The Engagement Ceremony of Viatorus and Ingirun

[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.))

✣ · ✣ · ✣ · ✣

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

 

Comments

[chiron_survivor]

It's nice to see Runa so enthusiastic about the Nexus. "I spend a lot of time in the Plaza," Adia admits. "But that's more for the free coffee and wifi... the parks are lovely, and there is a large lake -- at least, I think it's a lake -- that has a beach at the edge. There's a forest, too, that I've taken walks in. Some of the trees move around, but they're friendly." Or at least they don't do anything malicious.

"Oh, and there's a library, too. It's huge. They must have every book in the multiverse there." She pauses thoughtfully and laughs. "Well, every book on pokémon, at least, because that's what I've been researching lately."

[votivescholars]

"I've seen the library, but it's so big inside. I need to explore it some more." She laughs again and smiles quickly at Viatorus. "I'm sure I'll need to go looking for him in there at some point."

Viatorus seems to agree with this sentiment, shrugging and nodding as he sips at his drink.

Then Runa leans forward, tilting her head inquisitively. "What's pokémon? Are they to do with microbiology?"

[chiron_survivor]

Runa likes the Nexus and the library? She shoots Viatorus an encouraging smile. This girl's a keeper!

"Oh, no, they're a kind of animal... well, a whole set of species of animal that are from... somewhere else. A bunch of them wandered into the Nexus through a portal and then never left. They're like... magical creatures, but like nothing I've seen in any storybook. Steve has three of them, I'm taking care of them while he..."

She trails off. She hadn't known it when she last spoke with Viatorus, but she learned from Harrowheart that they were close friends. Her expression sobers. "...while he recovers."

[votivescholars]

The light behind Viatorus' eyes dims when Adia mentions Steve. His smile remains, but although it's held up by an obvious hopefulness it flickers dangerously. "Is he...? How is he? Have you heard anything? Isidor told me that he was... he was hurt. I-I-I wanted to... to invite him, but I... Isidor couldn't get a message through. H-He probably needs to rest anyway. Get back to full health. Get better. Good." He swallows hard to stop himself from rambling more and glances between Adia and a concerned looking Runa. "How... How is he?"

[chiron_survivor]

"I don't know," Adia admits softly, wishing she had a time machine so she could go back just far enough to avoid bringing up Steve. This is supposed to be a happy occasion; she hates to cast a shadow over things. "I, um... I took it upon myself to care for his pokémon. I didn't know if anyone would remember to check on them..."

Trying to salvage the conversation, she draws herself determinedly and says with conviction, "But I'm sure we'd find out right away if something happened, so he must be getting better. He just needs time to recuperate."

[votivescholars]

Viatorus' shoulders sag at the lack of a definitive answer, but Adia's words of encouragement allow him to summon a determinedly optimistic smile. "You're right. I'm sure you're right." More seriously he adds, "But if you hear anything, let them know that the Durant Healer would be happy to help in any way she can."

"Speaking of helping," Runa starts. "If you need help taking care of Steve's Pokémon I'd be happy to help how I can." Her own smile is a little nervous. "I haven't seen many magical creatures, and I love animals."

[chiron_survivor]

"I will. Absolutely," she assures him. She's not sure when she because a potential contact for Steve's recovery, but she'll take on the responsibility if it comes to that.

Runa's offer for help is much appreciated, and Adia shows it in her smile. "That'd be wonderful. I try to visit them every day, but they could always use more playtime, especially Sarah. She's so full of energy... she's a growlithe, which is kind of like a dog, except she can breathe fire. There's also Ethel, a shieldon. She's kind of like a little dinosaur with steel armor on her head. They're both very, very sweet. Bucky is a rufflet, a kind of bird, but he's wary of strangers, so don't be offended if he doesn't take to you right away."

She speaks of them like a proud parent talking about her children. Too bad she doesn't have any pictures to show her.

[votivescholars]

"They sound amazing," Runa breathes, eyes wide with curiosity and awe. She beams suddenly, looking between Viatorus and Adia. "I'll ask Gry for advice." She turns to Adia to explain, "She's my sister. She has an amazing gift with birds. She can talk to them and see through their eyes... She can teach me some bird manners so I can be on my best behaviour."

Very quietly Viatorus asks, "Would... Would I be able to see them too?"

He can't help but feel a little like he's piggy-backing on Runa's request, but...

[chiron_survivor]

"Oh, wow..." Despite being at a party surrounded by mages, she forgot that everyone in Runa's family has magical powers, too. "That's incredible. Do you think she'd be able to talk to Bucky? He's a bird, but he's a pokémon, so he's not the same thing as a regular bird..."

Caught up in her musings on avian taxonomy and magical interaction, she almost misses Viatorus's request. "Hmm? Oh, of course you can." She smiles at him warmly. "Any time you want. You're always welcome. You too," she says, turning towards Oraskis, so he doesn't feel left out.

[votivescholars]

Her offer startles Oraskis out of his thoughts with a smile. "Oh, thank you very much."

"Gry would find a way," Runa says confidently, full of pride. "She's very smart. They can't be completely different, can they?"

Speaking of magical things... Viatorus bounces on the spot. "Will you be here for long? There will be performers doing magical displays later on." He smiles widely. "And I'm almost certain Isidor will do a fire dance later too."

[chiron_survivor]

"I don't know," she admits, returning her attention to Runa. "Pokémon are typically sorted by their abilities instead of their phenotype. So there isn't a bird type, Bucky is a flying type, and a normal type, but there are flying types that don't look like birds at all, like dragons, and bats, and some kinds of bugs."

Yes, she has done her research.

Her friend's excitement catches her attention. Truthfully, she had been planning on saying her goodbyes after delivering her well-wishes, but a magical performance sounds awfully tempting. "A fire dance?" She repeats in surprise. "From Isidor?"

[votivescholars]

Viatorus's hair bounces as he nods. "Klaus is here, so they'll probably dance together. He taught her fire magic, and he's the only one who'll dance with her with fire. She's never missed an opportunity for it. She loves dancing, and fire."

"It's quite a sight," Oraskis chimes in.

"There's a storyteller coming for the children, and an illusionist to put on a show for the band too," Runa adds excitedly.

[chiron_survivor]

"Who is Klaus?" she asks. She's fairly certain that Viatorus hasn't mentioned him, but with all the people she has met in a relatively short period of time, it'd be easy for her to forget a name or two. She's also still mildly reeling over the idea of Isidor doing a fire dance. That seems like such a carefree, spirited activity... but then again, it must take a great deal of control to dance with fire.

"I'll be sure to stay for that, then." She wonders belatedly if Isidor would get along with Steve's growlithe, but she can ask the woman herself later if she wants to meet a fire type pokémon. "A storyteller? Do they also perform magic?" She grins a little as a thought occurs to her. "I've been to parties where they hire a magician for the kids, but it was obviously never the real deal."

[votivescholars]

"Our uncle, on our mother's side," Viatorus explains, his words a little hasty. "He's one of the best fire mages in the world. All my mother's family are good at elemental magic."

Runa and Oraskis both giggle and chuckle respectively at the comment about magicians. As Oraskis puts it, "I think it would be strange to see a proper street magician, knowing what I know."

"The one we'll have today does magic," Runa confirms. "A bit here and there to make it more enchanting. I remember sitting for hours at parties like this watching storytellers when I was a child. I wanted to make sure the children weren't bored while their parents were enjoying themselves."

[chiron_survivor]

"Is that typical, or just a coincidence? That they're all good at the same kind of magic?" It would be an interesting piece of the genetic puzzle if it's the former. Also, how absolutely stressful it must be to be in a family where everyone is one of the best at something. It gives her a newfound empathy for Viatorus and his desire for a dreamwalking breakthrough.

Her smile grows when they seem to get the joke. "It's more about wondering how the magician pulled off his trick, although if the kids are young enough, they might think it's real... that was thoughtful of you Runa, I'm sure the children will love it." Maybe she'll try to catch a story as well, so long as she isn't the only adult listening.

[votivescholars]

"That's usually how it goes with these big old families," Oraskis confirms. "They like to become really good at one area." He nudges Adia gently with his elbow and grins. "Us Durants are just plain strange."

The joking gets a giggle from Runa, but Viatorus just looks thoughtful. "But we're different. We act as scholars, seeking out the unknown. Most families focus on their talents and building on them rather than looking for something new."

"I have three nieces and a nephew. I couldn't leave them with nothing to do." Runa shrugs sheepishly then. "And, I admit, I couldn't resist. I love stories."

[chiron_survivor]

It's an interesting distinction, and she only belatedly giggles at Oraskis's joke, wondering what set into motion that difference between his family and everyone else's. Is that what made them the best? Diversifying? "You and I really need to talk shop again sometime soon," she tells Viatorus. She has so many more questions, but she's not about to bombard him at his own engagement party.

"I think I saw them in the garden," she tells Runa with a soft smile. "They're all very cute. Does a storyteller have their own style of magic, or do they pull from whatever field they're best at to put on a show?"

[votivescholars]

That's a question Runa has to think about. Judging by the silence from the other two, she has the most experience in these things. "I think it's whatever each storyteller likes to use." And her beaming smile reappears. "I remember one lady telling us stories and we saw things in bubbles she created. That was wonderful..."

Suddenly Viatorus jumps as a thought hits him. "Grandfather used to make potions," he says suddenly. "O-O-Or try to."

"He did," Oraskis confirms, looking as bemused at Runa.

Viatorus, however, grins broadly at Adia, anxiously excited. "Would you like to see his laboratory? It's not that big, and it's not modern, but since you're here..."

[chiron_survivor]

It sounds wonderful, creating images in bubbles, and she's about to ask more about it, when Viatorus blurts out his grandfather's potion making. Her expression turns just as bemused, but she waits patiently to see where he's going with this train of thought...

And, oh boy, would she ever like to see a magic laboratory. "Really?" she asks, her face lighting up with excitement. "Um, I mean... if that's okay? I don't want to take you away from your own party..."

[votivescholars]

Viatorus is quick to dismiss her concerns with a happy wave of his hand. "It won't take long."

"I will leave you to it," Oraskis says then. "There are still a few friends I need to seek out." He turns to Adia with a smile and gives her arm a small squeeze. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Adia. Hopefully we'll meet again soon if we don't meet again before the night is out." Runa and Viatorus get a smile too. "I'll see both of you later. Enjoy your trip to the laboratory."

"We will," Viatorus assures him excitedly. Once the Seer has shuffled off, humming to the music in the distance, Viatorus rocks on his heels and then starts moving down the hall. "Shall we? It's not too far."

"This building is a bit of a maze," Runa says quietly to Adia. "I'm lucky Viatorus knows his way."

Despite her hushed tone, Viatorus hears her anyway. Although he speaks to them both, his eyes are on the hall and the many paintings and sculptures that line it. "It feels small once you get used to it."

[chiron_survivor]

"It was a pleasure meeting you, too, Oraskis." She smiles and gives him a small wave before he exits the hallway. She does hope that they can meet again soon, but perhaps without anymore visions of problematic exes.

Her attention returns to Viatorus soon enough, falling into step with Runa as he leads them both. "It's beautiful," she declares, eyes also on the artwork. "It reminds me a lot of the old palaces on Leonis. Our government was a monarchy originally. Some royal descendants still lived in palaces, but most of them were turned into museums. There were even a couple that you could rent out for parties. I bet they were a lot like this one... minus the magic, of course."

[votivescholars]

Runa has her attention firmly fixed on Adia. She listens carefully, eyes wide and interested. "Oh that is fascinating! I wonder how much like this world it would be. Did the monarchies lose power in the same way, was the history very similar, was the art, the culture…?"

"It's down here," Viatorus tells them and brings them down a wide flight of stairs that level off to lead to a single wooden door. There are carvings in the doorframe which Viatorus does inspect briefly before opening the door. It clicks heavily when his hand touches the handle but opens easily.

Inside is dark, but Viatorus summons a pale blue orb that emits a soft light. There are a couple of flames burning from gems and even a few candles, one of which Viatorus takes to help him light lanterns. Once he's brightened up the room it's easier to see the shelves of books, the large, ornate cabinets, and the shelves filled with an assortment of traditional alchemic materials and objects. There are, of course, jars with things suspended in them. Most of which are plants, but there are a few small animals here and there. Next to all of this are more modern microscopes and sophisticated pipettes, as well as objects that look to alternative versions of modern laboratory equipment.

The titration equipment on the main table is set up in a complex arrangement to hold up an ongoing experiment. A slightly metallic, earthy smell hangs in the air, but it isn't as heavy as the old furniture and underground setting initially suggests.

"Oh." Viatorus blinks at the beakers and flasks. "Someone's using it." However, this doesn't seem to concern him. Quite the opposite, in fact, as he looks around for the nearest notebook and flicks it open.

Runa turns her eyes from the room to the inquisitive mage. "Should we be in here?"

"It's all right. We're not going to touch anything." He frowns a little at the pages and then closes it over before straightening and shrugging. "It's probably an apprentice. Sometimes we let people use our facilities to help their research." It's then that he smiles sheepishly at Adia. "Though this is probably nothing compared to what you're used to."

[chiron_survivor]

"i've only read a little on French history and culture," Adia admits, her gaze returning to Runa. As much as she loves to learn about Earth, there are so many hours in a day and more practical things to research. "But their revolution sounded rather bloody. Our monarchy abdicated peacefully." She smiles wryly. "With a little pressure from the people, of course, but it was a smooth transition."

But further musings on French and Leonisian culture will have to wait, because all of Adia's attention is now on the laboratory. It's a lot to take in, but she's surprised by how much of the equipment she recognizes. She immediately gravitates towards the microscopes, then starts examining the titration equipment, instinctively trying to puzzle out what sort of experiment is being done.

When Viatorus comments on not touching anything, she guilty snatches her hand away from where it had been hovering over some elaborate glass tubing. "Ah, it's... different, yes, but only in the sense that there's a greater variety of equipment. Do you know what this person was working on?" She looks over at the samples in jars and remarks thoughtfully, "They might want to invest in a cryogenic freezer, it would preserve their samples better..."

[votivescholars]

Adia's suggestion sends Viatorus spinning as he looks around the room. "He might have one here, but ice magic isn't the easiest..."

"It comes very naturally to some of the mages at home," Runa says, a little surprise in her voice.

Viatorus smiles sheepishly at her. "That doesn't mean it isn't difficult magic..."

That vaguely complimentary response seems to sit well with her as she returns to beaming brightly and inspecting the room.

"I think they were looking to isolate some part of this plant," Viatorus says, returning to Adia's question.

This catches Runa's attention again and she appears next to Viatorus where velvety leaves sit in a small bundle with some tools. "Daggkåpa." Viatorus blinks at her and she laughs gently. "Lady's Mantle."

This name Viatorus recognises, and he gives an understanding 'ah' as he nods. "Well, they were working with Lady's Mantle and some of my father's research. I'm not sure what exactly they're doing, though. They're looking for something from the plant. I... haven't really done research like this. It's difficult for me to say any more than that."

[chiron_survivor]

"Why is ice magic typically more difficult?" Adia asks curiously, before returning her attention to the plant. She's never heard of Lady's Mantle, but she doubts she's familiar with it under a different name. She's not a botanist, and her extent of plant knowledge rests in flowers she thinks are pretty and herbs that she likes to cook with. "So, is there a part of the plant that's magical, or is it necessary for some type of potion? Oh, what kind of magic does your father do? I don't think you ever told me."

Despite being full of questions, her eyes on the equipment before her, she hadn't missed the gentle way Viatorus and Runa have with one another. It's a politeness, but it isn't cold or distant. That's good. She wants her friend to be happy. He deserves to have a chance at love, even if it's not the way he had initially hoped.