Congratulations Are in Order

Log Info

• Title: Congratulations Are in Order

• Emitter: Telamon

• Characters: Ravenstongue, Seldan, Telamon, Verna

• Place: Ravenstongue and Telamon's house

• Summary: Ravenstongue and Telamon have invited Seldan and Verna over for a little visit and dinner. What are supposed to be congratulations upon Verna's wedding to Auranar turns into (hilarious) misunderstandings.

Lúpecyll-Atlon home, early evening

The scents of cooking waft around the comfortable, warm house that a pair of half-elven sorcerers call home. Telamon has made sure everything is tidy, conjuring up an unseen servant to act as an assistant as needed. Meanwhile, Jyndei the faerie dragon perches on the mantel, peering down at the proceedings. "It is almost as complicated as the last time you hosted the ladies Verna and Auranar, my lord." The dragon's voice is squeaky, but charming all the same.

Dressed in a dark ruffled-silk blouse over woolen trousers and house shoes, Telamon chuckles. "Well, we do like to make good impressions." One last sweep with his eyes, before he turns toward the kitchen. "Everything all right, Lana? Do you need any help?" His dark eyes glint merrily. "At least we're not hosting my parents..."

There is absolutely zero chance of Seldan getting lost in his quest to locate the Lúpecyll-Atlon home. This path, he knows far too well. The cobblestone streets, the mana lamps and quiet trees of a wealthy neighborhood. Outside the gate, though, he pauses, ice-blue eyes roving the cobblestones, his mind's eye seeing things that no longer exist, things of which this house's current residents are blissfully unaware, and should always remain so.

He shakes his head, clearing the mental miasma, and slips the latch on the gate. For tonight, he has chosen simple garb, if finer than his usual wont - a silk, long-sleeved shirt and doeskin trousers beneath his ever-present blue and silver robe, and low city shoes of black with blue and white pricks of lightning that seem to ripple through the fabric now and again. Concealed beneath all is the light almost-cloth of celestial armor and the padding beneath, and tonight, he sports only the diaphanous, ephemeral cloak that seems to exist and yet not, all at once. Reunion is strapped at his hip.

"Seldan, isn't this-" the voice of a nasally old woman starts.

"Yes, Fallia. It appears to have been at least somewhat changed, and for the better." He looks up at the all-too-familiar stone and wood of the door and its frame, before rapping firmly on it.

"It's okay!" Cor'lana huffs as she pulls a dish out of the brick oven. "I've got it. I think. This needs to cool a bit before I can serve it, but we're ready!"

The sorceress pulls the apron off and puts it on its hook. She's dressed down a little compared to her husband, as she's wearing a more subdued black wool dress, but the construction of it and the quality of the wool is where the finery is, as it's perfectly tailored to her petite form. There is, however, a spot of chocolate by her mouth from taste-testing dessert that she never tended to. "I'm fine," she says in a manner that suggests it's to reassure herself. "Really. I... I think--"

And then comes the knock at the door, which causes Cor'lana to blink a couple of times. "Nope, nevermind, I'm not fine. I hope Seldan doesn't hate what we've done with his house." She looks to Telamon. "Can you get the door?"

Verna is not as familiar with the home as its residents, past nor present, yet is familiar enough to be in no danger of misdirection. She approaches the Lúpecyll-Atlon home bearing typical cloak against the elements and a basket in one arm. Seldan is noted, but she does not comment as she joins him in the vicinity of the door. "Good eve, Silverguard." She does not knock, having witnessed his action moments prior.

Telamon glances at Lana, and he tilts his head ever so slightly before nodding. "Relax. It's not like we're auditioning for anything here. Just a friendly dinner with people we've come to love and respect."

With that, the elegant half-sil glides to the door, undoing the lock and opening it. "Sir Seldan, Verna, please, come in. The weather may have relented but it's still too cold for my tastes." He beckons them inside, his dark eyes flashing with good humor. "Please, may I take your cloaks? Dinner is nearly ready -- the main dish needs to cool a bit, but we have tea, cider, and mulled wine to chase the chill away. It's good to see both of you."

"My thanks, and Her light upon your path. And also upon yours, Mourner," Seldan greets both Verna and Telamon with grave steadiness. "You are most hospitable, and it has - been some time." Keenly, his eyes go to the eaves of the house, to the corners and pillars of the walls, apparently seeking something out. What he finds appears to please him, and he nods his satisfaction as he courteously gestures for Verna to enter first. "Do you expect others?"

Cor'lana blinks at something, although what isn't clear, and she goes to wipe the chocolate off her face. Finally, she emerges from the kitchen and waves to Seldan and Verna both. "Thank you both for coming by," she says with a smile, like she wasn't fretting over Seldan's opinion of his former home, specifically all of the small plants that have been magically compelled into being around the furniture and other parts of the house. "No, you're the only ones! Please have a seat in the living room, I think we've got a pot of tea there."

"Her watchful eye upon you all," Verna offers a blessing from her matron that might be more pleasant for a casual setting. She presents the basket. "I brought snacks, for this eve or another. it is a pleasure to enjoy your hospitality and company yet again." She notes Seldan's glances, though does not comment of them; they are not unreasonable, afterall. "As well as a delight to see you in more comfortable circumstances, Seldan."

As the guests step inside, indeed the house has changed (for Seldan at least). There's a very strong elven influence in the new furniture, and flowers and twining vines decorate many of the nooks and crannies, like illumination in the margins of a tome. A well-stuffed couch and a couple sturdy chairs sit around a coffee table, and a fire burns merrily in the fireplace, radiating welcome warmth.

Jyndei straightens up from his perch on the mantel, regarding Seldan and Verna with large, luminous eyes, and pipes up, "Greetings, guests. Welcome to the home of the lord and lady." Telamon chuckles softly at the perhaps overdramatic introduction. "This is Jyndei, Sir Seldan. He's a friend. Now, while we're waiting for the final verdict..." Tel begins pouring tea into cups for their guests. "Sir Seldan, I know you've had... troubles at times, moving in the city. I hope your travel here went unharried?"

Seldan's eyes rove over the house, from placement of the furniture, to the vines and flowers, to the dining room table that he clearly recognizes - and stiffens at the sight of. From a pouch at his side, he pulls a triangle of beautifully and lovingly carved walnut wood about as long as his hand, its design of flowers and bees wrapped around all sides. This, he quietly tucks beneath the bottom edge of the front door and shoves under its edge with his foot, then turns and bows to the dragon on the mantel. "I am welcomed most warmly, to a house that is far better than I left it," he answers, carefully not looking at the dining room table, but instead at Telamon. "Yes, I was able to travel safely enough, using the back ways, of which there are many in these streets."

Cor'lana smiles brightly at the assessment of the home that Seldan gives, even as she goes to take a seat on the couch and takes a cup of tea that Telamon's just poured. "I'm glad for that," she says. "And glad that you seem to be in good health, too. It's been a while since we last talked, Seldan."

At that moment, Pothy flies out of the kitchen, having busied himself with the bowl of snacks that are always on post there so the meals go untouched while cooking, and into Cor'lana's lap. It appears he's dressed up for this party, too, as a little bowtie is tied around his neck that matches his bright blue eyes. "Hello Verna!" he greets in that cherubic boy's voice, not mimicking the voices that Seldan has heard come from him before. "And hello, Sir Seldan."

Verna sets the basket aside before removing her cloak. Beneath she wears an extremely bright yellow sundress dotted with blue flowers. While perhaps not winter wear, it is certainly casual. Especially amongst her rather limited wardrobe. "Greetings, Pothy," she returns as she turns. His arrival is wholly unsurprising: she mentioned the magic word of summoning, afterall."

She then moves to acquire a cup of tea. "Your home is as lovely and welcoming as ever to those invited," she assures before her eyes shift to Seldan to add, "and secure as ever against those not." Now to their hosts. "I trust all is well for the Lúpecyll-Atlons?"

Telamon busies himself with pouring tea, before taking his seat next to Cor'lana. "I won't deny I'm... perturbed that you'd have to do such, Sir Seldan. But... perhaps in time, that can be mended and resolved." He reaches over to pet Pothy gently, before offering a smile to Verna.

"Yes. Despite all that happens, and has happened, this is still a haven, a place of refuge and family." Tel tilts his head, offering Verna a wry grin. "Though at the rate my family seems to be expanding, I may need to consider renovations and expansion." He laughs softly. "I'm not complaining, though. It pleases me immensely."

"Even so?" Seldan directs an appraising look at Cor'lana, then at Telamon. "Are congratulations in order, then?" Clearly, he has very much the wrong idea about the meaning behind Telamon's statement, but the smile that follows is warm and genuine. It fades, a little, at Pothy's greeting, and he blinks at the bird. "You have grown, Pothy. I trust you no longer steal snacks."

"It is unlikely to be mended, Master Telamon. Llyranost's memories are long indeed, far longer than I am granted upon Ea, and they shall not forgive or forget. Never will I set foot there again, not openly, and there is unlikely to be need, for a far greater need do I serve. Let them hunt me, for I have thwarted far more dangerous pursuit."

GAME: Ravenstongue rolls Sense Motive: (1)+20: 21 (EPIC FAIL)

Cor'lana appears to not be getting Seldan's confusion at all, smiling blithely as she pats Pothy, too. "Yes, our family is indeed growing," the sorceress says quite merrily. "I'm sure everyone is looking forward to the big occasion. I know that I am. My grandfather is overjoyed, too. He does adore having new members of the family to dote on."

Pothy... looks up at Cor'lana, and he makes a scoffing noise. He instead turns his attention to Seldan, as he appears to be content to let Cor'lana live in the hole she's dug for herself. "No, I behave myself," he says. "Lana and Telamon give me plenty of snacks. Plus, the vendors at the market all know me these days."

GAME: Verna rolls sense motive: (8)+15: 23

"Pothy is maturing quite well, from what observations I have made," Verna notes. She takes a sip from her tea, the comments of growing family revealed as unsurprising as she nods promptly with the statements. It is not until afterwards that she considers Seldan's statement further and circumstances where one plus one does, in fact, sum to three.

"I believe that Telamon refers to the most recent member of his family, Auranar Lúpecyll-Atlon. Whose name I shall take, myself, in a few days' time. I could state that congratulations are in order, but that would be self-serving."

After this, another thought strikes and her lips purse. "Concerning that, I would seek opinions of you, as both friends, near-family and having been wed..."

GAME: Telamon rolls detectbs: aliased to sense motive+3: (6)+20+3: 29

"Yes, adopting Aura and Verna -- as well as learning about Fizzy -- has been a surprise but a wonderful happy one. I..." Telamon pauses. Then he looks at Seldan. Slowly, he reaches up to rub his temple. Weakly, he continues, "...Alright, not like that, Sir Seldan. Lana and I will not be parents for a bit. We still want to adventure a bit, before settling down."

Telamon visibly composes himself, striving to ignore Jyndei snickering softly from the mantel. "Please, Verna, ask. I can't promise an answer, but I can promise to try and offer what counsel I can muster." He still has a faint blush. "Although sometimes I wonder why anyone sane would ask me for advice..." His voice is rueful.

Seldan's eyes lower, his own cheeks flushing link in mingled confusion and embarrassment. He looks like nothing so much as a schoolboy caught out. "Of course," he musters, looking up after a few moments of composing himself and a short cough. "Forgive my presumption. I was unaware. I shall offer what I may," he adds in, finally accepting a cup of tea and sipping from it carefully.

It's Cor'lana's turn to blush as she finally realizes Seldan's confusion. "Oh! Oh goodness, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make anyone think we were expecting!" She shakes her head and takes a hurried sip from her teacup. "We're giving it years before we have children."

Pothy just looks at Seldan and deadpans, "This happens a lot. Don't worry." Then, more brightly, he looks to Verna and says, "Given Cor'lana's display just now, I don't know if you want to ask advice of her, buuuut~"

Cor'lana sighs. "I love you too, Pothy," she mutters, and she gives the bird another round of headscratches.

Verna takes another sip of tea and regards the cup a moment before looking to the others. "You have all held your joinings and celebrations here, where troubles rarely pause. Are we remiss to wed and celebrate, now? I do not expect that a truly ideal moment would ever reveal itself in advance, yet there is..." A pause and exhale "... an overwhelming activity of evil at present which should be focused upon. Am I acting selfishly? Irresponsibly?"

Telamon covers his own embarrassment with a long pull from his mug, before answering. "No, Verna, and here's why." He sets the mug down, and looks at her earnestly. "If you try to put it off now, you'll find yourself doing it again. And again. The world simply doesn't cooperate, so sometimes you have to elbow your way in."

He looks at his mug, and then refills it. "You and Auranar... you're happy together. And short of a damned invasion -- which, I might add, delayed our wedding -- there's no reason to refuse your happiness." His dark, starry eyes are warm. "There's no crime in taking a moment's respite. Otherwise, what's the point of fighting in the first place?"

"Nay," Seldan answers immediately, sipping at his tea. "For it is true that the machinations of evil do not cease, and yet - without such moments, does one not forget amid the battle what it is that you fight for? I say to you that such a celebration should not be forgotten, nay, not even known, for in it will we find that which you fight for. I regret only that I cannot attend." He nods his agreement with the half-elven sorcerer. "It is even as he says."

"It's true," Cor'lana nods emphatically in agreement with both Telamon and Seldan. "Do not let evil rob you of the joy you have in life, or evil will win. The only reason Telamon and I didn't get married sooner was because the undead in the countryside made it very unsafe for anyone to consider holding a party all the way out in the Mythwood."

Then she smiles a little. "Life is not supposed to be only pain and suffering, you know--and for some of us who grew up knowing mostly only that, it's hard for us to remember."

Verna looks between the others as each offers their opinions and advice, as requested. Afterwards, she nods, deeply. "Thank you. I held concerns, but..." Now a slow smile creeps across her countenance. "As Aura reminds me, perhaps too often, I overthought the matter. We most certainly could not have found a better family," she notes to Cor'Lana and Telamon. To Seldan, her smile dims yet doesn't vanish. "Your absence is understood, yet will be missed. A place shall be reserved for you, regardless."

A pause follows before she realizes she may well have sombered or otherwise tempered the occasion. "Please, let us eat, drink, and be merry. Company of friends and family, to say nothing of a fine meal, is cause enough for celebration, yes?"

Telamon laughs softly. "That's why you cherish the better moments. So that you can strengthen your soul against the hard times." He sets his cup down, and rises to his feet. "Sometimes all you can do is let people know that they are in your thoughts and prayers. And when you get the opportunity, make the wait worth it."

He offers Cor'lana a hand so she can stand up. "Come. Let's go eat dinner. Set aside dark thoughts and worries for tonight. As I've said before, this is a haven for those in need of rest and companionship." His eyes twinkle. "After all, one does not live on derring-do and adventure alone. A good hot meal can be just as important."