#support: ethlyn

[odsfinest]

I can spare you some hands in these trying times [Steel Round]

Before the rest of his team can finish off the final enemy, the arena is suddenly shifting. 

“Wait!” He calls out, arms up to cover his face from this weird darkness engulfing all of them. After a moment, they’re presented with a giant, shadowy figure before them. Gods above that was much bigger than anything they’d been fighting before. Alright, this was fine. 

Loptyr was bigger, after all.

There was some minor preparation that needed to be done before he felt any of them were ready to take this thing on. Turning to Ethlyn, he raises his hands fairly quickly, ready to cast some kind of healing spell. She was looking fairly ragged right now.

Shannan casts Recover on Ethlyn. 1d20 roll: 5+4. Decent Heal! (+4HP) Ethlyn’s HP: 9/10.

He’s not the best healer, but everyone starts somewhere. And besides, it’s a better alternative to watching another friend fall. Healing her up fairly well, he sighs out. “I have full faith in you all to pick up my slack, everyone!”

@wildheartlaguz

[contempenitent]

[ LEICESTER ] - An expressive, rhythmic dance that is only well-known in its homeland. Sweeping, dramatic movements and making noise with clapping and foot-stomping are required for this passionate style.

Spontaneity is the name of the game, and it's a game Mauvier has yet to learn the rules to. Is this how it's done? Just wander onto the dance floor and...before you know it, you're dancing?

In any case, it happens. Mauvier's impromptu partner is a lively young woman with striking pink hair, and she takes to the dance floor like a fish to water. Mauvier has grown somewhat accustomed to waltzes and slower, swaying numbers, but the tempo of this particular number practically ensures that he's stomping to keep up.

There has not been any need or opportunity for words. No decorum, no introduction; just an understanding gaze passing between them, and before he knows it, they're swept away by the music.

How freeing it must be, he thinks, to be able to move like that. Unencumbered by your own body, your inhibitions. Mauvier is certainly taller and broader than most that would be called a dancer, but perhaps in this space, everyone can call themselves by such a name.

By the time the music dies down, his breathing is labored. "Thank you for the dance," he tells his partner, with a little bow. He holds out a rose for her. "I am Mauvier. I hope this adds to your arrangement."

[helswathed]

"Baldr's balls, Lex, you haven't changed one bit, have you?" Ethlyn laughs and shakes her head when she sees Lex turn up in the med tents. She hadn't been able to pay too much attention to him during the battle with the kids and Finn taking precedence over her attention but she managed to catch bits and pieces. It was nice getting to see so many people she knows and cares about out there.

"Come on and sit down on this cot so I can fix you up. And don't even try to tell me you're fine. That arrow certainly tells me otherwise."

With another laugh she gives him a gentle bonk over the head with her staff before actually getting to work patching him back up.

Lex, his wife, and a child Lex still didn't know the name of walk into the med tent together, and he's the one who gets singled out? Given the fact that he had an arrow in his chest and the kid was holding a bow, here Lex thought he wouldn't be getting chastised by anyone other than Ayra. Yet here Ethlyn was, acting like this was all Lex's fault somehow. What'd he do to deserve this, anyway? Well, besides getting shot.

"Hey, I didn't stand in front of the guy's bow on purpose! Kid's just a good shot is all!" Lex protested. He did, at least, obediently seat himself before Ethlyn despite his arguments. After whatever the hell his own bow had done to him, Lex didn't really have the strength to stay standing for too long. A loud sigh left his body as he collapsed onto the cot, his weapons clattering to the ground as he did. He wasn't even going to complain about getting whacked upside the head with Ethlyn's healstick. He was just grateful to have any energy returned to his body at all after that thing got him.

"Someone's gotta get rid of that bow, by the way. And be careful when you do. I dunno what the hell is wrong with it, but it's, like, cursed or something. Way too dangerous to keep in reach of students. The damned thing woulda killed someone less sturdy than me, I'm pretty sure."

[princepsumbra]

“So glad to see you and your family were able to make it! That's what this whole thing is about, isn't it? Bringing families and friends together.”

She carries with her a large serving tray to offer him a taste of the main course of the feast. The platter is displayed with a variety of finely roasted poultry meats, cooked in a traditional Chalphy style of one-within-the-other. The skin of the turkey is crispy, and the fats from the duck have marinated both the chicken within and the turkey without. There are cloves and lemon slices studding the plate, combining to form a melange of rich flavors. The choice of which piece to take is up to the feaster – there is plenty to go around!

“I'll you'll allow me, I must thank you for joining us, for bringing our families together. Without you, without everyone, I think it would have been a rather dull party, don't you?” Ethlyn laughs and gives a wink before continuing to the next guest.

Baldr's Bounty

Safe in his seat, Leo's confident no other strange occurrences will mar his experience. He neatly folds his napkin in his lap, leaning back an inch or so in his chair so Lady Ethlyn has enough room for her tray.

"Indeed," he agrees readily. His family gatherings were certainly nothing like this--full of life and laughter and warmth. It's a strange feeling, being included in such a gathering, welcomed with open arms into a virtual stranger's family. Not to say it was unpleasant. Merely different. Unknown.

Neatly, he serves himself pieces of crisp poultry and lemon slices, not spilling a drop of fat onto the tablecloth below. The golden skin around the turkey gleams in the candlelight.

"Allow me to extend my own gratitude for welcoming me and my sister with such graciousness." Privately, he doubts his own presence was the deciding factor in what made a party dull. "It certainly would have been quiet without everyone in attendance. Thank you for the meal, Lady Ethlyn."

[laslow]

“Seems like you were enjoying yourself, hm?”

Ethlyn takes a moment to let her serving tray balance on the table. It's awfully heavy and she doesn't have the freakish, holy blooded strength that her brother does. No matter, she's determined to make her rounds!

The platter is displayed with a variety of finely roasted poultry meats, cooked in a traditional Chalphy style of one-within-the-other. The skin of the turkey is crispy, and the fats from the duck have marinated both the chicken within and the turkey without. There are cloves and lemon slices studding the plate, combining to form a melange of rich flavors. The choice of which piece to take is up to the feaster – there is plenty to go around!

“It was a lot of work putting this whole thing together but seeing you and everyone else having a good time. That's made it worth it. So, thank you. For coming, for having fun. For being part of this with us!”

His mouth waters as he watches Ethlyn arrive with the platter. Lemon and cooked meat and all manner of spices weave together in a tempting aroma that sets his stomach growling. He scoots his plate out of the way, then grabs the edge of the platter to help her set the heavy thing down properly.

"Little old moi? i had a splendid time!" Cheekily, he blows her a kiss, then winks for good measure. "Ah, Lady Ethlyn, the pleasure was all mine! Thank you for hosting such a charming evening!"

Happily, he takes his fork and serves up a few slices of poultry. A scoop of vegetables follows. "I hope you enjoyed yourself as well, my darling!"

[galercin]

"It's the perfect night for something like this, don't you think?” Ethlyn muses as she approaches Rinea. Maybe it's a little braggy but it's true! The sky is clear, the moon and stars are bright. It's just beautiful. “Really sets the mood. I'm Ethlyn, by the way. And this is for you.”

She hands Rinea a bag of a plush sapphire velvet with braided gold drawstrings. If she is tempted to peek inside, she will find the festive goodies of the typical Chalphy holiday season: roasted nuts coated in a caramelized warming spice mixture, a hand-pulled twisted peppermint stick, decadent candied orange peel, and a holiday cracker to be pulled later with little knick-knacks within.

“We're glad you're here, Sigurd and I both. I know we don't know each other yet but I look forward to becoming friends.”

With each step she takes toward the hall, her chest feels heavier. Her hand rests on the knob and for a moment she thinks, it may not be too late to turn away. Provide the excuse that plans had come up. The weight of the tin canister and pitcher in her other arm remind her of her purpose. Stay for a bell or two then dip, she promises herself tentively. 

These types of events had been reserved for special occasions, where she could attach herself to someone whom she was comfortable with. Now that she walked alone, fear of the unknown reached for her, eager to swallow her whole.

Golden light blinds her upon entering and it takes everything in her not to shy away from its gaze. Eyes glaze over the crowd, there are people already gathered and chatting. From a single glance alone, she does not recognize anyone yet, but even so, the tension in her chest and the back of her throat causes her to halt her steps. 

Her breath catches in her throat, when one of the hosts approaches her, despite her initial friendly demeanor. Part of her hopes the lady would have been addressing someone else, that she may phase through Rinea as if she were truly a ghost, but she does not. A moment too long passes before she responds, hesitation wavering in her voice.

“I… Thank you. Rinea,” she exchanges with a small nod of her head. 

“Friends,” she echoes gaze trailing the floor before returning to Ethlyn, mustering a smile. “Yes, I would like that.”

Left to her own devices, she peeks into the bag, the sweet aroma immediately hits her nose before she properly sees the sweets within the bag. Perfect to share with… no one. She pulls the drawstrings closed and urges herself to move forward to find her seat at the very least.

[melusinezephyr]

Zephia cuts an intimidating figure but not so much that Ethlyn is going to shy away. She marches right up to her with a smile and a wave. “It's Zephia, right? Ethlyn Claus. Nice to meet you!”

With a sweeping gesture of her arm, Ethlyn motions to the rest of the room now decorated for an extravagant feast. “Please, enjoy yourself! It's sure to be a fun evening, don't you think?”

She hands Zephia a bag of a plush sapphire velvet with braided gold drawstrings. If she is tempted to peek inside, she will find the festive goodies of the typical Chalphy holiday season: roasted nuts coated in a caramelized warming spice mixture, a hand-pulled twisted peppermint stick, decadent candied orange peel, and a holiday cracker to be pulled later with little knick-knacks within.

“And that's for you. Just a little something to get you into the holiday mood!”

Zephia stares down at the other woman, arms crossed. She's not sure exactly why she accepted the invitation that had been given to her, but it's too late to turn back now. It would be far too rude of her to decline the... hospitality that was being offered.

And besides, if there was food and perhaps a drama filled evening; who was Zephia to turn such a thing down?

"Haha, yes... very fun, I'm sure." She takes the gift that Ethlyn passes over to her carefully, tucking it away in her shawl for safekeeping. She taps her fingers absentmindedly against her arm, continuing to glance down at the (much) shorter woman.

"Hm, alright then. Happy holidays to you as well, dearest."

[laslow]

❛   sit .   gesture  for  my  muse  to  sit  down . ((pink muses!))

Loud & Deafening Silence

Damn. This better not be about the stable duty he totally didn't forget about.

Laslow sits at Ethlyn's request, avoiding direct eye contact, focus intent on the piece of thread coming loose from his sleeve. He can't even flirt his way out of this one--he's unclear on the details, but knows enough that her husband died far too soon.

Not very classy to hit on a grieving woman.

"What a lovely afternoon, eh, Ethlyn?" Laslow still won't meet her eyes, instead looking at the spot between her eyebrows. "...look, if you're going to yell at me about skipping stable duty, I know it was irresponsible. But there was a festival in town, you see, and I couldn't pass up a chance to make an impression! I'll clean the damned stables for a week to make up for it."