The Durants (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
votivescholars) wrote2017-06-19 08:00 pm
votivescholars) wrote2017-06-19 08:00 pm
Entry tags:
The Engagement Ceremony of Viatorus and Ingirun
Welcome to the world of the Durants...
Guests from the Nexus are met by an Isidor who is still dressed for business when she PINpoints them directly to the venue. She is on a mission and pleasantries are swiftly exchanged so that she can give instructions and explain how the day is going to go. The first thing to hit them is that it's hot, and bright. They are now in France, Isidor tells them, her narrative changes appropriately as she leads them from the small stone building, through immaculate gardens and towards a sprawling palace which she insists is small for what it is. This is the home of Gnonyma Durant, her grandmother. A 17th Century French palace once owned by royalty but was gifted to her family as thanks for 'a service' which Isidor says was so private that even the mage's journal doesn't detail what it was.
The air is dry and still, which makes the cool shade of indoors a pleasant relief. Like the ornate facade, the interior of the building is lined with intricate mouldings; decorated with impressive portraits; painted in bright, colourful shades; and filled with flowers and draping fabric. There is plenty of space, a fact emphasised by tiled floors that amplify each step and word. It looks as though almost every room is being used, from the way all the doors are held open for the steady flow of traffic. They are, however, let through the building and out another door. It's the quickest way to where seats sit lined up to face a gazebo decorated with ribbons and flowers that stands in front of a pond that might as well be a lake. Some people might notice the air above them ripple slightly, which certainly has nothing to do with the perfectly ornate poles at each corner of the seating area.
There are already plenty of people milling about. Servants stride from one place to another, expertly staying out of the way of the guests. There are some men and women who are dressed well for the occasion, but like the servants they stay out of the way and scan the area repeatedly, making no attempts to engage with the guests - security, judging by their earpieces. Members of the Durant family are easy to spot. They move in groups or pairs, often getting headed off by people looking to talk to them. A large majority of them also sport sashes of either red or purple with gold trim and ornate pins that vary from person to person. This, Isidor explains, is how you spot a patron and an accomplished scholar, based on the red or purple respectively. Viatorus is not yet an accomplished scholar, which is why they have no sashes. Members of Runa's family are equally easy to spot for those that know her. They would be the large group of tall, golden haired men and women with the distinctive Swedish accents happily talking to anyone and everyone.
After guiding them to their seats she tells them that the ceremony will be another twenty minutes and takes her leave to go and sort out the other numerous things on her endless list. Nobody bothers them while they wait. Everyone is too busy spotting old friends or making their way to their seats. It's a good time to enjoy the scenery. There is a small collection of musicians with harps, violins and flutes to one side. Even the breeze is smelling sweet with the perfume of the bouquets.
Within fifteen minutes Viatorus appears in a tailored suit of light grey and deep purple. He is closely followed by an older, stocky looking man in a black suit and purple tie, and sporting a red and black sash that is even more ornate than any others. Whatever the man is saying to him Viatorus barely gets more of a wave of recognition in to his friends before he's being guided to the gazebo and kept there. Shortly after he's joined by a young man and two women with tanned skin and black hair dressed in simple, but high quality clothes of purple, draping fabric. They look as serious as the man beside Viatorus. That is about the time Isidor reappears in more appropriate attire. She in turn heralds the appearance of a woman who shares her features, dressed in elegant gold and black, who is accompanied by a man whose black suit and purple tie are considerably more simple than his purple sash. Its intricacy matches that of the red one worn by the man standing next to Viatorus. The mood seems to shift at the appearance of these last two guests, becoming quieter, expectant. The Durants gather together, and Viatorus' fidgeting increases tenfold as they exchange words. The men with the sashes and the woman in gold take their seats, many of the guests follow suit.
The ceremony begins...
The young man in purple walks with his staff to stand at the head of the aisle and asks that everyone takes their seats. Exactly twenty minutes after the Nexus guests were shown their seats, the ceremony begins. The young man introduces himself as the high priest of Despoina and welcomes them to the union of the two families Durant and Nyström. As it is a ceremony to mark the union of two families with two sets of tradition and two sets of gods to honour, this will be a merging of these two cultures. It will be a handfasting ceremony of the Old Ways, he explains. This means that the couple will be as man and wife for a year and a day, and after that time they must choose if they wish to marry or separate. The guests now better informed, the priest stands back under the gazebo where a nervous Viatorus and patient Isidor stand waiting. On cue, the musicians start playing unfamiliar, but pleasant music to introduce the arrival of Ingirun dressed in white and accompanied by a rounded, red cheeked man, and followed by a woman who must certainly be one of her sisters. Once she was beside Viatorus, Ingirun's father sat down and the ceremony began.
The priest talked of uniting the two families, naming the virtues of both, as he got the bride-and-groom-to-be to hold hands which he bound in ribbons. He then took them through their vows before invoking the gods and goddesses to bless the union. The mixture of Greek and Norse deities made for a complicated blessing that might have been compared to seeking the approval of two powerful families. With wishes given, the priest unwrapped their hands and had the betrothed drink from the same cup. All in all it was a short ceremony as ceremonies go. A few more blessings were given and then the couple were prompted to kiss to seal the pact, which a bright red Viatorus did, very timidly. Luckily that only made Runa beam more brightly than she already was.
Dinner was in a large hall with close family at the head of the room and everyone else seated at round tables. Every position was carefully chosen, of course. The inevitable speeches came from the father of the bride (who rambled joyously about how happy he was to see his daughter with such a fine young man) and the mother of the groom (who gently, warmly, welcomed Runa into the family and spoke of how proud she and his father were). Drinks were plentiful, as were the courses. There were six in total with a selection of each: Appetisers, soup, fish, the main course, dessert, and a palate cleanser. No one will be going hungry tonight, that's a certainty.
After dinner it's Isidor who stands to say a few last words. She thanks everyone for coming and instructs them to enjoy the evening and all the festivities which "will go on at least until dawn". With that, guests are bid to go and enjoy the entertainment filling the palace.
And now for the party...
There isn't a single place that isn't being used for the party. The gardens have pleasant music playing in them, chairs and tables laid out with cushions and blankets for people to lounge in. One of the largest halls is set out for dancers and their spectators to enjoy live musicians that will play ballroom music for the first part of the evening and be replaced by a band that plays modern music for the second. There is a small room of bookshelves and leather armchairs where men congregate to sip whiskey. Rooms with couches and chairs have people moving in and out of them joining and starting conversations. The priest tends to three statues of goddesses that stand at the end of one room. Here he collects gifts and offerings for the couple's happy future. A man with a perfect smile enthralls a crowd with stories that are only exciting because of the way he tells them. A demure woman facilitates a conversation between straight backed men with chiseled features and shorter tanned men who look equally as disciplined. Servants are found throughout, bringing drinks and snacks to anyone who asks or so much as looks as if they're considering either.
((Feel free to backtag, threadhop, start threads, look for more NPCs, whatever you like! If you're unsure of something, looking for more details, or want to plot then you know the drill - Send a message my way and we'll chat!
Note about gifts: It will say on your character's invitation that gifts are optional and it is suggested that a gift to the gods/goddesses would be more than suitable instead.))
The Nyströms | Hephaestia | The Archon, Liselotte & Stathis | The Priest | Oraskis - The Seer
Lieselotte or Stathis | Poenia & Sagyne | Harrowheart & Anna | Adia | Felix & Jim | Evening Event | Isidor | Klaus
Guests from the Nexus are met by an Isidor who is still dressed for business when she PINpoints them directly to the venue. She is on a mission and pleasantries are swiftly exchanged so that she can give instructions and explain how the day is going to go. The first thing to hit them is that it's hot, and bright. They are now in France, Isidor tells them, her narrative changes appropriately as she leads them from the small stone building, through immaculate gardens and towards a sprawling palace which she insists is small for what it is. This is the home of Gnonyma Durant, her grandmother. A 17th Century French palace once owned by royalty but was gifted to her family as thanks for 'a service' which Isidor says was so private that even the mage's journal doesn't detail what it was.
The air is dry and still, which makes the cool shade of indoors a pleasant relief. Like the ornate facade, the interior of the building is lined with intricate mouldings; decorated with impressive portraits; painted in bright, colourful shades; and filled with flowers and draping fabric. There is plenty of space, a fact emphasised by tiled floors that amplify each step and word. It looks as though almost every room is being used, from the way all the doors are held open for the steady flow of traffic. They are, however, let through the building and out another door. It's the quickest way to where seats sit lined up to face a gazebo decorated with ribbons and flowers that stands in front of a pond that might as well be a lake. Some people might notice the air above them ripple slightly, which certainly has nothing to do with the perfectly ornate poles at each corner of the seating area.
There are already plenty of people milling about. Servants stride from one place to another, expertly staying out of the way of the guests. There are some men and women who are dressed well for the occasion, but like the servants they stay out of the way and scan the area repeatedly, making no attempts to engage with the guests - security, judging by their earpieces. Members of the Durant family are easy to spot. They move in groups or pairs, often getting headed off by people looking to talk to them. A large majority of them also sport sashes of either red or purple with gold trim and ornate pins that vary from person to person. This, Isidor explains, is how you spot a patron and an accomplished scholar, based on the red or purple respectively. Viatorus is not yet an accomplished scholar, which is why they have no sashes. Members of Runa's family are equally easy to spot for those that know her. They would be the large group of tall, golden haired men and women with the distinctive Swedish accents happily talking to anyone and everyone.
After guiding them to their seats she tells them that the ceremony will be another twenty minutes and takes her leave to go and sort out the other numerous things on her endless list. Nobody bothers them while they wait. Everyone is too busy spotting old friends or making their way to their seats. It's a good time to enjoy the scenery. There is a small collection of musicians with harps, violins and flutes to one side. Even the breeze is smelling sweet with the perfume of the bouquets.
Within fifteen minutes Viatorus appears in a tailored suit of light grey and deep purple. He is closely followed by an older, stocky looking man in a black suit and purple tie, and sporting a red and black sash that is even more ornate than any others. Whatever the man is saying to him Viatorus barely gets more of a wave of recognition in to his friends before he's being guided to the gazebo and kept there. Shortly after he's joined by a young man and two women with tanned skin and black hair dressed in simple, but high quality clothes of purple, draping fabric. They look as serious as the man beside Viatorus. That is about the time Isidor reappears in more appropriate attire. She in turn heralds the appearance of a woman who shares her features, dressed in elegant gold and black, who is accompanied by a man whose black suit and purple tie are considerably more simple than his purple sash. Its intricacy matches that of the red one worn by the man standing next to Viatorus. The mood seems to shift at the appearance of these last two guests, becoming quieter, expectant. The Durants gather together, and Viatorus' fidgeting increases tenfold as they exchange words. The men with the sashes and the woman in gold take their seats, many of the guests follow suit.
The ceremony begins...
The young man in purple walks with his staff to stand at the head of the aisle and asks that everyone takes their seats. Exactly twenty minutes after the Nexus guests were shown their seats, the ceremony begins. The young man introduces himself as the high priest of Despoina and welcomes them to the union of the two families Durant and Nyström. As it is a ceremony to mark the union of two families with two sets of tradition and two sets of gods to honour, this will be a merging of these two cultures. It will be a handfasting ceremony of the Old Ways, he explains. This means that the couple will be as man and wife for a year and a day, and after that time they must choose if they wish to marry or separate. The guests now better informed, the priest stands back under the gazebo where a nervous Viatorus and patient Isidor stand waiting. On cue, the musicians start playing unfamiliar, but pleasant music to introduce the arrival of Ingirun dressed in white and accompanied by a rounded, red cheeked man, and followed by a woman who must certainly be one of her sisters. Once she was beside Viatorus, Ingirun's father sat down and the ceremony began.
The priest talked of uniting the two families, naming the virtues of both, as he got the bride-and-groom-to-be to hold hands which he bound in ribbons. He then took them through their vows before invoking the gods and goddesses to bless the union. The mixture of Greek and Norse deities made for a complicated blessing that might have been compared to seeking the approval of two powerful families. With wishes given, the priest unwrapped their hands and had the betrothed drink from the same cup. All in all it was a short ceremony as ceremonies go. A few more blessings were given and then the couple were prompted to kiss to seal the pact, which a bright red Viatorus did, very timidly. Luckily that only made Runa beam more brightly than she already was.
Dinner was in a large hall with close family at the head of the room and everyone else seated at round tables. Every position was carefully chosen, of course. The inevitable speeches came from the father of the bride (who rambled joyously about how happy he was to see his daughter with such a fine young man) and the mother of the groom (who gently, warmly, welcomed Runa into the family and spoke of how proud she and his father were). Drinks were plentiful, as were the courses. There were six in total with a selection of each: Appetisers, soup, fish, the main course, dessert, and a palate cleanser. No one will be going hungry tonight, that's a certainty.
After dinner it's Isidor who stands to say a few last words. She thanks everyone for coming and instructs them to enjoy the evening and all the festivities which "will go on at least until dawn". With that, guests are bid to go and enjoy the entertainment filling the palace.
And now for the party...
There isn't a single place that isn't being used for the party. The gardens have pleasant music playing in them, chairs and tables laid out with cushions and blankets for people to lounge in. One of the largest halls is set out for dancers and their spectators to enjoy live musicians that will play ballroom music for the first part of the evening and be replaced by a band that plays modern music for the second. There is a small room of bookshelves and leather armchairs where men congregate to sip whiskey. Rooms with couches and chairs have people moving in and out of them joining and starting conversations. The priest tends to three statues of goddesses that stand at the end of one room. Here he collects gifts and offerings for the couple's happy future. A man with a perfect smile enthralls a crowd with stories that are only exciting because of the way he tells them. A demure woman facilitates a conversation between straight backed men with chiseled features and shorter tanned men who look equally as disciplined. Servants are found throughout, bringing drinks and snacks to anyone who asks or so much as looks as if they're considering either.
((Feel free to backtag, threadhop, start threads, look for more NPCs, whatever you like! If you're unsure of something, looking for more details, or want to plot then you know the drill - Send a message my way and we'll chat!
Note about gifts: It will say on your character's invitation that gifts are optional and it is suggested that a gift to the gods/goddesses would be more than suitable instead.))
✣ · ✣ · ✣ · ✣
The Nyströms | Hephaestia | The Archon, Liselotte & Stathis | The Priest | Oraskis - The Seer
Lieselotte or Stathis | Poenia & Sagyne | Harrowheart & Anna | Adia | Felix & Jim | Evening Event | Isidor | Klaus
Poenia and Sagyne
They approach the first Nexus guest she sees and though her eyes are bright and just a hint manic, she keeps her smile reserved. Her nails tap once against the wine glass clutched in her hands before she says, “Hello.”
no subject
"Hello..." he says hesitantly, his eyes drifting from Poenia to Sagyne and... Not back to Poenia. Oops! He's staring at a handsome guy. The man doesn't even have to use his charms to catch his eye. Aaaand after he realizes he's so obviously staring he finally brings his attention back to Poenia once more. But wait a moment... His eyes narrow with sudden thought. He's almost sure he recognizes that chiseled jaw on her brother, and her... Blonde, fairly pretty...
"I know you," he says, half a statement and half a question. "You were at the dinner. Both of you."
Vague! But it's not like either of them has easily forgotten seeing a dead man sitting at their dinner table. He's going to assume they know what he means.
no subject
"Sagyne, and this is my sister Poenia. We met you at dinner before." He tilts his head and peers at him thoughtfully for a moment. "You're Harrowheart, aren't you? I know Viatorus has mentioned you quite a bit."
Poenia leans forward inquisitively. "Are you his friend?"
no subject
Why did she say it like that? He stares at her, unmoving except to blink as he thinks. He feels she means something by her intonation but he can't quite decipher what it is. Is she playing a game? Or is this a chance to joke? He does love a good prank...
"No," he says flatly. "I'm his private assassin. When he has a vendetta he sends me out to make heads roll. We only pretend to be best pals so no one thinks otherwise."
no subject
"We don't get many military types at these events," Sagyne continues on swiftly. Then he hesitates and looks slightly apologetic. "You... are military, aren't you? It's just that your style..."
no subject
"I don't," he says flatly. "And I most certainly hunt the sorts of things a Viatorus never would." Which leads him to nod at her brother and confirm, "Military, sure. I am a knight. A Knight of the Ebon Blade. A collection of undead soldiers like myself."
He gestures to his uniform then, and for a moment his bleak facade cracks. He's really very, very proud of it, and it's clear he's pleased not only to be dressed so crisply but noticed by a handsome gentleman. "It's a new sort of style on my world, one for rich folks and royalty and such. It cost me a lot of gold," because bragging about your gold to rich strangers is cool, right? "I think it was worth buyin', even if it does make me stand out a little more in the crowd. I just... I ain't in the habit of wearin' suits. Somethin' about seein' a dead man in a tux makes folks think 'funeral.'" He laughs, and – oh come on! It looks like he's a tiny bit hopeful that Sagyne might laugh too.
no subject
"A dead man with glowing eyes and outdated fashion. It's a bit 'Halloweeny', don't you think?" Poenia says with a hum, her face pinching to one side to hide what might be a smirk.
"I don't think so," Sagyne replies gently, but firmly.
"No. No, of course not. I'm sorry, I was being rude." Poenia's smile is a little too wide as she says, "It's a very brave choice."
no subject
Suddenly his mind is full of thoughts of killing. His nostrils flare and he purses his lips. His fists clench. He knows – he KNOWS! – she's just a rude woman. He knows it's just a minor insult. He knows he should let it go. And yet.
Through grit teeth he stresses, "Brave is bein' unkind to someone when you don't know whether or not they're gonna hurt you for it."
no subject
"Poenia," Sagyne snaps, brow furrowed in worry. It's hard to tell if he's looking uncomfortable because he's embarrassed or anxious. "Poenia, stop it."
Poenia snorts and straightens, shrugging at her brother. "Relax. It's not like Isidor is going to break your arm over that." The last word is said with a nod to Harrowheart. "That's a privilege she reserves for her little mouse."
no subject
He hisses lowly, "It's not your brothers arm that'd break." He raises his right hand stiffly and slowly clenches his quivering fingers in front of Poenia's throat.
He could. If he were on Azeroth he would. But he's not, and he can't. He has to go. He has to leave. This is unsalvageable, and there's too much at risk. His mind isn't yet so clouded by the need to hurt someone that he can't keep sight of what matters.
Hastily he reaches down with that hand to grip instead at the edge of his cape, which he holds tightly to as he turns away from the two. The free side of the cloth flows with his motion, a dramatic exit fit for a villain and sorely out of place after his anticlimactic failure to follow through on his threat.
no subject
The flounce of Peonia's dress and flash of teal fabric catches his peripheral about a second before she's approached and greeted him. She's a rather pretty woman, with a very serious looking escort only a few steps behind her. Jim's gaze flits to each of them quickly before he smiles back to Peonia.
"Hello. I don't believe we've been introduced yet? I'm Jim Kirk."
He's a bit unsure of the customary greeting having seen several different kinds so far already so he gives a half bob of his head respectfully to them both.
no subject
Sagyne laughs purposefully and steps into the conversation lest his sister immediately insult their new acquaintance. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Kirk. I'm Sagyne Durant and this is my sister, Poenia."
She is still trying to figure out where to place this newcomer. "Are you a friend of Viatorus?"
no subject
"Please, Jim is fine. It's a pleasure Sagyne. Peonia." And if he gives each of them a moment of independent attention and a charming smile for each that's just how he is. Friendly to everyone. His smile turns a hair mischievous at Peonia's question and he chuckles.
"I am, yes. One of the guests from the wider multiverse." He can't blame people for the overly dramatic way the Nexus going guests have been referred to even if it is amusing to him. "It's nice to step foot on Earth again, even if it's not the one I'm from."
no subject
Sensing an impending insult, Sagyne steps in with a smile to continue, "You come across as more confident than most of his other friends."
no subject
Sagyne chips in before Jim's said anything, and it's probably for the best. His kneejerk reaction would have been equally as petty as her own. He keeps his smile all the same, shifting his attention from Peonia to her brother.
"Do I? Perhaps it's my background. A captain's used to taking charge and making decisions after all. Though I'm quite impressed with the calibur of people I've been introduced to this evening. Please, won't you two tell me a bit about yourselves?"
Maybe he read Peonia wrong. It's best not to be quick to judge, even if his gut feeling is rather an unpleasant one from her.
no subject
Sagyne tips his head at her in disapproval. "Poenia, he asked us about ourselves. The questions can wait a moment." Her lips twist unhappily but she stays quiet so Sagyne can turn his smile back on Jim. "I'm sorry. She can't help it. She's the scholar and I'm her patron. I'm pretty sure there are lessons on how to be curious," he jokes with a small laugh. He can see she's about to open her mouth again so he hurries to continue. "She studies empathic attack and defence. It's not the nicest topic, but it's one of the most relevant in day to day life."
no subject
"There are magics to alter the mind and heart then? That seems." Jim pauses slightly, searching for a kind way to phrase the unease he's begun to feel. can she tell what he's feeling? Best take a breath and steady himself just in case. Spock would be proud of his attempts at mimicking the Vulcan's calm demeanor.
"Infinitely useful, though somewhat treacherous a path to walk. I have no doubt the family would have quite a use for your talents, Ms. Peonia."
no subject
"Have you ever had something called the Cold War on your world, Jim?" Sagyne asks thoughtfully. "A time where peace is tenuous, tension is high, and everyone is trying to beat one another without starting a war?"
no subject
"We have." His expression shifts, matching Peonia's with a cool dismissive glance to her before turning his attention fully to Sagyne again. "In Earth's 20th century there was one between nations. I'd argue the Federation of Planets I represent is in one now too. With a non-Federation empire. Some believe war is inevitable, but we've come far on the ideals of peace and cooperation so the Federation is desperate to settle matters nonviolently."
Though, depending on who you ask, the effectiveness is up in the air. Jim personally seems very grim about it. He's seen the sort of of secret research Starfleet was involved in personally. It didn't end well for the Klingons or for himself and his crew.
no subject
"Plus it's good for the family," Poenia adds with a sigh as she looks around the crowd, eyes half lidded. "Have a master of empathic arts, keep her around for the big events." She smirks at Jim. "Makes everyone remember to behave."
no subject
Allowing someone to believe an idea is their own whether good or bad. Doing nothing to contradict that belief or idea and watching the ripples spread. Jim nods in understanding.
"I don't doubt your family has quite a lot of uses for that sort of research." He does not like this. Not one bit. But he's offering a charming smile Peonia's way all the same. In some respects it's a blessing that she's as harsh as she is. Were she any more subtle she could be so, so dangerous.
"And with your brother's support you must be able to study as much as you wish."
no subject
"He does what he can," she says, then turns her attention back to Jim. "But what about you? You must know all about using emotions to your advantage. Making people angry, fearful, or even comfortable can get so much done..."
no subject
Why does Jim get the feeling Peonia doesn't really want Jim to know what Sagyne can or can't do? Or let him speak for himself? Then again, the brother doesn't seem too keen on standing up to her. And the way she spoke of Viatorus...
Well.
If it's emotional twisting Peonia wants, then Jim Kirk will play ball. She's clearly flirting. Her body language and smile are all turned onto the captain. What would Felix do in this situation? She is a mage, right? Dumping obvious praise onto her from a man who doesn't do magic is too obvious.
"You've caught me." Jim gives a low chuckle and shoots her a charming smile that is the slightest bits guilty. "In my line of work, maneuvering through potentially dangerous situations would be nearly impossible if I wasn't at least a little bit good at influencing others."
no subject
Poenia leans in closer, her lips spreading as her grin grows. "A little bit? Ooh, you have stories to tell. Do share."
no subject
"An awful lot of the art depends on who exactly you're trying to gain influence for, doesn't it? In my case, I'm often putting the Federation and especially Starfleet's best interests in mind when I'm working."
Though the mischievous glance he shoots her over his glass hints that that may not be the only interest he is capable of serving.
"And who do you pull the strings of society for I wonder?"
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