A lovelly Brightening (By Invite Only)

[Atl Myrsa]

Set against the eastern coast of the Aelyrian Empire the Whitecliff Manor rested in peaceful serenity. Whitecliff Estate was a small estate encompassing only ten acres of land around the house, most of it westward and north of the Manor itself. Along the entire eastern length of the estate was a cliff, not particularly to high, but large enough to grant the owners a nice secluded cove that could only be visited by climbing down the cliff. It was a gentle climb that wasn’t at all perilous. Along the southern edge of the lands were large tracts of plains. Designed to allow for grazing they were currently unoccupied. The northern edge of the estate was a lovely forest filled with large firs, and might oaks that stood guard over the Manor.

The Manor itself is a lovely building closer to the edge of the cliff providing. A single story rambling the building it was built of bricks with white plaster located on the top half of the building. A lovely veranda ran around the house allowing for guest to sit an warch either the forests or the lovel ocean view.

The manor and the grounds had been decorated with green banors, and tables had been set out with linnings and food set out. Tables were set for guests, and little areas had been set aside for activities for both adults and children.

Given the nature of the guests guards were stationed around the grounds, but were as unobersable as possible.

Atl was dressed in nothing more then a simple white shirt and brown britches. His wife in a green dress. This was a gathering of friends. Atl held his little girl as she giggled at the world in general. Her saphire blue eyes clearly named her as one of the Myrsa clan. They waited among the tables for their guest to arrive. Already various magus from the Bureau had arrived.

[Nikki L'Evienne]

What to wear?

Now that might seem like a strange thing to worry about, but in truth Nikki had never once attended a birthbrightening party for a child. She didn't fully understand why anyone would have one, since the child was too small to be concerned with one or not. So it must be for the parents, she thought, heading towards the more formal gown area... but then, it was a child's party.... and so she veered more towards the trousers and nice tops.

Decisions, decisions. She had no real idea when it came down to it and Nikki had become more frustrated as time had worn on. It was time for them to leave and Milo was starting to get grouchy. Not that it took an awful lot for His Royal Uppityness to get grouchy, she considered, but still that was being rather unfair.

So, finally, she was ready and she arrived with Milo, skipping out of the carriage quickly, as Milo discussed something or another with one of the Rosemen. She wondered sometimes how she ever managed to make it around the Empire... (sorry, Kingdom!) before the fantastic ability to teleport everywhere, coupled with the endless supply of carriages and security guards. But it was a good job they had those two things, considering Milo was so obsessive about her safety and everyone else was so obsessive about his! In the carriage, he'd asked if she knew Lord Myrsa and she had replied in the negative. She didn't mind though, and she was sure that Milo would catch her up quickly once he had made whatever arrangements he needed to.

The young L'Evienne arrived in a pair of loose brown trousers, with stiching and embroidery on them in cream, depicting flowers trailing up one leg and a flowing green blouse. The blouse was open, underneath it she wore a cream vest, the same colour as the embroidery on her trousers. Her hair was tied back and her face had only the slightest tinge of make up. A far cry from her usual work clothes and so on, but Nikki had decided that since this was a child's party, she had best focus on the child and be able to play with her and so on. No one needed to know, after all, that the carriage they arrived in had a spare dress in case it was more formal!

So she came, looking rather uncertain in truth since she didn't know Atl, but Milo was fussing behind her with Sir James, and the young human woman walked in holding three parcels in her hands . The first, and biggest was a parcel that was wrapped in pink paper with a deeper pink ribbon. The second was wrapped in the deep pink with pale pink ribbon and the third was wrapped in white paper with both the light and dark pink ribbon adorning it. The contents were a secret to everyone, Milo included, and Nikki was rather proud of them, truth be told.

Milo was quickly by her side, of course, and she smiled at him as walked up to her, whatever discussion he was having over with and pleased that he was once again by her side. "You ok, big brother?" she asked, looking at him in concern. He was missing Nell, she knew, and the children, of course. Nikki knew her brother better than he thought, and she knew that he was harbouring more than he was telling. This season would be a slow one for him, but it would be over and Nellie would come home. So, balancing the three parcels in her right hand, she gave his arm a squeeze with her left hand. "She'll be home before you know it, you know.. they all will. Now then, what's his wife's name?" she added, thinking that she should really know that.

[Milo L'Evienne]

While Milo had since his time in Prime toured the coast on rare occasion or viewed it through the windows of an official carriage, this was his first visit to Whitecliff Manor, the estate of his Royal Magus and friend. It seemed suitable then that his first visit then would occur on a festive occasion, and what more festive occasion that the first Birthbrightening celebration of the couple’s child? He and sister Nikki had departed the palace together in the company of a mounted detail of Rosemen traveling alongside the carriage and inside, Barrett Tierney and Gwygwin…the last fellow never one to miss celebratory events if he could manage it, and he’d even got himself a new raspberry beret for the occasion.

There were gifts wrapped and stored on an empty spot on the carriage seat and while it was certainly a festive occasion in store for them it couldn’t help but bring thoughts of Nell and the children to mind. While they’d only been off in Eunesia since the last of autumn and in fact less than a month now, and he and Nell had communicated through letters more than once in the last several cycles, he missed them profoundly already and so all the more profound a feeling that it would be a long winter ahead until their anticipated return just prior to its end. Best for the children, they’d decided between them with all of the growing pains that accompanied the birth of a new kingdom. Such upheaval could not escape the notice of three young children nor its affects on their father, and who would better benefit from the semblance of a normal life here for a handful of months till things settled down. They’d have enjoyed the brightening ahead, a chance to play among others of their age, but nonetheless he was honored to attend himself and pleased to have received an invitation. And moreover he looked forward to it.

The grounds of the estate were beautiful and befitting a pair of druids as was had in the persons of the Magus and his bride, a restful scene removed from the chaos of the capitol city and a respite no doubt from its pressures. It made him wonder if he might consider a similar situation, and the acquisition of a retreat himself. At any rate they’d arrived and while he’d taken the ride in relative thoughtful silence, he turned his attention to Nikki when the carriage began to slow to an eventual stop. ”This is the place,” he said with a smile while Rosemen abandoned their mounts and Sir James prepared to open the carriage door. ”Have you met lord Myrsa previously Nikki? I think you’ll like him. He’s not just talented and valued official, he and his wife are both very warm individuals.”

She’d not, and having followed her from the carriage, him followed by Barrett and Gwygwin carrying the gifts, he’d taken a moment to discuss arrangements with Sir James before catching up with her. A quiet and unobtrusive presence for Rosemen this brightening as much as was possible had been agreed on, though it had to be said that a detail of Rosemen could hardly go unnoticed added one eccentric and colorful mage besides, but all that could be at least to not detract from the festivities and worry impressionable children. So with the carriage rolled away and his detail trailing along he caught up with Nikki and fell in step with her, first smiling and raising a hand to wave to Atl who he could see was greeting the guests as they arrived.

”I’m fine,” he assured her with a smile to further reassure. ”Just missing Nell and the children a bit, but you’re right, they’ll be home soon. And I’m glad you’ve decided to come, it will be a nice brightening and a nice distraction from politics. Atl’s wife’s name is Tariel, and they are both Druids. And the lady of the brightening, one ordination old this brightening in fact, is Elarinya…” he trailed off as they approached the area set up for the festivities and he escorted her towards Atl and his family. ”Atl,” he said with a broad smile and turned that smile on Tarien, ”and lady Myrsa…Thank you for your invitation, it looks to be a perfect brightening for a celebration.” And with a grin at young Elarinya, he added, ”you’ve a beautiful daughter. I don’t believe either of you have met my sister Nikki. Nikki, may I introduce his Excellency, Atl Myrsa, our Royal Magus, and his wife Tariel.”

[Atl Myrsa]

OOC: its Tariel

Atl and his wife smiled at the Royal family. Atl bowed his head to Milo and his sister. "It is a pleasure to meet you your Highness, Princess Nikki." He looked at both, "Please today I am just Atl."

Tariel indicated to a table behind them. "Your Highness." he soft silvery voice said, "I can take thoughts from you."

"Please Your Highesses would you like to take a tour of the grounds." Tariel said indicating to the grounds. "Or would you like to join one of the games, we have archery, cards, Horseback riding around the grounds." The graceful elven beauty smiled at them. "Or stay and chat. I must insist on no politics. They tend to make my husband pensive and this is a brightening for smiles."

[Alys]

Alys breathed a sigh of relief as she finally was able to dismount from where she had ridden her tame mare sidesaddle from the Palace Stables. This was the longest horse ride by far she had taken to date, and the teenager was certain she would be feeling that severely on the morrow...She would have preferred to ride in a carriage, naturally, but as she was not coming hither in her official capacity as Adjutant, she had not specifically been a part of the immediate Royal Party...And she hardly felt she could justify requisitioning a carriage of her own, along with this august company, the young woman of sixteen had felt privileged enough just to get the invitation, she was not going to jeopardize her chance to actually mingle with haute society in a less formal setting! And so she had ridden, near the tail of the Royal cavalcade...

Small booted feet rasing tiny clouds of dust where she landed lightly, she handed the reins of her mount to a handler, then quickly tended to her own appearance. At least one advantage for her of riding this brightening: Since she owned only one set of riding clothes as yet, unlike the Princess, she had not needed to make any decisions in regards her own costume! With quick motions, Alys shook a bit of the dust from her black riding halfboots, the hem of her well-made and thick black skirt flaring about her ankles as she did so. Her small hands were clad in tight grey leather gloves, and she used these to twitch her red high collar riding jacket into place--it was cut high at the waist, coming just to her waist above the ample spread of her hips, so as not to make her appear thick-waisted, though the padding of the jacket conversely did tend to emphasize her already nicely-curved chest.

Black lace cuffs and neck ruff from her shirt protruded elegantly from under her jacket, quickly, she tugged these to fluff and even the material. Then, she patted the underside of her blonde hair, long, she had gathered it up for the ride under a red felt brim hat, the sides of which curled up. A large brown and white feather attached to the left side of her hat and slanted back completed her riding costume.

The cool winter sea breeze actually felt good to her now, though most would have considered the ride out here a short one, it was not only long by Alys' standards as yet, but also considerably more physical activity than the junior Adjutant was normally used to in a brightening. Sitting and reading and writing were of course her main activities and led naturally to a sedentary lifestyle, and the limited physical activity provided by her by comparison short riding lessons, and the dancing she was able to participate in, neither of which were by any means every brightening activites for her, had left Alys rather out of condition for this. Hence, her normally pale young face was flushed and hot, though she knew not to remove her jacket (both for propiety sake and for fear of taking on a chill), Alys was rather warm right now, and her breathing had been quite laboured when she dismounted, taking some little while to return to normal.

Of course, likely she had plenty of time--nearly all the other invited attendees here today would surely outrank a junior Adjutant to the Prince! So, said junior Adjutant milled along behind the grandees, certain she would not be cutting in front of anyone to whom she might give offense. Despite the mild discomfort she felt right now, and her knowledge of her lowly place at this gathering, her blue eyes were shining with excitement and her face was happy and bright! For Alys, the mingling amidst the noble and powerful was the activity, the fact of attending the birthday of a near-infant was surely an amusement, but she would be in no hurry here! Her only real thought for the near future was a hope she could get a ride back to the Palace in a carriage at the end of the party....

[Nikki L'Evienne]

Nikki handed the gifts over to Tariel and she smiled a soft and genuine smile "And this brightening, I'm Nikki. Just Nikki. No need for pompous titles, they just distract from the reason that we're here. Now.. this is for the birthbrightening girl" she said, handing over the largest gift to Tariel with a beaming chuckling grin at the baby "This is for you, Atl, and this for you Tariel... I thought that since you'd both been the ones that have worked so hard to make your daughter's life so happy, you deserved gifts too" she said, and Milo might be rather surprised not just at his sisters thoughtfullness, but at how she spoke rather shyly when she gave the gifts, flushing slightly.

She looked around then and grinned "You've certainly gone to a whole lot of trouble - and it sounds wonderful!" she said, to them both. "I'll go along with what everyone else is doing, and quite happily so. I think you're probably busy enough without having to fuss over anyone except this beautiful lady here.... she's delightful, truly delightful" she said, stroking the baby's hair gently, a look of pleasure on her face.

Then she lapsed into silence, playing gently with the baby and waiting to see what the others said. She had noticed that Alys was rather red faced and breathing heavily, but she assumed that Milo's adjutant was fine - she wasn't entirely sure why he'd brought her along, truth be told. But then, she figured that was Milo, and there was never any telling what he was up to.

ooc: the gift are detailed here !

[Llanwyn Siannodel]

"A celebration of life," Llanwyn thought to himself, "we need more of those." The thought made him grin and the grin caught the attention of Espe who rode between him and Briigo's mane. They galloped along, two mounted Paladins in front, Sir Dimitri and another Paladin in back... all on white steeds save Llanwyn. Briigo was Llanwyn's personal mount, an old friend of well-kept brown and black hair. He had always favored the elven windstepper, speaking to him in Fae'len, Llanwyn's native tongue.

"We've come upon the house," a Paladin announced as they rose over a small hill and spotted Atl's home. Llanwyn smiled when he saw it, noticing the green banners from where he currently rode. It would be a party, a celebration amongst friends, and he looked forward to it, very much so.

It would also be a gathering of some of the most powerful people in Aelyria. And Llanwyn was well aware of what was expected of people of power during a social, non-official gathering. They were meant to be friendly, but always professional. Of course there would undoubtedly be one person who dropped their guard, it would be a crucial mistake. Probably one associated with too much drink.

As the entourage made their way to the house, they slowed and finally stopped directly in front. Llanwyn leaped down from Briigo, looking to Espe who slowly morphed into her bird form, Sorrow. Then she fluttered to Llanwyn and perched on his shoulder, a tiny dash of black on the blue robes of the Archprelate. Then he turned to Sir Dimitri.

"Let's have the men stay out here with the horses and you can accompany me, good?" Llanwyn smiled.

Sir Dimitri thought but for only a second, running through security detail plans in his head, "Good" he replied with a nod.

In flowing dark-blue robes, Llanwyn entered the party, Sir Dimitri behind him with a small box wrapped with a white ribbon and sealed with red wax. It was the infant's present, a very special present. One the child would not understand until they were older, but then cherish deeply, or at least Llanwyn hoped.

[Parreyon Syndicus]

Parreyon could not resist the opportunity to bring Praaal to a kids party. In truth he needed the big lug with him because he did not know in the least bit human customs when it came to children. Parreyon had no mate to bring nor a kitta of his own and so worried about offending Atl if he said something or acted in a way outside of the customs of this festivity.

He made his way to the entrance wearing a blue cotton shirt with black vest and black slacks. upon his feet, like usual, he wore nothing. At his side was his SunBlade for he never went anywhere without it. In his hands, unwrapped, was a gift for the little one. Praaal was with him and unsaddled. He thought the children might like to lose their fears and roll around with a full sized great panther.

Wait outside Praaal. I do not think the house was designed to handle a creature the size of a horse inside of it. Parreyon said to Praaal as he slipped into the dreamstate. Praaal let off a low growl in understanding the rule. Parreyon told him every time but it was always the same thing. Praaal understood completely about the size of homes and him being too large. He prefered being outdoors anyway. Next to the entrance, Praaal laid out in the grass and relaxed.

Parreyon made his entrance and found his way to the main party. As was proper, he made his way to the host and offered a cordial bow to the lady of the house then offered his hand to his friend, Atl. He wondered what it would be like to remian tied to one person for all of his life. The cultural acceptances of the smoothskins sometimes confused him, and yet he saw they joy they shared from their unions. Katta simply did not find enough join in bonding with but one mate.

"Serááá to House Myrsa and congratulations upon reaching one era. I must ask forgiveness in not being properly aware of the human customs regarding the birthing cycles of infants, but I did bring a gift." Parreyon handed over a strange crafted device, circular in nature, four inches in diameter. Throught the inner of the circle were threaded laces that weaved all around like a spiderweb. In the center of the web was an eye.

"This is called a dream catcher, a gift of Kaimelea used to keep away bad dreams. Though I know you follow Mother Nature, i cannot help but think that you dream. We all dream." Parreyon said with a smile hoping his gift would not be offensive. Katta were rituallistic in their belief of M'Taerowl, the cycle of life and death. The held great reverence to Carmelya for this even if they did not openly worship her.

"How has the Myrsa clan been Atl? We are so busy in our roles that we seldom see each other, but it does not mean I do not think often of my friends."

[Aerienne Sarista]

It had been a while since Aeri had been invited out to an event, and this was a very special event at that. A child's first birthbrightening was always a special event, and she had taken care to select a special present for the little one. She hoped the girl would enjoy it. She smiled to herself as she looked fondly at the gift's bearer seated next to her in the carriage. Fiabeth, her adopted daughter, was holding onto the package carefully even as the carriage bounced along the roads. The little elven girl had been so excited to see Atl's new little one, and Aeri was so proud of the mature way her daughter held herself. She hoped it would last through the party, but Fia was pretty good about behaving herself around impressionable youngsters, especially since her new tutor had started to shape her up. Aeri couldn't help but laugh as she remembered the girl's days of sliding down bannisters in the Basillica Ecclesiae and hiding from guards.

This wasn't a formal occassion, and no child should be overwhelmed with the titles and whatnot adults used to distinguish themselves. Aeri had dressed simply for the occassion in a plain dress of teal silk, doeskin boots, and with a coronet of rainbow-hued flowers woven into her long crimson hair, which hung loosely about her shoulders. Her white-feathered wings served as an excellent buffer against the winter air. Fia was clad in a silver gown that highlighted her flowing blonde hair and crystalline purple eyes, with a goose-down cloak to protect her from the cold. About them rode provincal soldiers of Carmelyn, providing an honor guard for the Governor.

When the carriage arrived at the entrance to the estate, she and Fia disembarked and bid the carriage to wait with the other conveyances. Then she and her child made their way to where the other guests and their hosts were gathering, Fia carefully holding the package the whole way. When they were close enough, she waved.

"Serale!" Her spacious green eyes were bright with merriment. "And congratulations to you both!" She smiled warmly as she beheld the infant in Atl's arms, then looked at the proud parents. "She is beautiful. Truly a blessing from the gods. You are very fortunate to have her, and she is very fortunate to have you." She looked to Atl's wife, whom she had not met and gave a polite curtsy. "I'm Aerienne, but please call me Aeri. Thank you for inviting me to your home." She gestured to the elven girl at her side with a loving smile. "This is my daughter, Fiabeth."

Fia gave Tariel her bright, bubbly smile, holding up the present wrapped in its' green silk box. "Serale! She's very cute! Do you think that maybe I could hold her a little bit later? I promise I'll be really gentle! Oh! And this is for her, from my Mommy and me! We really hope that you and she will like it. We picked it out together just for her."

Aeri watched Fia, glad to see that the excitable girl was behaving like a little lady, then she gave her friends each a warm smile and wave. She would have to catch up with them in a little bit. She'd seen Llanwyn at his ordination, of course, but she hadn't spoken to Milo in a while, and there were new faces to get to know as well.

[Atl Myrsa]

OOC: Running this as if you all arrive at seperate times from each other and not on top of each other. Figure you all realise that, but just stating it.

Nikki L'Evienne

OOC: Wait for Milo to reply.

Llanwyn Siannodel

Atl turned as the Archprelate entered the grounds. "Serale your Holiness." A smiled upon his face the Island elf extended his hand. "It is a pleasure. I do no believe you have meet my wife, Tariel." He said extending a hand to the lovely woman next to him. "Tariel this is his Holiness, Llanwyn Siannodel."

She smiled and bowed to the Archprelate. "Serale your Holiness." Her blue eyes looked at him and then motioned towards their little girl. "This is Elarinya." Atl took his girl up and held her for their Fae friend to see. "How goes ...." He paused as a look crossed Tariel's face. "I am sorry no politics." He said to his wife. "We have several activites you can enjoy. Horse back riding, and area has been set up, archery, if your brave even some swiming. Actually its a custom among my people for the men to strip and jump into the cold water, its a test of endurance." Tariel offered to take the present to the table while her husband talked.

Parreyon Syndicus

Tariel bowed to their katta friend while Atl hand the baby over to allow for him to take his friends paw. "It is a pleasure to have you hear, my brother and friend." Despite their race they shared both the experiences of the Sacred Circle, the Isle, and the service in the Imperial and Royal Goverment. The differeanced in their races were very minimal.

"It is alright, I come from a race forign to most elves and have shoked them on a number of occasions myself. You are here and that is all that is important."

Tariel handed the little one back and took the gift and placed it on the table. "Thank you. We will honor and treasure it. Since dreams are the desires of the souls in many ways." She said coming back. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you. My husband has spoken often of you.

We have been doing good. We miss Lauryl, but have settled into the area's around Prime. The house is comfortable, and we are making many new friends in the area. How are you doing?

Aerienne Sarista

Atl smiled at the Aeri. Tariel also bowed her half smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you." They would have talked more but the little girl did what little girls do best. "I am pleased to meet you as well. My name is Tariel and my husband Atl. This is Elarinya." She took the child and holding her out she helped the little girl to hold the child, showing her were to place her hands under so that the child would be more comfortable.

"How have things been with you Aeri." Atl asked as his wife distracted the little girl.

[Milo L'Evienne]

While Nikki presented her gifts to both the brightening’s celebrity and her parents, Milo stood aside with a smile, an amused one considering his every suspicion no matter that he’d not seen what was wrapped up in those packages, that she’d managed to outdo him in this regard. Nonetheless, meanwhile he took the package handed him by Gwywin, at the same time noting that Alys had appeared on the scene, and looking a little flushed for her efforts. If he’d have realized of course he’d have offered her a seat in the carriage to accompany them, and would in fact, on the way back to the palace. For now, he smiled in her direction with a nod and then turned back to present his gift to young Elarinya, or rather, her mother.

Of course he’d had help with his offering, a call for the artisan in palace residence had gained him both a great deal of guidance, and at the end of the process, a gift to both amuse and delight a young child for capturing their imagination for many an era and in fact into adulthood. The small box was moderately weighty, wrapped in gold paper and finished off with dark green ribbon. ”And this brightening, its Milo,” he said of the titles that brightening and it would be a welcome change in fact to toss off the mantle of office for a spell. ”It’s a music box of sorts, when opened it plays a tune I am told is an old one that has its roots in druidic traditions.”

”For now, Nikki is correct I think, you should bask in the moment the three of you and enjoy greeting a long line of Elarinya’s admirers. We can mix and fend for ourselves in the interim,” he said with a smile and an offer of his arm to Nikki so that they could clear the way for newly arrived well wishers.

Secrets :