faefeasts: the midwinter gala - IC

So, here's the thing.

I thought, given everything, it would be nice to have some homemade treats instead of ones that a fae of feasts or food or sweets magicked into existence—and, really, thank you for that, Ashtara, we all appreciate your efforts. So, as one does, I went to the Starlight Palace's kitchens. Since that's where you go to make food.

Apparently, I did not end up in the Starlight Palace's kitchens, but having never actually gone to the kitchen before, I was not aware of this until after I accidentally used the Unseelie King's workshop to create sentient Sugar Plum Fairy Dolls, Gingerbread Men, Marshmallow Snowmen, and something that might be burned molasses but I'm honestly not sure.

[Distantly, there is the sound of shouting. Something explodes.]

They've decided to wage war on each other as they each attempt to establish a sovereign kingdom.

This is my gift to you this Midwinter. If someone might be interested in helping negotiate a peace treaty, that would be great. If any of you more litigiously inclined fae want to defend me from the Unseelie King, that would also be great.

[A pause.

There's another explosion, a resounding shriek, and something like a canon sounds in the distance.]

They've weaponized the candy cane.

Please hurry.

[his handwriting is spindly, with an affect that is almost careless]

By now, who I am should be obvious considering you're wearing my name. But, I wanted to check that you were doing well and had enjoyed yourself.

[an afterthought, not quite a postscript]

If not, please let me know so I can make amends.

[The voice over the wisp is rich, smooth and warm, familiar and there is the barest trace of a smile in her words.]

It is good to be home, I hope all are well. The King certainly knows how to keep his guests on their toes, even after all this time, does he not?

[Lir is mortified for lack of a better word. He thinks he's done something terrible and offensive. The rules are that he is not supposed to hurt anyone but he feels he has. His voice is worried. Not quite in a panic...but definitely unsure what he could have possibly done to instill such a hurried, terrible reaction]

She ran away...She fell off of me and chided me for taking liberties. Of course, I did... And, she had the liberty to do the same.

I hope I didn't hurt her. I've never seen someone screech and take flight from anyone so quickly.

[It's hard to place the emotion in her voice but there is no mistaking how far away it seems - galactic distances even in its waver. She isn't anywhere out in space. She's still at the gala but there is a thoughtfulness that has overcome her and has made her temporarily aloof.]

What color do you see when you close your eyes and think of yourself What color do others perceive you to be when they close their eyes and think of you?

Will you participate in this?

I've included a chart that will help you name the color you see, but of course, you can use your own tools to explain.

List your name, name the color you think you are and hopefully others will choose the color they think you are. Try not to peek at what others think they are so that your answers will not be influenced. This is for...( reasons.  )

Who: Ranvir and Georgie
What: A tour
Where: The dungeons
When: After this
Warnings: Thoughts on self-harm

( places that we could go castles with the strange glow people that we don't know )

[The wisps curl and stretch, twisting briefly into shapes that were vaguely disturbing before. Timore's voice curled lazily through the air as if he were on the verge of a nap. ]

As lovely as the fires are, I wonder if the King would be so kind to put them out. A true midwinter, shrouded in darkness. It would be the ultimate mark of celebration, would it not?

[his voice is low, a twinge of laughter lacing his words.]

Well, now that His Majesty's made his greetings known, I thought I'd extend a welcome of my own. Welcome, welcome all to the Unseelie realm. The feast itself is the safest of areas, unless you find the library - which is welcoming in its own way but a frightful bore. But there's plenty to see here, though you should be wary before venturing to the palace proper.

And of course, if anyone wants a personal tour of the dungeons, I'm your Fae.

[There's a kind of shrill snap, followed by a crackle, followed by the sound of an abbreviated shriek of horror. When the woman speaks, there is tightly controlled panic in her voice.]

Has everyone forgotten their manners? Why is that—that young man walking about unclothed? Where are the chaperones? Why is everyone here pressing on me a dubious drink meant to cloud the mind?

What. Is. This.

WHO: The Unseelie King, the Seelie Queen, and everyone in attendance at the Midsummer Ball
WHAT: The opening fête
WHEN: The beginning of things
WHERE: The Feasting Grounds
WARNINGS: None thus far
NOTES: If the contents of your comments move beyond a PG rating, please mark them in the header accordingly. Otherwise, go wild, and have fun!

( All doors, all paths, all thresholds lead to this place )

[A wisp the color of winter moonlight and just as warm flits around, wending its way around and through the King's guests. It moves lazily, at ease with the surroundings. For those who care to listen, it's message is relayed in a cool tone of voice.]

Such a joyous occasion as Midwinter ought to prove to be one full of enchanting revels. And what, pray tell, do you think our King has in store for us? Surely it will be memorable.

[ A light, airy voice breaks across the wisps with a warmth that completely contradicts the snowy climbs of the Unseelie King's domain. Vevina has arrived and her enthusiasm for the gathering cannot be missed. ]

Isn't this wonderful? The Unseelie territory is spectacular! I do hope we don't prove to tasking on their hospitality. Thank you all for welcoming us.

Still, it's been an age, perhaps longer since I've run into some you and that is a true shame. Tell me, darlings, how have you been keeping yourselves busy? I want to know everything.

And those humans among us for the first time, please, don't fret. Our parties do get wild, but that only means you'll have the most marvelous stories to tell. If you have questions, you only need ask, my dears.

[She is snarly, and angry, smacking her lips a moment after eating the confectionery.]

I will bloody well pay someone to sew my lips together until this thing passes.

[Her dry voice breaks through, pondering, edged by curiosity masking itself as dullness, or perhaps that is the intent.]

Who knew so many broken hearts could still beat so fiercely. Tell me, what is it you're so afraid of?

[Voice Wisp → Everyone]
So I figure since the darkest part of the night seems to have passed, whatever that means here, we're probably getting close to the end of the party, yeah? Maybe some of you fairies want to give us hints about how we can get your boons. Wouldn't that be a fun game?

[Voice Wisp → Fiach and Ranvir]
The Raven and I have a proposition for you, Shadow.

[Voice Wisp → Stell]
On the topic of boons, I'd like to give you some of my paintings in the hopes that it paves the way toward one. Just going to be up front about it.

I still linger on the maze. I suppose this is what happens when you taste true submission on another's lips. It was fun. I shall think of it often. I doubt I shall try it so thoroughly anytime soon.

You know, I'm beginning to understand why some people seem ready to spit hairballs after these little "events" over the course of the night. Granted, I'm generally amused and don't mind these diversions, but this time, I'll express a mild discontentment. I've much preferred our previous amusements.

[Private wisp to Liv]
As previously mentioned, you were an exception to the diversions. I'm still interested in showing you a proper time, without the need for potions, if you are.

[Private wisp to candles]
My only apology is slight: a previous encounter had me less than forgiving. Still, you were enjoyable even when defiant.

As I had thought. I missed the certainty of solitude. If one does not wish to be found, then there are a plethora of options available to them. Tell me, what benefit does being surrounded by the masses bestow?

[There is a sound that follows her impatient sigh, a rustle of paper perhaps.]

I understand that now is a jovial time filled with dancing, drink, food and ... [she clears her throat.] rutting.

However, I would much appreciate that if when engaging in copulation people would be more aware of their surroundings. If it were up to me, and I am sure others, it would be disallowed in the library, but should you find yourself unwilling to vacate please, please, please don't do it on my notes and journals!

Do you know how hard it is to remove bodily fluids from parchment? Very!

Thank you.

[The voice curling out from the wisp is familiar to those who have been in the realm as long as broken love has existed. It's a sultry tone naturally, without the intent of seduction, there is a touch of monotone boredom to the words as they make their way into open air.]

Well, well, well. Another Midsummer brings yet another ball, persuading me out from the mortal realm. I do hope you have all been enjoying yourselves to the fullest, and I do mean to the fullest.

[Mavis]

Please tell me the batch at this ball is better than the last.