votivescholars: (Veiled)
[personal profile] votivescholars
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.))


✣ · ✣ · ✣ · ✣
 

Date: 2017-06-22 01:07 pm (UTC)
chiron_survivor: (ha ha that's funny)
From: [personal profile] chiron_survivor
"It's good to be happy," she agrees with a small, bashful smile. She has finding Earth to look forward to, and the center as well. It keeps her looking forward despite the heavy weight of her past.

His kind words and comical display put her at ease; she raises a hand to stifle a laugh, the blush on her cheeks fading. "I'm no psychologist, but you seem very sane to me," she says with a grin. But her expression quickly sobers as she thinks about the problems a seer -- a real seer -- must face. "Is it hard for you? To see things that others don't?"
Edited Date: 2017-06-22 01:08 pm (UTC)

Date: 2017-06-23 12:46 am (UTC)
chiron_survivor: (Default)
From: [personal profile] chiron_survivor
He is very kind, to speak to her so warmly when they have only just met. "I, um..." She looks at him and smiles hesitantly. "I hope it isn't out of line for me to say, but I'm very glad that Viatorus has you in his family." She does not want to accidentally speak unfavorably about anyone in his family, but so far it seems that only Isidor and Oraskis had been giving him the emotional support that he needed as a child.

That is not the response she was expecting, but she quickly understands the point he is trying to make. She feels guilty for assuming that he was somehow handicapped by his visions, at least in certain circumstances. "I wouldn't either," she agrees. "But it's important for me to understand what it's like for other people, too."

Date: 2017-06-25 02:08 am (UTC)
chiron_survivor: (thoughtful but hopeful)
From: [personal profile] chiron_survivor
Relieved that her compliment was well-received, she feels emboldened to answer his implicit question freely. "To be honest, it reminds me of royalty, how much emphasis is placed on tradition and rules... not that my society doesn't have those things, but there's more of an emphasis on being an individual and making your own way in the world."

The fact that they are walking around a palatial estate only contributes to the comparison in her mind. But there is no judgement in her tone, merely observation.

She ducks her head at his comment, smiling shyly, although that smile fades as he confesses the impact of his visions on his wife. For an introvert like her, both of those examples he provided would be an absolute nightmare. "That must be hard for her," she agrees soberly. "Hard for you both. But if I had to choose, I think I'd rather be in her position. It's easier to deal with someone else doing something, um... unexpected, than doing it myself."

Date: 2017-06-25 01:36 pm (UTC)
chiron_survivor: (Default)
From: [personal profile] chiron_survivor
"But not everyone can do magic. It's important to preserve that." That's the conclusion she's already come to after talking to Viatorus about his family's traditions, that arranged marriage and a structured family dynamic are what keep the magical bloodline strong.

She makes a small sound of protest in response to his joke. "I'm sure you more than make up for it," she insists, although if he's actively hiding from his wife, then maybe not. Her unfamiliarity with the woman he mentions shows on her face, and she debates asking about her particular field of magic, but is side-tracked by the idea of Viatorus being a handful. "He's lucky to have Isidor," she says. "I've never met someone more competent than her. And Runa... well, I haven't met her yet, but she seems very sweet."

Date: 2017-06-26 02:44 am (UTC)
chiron_survivor: (oh no)
From: [personal profile] chiron_survivor
She looks back at him, her expression guileless, perhaps a touched confused over why he's peering at her so intently. "Only once, when she was asking a question in the Nexus. Oh, I guess technically twice because she walked me to my seat. It's from Viatorus that I've learned most about your family's traditions."

"Of course," she replies automatically. "But, um... it's not really his fault. The Nexus kind of does that to everybody. It's just weird like that."

Date: 2017-06-27 12:52 pm (UTC)
chiron_survivor: (ha ha that's funny)
From: [personal profile] chiron_survivor
Now she understands the look he gave her. Her gaze drops sheepishly. "Sorry... sometimes in an effort to understand others, I go a little overboard." It figures the one Durant she finds at the party would be the least slavish to tradition. At least he sees the humor in it. Her smile returns and she adds wryly, "That, and the fact that I'm a guest probably disqualify me from putting anyone in their place."

It's easiest to imagine Viatorus floating off in the Nexus, perhaps even literally, and she giggles at the thought. "That I can do... which friend do you mean? Harrowheart? If it's him we won't have any trouble." He's the first friend who comes to mind, as she had caught sight of him shortly before the ceremony.

Date: 2017-06-28 03:29 pm (UTC)
chiron_survivor: (you're kidding right?)
From: [personal profile] chiron_survivor
"I have no doubt that she's an expert," Adia replies, although her tone is far less flippant. She deeply admires Isidor's ability to navigate a social minefield. "It's not something I need to do, anyway."

She listens to his clarification, her expression one of polite confusion. Who is he talking about? It'd be easy to assume that it's simply a matter of forgetfulness on both their parts, except...

Except she hasn't told him anybody else's name. "I'm sorry, I don't know who you mean. You've... you've seen him?"

Date: 2017-06-29 12:52 am (UTC)
chiron_survivor: (oh no)
From: [personal profile] chiron_survivor
It comes to her unbidden, once he stumbles over a possible name. "Caspar?" It leaves her mouth before she realizes the implications. Brown-haired, neat as a pin, always with her...

"No. No, it can't --" She swallows hard, tries to catch her breath. "He's not... we aren't..."

But maybe Oraskis isn't talking about the present. The thought makes her dizzy. "Can we... I think I need to sit down..."

Date: 2017-06-29 04:46 pm (UTC)
chiron_survivor: (one sad tulip)
From: [personal profile] chiron_survivor
She joins him with slightly less grace, her mind whirling with the possibility that in some future, Caspar is in her life again. She had spent so many weeks trying to push him from her mind, to have him spoken of here of all places...

A particularly astute servant walks by with a tray of cold drinks and offers one to Adia. She takes it with an absent thank-you and holds the glass in both hands, her purse resting in her lap. It's lemonade, or perhaps a cocktail. It doesn't matter. The chill of the glass centers her, the tiniest of sips keeps her from losing all her color.

"I think you had a vision," she says softly, looking him over worriedly. "You can't have met Caspar yet, he's... we were very close once, but he's been out of my life for some time."

Date: 2017-06-29 08:58 pm (UTC)
chiron_survivor: (Default)
From: [personal profile] chiron_survivor
She feels bad for waking him, worse still for the fog of confusion he finds himself in. "Can I get you something?" she offers quietly. "Something other than brandy?"

Though her eyes speak volumes in response to his question, it's a long moment before she replies with words. "Love... yes. Not so old. Um. About two years ago?" She smiles, but it's poignant. "He asked me out on my birthday... for a little while I was the happiest woman in the twelve colonies."

Her lower lip trembles and she covers it up with a sip of her drink. "He's... he was like you said. Neat." It's too easy to imagine him at the party, dressed in one of those suits his model seemed to favor. "When... when you saw him. Did he seem... okay? Was he happy?"

Date: 2017-06-30 02:12 pm (UTC)
chiron_survivor: (one sad tulip)
From: [personal profile] chiron_survivor
"Okay." She doesn't seem entirely convinced, but she's not going to push her offer of help. She can always look for his wife if he loses himself again.

His words are met with a soft blush and the very beginnings of a soppy smile. Her gaze drops to the chevrons on his sash. He's a seer... a real seer. His visions have earned him honor and acclaim. She can set aside her agnosticism and put faith in what he's seen, can't she?

Hope pushes against her chest... and it hurts. Why does it hurt so much to want this?

"It's... very hard for me to imagine," she says finally, looking into her drink. "That... after everything, we could be together again."

Date: 2017-07-01 02:03 pm (UTC)
chiron_survivor: (thoughtful but hopeful)
From: [personal profile] chiron_survivor
She keeps her gaze low through the beginning of his advice, unsure if an unstable vision makes her feel better or worse. The fact that he knows Caspar at all has her shaken to her core. But as he explains his philosophy, her nerves steady. She takes a deep breath and looks up at him, even smiles a little at his heartfelt gesture.

"I've spent a long time caught up in the past," she admits. "I thought focusing on the future would somehow save me from myself... but you're right. The present is all we really have."

Taking another sip of her drink, she finally relaxes a little. In this moment, she is grateful to have company at a party that is compassionate and kind. "He would've hated being here," she muses aloud. "But he would have looked nice."

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I think you meant that Oraskis is a BOSS. ;)

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The Durants

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