While Summer, in the person of Meredith Ryan, didn't give a flying flip through a rolling doughnut what the decorations looked like, and barely cared enough to leave out bottled water, Autumn, in the person of August Bordeaux, well-dressed and well-mannered, the Broken Hearth is bedecked with garlands of leaves both mortal and not, pine boughs similarly diverse, and there is a cauldron of what smells like it is PROBABLY apple cider mulling over the fire.
The fact that the fire is presently a wicked, acid green adds a distinctly witch-like incongruity to the homely scents of cinnamon, allspice and clove.
Each table has refreshments set out on it, a selection for attendees, and some tables have more of one refreshment than others, to encourage sharing or moving about.
The Extended Council, having just finished their own meeting, is already here when others begin to arrive, and August, his crown a skeletal affair of mist, spires of dead branches and dull leaden mirrors, sits in Ashe's customary place, the retired Councilor, alas, not present.
Food! Who doesn't like food? Lotus slips into the room, looking around curiously for a brief moment before moving over to one of the tables to haul herself up into the chair. Rather that sitting in it like a normal person, she sort of perches there, leaning forward to examine the refreshments that have been laid out on the table. August, with his misty crown, is given a sideways sort of look, studied briefly by the small dark-skinned elf before she begins to stick food into her mouth.
Finally. A chance to meet the monarch. Well there were chances, but Walter was waiting for the new one so he didn't have to go through the meeting again. Just the one time was good. He even dressed 'up' for the occassion. He's wearing pants and a jacket made from the thick treated canvas or a surplus Army tent and a brown t-shirt under it. With thick leather boots that have a chunk of tire tread for soles. There's a large pack of the same canvas on his back with a shield made from a stop sign wher ehe can reach it if needed. Held in his hand is a simple spear.
Just inside, he moves off tot he side. Staying near a all to atch and learn. Taking in what he sees of those already here and those who arrive after him. He's in no rush to get the meet and greet out of the way just yet.
His mantle swirls about him with hot dry air like a furnace. The ground near him rapidly dries out and flakes up like a dry lake bed and the smalls of battle and forge work surround him.
Tansy has definitely heard right about the atmosphere, and when she arrives her smile brightens at the decor. "Oh, I love this." She says, more thinking aloud than anything, but she's certainly beaming as she looks over everything present. Seeing the Crown sitting there, she does open up with a graceful curtsey in his direction before starting towards the refreshment tables, definitely preening a bit too, given the careful way she glides towards them in her fancy gown.
Kelsey generally dresses in Autumn colors for Autumn courts: a visible expression of his alignment with the season. Apparently, today, "Autumn colors" somehow equates to "a Renfaire-style fantasy-pirate shirt, all ruffles and lace and flowing cuffs, except made out of bright. purple. satin."
(Okay, maybe the Autumn part is the leaves outlined on his face in golden glitter, flickering constantly with the reflected light of his candleflame hair. Or maybe the Autumn part is actually the twig he seems to be wearing for a bracelet? ... possibly Kelsey just set his fashion sense to 'troll,' or maybe 'David Bowie.')
The slight Fairest is carrying what looks for all the world like a picnic basket in one hand, and has his other hand resting on Edmond's arm. He scans the tables briefly, then picks one out -- possibly solely for maximum color-clash -- and escorts Edmond toward it.
There's a perhaps familiar-to-some click of heels in the hallway leading into the chamber, then Poppy makes her way through the door, accompanied by Duncan. She's currently dressed in a loose-fitting, seaweed-green sweater and dark blue skinny jeans, along with a pair of knee-high, black leather stilettos; a messenger bag, pale grey and embroidered with silver fish, rests against one hip. She smiles sharply as she spies Kelsey and Edmond, opalescent eyes bright, then starts towards the pair. The siren gives a cheerful nod to the Autumn King even as she settles at the table occupied by the Autumn and Summer.
November, as a member of the Council, has been here for a good hour or more already, the faerie Ancient seated near the fire where its light will glint, glitter and splinter on her own too-Fae perfection. As always, the colourful creature holds herself with an air of unspoken authority, the simple expectation that the world will shape itself to her whims precisely because she 'whims' it to do so. She dips her head to any who greet her, returning the favour, but upon spotting Kelsey and Edmond, especially, she briefly matches each and every colour they have.
On the rainbow deity, they do not clash. They bend over backwards to somehow not clash. Thank you, colours.
An eye is kept on the doorway, observing each member who enters in.
Aaron comes dressed in pinstripe attire of dark blues and pale grays. His hands slightly resting behind him, occasionally offering a wave from his elongated, spindly fingers with their razor-sharp tipped fingernails. His feline-like Hedgebeast rests curled around the Darkling's neck, wearing a collar with a yellow-leaf and red-skull pendant. Before finding a seat, he offers a formal bow from the waist to the Autumn Monarch. This causes the cat to leap forward from his resting place. It bows its head as well before padding off to find a place in the shadows to sleep.
Edmond, led in by Kelsey, is in a dark crimson kurta with patterned gold edging on the sleeves, collar, and hem, a pair of dark brown trousers, and a rich midnight blue embroidered nehru jacket; his clay feet are bare, and his wooden hands are polished, and the stars in his hair and on his face and neck glitter white in contrast to Kelsey's self-decoration. His mantle's its usual simmering humid heat, smelling of the promise of storms and keeping cricket- and cicada-song to a minimum in the background of conversation.
As he comes in with Kelsey, following where he's lead, his starry midnight eyes take in the place like he's never seen it before (spoilers: he hasn't), and he looks -- to anyone who knows him -- uncharacteristically solemn. So it is that he's quiet when he sits with Kelsey at the table -- but he has a radiant smile for Poppy when she arrives.
Duncan's arrives with Poppy, brining a breath of wind and the faint scent of the sea along with them. He's dressed in normal street clothes -- nice enough if slightly threadbare -- with a black pea coat over the top. The Summer storm-elemental grins as he takes in the Autumn scene and gives a loud laugh for the spooky cauldron. Spotting Meredith, he gives the former Summer Queen a thumbs up before following Poppy toward a table.
Meredith, spying Duncan's thumbs up, tosses the stormy Summer a wink and a two-fingered salute, lazily leaning back in her chair, ankles crossed beneath the table.
When the rainbow of flickering colors splashes over November, matching his and Kelsey's, Edmond's radiant smile for Poppy turns into a blinding white grin for the Rainbow Goddess, and he stands-- and bows to her, if no one else-- then drops back into his chair, slightly more relaxed than solemn, now.
Having arrived with November, Charlie has had some time to settle to the place and the faces she can see in their varied glory. The new arrivals are studied in turn, taking in the features that makes each unique. It's still a little overwhelming for the human clad in steam-pirate styling and wearing the shining silver hide of a hedgebeast as a cloak. She's found a niche more or less out of the way from which to observe the people and the proceedings. And give her some breathing space from the oddities she's still learning to be comfortable with. Precious few faces are familiar, and seeing the true-skin of a couple is still unsettling.
Once settled in her seat with her bag in her lap, Poppy offers equally cheerful, if sharp smiles to those familiar faces present before opening the bag and rummaging through it. Is that a bottle of red wine? Apparently. That goes onto the table, along with a corkscrew. If there are glasses, they have yet to make an appearance, but it seems someone's brought additional refreshments.
Kelsey settles the picnic basket on the floor beside his seat, and leans down to dig in it for a moment. He comes up with a box and an insulated lunchbag, both of which he opens and sets on the orange table, beside the refreshments already provided. The second delving into the picnic basket produces a tupperware shaker, which he passes to Edmond. The third, with a glance to Poppy? That's cups. If these two keep getting more elaborate in their preparations, there's going to be a tablecloth and candlesticks by the end of the year.
Tansy has found herself a drink, and a small bit of finger food. She's otherwise still looking over the pageantry of the others as they arrive. There's also the fact she seems indecisive over where she's going to sit, but when that's the case? Well, stand around and try not to look awkward!
If another lovely Fairest is uncertain where to sit, why, whatever could a rainbow do but finger-twinkle-beckon Tansy over? November silently lifts an icy arm, transparent as it is, and carries garishly Edmond-and-Kelsey-esque colours into the air to do so, attempting to catch Tansy's eye in wordless invitation. Charlie, too, of course, wherever the poor wee mortal thing has scampered off to.
"Hey!" Duncan offers a boisterous greeting to Kelsey and Edmond. People he knows! And then there's Aaron at the same table -- someone he does not know. We can fix that! The shadowed Darkling gets a broad grin and a hand thrust out toward him to shake. "Duncan Morrow." Poppy's bottle of wine and the picnic basket Kelsey breaks out cause the storm-elemental to pause for a brief frown. "Damn. Were we supposed to bring something?" He looks to the Siren questioningly.
Familiar faces? Walter is surprised enough to see both of them that he doesn't trust it. He stares at November and Charlie for a while. Studying them bot intently. One should be somewhere else and the other shouldn't be here at all. Well past the point of his staring being impolite, probably to just plain creepy, he finally relents with his stone faced observance. THe corners of his mouth curl up and he jabs the shaft of his spear on the ground three times to draw attention. His free hand lifts as his big stony hand waves excitedly and he calls out "Popsicle? That you?" The other one? Probably still an imposter.
The siren makes quick work of the cork - likely unsurprisingly, given her "day" job - then drops the corkscrew back into her bag before grinning at Duncan's question. "Fuck no," Poppy says cheerfully, grabbing one of the cups and starting to fill it, then another - enough for the table, anyways. Hopefully Aaron likes red wine; it seems he's getting some.
Aaron looks on as Poppy and Kelsy starr breaking out food and wine. "I feel quite underprepared now. Had no idea it was a potluck," his voice whispery in tone. He then sees a hand stretch out to him. He in turn offers his hand to shake. "Aaron Fletcher," he says in introductions. "A pleasure to meet you, Mister Morrow. "
Mid-scuttle towards November and her frosty beckoning, Charlie stops and -looks- at Walter. He got taller. How did he get /taller/? Shaking it off, she slides onto a seat next to November, pulling the hart skin cloak to the side to act as a barrier between her and the chilly lady. Who is see through. She can't really look at November for long without feeling a bit queasy. Which leaves her staring at some of the edibles on the table in front of her. One of which blinks. That queasiness grows and she decides to play with the edge of the hide, working it between her fingers in a way meant to soften the stiffer skin.
August Bordeaux, Autumn King, converses quietly with the Councilors nearby while the members of the Freehold slowly trickle in and get themselves set up to their liking. The unfamiliar face(s) are noted as need be, and after a last nod to the Dusk Councilor, he clears his throat and rises from his seat. The other Councilors fall silent, watching him.
"Thank you all for coming." His voice is rich and deep for a tenor, a velvety-smooth almost-baritone which begs to be heard, and it carries a hint of a French accent. French Canadian, to be precise. "For those who do not know me, I am August Bordeaux, Legate of the Black Apple, and, by the grace of your belief, the Autumn King of Fate's Harvest, once more. You are well come."
A gesture toward the tables precedes, "Eat, drink, and rest assured that all is safe for you to do so. Autumn's bounty is for all to share, for this is a night of celebration and communion, for all those gathered here, and those whose duties leave them here in spirit alone."
And the invitation is noticed even as she finishes her initial finger food. Thus Tansy takes said invitation, starting to glide over towards the table November is at. When she gets there a smile coming to her face. "Good evening." Setting down her glass she then carefully arranges her skirts before sitting down all too properly - though the corset and bustle like lace rather force that too, for all she looks perfectly comfortable. Her head then turning towards the king, listening carefully.
Lotus kneels in her chair so that she doesn't sit comically low in it, crimson eyes skimming around as each person trickles in, finding their spot. Relationships are noted, who chooses to sit with whom, who enters with whom, and so on. Slowly, she chews on the food in her mouth, appetite quite healthy given her scrawny stature. When August speaks, her gaze cuts sideways towards the new king. She listens calmly, lips quirking into a small sort of smirk.
November, hearing Walter's rather loud query from across the room -- as did everyone else, assuredly -- turns her head to regard the man with bland amusement. Her own voice is raised just enough to be heard, projected well, its blend of Irish lilt and New England pronunciations just as it always has been, excepting the whole business of being almost painfully lovely to listen to, too pure, too musical to be even remotely human, each word carrying a vague hint of colour to the ear. "No. I'm afraid there are no popsicles this evening."
The faerie Ancient falls silent when August rises, murmuring a polite, "Tansy, lovely, you've met Charlie, yes? She'll be rather more comfortable watching you, I expect, than watching me." Helpful, the Dawn retrieves a small plate for Charlie and fills it with some goodies from their table while listening to the King. All of them are quite mundane-looking and not at all peculiar. On the outside.
Edmond takes a swig of the yogurt drink he's got in the tupperware shaker, then sinks down in his seat a little and gives Poppy a wry smile. "November actually helped me with it a lot," he says in the sudden quiet right before the King speaks, and then a rose-aureate dawn flush spreads over his face and he sinks down a lot more, hoping it doesn't make him SUPER NOTICEABLE or disruptive; he listens to August and tries really hard to keep his mouth a straight line because an Autumn King is named August aaaa.
While there's a small exchange going on at the table, it is, perhaps thankfully, quiet. Poppy's finished pouring wine, corking the bottle and setting it aside before acquiring a cupcake, nibbling at it between sips of wine. Classy. She smirks at Edmond's sudden Loud Voice, but doesn't comment, although the humor is written all over her face.
"Ha! It is you!" Calls Walter, still from across the room. "I..." He glances around as he realizes that evryone heard it and his cheeks flush. Not one for the center of attention. Charlie is still not Charlie so get's eyed a bit. He makes his way over, stopping right in the middle, likely on someone's way to listen tot he crown. When done he finished his trip over. "I knew you would say something like that, Miss November." He smile warmly and nods towards Charlie. "Who is your friend. She looks familiar." The rest of the table gets an absentminded wavewhile he talks.
Kelsey, meantime, retrieves a cup of wine and presses the side of it over his heart. Then, in answer to August's assurance over Autumn's bounty, he chooses a bit of pastry that was already present on the table to nibble at before taking a drink. It is a cautious nibbling. He may perhaps have met November before. When nothing seems to happen, he relaxes a little, blithely unaware that his eyes now match his hair.
The Autumn King continues, with a slight smile for the Loud Voiced interruption, "As Summer closes, we, too, must close the circle, my friends. Winter gave us intelligence regarding our surroundings. Dawn gave us hope and preparation, a broadening of perspectives, and Summer gave us-" he glances at Meredith, tone turning wry, "-bloodshed and a persistent pain, as always."
Meredith, the Summer Councilor, cheerfully flips her Royal Replacement the bird.
"Autumn," the King continues, ignoring Meredith with a smooth, contented smile, "brings us power. -I- bring us power." His posture and expression are a blend of pride and bone-deep weariness poorly concealed, and for those who have known him in the past, he still seems winnowed, decreased, worn down by long .. something. Whatever it was, it sure doesn't look like it included three square meals and a good night's sleep.
Arms spreading in an expansive gesture, he shifts gears and gestures for freeholders to come forward. "Those who have not pledged to this season of the year, come now, or depart in peace."
Looks like people don't get to hear about the power unless they're pledged up!
Edmond, eyeing Kelsey sidelong, covers his mouth with his hand-- and then the King is asking people to pledge in, and something twists in the starry Keralan Elemental's stomach and his face freezes. He picks up his shaker again and takes a much deeper drink of whatever's in it, then sets it down and gets slowly to his feet. He takes a breath, and then another one, and he closes his eyes, and then steps away and pushes his chair in slightly, and finally, he opens his eyes again and walks forward. His hand trails briefly through Kelsey's hair; he can control himself well enough that it doesn't look like his wooden hands are trembling slightly, but it's something Kelsey will feel.
Okay, walking forward may be a little too hesitant. People are going to stare for all the wrong reasons.
Kelsey blinks up at August, then quickly sets his cup and pastry down, rises, and offers Edmond his arm.
Lotus stares at Edmond for any number of reasons. Maybe because he brought his own drink. Maybe because of that loud voice during the lull in sound in the room earlier. Maybe because he's standing now. Who knows? But she stares. For a while, anyway. Eventually, her gaze does move on to the next person to stare. Her own pledge was sealed earlier, the Autumn courtier having handled that particular issue before the evening's festivities. And food. The food is going uninterrupted as she continues to enjoy the food provided. Free is a good price, after all.
Normal looking food is a win in Charlie's book. Tansy wins a small smile and a nod. Just about anyone is easier to look at than the swirling soap-bubble colors of November. Alas, poor Charlie hasn't known November long enough to beware the innocent looking treats that don't blink or waggle teeth. A quick sampling of the plate is a bite or so from each thing, trying to find which might be the tastiest.
Which leaves her with a cadre of bats flitting about her head and a bright green glow to her eyes and mouth, much like the flames int he fireplace. Which completely clashes with the cream, red, and black theme of her own outfit. At least she's oblivious as she rises to go and re-Pledge to the freehold, brows scrunched up - not precisely happy, but seeeekrits and curiosity. And the long walk back through the Hedge alone. That's a thing.
November gestures Walter toward a chair, leaving Tansy to perform the introductions after a swift glance the other Fairest's way to flash a smile and wordlessly flick eyes between those gathered by or at the table.
When August mentions power, why, that smile widens, a cat with cream pleasure warming the faerie Ancient's colours and blurring their sharper edges, but it is Edmond who prompts an actual comment from the crystalline creature. "Have faith." She watches his progress, unblinking, then watches the batty, glowing Jack o' Charlie as well -- and slants a sly wink toward Tansy, chin tilting up in lively self-satisfaction.
Mischief: managed.
Poppy sips quietly from her wine as she watches those Lost remaining pledge to Autumn, although she does give Edmond an encouraging, if sharp-toothed grin before she goes back to eating the cupcake from the hamper.
Tansy seems far too comfortable with her weird stuff. Of course, she's still one of the Lost... Those long pointed ears and her nearly glowing skin totally making her obviously such, even if she's otherwise pretty normal aside from her far from normal good looks. "Tansy Skye, by the way." She introduces herself for Walter's sake. "And this here is Charlie, and it seems you must know November. So naturally I probably don't need to introduce you to her." She grins. "Though that loaf of bread over there is named Delicious." She adds with an impish grin of her own and reaches for a slice of it.
Walter's mantle erupts with possibilities as he gets close to November. Whre their mantles meet his erupts into a thunderstorm. A small one. ANother possibility of what he could have been or still could be. Dark clouds roll and lightning crackles. He grins widely and chuckles. Always entertaining to see that. He jabs himself in the chest with a thumb. "Walter." That's all. A very simple introduction. "I Will be right back." Away from the table and up towards the king to pledge for the season. "I heard something earlier about there being a fight." Charlie, being named Charlie gets yet another stare. "You should not be here." Is said as he gets closer to her.
The Autumn King steps around the table to bring himself closer to those lining up to pledge. "Come, come. Crowd around. We are all family here," he welcomes, which may or may not be reassuring. His job IS talking True Fae out of stuff they want.
For those who are returning Changeling members, the pledge is spoken quickly and easily, small personal comments offered.
For those who are new Changeling members... the pledge is spoken with greater care, more slowly, and with great respect.
For Charlie, who is quite, quite Not Lost despite her glowing peepers, a slight variation on the wording is included.
Each new pledge is thanked and welcomed, regardless of how 'new' they truly are, and the King waits, scanning the room, once the rush seems to be past. "Will there be others?"
With Kelsey accompanying him, yes, Edmond's much steadier-- strange for an Autumn to be relieving a Summer's apparent fear, maybe-- and November's quiet contribution finishes setting the young-looking Elemental's resolve. For what it's worth, when he gets up there, he doesn't seem to be worried about August, per se; with a quick and respectful bow and a murmured 'namaskar', he takes the pledge as though he's practiced it until it's rote; there's only one stumble in it, but it's steamrolled through.
"I pledge my time, my talents and my f--" swallow, close eyes, like in front of the mirror it's fine, "--my fealty to Fate's Harvest." His shoulders de-tense. "I swear that I no longer serve the Fae, nor will I while this promise stands; that while I am under its protection I will obey the principles and bylaws of Fate's Harvest Freehold as ratified by Monarch and Council, in return for the support and safety they provide. May I perish in exile should I be forsworn."
The words don't sound stilted or strange coming from him, but then, occasionally modern words do--
--and then he waits for Kelsey to finish before he grabs for Kelsey's hand and squeezes it before they go back to their table. On the way, November gets a smile that looks-- maybe-- a little lightheaded.
Kelsey bows with a solemn flourish to August; his recitation of the pledge is more fluid than Edmond's, but that goes with the Fairest business. Also with the 'has done this in front of people before' business. He steps out of the way with polite alacrity, catching Edmond's hand, then giving Walter a brief sidelong (glowy-eyed) look at the latter's words to Charlie. He doesn't intervene one way or another, though, only seeing himself and Edmond back to their original place.
"Yet, here we are." Charlie murmurs to Walter, glancing over at the stone man, green glowing eyes flicking to his mossy scars. Fascinating stuff. She might not be Lost, but she listens to the words of the Pledge, picking them apart and taking her sweet time to respond before agreeing to the terms of the contract with a recitation of the modified version. Someone has taught her caution, at least. A shiver for the weight of the Wyrd ends with the glowing, silver cloak being drawn a little more tightly about her as she starts back towards the white table where the rainbow lady sits.
Tansy's eyes do catch the storm where the mantles meet. Her expression practically glowing as it does. "Yep, I am sooo wearing the right dress tonight. I like, totally blend in with my surroundings." The grin not fading a bit as she watches the little display. "I'd stand in the middle but it seems like it could be a shocking mistake." She grins. Then goes to renew her pledge, smiling again to Charlie as the human returns, before easily doing her pledge and returning to the table.
Words are not something Walter is really good at. So he listens very intently to the pledge and repeats it back. When finished he pulls his shield around to slam the haft of his spear against it several time. Sending a celebratory clatter around the room and offering simple advice to those pledged. "Try not to die." He grins widely and adds on. "Or worse." He stows the shield again and makes his way back to sit near November. The chair is inspeected to make sure it'll hold him before sitting. Finally,he starts to eats amd drink what's provideed. "So, who is in charge of killing stuff here?"
Lotus hums quietly, a tuneless sort of sound as she fidgets in her seat, overly long fingers tapping gently against the surface of the table. Her spine straightens briefly before she settles back down, shifting from a kneeling position on the chair to crossing her legs beneath her. She listens, observing those who come to pledge, eyes moving to follow any that may choose instead to leave before her attention moves back to August.
With no one departing the premises, the King smiles after the last oath of fealty has been taken, the last new vassal thanked and welcomed back to the freehold, then turns, with a slight limp, to step back around behind the table with the other Court leaders of the Council.
"Thank you. Thank you all. As those of the Leaden Mirror may have noticed," he begins, Autumn eyes meeting Autumn eyes throughout the room, "I have waxed and waned and waxed and waned in my presence among you, this past year. At last, at long last, my oaths have borne fruit: I have traveled far, my friends, and I have written a Contract into the Wyrd-" that weary pride increases, and understandably so, given the nigh-legendary aspect of a new Contract's creation, "-for all to wield."
He waits a moment for the reactions to that announcement to die down, then continues with a solemn air. "It is Intensity with whom I have bargained, and it is the intensity of our commitment to one another, to furthering the freehold's goals, which leads me this request: do not share knowledge of this Contract with anyone unpledged to Fate's Harvest. It is a secret we will hold for ourselves, for as long as it can be held." Here, he glances toward Meredith, and, given Walter's quite literal shield-banging a few minutes ago, toward him, as well. "It is an arrow in our quiver. All of us who wish to learn it over the coming weeks, I will teach. Spread the news."
Kelsey starts reaching for his wine again. Then August starts speaking, and he diverts attention back to the Crown ... and then forgets about the wine altogether, sitting straight up with a bright flare of candlelight and glitter. His hand finds Edmond's shoulder.
Aaron's attention is focused beterrn tablemates and his Monarch speaking. Then he hears the siren's song, at least one that can call Aaron's attention quite easilly. The talk of mysteries and of magic. New Contract you say? A chance to learn something new you say? His focus completly goes to the Monarch.
Poppy gives August an attentive look at those particular words. Autumns. She does, however, take a thoughtful sip of her wine, not entirely abandoning the alcohol for the moment. It's clear from her expression, however, she's /quite/ curious as to the nature of this Contract.
Edmond, too, leans forward; his twilight eyes widen. Kelsey's hand is on his shoulder, and he lets out a very small laugh, then murmurs, "It seems as though I have joined not a moment too soon. I shall endeavour to create only private gifs of insert-name-here intensifies." But then his voice lifts, and carries, and with confidence finally behind it again, it's a sweet and pleasant thing. "Will you tell us all what Intensity has agreed to grant? Or only those who seek to learn it from you, as they come? I mean to give no offense; I am only eager."
Walter eats a lot while the king talk. Enough to fill twoor three people. Looking at November while he speaks, then to Charlie. "Creating a new contract is a very big deal." He stands and calls out "Can it be a javelin? I have no quiver and am not great with a bow." Humor or too literal ogre? "What does it..." A thick finger is pointed at Ednond with a nod. Beaten to the question.
Lotus' head tilts curiously at August's announcement, an interested sort of expression appearing on her angular features. She lifts her brows slightly, considering the possibilities behind a new contract. Very many possibilities indeed.
Charlie is not so educated in such things to know what a contract is or how it works, so when told it's a Big Deal, she just kind of bobs her head in a nod of agreement, and finishes off the treats she sampled from what November put on her plate. "Don't worry too much, Walter. If business keeps improving, I'll have cold iron to shape." Grinning devilishly at the mossy rock.
Tansy? Actually shifts around a bit at the talk of fighting and such. For at least a few moments looking uncomfortable where she sits, scared even. But soon enough curiosity has taken over and she's quietly listening and watching everyone. Not to mention drinking.
The Autumn King inclines his head in response to Edmond's request, and, rising, restless despite the slight limp he displays again when getting up, August paces around the table to linger near the green-flamed hearth and its attendant cauldron of delicious mulled apply goodness.
"Intensity," he explains, accent a bit stronger in his excitement, "alters what already exists. This is the key to the entire Contract; it increases, or reduces, but it cannot create." Speaking with his hands as though he were Italian instead of a transplanted French Canadian, the slender man offers, "One cannot take a hot, dry summer day and cause a blizzard, but one could make it hotter, or cooler. There is not enough moisture to bring out rain, yes?"
That seems to be a rhetorical question. He hurries right along, pacing energetically from one end of the table to the other, and turning to go back again as he speaks. Different to all who see him, his enthusiasm is the same no matter what colour his hair, or eye, or skin. "The first clause deals with sound. Raising or lowering the volume, yes? The second, it changes difficulty, and the third, your innate Abilities, or those of a foe. To strengthen or reduce."
His pacing slows, and an absent-minded hand massages his upper thigh while the other hand continues to gesture. "The fourth, it affects your environment, and that of a certain number around you, to clear a storm so that you may see, for example, or to worsen it for your foe so that you might escape unharmed. It travels with the target, you see."
"The fifth," he concludes, coming to a halt behind the fire and shifting his weight off of the injured leg, "is a massive discharge. All blessings, all curses, made stronger or made weaker, for all within its range. It does not move."
Duncan's curious about the Contract but his interest wanes as the details are revealed. One could conclude it's a bit subtle for the Summer's taste. He puzzles it over for a moment, grins to himself, and finally shrugs it off. "Huh." Tipping back his glass he drains the last of his wine, then goes for the bottle to refill.
Sitting back, Edmond's eyes are bright and interested as he listens, even if he's a little pleasantly distracted by the weight of Kelsey's hand on his shoulder. He glances at Duncan and looks wry as hell, then looks back at the King, seeming... contemplative. Subtle or not... "That could be exceptionally useful," he murmurs.
The Contract's description is met with an interested look, Poppy clearly making mental notes as she sips her wine. As Duncan looks for the bottle, the siren smirks, handing it over. From her expression, she wouldn't be entirely surprised if the Elemental skipped the glass.
Walter nods at Charlie and continues to eat. He glances around the room after the new contract is described then shrugs. "I am just a dumb rock." Ha taps the side of his head with a thick finger. "But, it is hard to wrap my head around. I woulnd need to see it in ction to get a better idea of what it actually does to know if it would be usefull."
"It sounds like sharpening or dulling a blade, Walter." Charlie murmurs to the dumb rock. "You can sharpen or dull it to fit a situation. Sharpen your own or dull the enemies? I really.. have no idea how any of this works." she admits, just guessing to try and help the big guy out.
Tansy actually perks up a bit as the contract is describe, the nerves disappearings. Oh, she's still drinking a little rapidly, but really? There's some interest now. "That sounds pretty rad." She finally says, quietly, pursing her lips a bit. "I can totally see where it would be useful."
Aaron listens to each description offered by the Crown. Each one causes a gleam in Aaron's eyes that matches with a subtle smille on his face. At last, one he reaches the final clause, "Fascinating," he says. Which is code for holy-fucking-shit-this-is-amazing-zomigod.
Kelsey doesn't say anything. He merely acquires an increasingly delightedly smug expression.
Given the bombshell and its results, August returns to his seat, satisfied, and twines his fingers before him on the table's edge, leaning forward. "Are there any questions or concerns? Announcements of other natures? Duels in the offing? Needs or desires with which other members of the freehold could assist?" A hand untwines, and lifts, gesturing toward the room at large. "The floor is yours."
Edmond glances around, seeing if anyone else has anything to say, and-- given what he's been drinking tonight-- sort of looks mildly fascinated at the shifting in seats, and since he can hear crickets, and so can everyone at his table, he has to bring his hands up to cover his mouth. He does not need to end the night with a gigglefit.
Charlie glances around, then rises and glances to August. There's a moment of uncertainty before she smiles. "As promised, my skills are available to the freehold to use. My forge, my warehouse, my medicines and knowledge. I can make most anything from scratch, and I make it in the old ways. Same with the medicines I use. This includes my fire and my other gifts for growth and healing. With the exception of cold iron being damnably expensive to find, I'll take trade in the form of Hedge plants, wood, or animal parts - bones, feathers, hides - for anything I can provide." Rather than cash.
Walter listens to Charlie, one eye sllightly more open than the other like Forest Whitaker. "I guess. But I still have many questions." He waves it off. For another time. He stands up and wipes his hands off on his pants. "I can offer similar. Can make and repair most things. Even if I have never seen one before." The spear shaft is tapped on the floor. Just a gesture instead of a mention of being able to fight. Summer mantle does that well enough. "I can also scout and escort others throught he wilderness. Hedge or not. Can teach people how to stay alive."
Aaron stands up from the table to address others. "As far as announcements go for the Freehold in general, I wanted to let everyone know that the Custodians have gone through a bit of change in leadership. With Miss Whelan departure, I have now been promoted to Custodian Elect. Mister Kensington is now acting Librarian and your go-to should I be unavailable."
The Autumn King accepts the offer of Charlie and Walter's skills, and, when Aaron makes his new position known, August is first to raise a round of applause. "We thank you all, for your time, your talent and your skill. If there are no further announcements for this evening..?" When no further announcements are forthcoming, he nods, and smiles again. "I close this, the first Court of Autumn."
Quiet, but not quiet enough, Councilor Heather Vale of Dawn leans over toward Charlie O of Winter to mock-admonish, "Keep it secret! Keep it safe!"
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