Yule Song for Telamon

Log Info

• Title: Yule Song for Telamon

• Emitter: Telamon

• Characters: Ravenstongue, Simony, Telamon

• Place: Ravenstongue and Telamon's home

Lúpecyll-Atlon home, early evening

The Yule season is one of joy, despite the weather being cold, snowy, and blustery. Inside the Lúpecyll-Atlon home, though, it's warm and cheery, with dinner wrapping up for -- well, six diners of various heritages.

"Well, Telamon," Ariana Atlon says with a calm smile, her eyes dancing much as her son's do from time to time. "It seems you've developed skills beyond mere magic. That was a wonderful meal. And so efficient at tidying up." She watches the plates and utensils being carried away by apparently empty air, as an unseen servant begins cleaning. "I'd have given a lot to know that spell when you were a little boy."

Telamon blushes slightly, as he hangs up his apron. "I do my best, mother. I know you like a lighter dinner, so I thought fish and rice would be appropriate. It seems my two most serious critics approved." Tel's eyes flick to where Jyndei is sprawled on the back of the couch, snoring softly. "Lana, I hope you liked it as well."

Pothy is similarly knocked out, having taken up a similar post as Jyndei on the back of the couch. It appears that's where the sleepy-dinner-hangout happens to be by happenstance of 'this is where I was when I was suddenly beset upon by the consequences of mine own actions'. Cor'lana can't help but grin herself as she finishes draping a little blanket over Jyndei and Pothy.

"At least Tanith's not here," Cor'lana said, "or we might have had trouble with the amount of fish we needed."

"It was a good meal," Grandfather says, the fae man taking on his more debonair appearance today. Gloved hands and fine clothes that are only a short cry from Telamon's own wardrobe, the older man appears to have chosen an appearance that wouldn't send Ariana back up to the Mythwood as quickly as she came. He's even wearing a sprig of holly behind one ear. "Telamon is quite talented in many ways."

"In more ways than one," Cor'lana finds herself muttering before she clears her throat and says, "It was wonderful, my love. Now... Dessert, anyone? Grandfather brought pie."

The bell rings, and momentarily there is noise by the front door.

Shortly, Simony makes her appearance, bearing a small tray covered with a silver lid, and a small paper bag. "Hello! My pardon for letting myself in. I had a little Yule present for the lord and lady of the house." The Goblin grins, "It is good to see you again, Lady Atlon. It is well that you are here, for I've a gift for you as well."

"How are you all?" The snore from Jyndei on the couch causes her to giggle. "Ooh, dessert!"

After dinner tea and hot cocoa are poured soon enough, as Telamon grins at Lana. "I don't think there's enough fish in the Inmost Sea for that, love. Of all the adventures I've had and born witness to, dealing with Tanith was probably one of the strangest."

Ariana takes a seat in one of the comfortable chairs in the living room, cradling a mug of tea. "At the risk of inflating my son's ego, I've noticed that when he applies himself to something he is unusually apt. The trick, sometimes, is getting him motivated. Which I think you've done very well, Lana. He's excelled beyond even the expectations of his father and I."

At the ring of the bell, Telamon's brow furrows, and he casually moves towards the hall as the door clicks open -- but then he relaxes again. "Ah, Simony! Good to see you again!" He laughs softly. "Do you promise to at least try to taste the pie?"

"That's odd," Grandfather comments as he looks at Telamon, "I don't think I've ever seen your son with a lack of motivation. At the very least, Cor'lana gives him a motivation to do things." He has a wry little smile as he goes to fetch the pie from the kitchen.

"Well, Mother," Cor'lana says with a fond smile at Ariana, "while it's true I might be some of Telamon's motivation, he's also been quite a lot of my motivation in my darkest moments. He and I have gotten through a lot together--"

Then comes Simony. She blinks at the arrival but smiles to see that, at least, it's a friend and not some muckraker from one of the Theatre District gossip rags that's intruded into their home. "Hello, Simony! Merry Yule!" she greets.

"If by taste you mean 'eat it slowly', I make no promises.", the Goblin replies with a chuckle. "You cannot be a Goblin without gobbling. But I'll be as dainty as possible about it." She smiles brightly at Ravenstongue, "And a merry Yule to you as well! To everyone!"

"So, uhm, I've brought my grandmother's recipe of figgy pudding, our traditional Yule cake. Figs are the main ingredient, and it's cooked in rum. Also, there's a single silver piece inside, so have a care to check for that before eating it. It's meant to be for good luck, but also, who doesn't like a silver piece for Yule?"

The silver lid is removed from the tray she carries, revealing a modest sized cake, shaped into a half-sphere, dark brown and smelling of fruit and spices.

Simony looks to Grandfather, and offers a polite curtsey. "It is good to see you again, Grandfather."

"Definitely a merry Yule. Thank you very much, Simony, I appreciate it." Telamon conducts the platter over to the table to sit proudly next to the pie Grandfather is collecting. He makes a point to give Simony a hug. "I do have something for you as well, I was expecting to have to carry it up to the monastery tomorrow."

Ariana, for her part, smiles at Simony too. "Goodness, you didn't have to get me anything. My Yule gift is knowing my son and daughter-in-law are out of harm's way again, and have disposed of a vile miscreant so he can no longer harm them." A pause, then, "But I wouldn't turn down the pudding, either."

Telamon instructs the unseen servant, "Go upstairs and get the dark green bag from my chair," before grinning at his mother.

Grandfather emerges from the kitchen with a serving knife, already carving out slices for anyone who might want one. Cor'lana certainly goes to get a slice, taking up her neglected plate at the table and getting one. "It is good to see you as well," Grandfather replies to Simony. "I can't say I've ever had a 'figgy pudding' before, so I'm quite interested in trying it. Is it a recipe common among your people?"

"Good thing Pothy's tapped out on the couch," Cor'lana murmurs after swallowing a bite of pie. "You're brilliant for bringing something over, Simony."

She raises a brow thoughtfully at Telamon's instruction of the unseen servant, but then she nods. It's hard to implement surprise in a telepathic bond, but excitement and anticipation tends to replace surprise in that instance.

Simony accepts the hug with a giggle, and returns it enthusiastically. "I was out and about today, so I saved your place as the last, and best, stop of the day.", she says with a smile. "And it was some journey, the wind pushed me off course several times, but I made it down without getting my boots wet."

"I could not say if it's common among Goblinkind, Grandfather, but it is common among my family, and the families that shared the Den. A number of my family are enthusiastic traders, dealing with exotic spices and fruits, as well as peppers, so the ingredients are in good supply."

"Oh, I did bring something for Pothy, too. A selection of nuts and seeds from around the world, at least, from those spots that conduct trade with Alexandria. I did not know what Jyndei likes, so I shall ask him and get him something appropriate. For yourself and Telamon, I've got some of my craftwork for you." Simony shakes her head. "Brilliant? Hah, nooo. Lucky. Lucky that you've both helped to enrich my life here."

"Luck's a fickle thing, dear," Ariana accepts a plate with some pie, sampling it and making an approving sound. "Always try to weight the odds in your favor. There's nothing sacred about losing, after all."

The unseen servant comes trundling back down, as Telamon moves over to kiss his wife's cheek. "Now, then. Craftwork? Ah, you've been doing more penciling then? If Father approves, you may be visiting Ylvaliel before the snows disappear. I'm sure Mother will be happy to speak for you on my behalf."

Cor'lana relishes the affection that Telamon gives to her, taking a moment to somewhat impishly steal one from Telamon's cheek in return. "I have to agree with Mother on luck," she says, "although... I firmly believe there was something like luck or beyond it that saw Telamon and I meeting that day in the Society courtyard. Although luck might have played a role in Telamon deciding to continue to be my friend after I showed up to what I didn't realize was a dinner date in the exact same clothes as our prior meeting."

She can't help but grin. It doesn't matter how many times she tells the story; it makes her happy to tell. "It'd be nice to visit Ylvaliel ourselves, Tel," Cor'lana says. "After all, we can go anywhere and do anything now without fear of the Corpse-Eater."

"I've learned never to discount luck. You can't depend on it, and sometimes you have to make your own, but it can be the difference between winning the day, and defeat. In anything you do." The Goblin's pale complexion begins to flush at Telamon's mention of her art. "Well, I've finished up that sketch of yourself and Ariana in the park."

She makes a happy little sound at Cor'lana's description of the couple's meeting and surprise dinner date. "You two are so adorable!", the Gobbo says with a giggle. "Whatever magic you have going, you should bottle it and give it away. You'll never lack for anything for the rest of your lives." From the bag that arrived with her, she pulls a coloured sketch, of Telamon and Ariana. The background behind them is instantly recognizable to most Alexandrian denizens, the Memorial Gardens. The bench is unmistakable. Both the man and woman are intricately sketched, their faces exuding a youthful vitality, with easy smiles and an almost potent force of life obvious in their eyes. People in their prime, enjoying a sunny day. "I reworked the sketch from my sketchbook, made it into one piece, and coloured it from memory. I'm waiting to hear back on some framework and a suitably sized piece of glass." Three more things are pulled from the paper bag, these are framed and covered in glass. One is of Grandfather, done in oil paint, seated in a chair that, by all appearances, seems to be in a sitting room somewhere. Surrounding the man is nature, flowers growing from the shelves and chairs, pixies and other fae creatures playing hide and go seek. Oblivious to it all is Grandfather, sitting in a stately and seeming manner, looking ageless in an outfit somewhat matching his current attire, the faintest hint of a smile on his face, a look of approval in his eyes.

The last two are stark contrasts to the first images. Black backgrounds, with almost ethereal facial profiles of Teleamon and Cor'Lana. "The last two I uhm... I did from what I see when I am looking through my dark sight, I thought it might make for interesting art."

Telamon looks stunned at the artwork that Simony produces. "Gods, Simony, these are wonderful. Thank you! We're definitely going to need to find space for these -- they're amazing." His starry eyes shine. "You're a good friend."

Telamon's gift to Simony is a wrapped package that, when opened, holds a closed jar and a book. "Makings for chocolate tea, since you appreciate it. The book is one we discussed before, about unusual and arcane inks. I'm sorry it took so long to get you a copy." He grins. "Something to read, when you're in the monastery after a long day."

Telamon continues with a couple boxes for Cor'lana. One is another book, this one bound in deep green. "A treatise on elven music, particularly singing. I personally don't think you need any help, but you might want to examine it." The other is a box containing a beautiful necklace, a webwork of platinum and amethyst gems. "For the queen of my heart," he says simply.

Cor'lana looks similarly stunned as Telamon is by the thoughtful artwork. "It's gorgeous!" she says. "Absolutely, astoundingly wonderful, Simony. You've really outdone yourself!"

She looks thoughtful at the mention of chocolate tea, but decides not to abscond off to the kitchen when Telamon hands her boxes. She opens them and... Of course she's astounded. She looks at Telamon and--

"Keep it down," Pothy grumbles from his spot on the couch as Cor'lana goes to embrace him tightly and kiss him several times, a happy hum leaving her the entire time.

"Sorry Pothy!" Cor'lana says, before she goes to put the necklace on. It's a work of art, much like the gifts that Simony has given. She looks at Telamon a little bashfully and says, "I actually have a gift, too--I, ah, made use of the time I was on Quelynos with Grandfather to good use?"

"It is you who is the good friend. You both are very dear to me, and have treated me far better than the old me might have expected." Simony dabs at her eyes a moment, before taking up the book and jar. "Ooh, magical inks! Like the one in your tattoo, yes? Oh I wonder if I can prepare something like them. People would be amazed." Her grin grows broad and cheeky. "I know exactly what the first tattoo will be, if I can make it work." She reaches out to pat at Telamon's hand. "And thank you very much for both. I will happily enjoy the tea, in these dark and cold nights." She sniffles. "Aww, the queen of your heart. See, adorable!"

Their intimate moment interrupted by Pothy has the Goblin snorting. "Aww, Pothy, let them kiss." Her expression seems to say, 'I know what the next painting will be.'

Ariana looks at Grandfather amusedly. "While I don't think we're getting the announcement we'd like this year... I'm sure we won't be waiting much longer, Rigan. I hope you've been as assiduous as I've been in knitting little garments for the children."

Telamon can't comment as Lana has very firmly grabbed him for some public displays of affection. Which he isn't really arguing with. When Lana finally comes up for air, Tel still looks starry eyed, and he flicks an apologetic look at Pothy. Then his eyes go to Lana and he nods with a smile.

"Kissing leads to other things," Pothy grumbles, as he wiggles out from underneath the blanket. "Trust me, I had more than my fill of watching Lana's mother try and shack up with every adult capable of consent who caught her fancy within a thirty foot vicinity. Kissing. Leads. To. Other. Things."

"Maybe it will, and Madame Ariana and I can finally have those grandchildren," Grandfather says, before he leans in conspiratorially to Ariana and adds, "I have ensembles for five children--regardless of gender--from infancy to age 10. After that, sizing can get dodgy without measuring. I've been knitting socks. Children always need socks."

"Please don't encourage them. I will find someone's unattended magnificent mansion and eat my fill from their larders, then fly all the way back here just to retch up multicolor mess onto someone's shoes, and I am not going to be picky," Pothy threatens--and then he looks at Simony. Blue bird eyes blink. "Oh, hi Simony."

Cor'lana finally lets Telamon have breath again--not that he needs it--as she says, "See what we live with?" to Simony.

Simony snorts at Ariana, trying to suppress a giggle or three. "Aww, including little wool booties?", she wonders of the woman. Her gaze goes to Grandfather then, waiting to hear his answer. Socks. "Ahaaaaah, you're the one making booties." The Goblin cackles.

She blinks at Pothy, her cheeks flushing once more. "Pothy, we all know what it leads to. It's perfectly natural. You'll have wonderful daughters of theirs to terrorize you. But, on the upside, more people to drop snacks for you. And hi, yourself, Pothy. Merry Yule!" From that same bag comes a small, cloth pouch, jammed full of many small, oddly shaped things. "A tasteful selection of nuts and seeds from all over Ea, Pothy." The pouch is offered up, from one albino to another.

Ariana actually tsks. "Well, I won't deny I've been digging out some of our family's garments for younger children and repurposing them. Despite what people might think, the sil do make things to last. And socks are a universal thing. Still, between us we should be prepared for whatever happens... grandsons or granddaughters."

Telamon just looks at the ceiling, still holding his wife, perhaps hoping for some kind of disruption. Sadly, none is forthcoming and he just shrugs and grins. "Remember, Pothy, you started this by hitting me up in Sage Orum's Plaza for a sweetroll. And if it helps, I will make sure you always have snacks as a thank you for it."

"There must always be little booties for little children," Grandfather says happily. "Don't worry, Telamon. Between Ariana and I, your children will be well-outfitted. When they happen, of course. No rush."

Except then he eyes Ariana. "Maybe a little rush."

Pothy bows quite politely over Simony and takes the pouch from her with a flap of his wings, setting it down onto the table where he begins to dine on the contents. "For my Yule gift to you, Simony, I grant you a blessing: may all of your snacks be plentiful and delicious, and may every bite of melted cheese you eat be one that is molten and delectable as it should be."

Cor'lana blinks at the 'blessing' that Pothy offers. "What grounds do you even have to give?" she asks, before she coughs and fishes out a slender book from her pocket. "I, ah... Well, Telamon, I wrote you another poem. A surprise, I know, but..."

She smiles just a little. "This time, it's sung."

At Telamon's disclosure of just how Tel and Lana met causes the Goblin to stare at the Raven. She begins to laugh, bending over at the waist, and holding her sides. "You.. you two met... due to a sweet roll? Bwahahahaha! All because the flying stomach ran into Telamon?" Her laugh continues at length. "Serves you right, Pothy.", she wheezes. "Cor'Lana ought to call Telamon her sweet cinnamon roll just to rub it in."

Simony breathes for a little bit, interspersed with giggles. She manages a nod to the Raven. "From one white Raven to another, may your snacks be of wondrous variety, and fall from every hand at your arrival."

Her ears perk up. "Oh, a sung poem, very romantic!" She promptly sits down on the floor, cross-legged, expectantly awaiting the poetic song.

Telamon shoots a look at his mother and Grandfather both, but he doesn't say anything. No point, really, those two are incorrigible. He grins at Simony cracking up though. "Oh, it's all true, Simony. I was coming out of the cafeteria, and all of a sudden this white raven swoops down to land in front of me and demands, 'Give tribute!'. And then Lana ran up to reclaim Pothy, and that was how we first met."

At Lana's mention of a poem though, he nods, taking a seat so he can listen to her. "Then by all means, Lana. I'd be honored to hear it." His eyes shine happily, his face lit by the devotion he has to Lana.

GAME: Ravenstongue rolls Perform/Oratory: (14)+28: 42
GAME: Ravenstongue rolls Perform/Sing: (16)+16: 32

Cor'lana takes a breath, and... she sings.

"When the shadows came for us, we did not bow.

When the rooks flew for us, we made a vow:

When the light returns, we would sing,

And our lives would take on new wings

As we soared ever higher into a night sky--

As we climbed ever higher into a blue sky--

Where we came to know and speak of why

The raven came to tell the stars so high..."

She starts low, soft, until the last four lines where she climbs up boldly into a higher register. It's a voice that's so loud to be coming from such a petite woman.

But the next lines are soft and fragile.

"For the raven fell in love with the star-sky,

For she saw it twinkle in her teary eyes,

And she wanted nothing more in that second

Than to come closer to the stars' beckon

And to tell him what it meant to her,

That he might love her in return--"

On the last note, she returns to her bolder style of singing, commanding the attention of all in the room.

"But when the sky gave her his love--

When you gave to me your heart--

It was a freedom sent from above

To throw open my cage in the dark,

And you gave to me everything..."

She pauses a moment before she sings the last lines softly.

"So I'll give you my everything...

Raven to the star-sky, star-sky to the raven...

Resting together, in our eternal peace."

"Give tribute?" Another bit of giggling is had. "I ought to try that some time."

She falls silent as Cor'lana moves to sing. And in a rare moment, the Goblin remains silent for the entirety of the song-poem.

Simony remains silent for a time afterwards, blinking back tears. "My arts pales to that.", she says softly. "I shall cast down my paints and brushes."

Telamon rises to his feet once it's done, and embraces Lana again. He doesn't say anything. He doesn't need to. He just holds her tight.

Meanwhile, Ariana dabs at her eyes with a kerchief. "Beautiful," she says huskily. At Simony's remark, she shakes her head. "Don't be silly, dear. The world needs painters as much as it needs poets. Besides, who will paint that portrait we need if you do so? You're not going to disappoint me, are you?" She gives Simony that very familiar 'mom stare'.

Cor'lana holds back Telamon just as tightly, burrowing her head underneath his chin, into the happy place. It's her most favorite place in the world. Grandfather, of course, is applauding enthusiastically. "Are you certain that you don't want to perform on-stage, my dear?" he asks Cor'lana. "You might be the most beloved actress in all of the musical productions."

Pothy huffs. "She insists singing's a hobby, and honestly? I don't want to get mobbed for signatures every time Lana and I go out to market. How would I ever get my snacks? It's already bad enough when Telamon gets stopped like he's a wagon-wreck and everyone's staring at him when he takes me out for food."

That gets a snort from Cor'lana, pulling her face away just enough so she can talk without her words being muffled into Telamon's skin. "I have no intention of 'going pro', as some might put it. I'm happy to be a poet in the public eye."

A violet eye finds its way onto Simony. "Mother's right. Besides, me being a poet shouldn't put you out of enthusiasm for your craft. Does the man selling sandwiches at the market stop selling the moment someone else starts selling roasted nuts next to him? They're different things that are pleasing. One can even consume them both at once if so desired."

"It is meant as a compliment. It was beautiful! Enough to outshine the lustre of oil paint wetly applied." The Goblin moves to hug Cor'lana and Telamon. "You've a beautiful voice, and an agile mind."

Pothy is given a glance and a snort. "I am sure if requested, those wanting an autograph can bring you snacks. You've not thought it through, Pothy."

A smile is given to Ariana. "I shall endeavour to be at my best for your sketch and portrait. I am not yet defeated!"

Ariana smiles, taking a sip of her tea. "Much better. Take inspiration from them, instead of being daunted. Art can take many forms, after all. Learn from those who know more; try to teach those who might not know as much."

Telamon strokes Lana's hair for a bit as they cuddle, before finally letting her pull her face away. "Regardless, your poetry warms my heart, love. Thank you. I daresay if you put your mind to it you could ask winter itself to relent, at least a little bit." At the mention of autographs, he blushes. "Well... I did have someone ask for mine the other day. A young wizard I'd given some direction regarding a lost dog. He didn't realize who I was initially, until Jyndei told him."

Cor'lana can't help but flush at Telamon's words. "You're more likely to be the diplomatic one," she says. "Although there was that one time that I soothed the mountain with my poetry..."

Pothy snorts. "See, she downplays herself. If I hadn't harassed Telamon for tribute, you know where you'd be, Cor'lana? Alone. Watching Telamon flirt with all the pretty girls. In pain." He looks at Simony. "And I'd be without haranguement and harassment for my snacks! You have to be careful with adoring fans, after all. Sometimes one of them can get jealous and try to bump you off if they can't have you."

"I'd rather not even think about that. Any of that," Cor'lana says bitterly, wincing a little, before she blinks and looks at Telamon. "Oh, the dog you were doing the ritual to learn more about?" she asks. "That dog? I'm really glad you helped them. Although I'm sure he must have been put out you couldn't share how you learned of it."

"Oh!" The Goblin says, as if remembering something. "Telamon, when you have a moment in future? Erm? I am not grasping this divination ritual you detailed out for me. It uhm doesn't work. I can't feel any of it. Maybe it's too much. Or maybe... it's something only you can handle? A ritual of your own making."

Pages are pulled from that same paper bag. Some are obviously in Telamon's hand, the rest of full of Simony's finely printed hand. "It certainly does not match the rituals I've known."

She glances at Pothy. "A little too on the nose, little brother."

Telamon flicks a look at Pothy, firm. Uh oh, looks like Pothy may have overstepped a touch. Ariana wisely steps in, "Come here, Pothy. Let's try a little of that figgy pudding that Simony has graciously brought us." Smoothly, she stands, collecting Pothy before moving over to the table.

Simony's question helpfully diverts Telamon's attention, but he doesn't let go of Lana, kissing her cheek again and keeping one arm around her as he reaches out to look at the papers. "It doesn't?" Telamon's brow furrows. "That... hm. I wonder..." Tel looks at Lana. "We talked about what happened in the Ivyhold manor. I wonder if this isn't a spell after all -- but a direct gift from the Sky-Singer?"

"I'd treat it quite firmly as a personal revelation from Ni'essa Skysinger," Cor'lana says to Telamon. Here, she playfully reaches up and boops Telamon on the nose. "Which means, as well-intentioned as it is to share it... It's probably meant just for you. You are, after all, the person she gifted it to, right? You're the focus of the ritual, so to speak. It won't work without you. I couldn't do it if I wanted to."

The pie is done, and Grandfather makes his way for the door with, surprisingly, a duplicate pie in hand. He'd brought two with him. "I hate to break up the party," Grandfather says, "but I have a friend to go visit. His Yule will be happier for it."

Cor'lana smiles brightly at Telamon. She knows a bit about what had happened there. "Should we go dancing in the stars later?" she asks. "Just like old times?"

"Oh, it was good to see you again, Grandfather. I hope your friend is warmed and cheered by your visit!" Simony offers a wave and bright smile for the man's leaving.

"That sounds very much like what it is, Cor'lana, a gift from Eluna. Do you see it as a success, Telamon? I've a question to ask you, later on. Perhaps you might put the spell to use in another case, hmm? But we can talk about that another time. Let's have ourselves a bit of figgy pudding, and see who gets the silver piece!"

Telamon looks thoughtful. "I... I think you're right, love. I guess I feel a little humbled that Ni'essa should gift me something like that. I'll strive to use it for the right reasons."

He gives Lana a squeeze, before nodding to Grandfather. "If it's who I think it is, good luck. And thank you, Grandfather. I think that fellow needs friends, very badly."

That done, he nods to Simony. "Just try not to bite the silver. That's really hard on your teeth -- even if you're a goblin." He smiles, as he beckons, leading the other two into the kitchen after Ariana.

And so life goes on in the Lúpecyll-Atlon home.