ain't it like thunder under earth, the sound it makes

Pack Thread - Wedding Reception

POSTED: Tue Sep 18, 2018 8:49 am

Word Count → ??? :: MANDATORY PACK THREAD!
This event is in place of our regular Last Supper Pack thread. It is the Reception for the Royal Wedding between Kamari Kaiser and Krios Revlis née Heiwa. For required knowledge and more information related to this event, please read the SL September Newspost! For detailed descriptions of the food being served at the Reception, please see Jace's handy Menu Document.
No posting order. If you are unable to post in this thread with your character, please contact SL Leadership to prevent any negative IC ramifications from not being present.

By the time the ceremony was complete, sunset had deserted them, leaving the wretched to their dark-hour revelries.

And revelries had been promised; In great over-abundance and with grotesque decadence, for Elphaba was certain to get her way. She had been planning this event since the night O'Riley had held her hand and appealed it, logical and sound, into the quiet wary silence that had stretched over the kingdom in the wake of the Seer's death. There was something primordial and irreverent about celebration after remarkable loss; Like riotous green saplings growing with ferocity in the cradle of ashes and rotting wood after a wildfire. Such was the nature of Salsola.

They never mourned for long.

At the crest of twilight the small procession wound its way through the serpentine cobblestone and earth pathways that dissected the Ruins proper, a lacing of small scars across the blemished surface of the bluffs. The participants had a mixed air about them, each heavy beneath the burden of their secret thoughts - The young queen seemed satisfied by the evening's progress, and as she walked ahead of the couple the tails of her fine ermine half-cape billowed in a low breeze. The newlyweds wore unreadable expressions, their hands still awkwardly tied at the wrist by the woven materials of their Binding.

Though it was a short walk, every now and again the Crone would say something in a gentle voice to one in their party, the low tones coaxing as mead. Once or twice Elphaba replied in kind, and her words would lift above the solemnity of the eve and ring brightly with a peal of laughter.

Then they came upon the Feasting Hall, bedecked as it was in great splendor.

Helena had no doubt been hard at work. The indentured sops and mendicants who served to aid her strenuous efforts seemed to melt into the shadows that lingered in the corners of the open-roofed stone longhall, chased by the light of bright fires that gushed with heady warmth. The scent alone was enough to kill for, and the cornucopia of foods that reached the breadth and width of the sturdy lumber table looked as though they'd been pulled from the dreams of a starving man.

It was precisely as Elphaba had envisioned. She could not contain the smile that warmed her black lips and curved them, softly, invitingly.

First - as manners must - the young Queen ushered the newlyweds to their seats of honor; Irrespective of the norm, they would sit at the head of the table on elevated chairs, and for the first time since her ascension she would sit to one side, across from her Erilaz. If Kamari or her bastard half-brother were uncomfortable with their designated honor, they were both clever enough not to speak of it aloud.

Snapping her fingers imperiously to beseech a servant bring her a goblet of spiced wine, Elphaba stood straight-backed at the side of the forcibly seated groom, and rested one hand lightly on the finely stitched vest over his shoulder. It was a small pressure, firm and without malice, but the gesture alone spoke volumes.

As the Family began in great number to heed her summons, the young queen lifted the silver chalice to her lips and sipped, staining her lips and tongue a deep mulled crimson to match the ambitious gleam in her eyes.

we need a forest fire
The Boss
User avatar
Luperci Witch she hath or consulteth with a familiar spirit the queen is dead, long live the queen
burn the witch
↟ ↟ ↟

POSTED: Tue Sep 18, 2018 12:12 pm

My power's turned on
Starting right now I'll be strong

OOC: Idrieus is in her usual golden dress with black lining along the edges. She has brought some of the wine on Jace's menu and PP has been given ahead of time for this. +400 words.

Idrieus had known the ceremony would be coming soon enough. The entire kingdom was in a buzz over the preparations that would be needed for the feast, to make sure all of them were looking their best, and setting up the decorations that would be on display for when all members of the kingdom finally came together. It would be just as if they were coming to the Last Supper, but far more effort was needed to be placed in honor of the kingdom's prince and his new wife.

A gut feeling in the back of the dog woman's mind told her that something was going to go wrong from this union, that a forced one would be doomed from the start. Perhaps this would be the match to prove her wrong.

The Paladin had done fairly little when it came to preparing for the feast. She had other things on her mind, and her bitterness over the loss of her intended rank did nothing to better these feelings. One thing was certain, she needed to make an appearance. Not wanting to come completely empty-handed, she took a small detour to Helena's home, as rumor had spread she was in charge of much of the decoration and the feast, offering to bring some of her stock of wine to the gathering.

At least this way she was contributing something of value. Wine was not easy to come by, and was certainly not cheap when in high quality.

Idrieus spent the better part of her morning cleaning up her dirty pelt, smoothing out the tangles in both her fur and her hair, and setting aside the clothing she would wear to the gathering. It was a shame she only had one nice outfit for such a gathering. Maybe when she felt more at ease, or even saw the need for another dress, she would seek out a tailor to have one made. She had the money to back up such a purchase.

Grabbing a wine bottle in each hand, when the sun began to die down, the Paladin made her way to the Feasting hall. Her golden dress flowed along at her side, locks of the same color dancing in the breeze. As she arrived, her feet carried over to one of the corners, her drinks being offered to the servants. They were the one that would serve these, not the ranked members. Waiting for those of honor to take their seats, she followed in turn, taking her place with the other faction members.

Pushing all her hatred and bitterness aside, she could relax for just one evening. This was meant to be a time of celebration. Blue gaze wandered about those gathered, looking for a certain male.

Idrieus Eternity

The Paladin
User avatar
Luperci The Price for Freedom More than a Warning
Karma's Gonna Come Collect Your Debt
smiles of plated GOLD

POSTED: Tue Sep 18, 2018 12:28 pm


PP of Redtooth approved by Ryan | PP of Silas approved by Salena | PP of Shaamah approved by Dark | PP of Till/Dirge/Coaxoach approved by Jacoby | In IC reality, Helena's dress is not so red and has no intricate pattern-work on the golden fabric.

Hours of planning and meticulous details came to life before her eyes. The servants she commanded with an inherent ease and they scurried about her, mice on an never-ending run while the hawk watched them fervently. The Boss had come to her, those long days and days ago and laid out the things she desired, Helena had breathed light and promises into the air.

Today those promises were all fulfilled.

She sent Corrine to collect Rosemary and Mint, only the flowering ones though. When the shy servant returned Helena took them from her and wrapped them in garland ribbons of silver and green, placing them tenderly on the chair that was to be Ondine's. It was a sadness, one to remind the gathered that an absence was not forgotten, not even in the midst of revelry.

The many who came to lend their help were graciously thanked and assigned specific tasks as she was assured they could handle. The giant man Shaamah was tasked with moving the table to add to the sense of dramatic atmosphere. Here and there were lanterns - colored jars and bottles scavenged that were filled with fireflies, their soft glow illuminated where the sconces and roaring fire did not.

The hunters had brought back venison, the couple to be wedded had slaughtered the pig, birds and others of Salsola's livestock were butchered, fish were caught, vegetables foraged. It all came together in a riotous concoction of smells, sights and sounds. Wood-smoke and the scent of herbs tinged everything and everyone.

In truth she trusted the servants more, in some respects, to follow her orders precisely and swiftly than she did the lower echelons of the Family. Some of them simply laid out the many cups, plates and bowls Helena had acquired on her trading trip. Salsola now overflowed with the necessities to throw an affluent feast.

Finally they were ready, she sent out Andrew to watch and scout, to tell them when the procession was coming. Helena herself went to go change and pretty herself in a nearby empty house. The red and pale golden woolen dress was a fortunate find for she, it had been offered and Helena had snatched it up as recompense for a lesser favored trade. It's hood trimmed in a gentle pale fur of some unknown animal, maybe fox, she had never seen a white fox though.

The Apprentice let her natural curls run artistically free tonight, a small tiara of woven thistle and flowers sat atop the crown of her head. A simple carved gem hung from a leather thong about her neck.

She was resplendent in her beauty and finally revealed herself in a timely way as Andrew came back to the hall, proclaiming that the procession were almost upon them.

She was there to greet them, at the grand entrance; A mystical figure garbed in red and pale gold. Helena curtseyed low to the Boss and Erilaz, and to the newly wedded couple. Then watched as they passed her on by, with an implacable expression before striding to take her own seat, at the higher end of the table. From among-st the gathering she saw Till, Dirge and Coax making their way into the hall and smiled crookedly.

Last edited by Helena Troy Lykoi on Sun Sep 30, 2018 2:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Helena Troy Lykoi

The Ambassador
User avatar
Luperci Conserje, Cocinero
♚· Reine de la Saleté ·♚

POSTED: Tue Sep 18, 2018 2:55 pm

To rise and shine is so hard to do
When all the light has been taken from you

OOC: Silas is here to serve. Again, feel free to PP Silas giving your character a drink if you'd like. +500 words.

Silas was sure to heed the call early that day. He had already spent much time preparing for this day with Helena on a number of occasions, but he was not going to let her down. She would need all the help she could get with finishing everything. It all had to be as she invisioned it... it had to be perfect.

The servant was not the only one to show up on her call. Redtooth, or Andrew now as he heard, came as well. He had to be here since he was bound to the woman as her personal servant. Something that was an improvement since the last time he had seen the tan man was the metal collar was no longer around his neck. It seemed cruel to make him wear such a thing in the first place. He had grown an attachment to the collar he wore around his neck, and was fine with wearing it. He couldn't imagine what it would be like if his collar was completely metal.

Instead, the man wore loose clothing, the brand of many other Salsola members worn upon his upper chest. He wondered when he too might receive this mark. He was a part of this kingdom, and would happily serve them until the end of his days. Should he too not bare the mark of where his loyalty lied just as the raven along his wrist did?

A small smile greeted the man before his attention was brought back to the red woman.

She had recruited another male, much bigger than the rest of them. Corrine had appeared as well. So it would be up to all of them to make sure this space was ready when those of honor arrived. The gray woman was sent to gather herbs, the beast was charged with arranging the tables. When attention fell on the wolf, he was instructed to finish the decorations before coming to see her with more work.

He quickly got to the work, followed in turn by the woman's guideance. When all of that was done, he followed her to the many items prepared for the feast. It was his job now to bring them out to the table, set this area up, and then waited for the guests to arrive. He was quick with his work, but also careful when it came to the prepared meals. She had spent so much much, that he could not bare to let them be ruined by hastiness.

As word about the honored guests growing close came back, Silas slipped off to the side, situating himself away from the ranked members aside from those bringing gifts. He had been the one to take the wine brought in by the Paladin, setting them aside in their appropriate spot. Ears and head shifted over to the sound of the Queen's snap. Carefully removing the top, the servant made haste to her side, pouring the spiced wine into her goblet before slipping away. The bottle rested carefully in his hands, eyes turned down towards the ground as he waited.

Once the others arrived, he would be ready to pour their drinks as well.

Silas del Morte

Indentured Servant
User avatar
Luperci Forever Changing Bound to the Raven's Call

POSTED: Tue Sep 18, 2018 3:44 pm

I'm not living
I'm just killing time

Decadence was Salsola's way, Andrew supposed. With Helena spearheading the wedding feast, the servant found himself thrust into this much adieu over the binding of two strangers. It was a time that reminded him of he and Vicira, or rather, the things they hadn't been. There had been no ceremony, no feast, and their only bind to each other had been what Andrew believed to be the love they shared. It was pure, simple -- so much different than this gratuitous display that seemed to be only for appearances. Perhaps it was only that. A sham built on politics that a simple coywolf as he did not understand.

Often, he did not understand these Salsolans. In truth, he didn't understand anyone. Not anymore.

Never had he been to such a formal engagement. Helena dressed him in plain clothes; nothing in particular that would draw the eye. He wore a simple coffee brown linen tunic -- it's neck cut with a deep v. Long sleeves covered the bandages wrapped 'round his forearm and the painful brand he bore underneath. She gave him pants too. A stiff and uncomfortable pair made from the same unassuming material.

His long, messy hair was combed and put into braids. Andrew had never felt so much like someone else. So unlike himself. Among them, he was a savage wearing the skin of another. Clothed as he was, he felt so naked.

He returned to the feast hall with news of the procession and he did not linger long in his master's presence. The who's who of Salsola arrived milled about, slowly taking their seats as Andrew clumsily fiddled with the cork of a bottle of blackberry wine. He looked briefly and saw the other servant at the Salsolan queen's side, filling her goblet with rich, sweet red. Not as well versed in such pursuits, Andrew was slower on the draw. Yet, when he finally unfixed the cork, he lingered in the shadows for a long, hesitant moment. He stared at the long table as the guests found their seats, eyes falling on the men and women who had burnt his home -- who had taken everything from him.

Andrew took a long dram of bitter blackberry wine then. Closing his eyes he tipped the bottle back. The sounds of revelry rose, but Andrew found himself in a dark, ugly place, but he wore a smile and did not let it show.

He approached the table and kept their goblets filled.

OOC text here!
We are what we are. Get in the goddamn car.
The Proctor
User avatar
Luperci Creatore Mate to Narcissa I HAVE A BIG HEAD AND LITTLE ARMS

POSTED: Tue Sep 18, 2018 6:44 pm


First post since I've been back. Pls be gentle.

To say she was envious over Helena's close proximity to the witch queen was an understatement. Calla had tried getting close to Lokr when he was within the Mafiosi, had only had her plans backfire when instead of him taking her tea, he had offered her a cup to drink from first as if it had been poisoned. Since arriving, she had not taken it upon herself to approach the Mafiosi with as much of a flair as she would have liked. The Sanctus apprentice was often lost in her own fancies as she had been during the months leading up to the inevitable disarray of her household when she had left for the Outpost, rather than remaining behind to call upon the favor of poppy milk and mushrooms.

She had never been to such an extravagant wedding, had never partaken in a reception meant to celebrate the union of another aside from those back home, where things were marginally different from what she thought she might experience in this new, intoxicating event.

The food had led her right to it, a feast fit for the likes of kings arranged on sturdy tables, a well practiced gathering that reveled the likes of several helping hands and servants needed for preparation.

Summer often had it's fair share of cool days and today's breeze had been perfect for the Valentine's wardrobe choice. In the end, it had come down to two dresses she had acquired before today. After that, it had been a simple task to choose which one was more acceptable to an event of such stature.

A fleeting example of high class Salsolan standard, like her mate, she had chosen a color that suited her best for her dress, a green, earthen color that best matched her fur and brought out the coloring in her eyes. It was a piece she had traded for, a piece she had commissioned a leather worker to properly finish in anticipation of a last supper. A single, very large piece of leather had been beaten and made soft like the pelts they used at home, stretched over her bodice so that arms could be cut out and one side woven with stitched cord. Buttons of wood were sewn in to latch one side to the other, so that it was easy to remove and to put on, running the length of her body from the very bottom that stretched close to her knees before splitting off to a very visible section of her legs.

At her waist, a green dyed sash and buckle, also made of wood and plant fiber, curled about her waist, tucked through slits on either side of her waist to hold the material close to her. Her hair, while short, had been styled by her mate, an intricate woven braid that split through the half-mark of her head, little flowery herbs of mint, of lavender and rose bud hanging idly from her mane, all tied together with a cord of leather and her butterfly necklace that hung limply at her neck as she stepped through the doors and made her appearance.

Sanctus Apprentice (NPC)
User avatar
Luperci Witch

POSTED: Wed Sep 19, 2018 10:18 pm

As the last rays of sun faded away the elder warrior finished donning her outfit for the night. Whilst most would favor expensive fabrics and intricate craftsmanship for the occasion, Kaeli had chosen clothes of her own making and accessories of a more primal yet still impressive aesthetic. She wore a long leather dress, dyed the same charcoal color of her undersides. A simple thing in construction but well-made and properly shaped for her large figure. On top she sported a raven feather capelet fashioned from the molts of her three dark companions from which she also took the fathers woven into her braided hair, held in place with green and black beads. She also took away most of her bone and leather accessories to replace them with more appropriate pieces of green sea glass and the occasional golden ear hoop. She stubbornly refused to put away her collar which sported the fangs of two bears which had now gone yellow from age.

The added weight of such elaborate garments didn’t suit well with one who rarely chose to encumber herself with useless things. As a warrior and a huntress she preferred simplicity and efficiency over flair and elegance but she was expected to keep up with the Kingdom’s etiquette expectations and sometimes comfort had to be sacrificed for social acceptance. Despite her displeasure she carried herself tall and proud, her arms kept stiffly at her sides to avoid her hands from fumbling with her garments. She looked beautiful in an untraditional way, hard where a woman was supposed to be soft, wild where she should be refined. After so many years she hadn’t managed to blend in with Salsola’s civilized denizens, not completely. Perhaps the wolfess that had once run alongside New Dawn’s members in a foolish game of play pretend wasn’t entirely gone.

The world transformed as she approached the Feasting Hall. From the peaceful darkness that was her element to a raucous blend of color and light that hurt the eyes and stung the nose. She was impartial even to the great feast that had been laid upon the long table. She inhaled the spices and sighed, thinking of the taste of fresh blood she wouldn’t be tasting that night. Cooked meat and elaborate dishes didn’t appeal her, the strange flavors felt rare in her mouth even more so considering who had been responsible for their making.

Poisonous eyes sought Kamari who looked as out of her element as a fish on dry land. The young jackal somehow resembled a much younger version of herself and because of this Kaeli felt something akin to compassion for her. Thus she had brought a gift for the bride and not for the groom, one of the spearheads she had purchased in Portland with a shaft carved by herself to specifically fit the Kaiser’s height and complexion. In the wood she had engraved the Emissary’s initials ‘K. K.’, just to make the item more personal. She approached the end of the table silently, offering a polite bow for the leadership and a simple “Congratulations” for the newly wed. Then she handed over the weapon which she had bound in deer pelts for a more secure delivery and then moved on to find her place amongst the Confidiants.

000+ Kaeli brought a weapon for the bride a-p-p-r-o-p-r-i-a-t-e. @Songbird feel free to choose the design of the spear <3
The Henchman
User avatar
Luperci Cavalleria Mate to Shaamah

POSTED: Thu Sep 20, 2018 6:17 am

452 My first post with the girl! ;o I probably won't post with Loki in this thread but HE HERE OBVS.

The little grey fox stared up at her.

I'll be all right, Jalda, just stay here, Embla said, crouching to her friend's level and stroking her soft ears in reassurance. A mischievous grin lit her own narrow features. I'll sneak you some food later, okay?

Jalda brushed away from the girl's hands, whisking her bushy tail close to her body. Not what it's about, she said quietly. It was rare she spoke at all, and when she did it was scarce words difficult to hear, but Embla understood them. Bringing a "pet" or lesser creature to the gathering would be a faux pas, but Jalda had never been jealous or had misconceptions about her role in the Crone's family. She was merely worried for Embla.

Her trickster's smile grew melancholy, but she rose to her feet again and turned to walk toward the hall. There was nothing that could be done. Despite her companion and her father's wishes and worries, she was no longer a child to be dandled on someone's lap.

Her father busied with preparations and the wedding ceremony itself, Embla had needed to get ready for the reception herself. She donned her usual half-cape and skirt, the cloth material dyed with aster and harebell and other plants to a light lavender, trimmed with white hair fur and clasped with a carved brooch. The garments were short enough so that she didn't overheat, swishing just above her elbows and her knees, respectively. A crystal pendant hung between her breasts secured with leather: some necklace she'd found of her mother's, rooting through the tower. She had done her hair in braids and curls with dyed bone beads here and there, too -- but despite Loki's mirror, she hadn't the eyesight to set the details perfectly, and loose strands hung here and there where her fingers missed.

Thankfully, when she walked past the sconces, Corrine -- once her babysitter -- coaxed her over. You look lovely, mon chou, she murmured, fixing the girl's hair. Only when she was satisfied it looked proper did she let the Bambino go.

Embla reached the great table, drawing in the aroma of food with a great appreciative sigh. She glanced toward the front where the newlyweds sat, seeking the blur that was her father. Loki had stopped near the chair decorated with herbs -- for Ondine, Embla realized -- but after he swished his cloak out of the way he took a seat, and she saw the gold mask of his face turn in her direction. She smiled and waggled her fingers at him in coy greeting as she too sat, and imagined he smiled.

User avatar
but tomorrow may rain, so
i'll follow the sun

POSTED: Fri Sep 21, 2018 12:37 am

If the wedding had been warm with the autumnal tones of a harvested orchard than the reception was resplendently silver. There were crescents of moonlight hidden amongst those gathered – pooled against elegant creatures that had come from their shadows to revel in love and connection. Brocade had watched his nephew pledge himself to the Emissary – to have their wrists slowly bound as they recited vows that would bind their hearts forever.

He thought of Etoile as each of the words struck his heart, the gentle timbre of their voices resonating between the golden trees. She had managed to propose to him when he had least expected it – and he had quietly said nothing as she laughed and sang into his ear. He had been uncertain then of so many things, but here and now he understood what his place was in the Kingdom of Salsola.

He was The Director now. A member of the Sotto Capo who had no wife, no children – no family outside of the larger one that was made up of the entire Kingdom.

He pined for something that had been offered to him willingly before it had all been taken away.

He had never known that it had meant so much to him until it was gone.

He congratulated the new couple with careful hugs and whispers of bravery and a fortuitous future – but soon it would all be forgotten in favor of the food and drink their Conserje had prepared for them.

All of Salsola had gathered for the Shadow and her new husband, and they were all specially preened and proper for the occasion. Brocade smiled as Symre suddenly appeared through the crowd waving her arms frantically to get his attention. ”Oncle!-“ She came to a standstill and shoved her energy aside so that she could clutch at her dress and curtsy properly to greet him, ”I mean, Director.” She was grinning from ear to ear, ”I saw her dress – it is beautiful! Was the ceremony like a dream? Oh you must tell me everything!”

She was babbling excitedly and Brocade shushed her with a low chuckle, ”Go find your seat Symre,” He tugged on one of her braids which had been decorated with brass and gold, ”I will come find you when the dancing begins.” He winked, ”I promise to save one for you.”

Symre chuffed and wandered over to Embla, seating herself across from the glassy eyed woman with a shy smile.

Brocade left her to chatter with the other Bambinos before meandering through the crowd, his cape tucked carefully around one arm. The empty chair which was wreathed in flowers bade him pause, and he carefully touched the back of it to pay his respects before taking up his seat towards the head of the table.

When the wine was poured the man drank deeply before seeking out the blood-red gaze of his Boss.

The Director
User avatar
Luperci Vedetto, Milite
you forget I have a gypsy heart
listen to the wild

POSTED: Fri Sep 21, 2018 4:34 pm

how do u talk 2 girls

It felt sudden, this shift from mourning to celebration, but being a wild thing Grievous did not mind. He had cause for suspicion in his heart, certainly, but the thing was done now. A mock-body was burned, a man's name blackened, and their children fallen to the care of an old woman. All but one, he supposed, though Krios was no more a boy than he.

Most of his efforts had been made before the feast. Grievous hunted in and around the pack's territory to help provide for this, and had gone even further to locate herbs and spices Helena had mentioned in passing. Exactly what had gone into the dishes he did not yet know, but the aroma of food was overwhelming to his senses already. If there was one thing Salsola did properly it was feast.

As far as it came to preparing himself, Grievous had very little. He did not care for clothes (which annoyed him) and did not collect baubles and trinkets. What little he had he had cleaned and let dry in the sun, much like his own fur. It was harder to loosen the stains from his white paws, but he had done his best. The capped tunic he wore was leather and went to his thighs, cut to allow freedom of movement. It was made from deerskin and a warm gold that suited his eyes if not his expression, which remained inexpressive. He did his best to make his hair look presentable, though without a mirror or second set of eyes how well this went off was debatable.

The pack swelled in size and crowded the feasting hall, chattering in a way which might not have happened at a more serious Last Supper. He slowed to admire the décor and the efforts put into the celebration. A few approached the couple, and Grievous paid his respects to their leaders when he came near them. O'Riley was already drinking and thrust a goblet into his hands before sending him away.

Grievous lapped at this as he meandered to his seat. He caught Idrieus' eyes on the way and from the way his ears pricked his interest seemed obvious. Uncertain about approaching her, however, he swiftly settled at the long table.

masks beneath masks until suddenly
the bare bloodless skull
The Equinest
User avatar
the fire rises

Dead Topics