dreams lately?

You're welcome.

[She clears her throat. It's an awkward sound.]

Is... there anyone who can point me in the direction of a physician? I have, ah... [A delicate cough.] Discovered an allergy. As it were.

[Her voice is a shriek of horror across the wisps. She's distraught about the library closing. Panic is bubbling.]


The library is closed and it's all your fault Felix! Apologise to Damen and his books at once!

I wished to join in as well. I have made some delicious tarts from a truly lovely recipe I was given.

[She sighs, then laughs electric and gold.]

Please, please partake.

[The tarts are on display in the shape of summer flowers, centered with sweet, sweet strawberry. Yet these are no ordinary tarts made by her hands. They are imbued with the light that shines in love's eye, and like a jewel those who see them may try to resist, but they will want at least a bite, at least one. They are delicious! These tarts swell the heart and make the devourer wish to share these feelings with those they care for, be it one true love or the many they are attracted to, they will want bring pleasure in the union of love. Aka, they gonna make you hoooorny and more honest with your feelings. The effects last for an hour to a few depending on how long you want your character under. <3 Have fuuun.]

Voice Wisp: Winter/Everyone

(Her voice is a low, soft purr, with the sharpest of smiles lacing every word.)

Take great care and stay huddled up inside if you're the sensitive sort. It will be quite cold tonight.

I, on the other hand, will be dancing, if you dare to join me.

(after this)

[Voice Wisp: Faiella/Sovan]

SOVAN. Dear heart. Darling. Where are you?

[She sighs, this all due to Vevina's music no doubt. London steadies herself.]

I would like to see you. Is this alright?

Hello, my darlings. I've been working on something since I arrived and I thought that I might share it with all of you. Please compliment them well, these sprites have worked hard for this performance.

[ There's a pause, a rustle, and then a rising chorus of tiny chatter that could be words, but they speak so fast that picking out any word is next to impossible. ]

Calm down, my tiny loves, you'll get your treats, but first....

[ Suddenly the chaotic chatter dies down into a soft, melodic hum of many in tune voices that grow into perfection. ]

Thank you, lovelies. I do hope you all enjoy this. I think we could use a little more music at this party, yes?

[ The sprites begin to sing and those familiar with the human world might find a few familiar songs in a lilting chorus that mimics human voice but with an otherworldly quality. Those fae used to such things will recognize some of the songs as Sovan's creations. Those inclined towards sweet feelings towards a particular individual might find their thoughts gently turned in the direction of that person (or persons) for whom they hold such feelings. However, the suggestion is a gentle one.]

( song list )

[Written Wisp: Damen/Everyone]

While I have spoken to many, it seems my words bear repeating.

Things that the library is for: reading, research, and similar activities.

Things that the library is not for: waging war against sugary concoctions, revelry (on or off the furniture or books), weeping, any one of the many variations of hide and seek, matchmaking of any kind, brawling, or any other pasttime that doesn't relate to the acceptable activities list.

[ There is a written wisp that comes to Miss Georgiana Holmwood. It unfurls in front of her. The handwriting is very good, maybe not as flourished as some of the others.

Please accept my deepest apology for offending you.

These are just the first token.

Lir

( There's more )

I find myself desirous of stories. Come, tell me your most intriguing.

[The wisps come bearing presents, each carrying a heart, uniquely beautiful, lovingly carved, exquisitely crafted.

Her voice is low and soft, heavy-laden with honeyed desire and the weighty blanket of satisfaction. Each word is a gentle purr, a lover's croon.]

I am much too much, my power made complete. To bear it alone would be a sin, even among those of us who believe in so such thing.

Take it, beloved. To each of you, a piece of me.

[Each heart contains a core of throbbing light, crystalline and iridescent. Shifting, writhing, it maintains no shape and shifts through them all. A piece of Raana's power, crystallized in light, made incandescent by Niall. A gift without price or expectation. Passion in the palm of your hand, should you choose to take it.]

[Her wisp sighs, but it is not malcontent, simply pensive and then it expands, a thought crossing her and slipping from her lips.]

I helped defeat a gingerbread army, but I don't believe I have yet to dance and this is a shame. [She can move like the dark, and to dance brings her peace, especially with those she holds dear.]

Would anyone join me? And perhaps find other pursuits as you do.