Fancy Feast

Lupecyll-Atlon home, evening

The weather is cold and unpleasant outside, but inside a house in the University District, it's brightly lit and warm, the scent of cooking in the air. Filetted and grilled fish, with cleaned shrimp and vegetables, delicately seasoned. Telamon leans back from the stove, wearing Lana's 'Kiss The Cook' apron, and phews. "Remind me to send your aunt something nice, Lana," he says. "This recipe is actually not that hard, just takes a lot of preparation. I think there are concoctions in Libations that are less work!"

As the unseen servant begins setting the table, Tel leans out of the kitchen. "Are they here yet?" he inquires with a grin. "'Cause the fish and shrimp are nearly done."

"No, not yet," Cor'lana announces as she steps out of the bedroom wearing a nicer dress than she'd normally wear in her own home. It's a deep violet gown made from a finely-spun wool with flecks of shiny embroidery thread woven in, which means that the gown shimmers slightly in the light as she moves. Her hair is carefully combed and groomed in into its usual furl of waves. "Pothy's still hiding in the bedroom. I don't know if he'll come out or not."

She sighs. "Anything I can do to help in the meantime? I mean, they'll probably be here any minute..."

As if summoned by Cor'lana and Telamon's words, there's a firm but polite knock on the door. Auranar stands on the porch with Verna at her side, a pie in her hands. She has a cloak pulled around her to keep the chill at bay, but her hair has been done up into a half pulled up, half down style that spills a few pink curls around her face.

Verna is present, yet pie-less, thus possibly the one responsible for the knock. Despite the chill, her cloak hood is doffed to better convey a sense of informality. This is a social visit, afterall.

As the table is being set, Telamon hears the knock. "Lana, can you get that?" He carefully moves the pan over to the thick pad at the center of the table, and places a large spoon in it. He rubs his chin, and walks back to the wine rack, studying the bottles before selecting one. "The white, I think." Casually, he passes it off to the unseen servant, who begins working the cork loose while Telamon checks the table settings. Satisfied, he removes the apron, showing that he's dressed in a white ruffled silk shirt, linen trousers, and simple slippers (but not the bear slippers).

"I got it," Cor'lana replies, going over to the door. She opens it and smiles brightly at Auranar and Verna once she sees them both. "Hello!" she says, holding her arms out either for a hug or for the pie in Auranar's hands.

"Come on in, you two! It's cold. Pothy's probably going to be scarce this evening, but Telamon's just about to get dinner served--I think he was setting the table just now," she explains.

Auranar steps forward, offering a half-hug so as to not squish the pie, then moving aside so that Verna can get in on the hugs. She holds the pie as long as necessary before stripping off her cloak and the pink coat that it covers. Underneath her dress is the exact same shade of pink. It's not the fanciest dress that Auranar has ever worn, but it is certainly something. It has a high collar with some kind of thick lace embordered into the edges and down the front in a pattern. The center of the skirt bears a complicated design in the shape of an oval, and there are tiny white bows all along the edge of the skirt. It is a warmer dress in favor of the season and she wears a white blouse under the top to complete the outfit.

"Dinner smells amazing! Is that fish?" She looks with interest toward the table and hums in approval of what she sees there. "It looks amazing too. Verna baked us a pie, I hope you don't mind that we brought something."

Verna seems less certain of the proper protocols, though offers a polite embrace to Cor'lana after Auranar. "Good evening, and I agree. It is most pleasant. I hope that you did not go to any excess on our account." She steps in after and aids Auranar with her cloak before hanging it appropriately and doffing her own.

Her own dress is a rather simple affair: an off-shoulder straight evening dress, full-length with a high-slit hem. The champaign-golden fabric has a light pattern, though is not embroidered. That it could be considered elegant may be less a criteria in its choosing than 'it is not gray.' "Is there anything we might do to assist?"

"Ah, there you are!" Telamon's call is punctuated by the pop of the wine bottle's cork coming free, and he deftly takes it from the unseen servant. "I think we're all in accord here, Verna. If you'd like to sit down -- I have a very good white wine here from Ylvaliel, but if you want something else to drink, we do have tea and cider." Tel seems to relish acting as host, his dark eyes sparkling happily. "I'm afraid I can't do this in the usual sildanyari style, with a half dozen courses -- the kitchen simply isn't big enough. But I promise the food is good."

"If we had a kitchen /that/ big, Pothy would never come out," Cor'lana says with a little laugh as she leads Auranar and Verna over to the dining table. "Telamon cooked quite a bit. I think he might even be better at it than I am now. Granted, we've had plenty of reason to cook fish lately."

She takes a seat at the table, seemingly next to where Telamon will be sitting. "Verna, Auranar, both of you are dressed /so/ well! If we went to excess, you met that and more! Please make yourselves at home."

Auranar moves toward the seat indicated, smiling broadly. "Wine is perfectly fine with me Telamon. I imagine that it will go well with the fish that you made. Nor do we expect anything of the sort. It looks _lovely_." She sits down carefully, soothing her skirt into place and scooting her chair in. "We don't have much occasion to dress up, so we felt like this was one. And you look lovely as well Cor'lana."

She grins at the other woman. "You are absolutely going to have to tell me what you use in your hair someday, it's amazing and mine is always giving me hiccups! I swear it frizzes at the least little opportunity."

"My thanks," Verna offers in return to the compliment as she seats herself, cheeks coloring slightly. "I was uncertain what would be appropriate, and I admit that I feel somewhat ...exposed." One hand tugs lightly at each faux-strap on her upper arms, as if feeling they should be on her shoulders rather than off them. Both of which return to their designed positions. Auranar's comment garners a curious glance. "Do you not enjoy the brushing?"

She turns to their hosts after a pause. "You both, the setting, and the fare all appear quite wonderful and more than sufficient. I trust you have both been well?"

Once everyone is seated, Telamon pours the wine, and then spoons out chunks of fish, cooked shrimp, and vegetables onto everyone's plate. Taking his seat next to Lana, he smiles at their guests. "You both look wonderful. Please don't feel self conscious. This is a casual dinner between friends, not a formal event." He pauses, then smiles, eyes glinting. "Though I would ask if a certain feathered fellow wanders out here, just relax and let Lana handle him." At Aura's question, though, Tel's eyes shift to Cor'lana. "I'll let you answer that one, dear."

"Auranar and I have hair types that are prone to frizz," Cor'lana explains. "I sort of stumbled across a beauty vendor at the market one day who sold me a jar of cream and told me to use it after I got out of the bath and brushed my hair. I did, and I was so impressed that I've been buying it ever since."

She looks bashful. "That's really the only thing I use like that. Telamon, of course, doesn't have to fuss much with things like that." There's a sly sort of smile as she looks at Telamon. "I'll send over a jar to your house next time I'm at the market, Verna. I'm sure I could ask for it to be delivered."

She starts eating as food is served. "Oh gosh, Tel, this is delicious!" Her violet eyes light up in delight.

"I would much appreciate that!" Auranar offers to Cor'lana, throwing a smile at Verna. "I love that you brush my hair at night, but it doesn't stop the frizz dearest." She lets out a little laugh and tries her own food. Like Cor'lana her eyes light up in appreciation of the finely cooked food. "It really is Telamon! Please tell me that it's not a family recipe so that I can steal it later?"

Verna's curiosity relaxes into a smile in return to Auranar, offering a nod to Cor'lana. "We would welcome the aid." Her own lack of need for such things is due to relative lack of hair, rather than type, though that is gradually changing as of late. As others begin to eat, she turns her attention to her own and begins to dine. She is quiet as she samples. And again. And a third before she looks to Telamon. "I fear that you now have two more houseguests seeking to devour all of your food.. and the recipe, in addition."

Telamon smiles broadly, sampling his food before responding. "I hit up Liandra Branfeax, Lana's aunt, for some fish recipes. I am -not- above cheating." Sipping his wine, he continues, "I personally have never objected to Lana's hair cream. I find the scent rather comforting." At the generally good reviews, Tel actually blushes a touch. "Well... thank you, all of you. With all we've had to deal with, a hot meal with good friends can be a blessing."

"Actually my cousin--to a degree. I think the technical term is first cousin, first removed?" Cor'lana clarifies. "She's married to my mother's cousin. But that's confusing, so I call her Aunt Liandra, because my mother's cousin was like an older brother to my mother."

She looks at Telamon and nods softly, her expression turning more neutral. "Indeed, there's... a lot we've all dealt with lately. I'm not even sure where to begin with it all. Some of it wouldn't normally be appropriate discussion material for an average dinner table, but we are all adventurers here."

Auranar smiles at the complications of family, her eyes twinkling as she sips her wine and... simply enjoys the bit of peace that they were finally enjoying. "There's been so much going on lately. You're right about that. Sometimes I wish things would slow down... but other things seem like they can't happen fast enough."

Verna attempts to follow the familial lineage as Cor'lana describes whilst she eats. Just as she agreed on the delightful food, she rapidly concurs that that 'Aunt' is much more simple and still appropriate appellation. She exchanges utensil for wine glass at the shift in topic.

A nod. "All has been trying," she glances to Auranar and her twinkling and implied excitement, which is enough to invoke a smile, "but much also most rewarding. All of you. Us. This." She gestures with her glass around to all, indicating them, rather than the wine. That is not to say there is anything wrong with the wine, as she discovers after a sip. "A quiet evening with friends and loved ones."

Telamon's eyes glint merrily. "Ah, I saw the announcement in the Tribune. Who will be supplying the wedding dresses? Aryia, of course, does masterful work, and I can also recommend Jovani Andarion as well." His grin is sly, infectious, and cheerful. "Coordinating the colors will be interesting, too. If you need any advice about arrangements, Lana and I would be happy to offer what experience we've gained in that endeavor." A pause, then a look at Auranar. "Speaking of experience, Aura, I hope you've been practicing in between cooking. I actually have a couple books I want you to read, as well."

Cor'lana's violet eyes twinkle with delight at the mention of the wedding. "Yes, of course. This is /exactly/ the reason to celebrate," she says. "And my sentiments the same as Telamon's. If there is any way--and I mean any way at all--that we can help, please, ask. Even if it's just to express exasperation at things. Tel and I had to deal with our fair share of that."

She looks immensely interested in the mention of Auranar practicing. "I hope Telamon's been helping in that regard," she says. "I mean, he /is/ an official mentor at the Shining Chalice these days." She smirks at him.

Auranar has the grace to look embarrassed at the mention of their upcoming nuptials, but only a little. She's obviously very pleased. "We are planning to have the ceremony here. Originally it was planned for Llyrnost, but we want everyone to be able to come. The planting in the Curuchuil will be more private of course." Here her brow furrows slightly. "I'm not sure grandmother will allow anyone to come to that at this rate."

She shakes her head and smiles at Telamon. "I've been practicing quite a lot! I feel like I'm getting better at things too! Just knowing that someone is helping me seems to have actually motivated me to practice more. And we all know I'd be happy to read anything you suggest." She laughs at that.

"We would not want to exclude any," Verna nods her agreement, "and we have no qualms announcing ourselves a dozen times over. Two celebrations are hardly a challenge." She turns to offer a wide warm smile to Auranar as well as a hand to shoulder, "yet less than Aura deserves. Even if the Curuchuil is only for us, friends are welcome to accompany to all else."

The hand lowers as mention of books and practice reinvigorate, smile turning more to grin. To Cor'lana, she belatedly notes, more quiet to not intrude on mentor and student, "I would welcome any and all aid you could and would offer. We have only begun to make arrangements here, and already I... have not the slightest notion of how best to proceed."

Telamon shares a look with Cor'lana, a smile, before he nods to Verna. "Of course. I think we kept all the papers and receipts. We should be able to keep you pointed in the right direction." He spoons up another mouthful of food, chewing thoughtfully, before swallowing and continuing on. "If we can locate them, I can bring them over tomorrow with the books. If the wind will ease up I can even fly over." He looks sardonic. "Landing in a snowdrift is interesting but it's definitely not something I'd want to rely on."

"To be honest, I did buy a lot of things at Wilderness Pointe," Cor'lana says, looking thoughtful. "There's a lot of random supplies that you'll need if the venue doesn't provide them--and you probably shouldn't /assume/ the venue will provide them, otherwise you'll be panicking on the big day."

She grins at Telamon's comment on the snowdrift. "At least you make the prettiest snowman," she says. "In my humble opinion, at least."

The wild elf nods, digging back into her meal as Cor'lana and Verna discuss details about the wedding. It's not that she doesn't herself have a vested interest in the planning, but she's so pleased to see Verna happy that it's hard not to sit back and enjoy it. She leans into the hand on her shoulder and drinks her wine. Letting the conversation carry on without her input for a little bit.

Verna nods to their input, her expression belying the transcription of copious prepatory mental notes. "I eagerly anticipate the research. I merely wish all to be perfect, or as near as can be managed." Telamon receives a pointed look. "Please, use caution. There are enough concerns and wakeful nights at present to not add worry that you shall impact the mountain. Regardless of whether the crater might be a pleasing shape to Cor'lana.”

The meal progresses smoothly, and soon plates are being lofted away by Telamon's unseen servant, carted into the kitchen for cleaning. Tel cradles his wineglass in one hand, looking at ease. "Well, I must say... I managed to impress myself there." He gives the others a grin. "I'm always a little nervous when I branch out. But to get back to your concern, Verna... no, I'm going to hold off on flight till the wind patterns calm down a bit. I have no desire to pile into the Tornmawr -- or the mountain -- thanks to an errant downdraft."

Cor'lana smirks a little at the talk of winds, but then she looks a little more... serious, a focus settling into her violet eyes, especially as the plates are taken away by unseen hands. "Speaking of flight," she says, "although that may prove to be a bad segue... Telamon and I have had interesting developments with the totems lately. And I do mean Telamon and I."

She makes a gesture to her head. "He and I have established a permanent mental link through the usage of magic. That... appears to mean that I'm brought along with him when he dreams."

Auranar settles in her chair, food finished and her own glass of wine lingering in her hand. It might actually be her second glass. "Oh my!" She exclaims at Cor'lana's words. "So you shared a dream? How fascinating!" Her eyes flicker over to Verna.

Verna watches the plates go, possibly adding further to mental notations. While she considers comment, Cor'lana's comment promptly draws her attention. "Ah. I had begun to wonder of a connection, but did not realize it would include dreams. I very much hope that they were pleasant."

Her brow creases at this thought and it is then that she looks to Auranar. "You are ever in my dreams, love. It is the nightmares in which I prefer you were not included."

Telamon takes a long drink from his wineglass, before refilling it. "Well... on one hand, the totem dreams aren't anything I'd recommend to anyone. But on the other hand, as rough as it was..." He looks at Lana, his expression softening. "If I'm going to face off against these bastards I can't think of anyone else I'd rather have at my side." He reaches over with his free hand to grasp Lana's, before continuing on, "Take care, though. The bond, well... it's educational, but you -will- learn everything about your partner. Oh, and forget about trying to play card games. Too easy to read the other's bluffs."

Cor'lana does visibly soften as Telamon speaks of her so lovingly, and a blush settles on her face, too. "Aww, Tel," she says, and she plants a kiss on his cheek. "You're more than sweet to me. Considering the dream we fell into together, I almost pale to think of what might have happened if I /wasn't/ there."

She turns to Auranar and Verna. "Telamon started experimenting based on the information he's been given from Verna and from Dolan," she says. "Feeding more blood to the totem. I helped him, and the dream that came afterwards was..."

Her mouth turns into a tight little line, but then, she finds the words. "It was a nightmare. That necromancer who stole me, Auranar? It was like we were back there in that awful building and I was bound again, with him taunting me. But I started thinking of how I wanted to be free, how I wanted to fly, and how I didn't want to be bound anymore--and that's how I ended up breaking the illusion, and gaining wings on my back."

She picks up her wineglass. "It's as I expected. If you apply will and whim to the dreaming realm--and to the nightmare realm--you may see 'your dreams come true.' And... Verna, do you remember Dace Zinskas, the Miracle Man? He found us in the dream. We fought him. He had a /totem/, and if he feeds blood to it, then he can unleash this awful wolf."

Auranar blinks at the description of the dream, but frowns a little to herself. "Maybe if I was there you wouldn't have nightmares about me." She motions to Cor'lana. "She was able to free herself in the dream... maybe I could somehow help you reign in these visions you've been having Verna."

She sighs and puts her mostly empty glass down. The last bit had gone down a little fast and she rubs her face. Not really wanting to continue her line of thought when they had been enjoying such a pleasant evening.

"I did so once before, Cor'lana," Verna notes though her attention remains upon Auranar, "and I mistakenly brought nightmare to life, instead. I am hesitant to try again... but you may well be correct, Aura. As ever. I would welcome you, the -real- you and not my fears of you, by my side. We can do as our host did. It is not required to be permanent."

Eventually, she turns to comment directly to Cor'lana. "I remember him, and, yes, more blood empowers the totems further. I did so with two simultaneously, and one totem began to actively feed itself from me. I stopped at that time, but the nightmare stuck after all the same."

Telamon sighs. "Still... it is another scrap of knowledge." His eyes glimmer softly. "It's like cooking -- this should appeal to Aura, I believe. You need ingredients, in the right quantities, for a proper recipe. One could say the same about victory." He touches Lana on the shoulder. "You got stuck with the dishes three times the other day, love. My turn -- even if I do cheat. I'll be back shortly, but if you need anything, call me back in." With that, he rises, and escorts the rest of the plates to be cleaned.

"Thank you, love," Cor'lana says gratefully to Telamon as he departs into the kitchen, her eyes sparkling a little as she watches him go. Then she turns her attention back to Verna and Auranar.

"You know," Cor'lana says, smiling widely between the two women. "I think Auranar has a point. The problem is, Verna--if you have negative thoughts, negative feelings, and you draw on them, they become real in the dreaming. But if you have someone who brings you out of despair with you..."

She motions to Auranar, grinning. "And Auranar certainly does do that, I think. She is your heart. Your joy. Just like Telamon brought me a sort of joy and unlocked a part of my heart I never knew before. If you have her there and she reminds you of all of the good in your life--and you use the power of that to say, 'No, nightmare, I will not bend before you'--then you can do /so/ much there. I know, because I used that to fight Dace Zinskas."

Auranar doesn't add anything in just yet, but her lips are tense and her back straight. She eyes Telamon in the kitchen as though she is considering joining him in doing the dishes.

Verna follows the gesture easily to look to Auranar again. "She is my light." Her brow furrows at the tension seeming apparent in her beloved as she addresses her directly, "My strength." She seems that she could continue the accolades, but pauses before adding, simply, "Together, in all things?"

The happiness on Cor'lana's face as she looks at her two friends, who are in love with each other, is palpable. "Then I think that's an excellent line of thinking to mull over... if you have the room to think about it at all with the wedding excitement."

But then the rest of that thought process is interrupted by... a rapping, a tapping, at Cor'lana and Telamon's bedchamber door. Then, slowly, the door to the bedroom opens, and... Pothy's little cream-colored head pokes out. Blue eyes peering at the three ladies at the dining room table from the other end of the house.

"Is it safe?" Pothy asks quietly in his boyish little voice, uncharacteristically timid. Then he slowly tap-tap-taps as he walks on the floor. "I'm so hungry. I'm /so/ sad. I haven't eaten /snacks/ in so long. I've forgotten what peanuts tasted like. I can't go ON--"

"Auranar brought pie," Cor'lana just says patiently.

Hearing this, Pothy just flies onto Auranar, and he rubs his beak against the wild elf's cheek. "Thank you, BEST FRIEND. I love you SO MUCH." This is followed by the sound of a kiss on Auranar's cheek (clearly a mimic of a kissing noise, as Pothy lacks lips) as Cor'lana goes to find another plate for Pothy to eat some pie off of.

-End