2023.11.20: Capricorn Glade Household Oaths

Capricorn Glade Household Oaths
Sealgaira (Alicia) and Sark make oaths to Mereid (Miranda), which are in return to the oaths she made to them, forming this new Household
IC Date	November 20th, 2023
IC Time	Evening
Players	Alecto, Alicia, Dasia, Deirdre, Miranda, Kieran, Sark, Stella
Location	Capricorn Glade
Spheres	Changeling, Bygone

The time has come for many things, for cabbages and queens. Ok, not cabbages... not queens.. but Baroness'? Yes!

Tonight the Capricorn Glade is all a flutter! The cherub chimera are flitting around, as are colorful glittery butterflies, dragonflies, and every so often some floating flower petals. The sounds of harps being played loft around the place, in melodic harmony with the sound of the waterfall that flows within the Glade.

Mereid waits not far from the Gazebo, where there is a small table setup with some small boxes on top. Other Kinain from the county are milling around waiting for this to begin. Food and drink tables are available, filled with finger foods, desserts, and drinks a plenty. Boggans are serving anyone that comes by and quick to replenish anything the satyrs or red caps devour.

Having slept in the light of the balefire the night before, Sealgaira didn't actually have to show up. Though she did take a quick dip into the stream to refresh herself. The knight's armor gleams in the light, the rough, sturdy cloak and sur-skirt replaced with some of the finest silk in the dreaming, embroidered with the Silver Lion of Fiona. Red and gold streamers are tied in her hair, a tribute to the Baroness of House Dougal. A mug of cider is in her hand as she stands watching the scene.

Sark made the decision that, if there's going to be an actual oath sworn, he might as well do it without pretending he's something else for the evening. So when he and Stella make it to the clearing, its as the large golden dragon ambling along at the side of the well-dressed woman, with Sark even lightly humming along with the harp playing, which is, for the moment, all he can manage since he carries a small bundle of leather and metal in his mouth.

Kieran arrived early, and spent a bit of time harmonizing with the harps, until word reached her ears of certain impending events. Truly, loyal spies are a joy and a treasure in almost every situation... and then at times like this, there's also 'paying off a couple of guys to keep an eye out for her'. So when word came that Sark and Stella had arrived at the Autumn side of the Rath, off she went to take care of getting Sark's personal assistant all Enchanted up for the evening. After all, it's only polite. And so, decked out in her formal best, Kieran comes back in alongside Sark and Stella.

"You know," the Clurichaun says as they come in, "I *could* carry that for you, Sarkesian..."

Arriving with swagger, the sea-captain Selkie makes her way into the Glade. Spotting Kieran, Sark, and Stella, Deirdre skips over with a happy smile on her open face. "Sark! You dressed up for the occasion, hrmmm?"

Thanks to Sark and Kieran, Stella is present and enchanted, though that parsing of it might be redundant. She has dressed in formal black for the occasion.

Thus Stella only further sets off the gold scales of the dragon beside her with her black attire as they approach the glade with Kieran, and the brunette visually drinks in the environment like she's already tipsy with it, reaching over to touch the dragon every so often. To Kieran, "I tried to offer, too." Maybe Kieran will have more luck. Stella slides a look over to the very red-haired clurichaun with a brief up-tipping of brows over her sunglasses. She gets distracted -- squirrel! -- by a butterfly and skips after it a with a bit more alacrity, her path less direct given as chasing butterflies rarely is the most direct route. "I know you," she seems to be quietly telling it. "You have those lightning bolt markings. You landed on my finger that one time sometime between a day and a year ago. I'm not sure exactly ..." She will see the Baroness and Sealgaira as soon as she stops her pursuit of said chimerical butterfly and looks around again. And Deirdre, too.

There are customs in various places that demand that one not visit without bringing gifts. Alecto has obliged. She brings to the event a simple, rustic wildflower bouquet, wrapped with pretty ribbon. Asters daisies provide a white background. Flowering sage provides little dots of purple, while rabbit brush flowers, California fuchsia, and some variety or other of sunflower paint a brilliant orange foreground to break up the other colors. The simple, but really quite beautiful bouquet is in a small black vase that she carries. She seeks out Miranda, but doesn't bother her, setting the bouquet just out of the way somewhere (If it seems there is an appropriate place to put it, that's where it will go). She is not dressed up by any means, but her sunny yellow shirt and her fitted jeans do a pretty okay job of making her look at least snazzy. Her hair is down and sits at her waist, brushed to a brilliant blue-black sheen. Once she's placed the flowers down, she slips off to one side to stay out of the way.

Dasia, meanwhile, arrives fairly last-minute. Just before things begin. She is dressed fairly formally, her heartspun gown of Leanhaun-Green is a sleeveless strappy affair, the skirt of it coming down to just above her knees with a slit up the side because of course there is. Even the delicate black wedges she's got on makes sense with the outfit - certainly more than the strange golden jellied bracelet on her left wrist. At least it matches the color scheme.

Her starlight blue hair is pulled back, her hair braided on either side of her head before the lengths of it wrap into a bun.

And then there is the wicker basket hanging from her right arm, up at the elbow, surely full of... some sort of gift or another. Just what is anyone's guess, the contends are concealed with chimerical grass... vines... something. It is reminiscent of that stuff people fill Easter baskets with, except this is clearly what those Easter baskets are trying to mimic... and doing it poorly. Silver eyes wander those gathered, the corners of her lips quirking up in one of her wrinkle-free grins seeing some of the familiar faces.

Not wanting to delay things too much, Miranda raises her hands in welcome. "Good evening to you all. Friends, guests, Kithain and Kin, it is an honor to have you all here tonight for this special occasion. One many years in the works, but finally arrived in earnest. Let us get the formalities out of the way so we can enjoy a wonderful time together this eve."

With a gesture towards Sealgaira and Sarkesian, she indicates for them to step forward. "If you will both bow before me, I will call this ceremony to order."

Having spotted Alecto come in, Sealgaira dashes over to give the guest a greeting before things start. "You made it! Welcome. I'm a part of this, so I can talk to you after it's over." Then, hearing the Baroness call out a welcome and beckoning the knight and dragon forward, Sealgaira takes her leave of Alecto and goes to stand before the Baroness, her silks fluttering slightly. With a smooth motion, the knight draws her sword from the sheath. It's not like the movies; no sound is emitted. Kneeling down, Sealgaira holds the sword out in front of her, point down, head bowed.

Deirdre finds a place to stand that is both out of the way and has a good view. That's a little more difficult that expected. This is the event of the season, it seems.

Alecto nods to Alicia as she's greeted. She tucks her hands behind her back and she watches quietly, with interest, from over.. there. She has not integrated herself into the rest of the group, hanging just a little off to one side

Sark muffles a soft thing to Kieran that probably sounds like, 'thatsokay i gotit', and anyone paying CLOSE attention will note Erin's crafting mark on the leather bundle. When things settle down, he turns to set that bundle down by Stella's feet for safekeeping and approaches Miranda when she calls up Sealgaira and himself, lumbering up, then considering for a moment before lowering his shoulders and his head, to at least get that huge snout below Miranda's face. Hey, a trained horse might do a fancy kneel on one knee, the dragon doesn't have legs quite that thin enough to allow such things, but the effect is the same and he really is attempting to show deference when called for it.

Mereid uses her outdoor, noble voice, "Welcome to the Capricorn Glade, of the Barony of Divertimento Dithyramb Dance. Tonight, we form my Household for the Capricorn Glade. We confirm and seal the bonds that have been formed as we continue to grow to protect the Dreaming, this County, and all inhabitants of the Dreaming." She looks to Sealgaira and will begin with her. "I will offer the Oath of the Escheat to one of you at a time, and await your response of the Oath of Fealty. Then we shall seal the oaths."

"In the name of the Dreaming, I take you, Knight Sealgaira De Dhorchadas Ni Fiona, as my vassal. As the stones, the trees, and the grass belong to the earth, so do you belong to me as one of my house and hearth. I promise to hold you, to guard you, and to keep you. I pledge to honor your service as it deserves, to reward loyalty in kind, treat you with respect, and to assure you of shelter in times of need and plenty. As the moon to the seas below, so is my will to yours. With these words, I pledge the Escheat to you."

She opens her hand, and a chimerical gold coin stamped with her visage appears in her hand. Taking the coin into her fingers she holds it up for all to see and then presents it to Alicia. "This coin is a symbol of the binding of the oath between us. Swear your oath to me. Be my Knight, a member, protector of my House, and keep this coin in your possession so long as you keep your oath to me."

Kieran sticks near Stella for the moment, since Sark has to focus on the stuff he's doing. Wouldn't want to leave the guest all alone, after all, right? Right, of course. When Sealgaira goes over to Alecto, the redhead's gaze follows, curious, and if noticed, she gives the new person a smile and a nod before refocusing on the ceremony.

Dasia says, “Been stuck out at sea?" Dasia teases Dierdre, moving over closer to the Selkie as the pesky formalities begin to unfold, with oaths and seelie... uh... seelie-ness. She's not being loud enough to interrupt, but there is definitely side chatter going on. "Remind me to track you down at some point before the Solstice, I have some things to bug you about," she murmurs.”

"In the name of the Dreaming, I swear my loyalty to you, my lady, Baroness Mereid Gwenent ni Dougal. As the moon rules the tide, as the rain refreshes the grass, as the sun imparts life to all, so your will becomes my desire. As you command, I will obey; as you request, I will comply. May my service always please you, and may my eyes lose their sight if I invoke your wrath. My heart, my mind, my sword are yours from now until you release me from this oath," Sealgaira says, looking up once the oath is complete. The Sidhe knight extends her left hand to accept the coin. "I will keep your coin and fulfil my oath to you."

Stella trails her hand along the side of the golden dragon as he moves past and up to Mereid. She whispers to Kieran, "I brought a gift even though he said I didn't need to, but I have no idea if --" And then there's official speaking and Stella just shushes up, glancing around to take stock of who is present and their various demeanors before looking back to the Baroness and Sealgaira and the Dragon, more than a little curious. More than a lot curious. Behaving with propriety, but there's an edge to her green-eyed gaze.

With the words said, the oaths taken, it is as if both Sealgaira and Mereid seem to shiny for a brief moment. The binding completes and is recognized by the chimera as well as there can be a sounds that can only be considered as joy from all that surrounds them. The glade, if possible, seems just that much more vibrant than it was before.

Mereid announces. "Rise, Knight Sealgaira De Dhorchadas Ni Fiona, of the Capricorn Glade. This is your home to protect and it welcomes you."

After gazing around to take in the vivid reaction of the creatures and place itself, along with the dazzling brightness of the two individuals that follows their exchange of words, Stella whispers to Kieran, "Do we clap or something?"

Kieran nods a little to Stella's words about the gift. "That's a good thought," she murmurs, "And don't worry... it'll be ok. Remember what I said on the boat, yeah?" Then, in response to Stella's question, she adds, "Wait for Sealgaira to take her place..."

The knight stands as an echo of trumpets sound, heralding a change. The Dreaming itself recognizes the knight's increase in station. Her red silks change to have ribbons of purple, with gilt edges. A silver tiara appears on Sealgaira's head. She sheathes her sword and turns to look at the crowd.

Dasia purses her lips. "The change in color simply ruins my plans," she mumbles, digging around inside of her basket until she finds a... menu for the Palace? Eh, it'll do. She rummages some more until she produces a pen, the basket clearly a sort of stand-in for a purse. She starts to scribble... something on the back of the menu. Whatever could it be?

Deirdre nods excitedly to Dasia. "Yeah, I was in Japan doing some work over there. It was great fun. I met a Kitsune," the Selkie whispers to Dasia. After the festivities are over, Deirdre looks to Kee. "Now?" She's ready to clap. Really, has anyone ever met a sea lion that doesn't like to clap?

Kieran rolls her eyes at Deirdre, and nods as she begins to clap... the quiet, polite way that's almost a golf-clap but isn't. At the same time, she answers both Deirdre and Stella by saying, "Now you can clap.."

Mereid looks pleased with the acceptance the Dreaming has given to Sealgaira and she turns her attention to the dragon-in-waiting.

"In the name of the Dreaming, I take you, Sarkesian the Gilded, as my vassal. As the stones, the trees, and the grass belong to the earth, so do you belong to me as one of my house and hearth. I promise to hold you, to guard you, and to keep you. I pledge to honor your service as it deserves, to reward loyalty in kind, treat you with respect, and to assure you of shelter in times of need and plenty. As the moon to the seas below, so is my will to yours. With these words, I pledge the Escheat to you."

She opens her hand again, and another chimerical gold coin stamped with her visage appears in her hand. Taking the coin into her fingers she holds it up for all to see and then presents it to Sark. "This coin is a symbol of the binding of the oath between us. Swear your oath to me. Be a member and protector of my House, and keep this coin in your possession so long as you keep your oath to me."

Sark tilts his head a little so he can bring one green eye to bear on Miranda while she presents the coin and intones her part of the oath. There's a small rumbling that's probably the big creature clearing his throat before he addresses her, "In the name of the Dreaming, I swear my loyalty to you, my lady, Baroness Mereid Gwenent ni Dougal. As the moon rules the tide, as the rain refreshes the grass, as the sun imparts life to all, so your will becomes my desire. As you command, I will obey; as you request, I will comply. May my service always please you, and may my eyes lose their sight if I invoke your wrath. I give my strength, my claws, my breath to you in protection of your House, from now until you release me from this oath." As he speaks, his weight shifts just enough to gingerly take the coin from her hand with two claws, deftly palming it and rolling it around his fingers before closing his hand on it.

Mereid announces, "With the oaths given, the Household of the Capricorn Glade is founded. This is but the first of many occasions I hope we can hold here, and hopefully grow our Household in the future." She looks to each of them and says, "Now, may the festivities begin!" The trumpets sound again, and all can hear corks popping as drinks begin to flow!

Stella takes half a step back when Sealgaira stands and turns around. Trumpets sound and The Dreaming ... At least Stella doesn't trip over her own feet as she steps back another step reflexively. The tiara, the change of the silks coloring, the spectacular ringing of Mereid's announcement, her VOICE ringing. Stella has an urge to step back further or drop lower, curtsey... her knees... find a place behind the dragon... it's more than a bit overwhelming. Kieran's words give her an anchor of a sort. That keeps her from genuflecting or utterly making a fool of herself by dropping down. Remember, Kieran quietly says to her. She nods a few times, but doesn't have other words for the time being. Sidhe words and Sidhe looks and the Dreaming and the feeling and the beauty and the power and The Dreaming deserves at least another mention. Stella is four paces back from the gathering now.

Bursting with excitement, the Selkie turns into her sea lion form, leaning back as a sleek, sea predator to "ARF!" Loudly and often, clapping her two flippers together. "ARF ARF ARF!"

"Now, my lady, that is done, I have a few things I would request made to reflect the new station. I was thinking that the coin could be incorporated into my armor, a heraldry shield for my left Besagew. I will, of course, need to update my heraldry to reflect my new station and title," Sealgaira says to Baroness Mereid, as a glass of the bubbly finds it's way into her hand.

Alecto applauds politely, still staying off to the side, but seeming content to do so, then her hands once more link together behind her. It isn't a parade rest, but also it totally is.

Miranda smiles as if expecting it from Sealgaira. "We can go over designs and ideas for that all later. For now, have a drink, be merry! Perhaps introduce me to the lovely woman that you spoke to before the ceremony began?"

Kieran grins at something Stella mutters to her, before turning to lean in and reply. Then she turns back to the proud Sidhe, and gives just a bit more, more enthusiastic applause. "Congratulations, Dame Sealgaira! Love the new Disney Princess tiara!" It's teasing, yes, but it's also clearly not meant to be offensive.

"Thanks, Kee!" Sealgaira says. "Now I think I need to go find a sleeping beauty somewhere, right? That's the next step." She grins to the Clurichaun and then nods to Mereid. "Of course, my lady. I'll happily introduce you." The knight makes her way to the crowd, heading to Alecto. "Alecto, this is the Baroness Mereid ni Dougal. Baroness, this is Alecto, a Kinain. I do believe you are familiar with the name. Now, here is the face."

Alecto stands politely, quietly, and she meets Alicia and Miranda's attention with her own. She tips her head ever so slightly at the introduction. "Nice to finally meet you in person." She extends her hand toward Miranda. "This is lovely. I'm honored to have been invited."

Kieran watches the introductions being made with the curious interest of someone expecting a train wreck at any moment. But then Stella distracts her with her own request to be distracted, and she smirks a bit before saying, "Excuse us a moment, ladies, gotta play Reverse Iron Lung and take someone's breath away..." and with that, she turns and dips Stella into a kiss... and if it's not /absolutely/ toe-curling... it's probably pretty damned close.

Miranda opens her arms to welcome Alecto. "Any that are children of the dreaming are welcome here. It is wonderful to meet you in person and that you were able to attend this occasion. Please know that you are welcome here anytime you wish, it is a safe haven for all, so long as you respect the escheat. I trust that you will. I do hope that in the future, any issues from the past can be resolved so that we can all continue to expand the Dreams and dreamers here." Her eye catches Kieran and Stella and cannot help but awe a bit. Young love.

A dip, a toe-curling kiss? That wasn't what Stella expected for some reason.

"No."
"Stop."
"Don't."

She mumbles the words slowly with the least disagreeable disagreeable tone one might have. "I'm with someone el--" And then she's cut off. Kissing. Wow. That's Some Kiss that, likely, given the introductions going on, no one sees. (If there was a spider named Charlotte nearby, there'd be a web to note the event.)

Open arms. Oh dear. Alecto isn't exactly the huggy, touchy type, but if Miranda is wanting a hug of greeting, she'll give her that, but it's kind of a 'patpatpat' sort of thing. Rather stuff. "Thank you. I have the utmost respect for the escheat." She retreats as soon as she can and puts her hands back behind her back again. Better that way.

The sea lion turns back into a redhead, and she makes her way over to Miranda. "Baroness. Knight. Miss," Deirdre says. "I have returned from Japan. Great trip. First time captaining my own ship across the international date line. Great time! I met a Kitsune. That was totally cool. I think we got along because I could become a sea lion. But he was pretty nice. Also met a few of the Eastern Fae. Briefly. They're so . . . different. Anyways," Deirdre reaches into her pocket. "Anyways, this is a gift from the Hsien." It's a little box made out of metal, but when it opens, there's a figure of fire, actual flame, but it's a dancer. About an inch high. Certainly some kind of magic.

Miranda certainly was trying to be welcoming, and when Alecto is willing to, she'll give her a patpatpat type of hug as she is trying to be welcoming to the new face around here. "I'm sure you do. Please know, if you need anything, feel free to come by Enchanting Waters in the Autumn. You can message me there or get my cell phone. I will be available to any of our family." The change in the sea lion does get her attention as she calls out to her. As Alecto retreats a bit, she turns to Deirdre. "Welcome back as well, Captain." She takes the gift offered. "What a lovely thought, something from so distant. It will be treasured. Please, let's meet another night and you can recount the tales of your adventure! In fact, we should set that up at the Blue Boar Inn, over drinks."

After scribbling on the one menu, Dasia has that one folded up and tucked under her arm, before she goes digging for another menu. It's a shame she didn't bring her digital tablet... some proper ideas could get fiddled around with. For the moment, she's just getting the basics down. It's going to take a solid month of work to figure out the specifics.

Woe, how the dice have betrayed Dasia.

She gets the basics committed to the paper for the moment, further details will have to wait for later. Once that's done, her quick sketch is folded and slipped back into the basket, and she's finally free to wander over to Miranda and Co. She gives a teensy curtsey once she's over there. "Baroness," she greets, returning to stand upright. "A gift, to mark the formation of your household," she says, holding out the menu for Scheherazade's palace. "Oh... no, it's on the back."

Written in an elegant hand, despite the ink and pen and paper of the autumn world, is a simple note. 'I.O.U. - ONE (1) commemorative sculpture'. "Apologies for not having one made already, the inspiration only just came to me." The corners of her lip quirk up in one of her micro-smiles. "We can discuss the details later, I am sure."

Sealgaira gives Dasia a look of acknowledgement. There's a smirk on the Sidhe's face, as if she knows something the Eshu doesn't know. "Glad you could make it, Lady Nasrin."

Miranda smiles to Dasia, "This.. this is very kind. I do understand the need for inspiration. I look forward to seeing it come to life. Thank you so much for attending this evening, and I'm sure we will be hearing many good things coming from you and your tales in the future."

"I would love that, my lady," Deirdre says. "I can tell you all about the trip. Just let me know when you have time in your busy schedule. I gave my crew a whole month off. Paid vacation because I'm not an asshole. And do you know, I mean, really know how much you can get for a good, like really good tuna in Japan? A quarter of a million dollars. Do you know how many we managed to catch in the time I was gone? Thirty. And some other fish."

Alecto tips her head just a little to the side as the conversation continues. She has the opportunity to remain quiet and she takes it. Her dark eyes roam to each person as they speak, but that's the only movement from her at this time.

Dasia inclines her head to Miranda in a bit of a nod. "I would also like to meet with you to commission a gift for someone... but that, too, can be discussed when all the festivities have died down and your attention isn't being pulled every-which-way," she says. Her eyes begin to roam, and eventually settle on the table with refreshments. "If you'll excuse me, I think I'll make the rounds and mingle a bit... but I'll be sure to catch back up with you before we all depart."

"And if you will excuse my, my lady. I should go see if Eirlys has managed to bring about Armageddon while I was away," Sealgaira says. "Oh, one last thing. I might need a very extreme bunk. I am sure I could find a human that deserves to have their entrails spilled for a prophecy. But we can talk about that later." The knight gives the Baroness a bow and heads out.

Miranda nods, "You are both excused. Thank you for coming. We shall all meet again soon. I have some.. ideas.. things I will be bringing to the Countess and Duke as well."

Miranda blinks a bit, "We will be discussing that later, Knight. Until them, do check on Eirlys and let me know how she is doing." There are.. concerns... that most know.

Alecto half turns to watch Alicia go. Then she surveys the room slowly. Has she stayed long enough? She brought a gift, she has socialized. Others are leaving. But she was among the last here. Social norms are hard. She gives Miranda a faint smile and dips her head once again. "Thank you, again, for inviting me. It's been lovely."

"Did she just say what I think she said?" Deirdre says, with a frown. "I think I need more rum. Anyways, new person. Hi! I'm Deirdre!" The redhead is outgoing, bubbly, perky, and all sorts of energetic as a young woman. Honestly, if it wasn't the fact that she's dressed in a full on revolutionary war naval uniform, she might be a basic bitch.

"Mmm... I wasn't planning on leaving just yet. Just grabbing a drink and making merry," Dasia says, pointing at Dierdre. "And I gotta catch up with you, too," she says. Still. She gives another little half-bow of a nod to Miranda before stepping over towards the drinks. Alcohol and sugary snacks are all part of a healthy diet for the faeries, and Dasia is here to partake. She gets a couple cookies (bite-sized, easy to just pop into her mouth and not worry that it'll mess up her makeup) and a fancy glass with a teeny little straw, to minimize lip contact while she siiiiiips at the drink. Again, to minimize messing up her fancy lip gloss.

Miranda nods to Alecto, "Absolutely. I'm very glad you were able to attend." She then replies to Deirdre, "Those of House Fiona are passionate, and all, but that... that is something else." A smile to Dasia, "Do enjoy all we have here."

Alecto smiles politely at Deirdre. "Alecto," she says. She's VERY polite. "It was nice meeting you. I should be going. My sitter will only sit for so long." If there's nothing else, she'll turn and retreat.

Deirdre gives Alecto a wave, then looks to Miranda. "Well, I should get back to the sea, my lady. Congrats again on your household?" She hopes that is the right word. "I'll be around for drinks whenever. Just lemme know!" With that the Selkie heads out

"Bless you on your travels, Alecto." As Deirdre leaves Miranda waves.