2026.01.31: Imbolc

Imbolc Celebration
Lighting the Balefire for Imbolc at the Rhapsody Freehold.
IC Date	02.02.26
Players	Amberlee, Damon, Malcolm, Miranda, Noemi, Sark, Savannah, Sky
Location	Rhapsody Freehold, The Blue Boar Inn
Prp/Tp	Imbolc Celebration (ST: Miranda)
Spheres	Changeling

Just outside the Blue Boar Inn, a bonfire has been setup in a fire pit. Twinkling lights have been strung all around the yard and out down the road to the ruins of the Rhapsody Freehold through the holly and wisteria. Poles have been placed strategically along the way with lanterns hanging from them to line the road there. They are all different as each lantern have been brought in by someone special for this event. Some poles have no lantern yet, as they are open for others to place them as they arrive.

Food and drink are plentiful with an outdoor bar setup with a boggan bartender at the ready. The buffet of food is spectacular with the most fanciful roasts and meats, veggies, fruits, and breads and pastries.

In front of the Blue Boar itself is a stage setup with musicians playing favorites as requested, or just keeping it lively with danceable music.

It's a party! And what is a party without music! The band is ready to go and they count off to the first song of the evening. It's an ecclectic group of musicians and instruments - and yes, they all have some ale at the ready.

"I've been a wild rover for many a year,

And I spent all my money on whiskey and beer,

But now I've returned with gold in great store,

And I never will play the wild rover no more.

And it's no, nay, never

No, nay, never, no more,

Will I play the rover

No never, no more."

The music the band plays is very lively and danceable. Guests here do not hold back as they are enjoying the food, drink and merriment!

Malcolm is over there, keeping a handful of childlings busy. (Malcolm is the taller one amongst them, though not by much.) "Well, if you take some mugs of root beer and then do a square dance--"

This is perhaps Amberlee's favorite holiday in the Dreaming. She's dessed in the spirit of the day. A loose off the shoulder tunic that covers JUST enough, a long, flowing skirt with a slit on the side all the way to her hip, flats with gold lacing that winds all the way to the knee. She spent extra time away from the Dream so she could fully enjoy today's festivities.

Savannah arrives, along with the grim looking lady who serves as her assistant, apparently a blonde haired sluagh kinain. As soon as she is here, Savannah just drinks the sight in. She apparently likes it, and smiles in slight approval. She says to her aide, "You can go off duty and enjoy yourself. I think I am safe enough here." Her assistant nods, and slinks off, not smiling at all. Enjoy herself? She looks as if the concept is utterly alien to her.

Savannah drifts towards the bar, but keeps looking out for those who seem to be in charge. And undoubtedly they might notice her, an unknown sidhe showing up is always a curious thing. And annoying. For someone, somewhere, it is annoying.

Using the bonfire as his own little ATC landing beacon, the little gold dragon zeroes in on the light and the group of people already around it, finding an empty spot in the yard to swoop down and flare up, letting his form unravel and reform into the more familiar young man with the huge blond braided tail. His bare feet hit with a soft thud and he takes a moment to shake himself off not unlike a dog clearing his fur, before giving the group a once over and flashing a bright grin at familiar faces.

Noemi walks in beside Damon her eyes looking curious as if she just asked him a question she was waiting to hear the answer on. She picks up a lantern into her fingers looking at it carefully

Miranda has been busy here all day, even as she has various others helping doing most of the work, she always makes sure to lend a hand as much as others. Once the guests begin to arrive, she is greeting each as they arrive. One even brought her a handmade crown of flowers, with chimerical butterflies floating around it. She places it on her head and gives many thanks before speaking to more of the denizens.

As there is a good group here she announces, "I'm so glad so many of you could attend our celebration! The Firebrands will be here within the hour I hope! If you have a lantern, great! If not, we have some extras here next to the Inn that you can select to light and setup along the path to the Rhapsody Freehold!"

Once Miranda finishes with that announcement, she continues to greet others, stopping when she sees some new faces. "Welcome! For those that I have not met, I am Baroness Mererid Gwenent ni Dougal, of the Barony of Divertimento Dithyramb Dance, home of the Capricorn Glade."

Damon enters, having raced home to pick up his lantern - a spherical number, or ticking clockwork, glowing from within. He hangs it reverently, hands shaking only slightly as he considers his shortening time in this world.

Sky arrives, poking his head in tentatively before following his horns in with the rest of himself. He's dressed pretty simply, nothing fancy for this commoner Troll. Not even any armor. He nods at the rather few people he can really say he knows in anything more than a cursory fashion, and aims himself at the bar as well. He probably needs a drink or four.

Noemi scoffs a little grumpily before she hands Sky a lantern from the ones for taking

Malcolm selected a lantern a little earlier, picking it up now and turning toward the Baroness as she speaks up. Some of the childlings did the same, others run over to grab one now, and one of them is carrying a rock with a cartoon sun drawn on the side in yellow chalk.

Savannah pauses to collect a lantern, selecting one that looks sturdy enough to be wholly safe, and not risk setting her alight. Which would be a social faux pas of enormous proportions. With that done, she moves towards Miranda. She drops a curtsey that is elegant and probably took a great many lessons in deportment to get exactly right. She speaks, politely, and slightly formal. "Baroness, I give thanks for your holding the festival, and making us so welcome. As someone new to the area, it behooves me to make formal introduction. I am Sophronia Elvira Mereway ni Daireann, Squiress of that House, and newly arrived to the region." She looks at her lantern then. "This is proving to be an illuminating experience."

Amberlee has a lantern too. She moves around here and there, maybe helping just a little bit. Not officially. But she helps a couple of childlings do something or other, just over there being helpful like Amberlees tend to do. Once Miranda has spoken, Amberlee makes her way in Miranda's direction

Sark eyes the arrangement and does a good job of slipping around people to gingerly lay claim to a lantern of his own, while wiggling his fingers in a bit of a greeting to Amberlee when he catches sight of her. He looks over when Savannah introduces herself and smiles a little more, just watching the interaction for the moment. At least until the smell of food gets his attention.

Damon follows the crowd, a little distant, but collecting food as he goes and eating idly.

Miranda bows her head toward Savannah, "It is lovely to meet you, Squiress Mereway. It is wonderful to have you in the County of Lion's Reach. I do hope you will stay and become an active part of our gatherings. What brins you to our little part of the Dreaming?" She waves toward Sark with a smile, and then sees Amberlee coming her direction and waves to her as well.

Once Sky gets the Lantern, Noemi moves to distance herself as well .. the pooka looks... sad this day. She sits on the ground and puts her fingers around her legs.

Sky holds onto his lantern, holding it up and high enough to not bean anyone in the head with it. He looks a little mystified at having it thrust into his hand, but he safeguards it anyway. It gives him something to fidget with while the Sidhe do their thing.

Damon approaches Sky. "First time, right? Newbs... Light the lantern and put it along the damn path."

Savannah relaxes slightly at being made welcome. "My lady, I am staying in the area for some time, and I felt the need to expand my wardrobe to represent the local fashion, so spent much of the day in the market. When I heard this was the place to celebrate Imbolc, I naurally resolved to attend." She then pauses a moment, "If I might be so bold as to depart, my lady? I must hang my lantern and there is someone I wish to speak to rather urgently. With your permission?" Never walk away from the hostess without permission. Sidhe protocol 101.

Nope. None of THAT. No one gets to be dark and gloomy on Amberlee's favorite holiday. SHe moves over and crouches down and then sits right next to Noemi, without showing any more skin than she already is. "Why the long face? This is a party. Are you okay?" Her tone isn't one necessarily of concern. Not that she's a TOTALLY cold and callous bitch. She really does want people to be happy.

Miranda waves her hand and nods, "Of course. If you are ever in search of jewelry, do let me know. I am a designer and creator in the Autumn as well. For tonight, enjoy yourself, and I do hope to speak with you more again. Especially one that is such a wonderful representation of her House." She sees Amberlee move toward the woman that seems unhappy, and she has interest, but there are more people to meet at this time.

Sark brings his lantern up so he can blow on it a little bit and light it, fanning it for a moment to make sure it is going, before closing it again, though for the time being, he seems content to hang on to it rather than hang it up somewhere, though he does start eyeing where people are hanging theirs along the path. Spying Sky sorta off on his own, the young man approaches one of the few people he has to look UP to and flashes a smile, "Hello again. I hope things went well after I had to go?"

Noemi looks up to the woman who speaks to her, her eyes flicker to the woman, a blink, and then another blink.. as she takes the girl in "what .... are ye, ive never seen anything quite as strange and pretty as ye." she then sighs, her eyes flicker, shes looking to Damon, "I think... the nocker is upset with me." she says quietly to the other.

The band all cheers with as the song ends, they pick up their ales and drink! drink! drink! "Aye, that was a good start!" the singer says. Counting them off again, the music continues!

"A long time ago, way back in history,

when all there was to drink was nothin but cups of tea.

Along came a man by the name of Charlie Mops,

and he invented a wonderful drink and he made it out of hops.

He must have been an admiral a sultan or a king,

and to his praises we shall always sing.

Look what he has done for us he's filled us up with cheer!

Lord bless Charlie Mops, the man who invented beer beer beer

tiddly beer beer beer."

Sky is indeed noobish, and is also well aware that it's pretty obvious. He nods to Sark as he heads over to hang the lantern by the path. He does select a high branch out of the reach of most people, rather than compete on accessible real estate. "Yeah, I'd say so. I may even have a part time job soon? I need to go take a look at the lady's new club sometime soon."

Malcolm isn't sharp enough (and/or was just too distracted by the others) to pick up on Noemi on his own, but once Amberlee gets the conversation going, it doesn't take long for it to catch his attention. "You /think/? If he's not screaming fifty different dirty words at you in a row, then either he's not mad, or he's not a nocker."

Amberlee cocks her head a little to the side and peers at Noemi. "Nockers are USUALLY upset with someone or other. Be more specific." She carefully adjusts herself so that she can be comfortable without flashing anyone. Wrong holiday. "Also, I'm not THAT pretty. But thank you."

Savannah curtseys again. "I will my lady, I am awfully fond of jewellery." Her smile is genuine. She then goes and hangs her lantern, making sure it hangs exactly evenly. That done, she approaches the bar and with some discussion, manages to get her hands on a reasonable glass of wine. Not beer. great scot, never BEER!

She then moves towards Sky and Sark, and lifts her glass to both. "I wish you a joyous Imbolc. May your fires be renewed, and burn ever brighter." And then an impish smile. "And if you have a moment, Lord Sarkesian, might I have a word with you, discreetly?"

Sark beams at Sky, "Excellent! Im happy to hear it. I will have to hunt this club down myself and come see sometime then. And I promise, I wont cause any trouble. Im just curious to explore and see how things are."

But then Savannah is approaching and he blinks and watches her for a moment, before nodding, "Sure, of course I can?" Then to Sky, "Scuse me for a moment then?", before back to Savannah with a small bow of his head, "I am at your disposal, my Lady."

Noemi smiles as she looks to Amberlee, "well. Well I did ask him to be my date and he's way over .there." she pouts a little before her eyes shift a little and her body changes in color, shifting slightly between red and blues. Questions. Pooka love questions. "To think is to knock" "on a door made of fog," "to ask a question" "and answer it sideways."

Amberlee nods. "Last time I was on a date, the guy never left my side. I think THAT is a bigger problem than the reverse." She rolls up to her feet gracefully and offers out her hands. "Come on. Up you go. I'm your date now. THis is a celebration, not a pity party."

Savannah smiles softly, and moves toone side to talk to Sark, quietly

Malcolm nods to Noemi as she explains the situation, such as it is. Then he turns and calls out to Damon, helpfully missing Amberlee's reply in the process. "Hey, you ditching your girl or what? I'll tell the satyrs!" Too late, Malcolm, they've already noticed.

Miranda can see that the woman is being taken care of, so she'll give them a moment. Instead, she approaches Sky, "Good Evening, we have not been introduced yet. You are new to the County of Lion's Reach, yes?"

Damon taps his head then heads back to Noemi... only to see she's been crowded in on by a noble. He steers off, uncertainty clear on his face, even though he's holding two plates of food. Oops. He may have avoided socializing too hard!

Savannah mutters to Sark, "Forgive my, Lord Gilded Wyrm,... I overstep... break... but I... not... to ask this,... to... a dragon,... night.... perhaps... shed... might... would... to... Or trade, perhaps? if... I am ruly..."

Noemi joins Amberlee, takeing her hand and she leans into her side, "well..." she smiles softly to Malcom "who are you?" she asks as she is drawn up to her feet

Amberlee will be the date. Damon lost out. Her long, dangerous-looking nails fold around Noemi's hand as she leads her toward Miranda. "Get a lantern. Greet the hostess." Damon gets a friendly smile and a wink and points his way, crooking a finger. He should JOIN them

Sark rumbles softly as he listens to Savannah's quiet murmuring, and looks contemplative for several moments. Finally he offers her a small smile and keeps his voice down, "Maybe we can chat before the end of the evening. I may not PRECISELY be what you are looking for and I hate to be a disappointment to anyone in the freehold yes?" As he speaks, he finds a good spot on the path within arms reach to gently hang his own lantern, and leave it burning, "Before the evening is over, find me again and we will grab ciders and talk, as long as you have not been taken away by something else?"

"I'm the king of--" Malcolm starts to say, but before he can get any further into that blasphemy, one of those satyrs taps him on the shoulder. He turns to see who it is, and his smile... doesn't go away, but tightens a little bit. "Hello, Sterling. Answer's still no." Sterling, for his part, does not appear the least bit discouraged by this news.

Sky turns to face Miranda directly, and gives a polite attempt at a bow. "Yes ma'am. I've really only been on my own for a few months at this point. But I was also gone from the city for a bit of the winter, so... Anyway, I'm Sky."

He introduces himself, winning the anti-reward by having the least letters in his introduction of anyone here.

Savannah nods and acquiesces, "As you say, Lord Sarkosian. Though I do have another request. My I have at least one dance tonight? I can at least assure you that I am skilled in THAT department. Well, perhaps." She glances at the revelry, "Country and folk dancing are not really in my repertoire. My dancemaster seems to have overlooked them. I may tread on your toes, I am afraid."

Noemi looks over the King a moment before she is side tracted by Amberlee, "do you want to dance?" she asks the other with a soft smile. after all spring is one of the saytrs best hollidays

Damon is too old for this, but he knows better than to offend like THAT, and steers back, moving through the crowd somewhat between a linebacker, an acrobat, and a sensible person, trying not to drop excessive food - though one passing boggan does get a head full of purple pasta as the nocker grimaces and utters a simple, "Watch where you're fucking going, numbnuts." When he finally returns to Noemi's side, he looks askance as he hands her the less disturbed plate. "Don't know your tastes, they might be shittier than my hell takes, so tell me if I royally fucked it up. Had to go help the youngblood, it's his first goddamn Imbolc. I'm a sputum-gurgling, bile-chucking, stigmata-dicked fool for making you cry."

Sark actually giggles a little at the dance request and offers Savannah a small bow of his head, "I have had to learn how to dance in the last couple of years so while I am not a complete klutz, I would be honored to dance with a Lady of your status. I am pretty sure my claws can handle a few misteps without any problems. Just be aware, I am no Fred Astaire, so I would not want to be responsible for any social incident." Hey, he got another pop culture reference.

Amberlee nods. "I DO want to dance but you need to greet the hostess first." She starts to say more, but then there's a Damon and she just grins ear to ear. "Goddamn you're a romantic. And look. He brought you food too." She lifts her hand a little that's holding Noemi's. "YOu want this?" she asks Damon as he starts to hand off food.

Miranda looks pleased to meet Sky, "Well then, welcome! If I can be of any assistance to you, you have but to ask. I also recommend you may want to speak sometime with Baron Marsennio Tordwil ap Gwydion of the Ebon Watchtower. He is a long time friend of mine, and a great example of your Kith."

The band leads another round of drinking down their pints of Ale, before jumping into the next song. There might be a bit of slurry the words, but hey, it's a party!

"Tim Finnegan lived in Walkin Street,

A gentle Irishman mighty odd

He had a brogue both thick and sweet,

And to rise in the world he carried a hod

Now you see he had a sort of a tipplers way

but for the love for the liquor old Tim was born

And to help him on his way each day,

he'd a drop of the craythur every morn

Whack fol the dah then dance to yer partner

round the flure yer trotters shake

Bend an ear to the truth they tell ye,

Lots of fun at Finnegan's Wake"

Noemi nods her head to Amberlee and she smiles a bit though when Damon comes over she scoffs a little at the plate, even though she takes it. Her eyes move to the Hostess and she moves that way with the saytr.. her off hand motions to Damon "gotta say hi to the royalty." she says as she turns to move she sides him "you can attend with us?"

Damon narrows his eyes slightly, as if uncertain about what to say, but nods and moves to flank, intending fully to stay as silent through this as he can.

Sky nods with a big beaming smile across his blue face. "Oh, of course, ma'am. I have heard the name and seen him from a distance before, but never been properly introduced. I'll make sure to correct that, now that I'm back and have the opportunity. And of course, if there's ever a way I can make myself useful around here, please don't hesitate to let me know."

Savannah beams, like the sun coming up over the horizon, "Then my night will be complete! But i won't monopolise you, I am sure that a whole host of ladies will be awaiting your attentions." And, in truth, she's got a few men watching her with a speculative expression. She's very pretty, after all, and that gown is teetering on the edge of scandalous. "I have a feeling we may both be danced to exhaustion actually. I think I can tolerate one or two, but sooner or later I would mis-step, and that hardly makes a good impression. My first social event..." She then looks to the food. "I could eat, however. Caramels always give me an appetite. Come find me when you feel brave enough to risk a turn on the floor, my lord." She bobs slightly, and heads towards the food, where she starts examining it very closely to find anything she could possibly eat with any delicacy and grace.

Amberlee loops her arm through Damon's too to guide him along. "Hi again," she tells him as she parades them both up to Miranda. Surely Amberlee has already said hi. Maybe hours ago. She gets them both in front of Miranda and pauses, giving Noemi a little tug forward. Her turn

Sark leans in close and winks at Savannah, lowering his voice, "I would never hint that a lady missed a step on a dance. You are safe with me." He grins and straightens back up, offering her a little bow of his head to accept she is going to find munchies, while his attention gravitates to Miranda, judging who else is queuing up to introduce themselves, since he hasnt done so yet.

Miranda nods to Sky, "Of course. I am sure you will, one as honorable as your Kith, I trust you fully in that. I will let you know, as one day soon we may need many hands for the projects we have been discussing for a few years. Including the building of the skyship." She smiles over toward Sark, as he may remember that discussion too. But as Amberlee and her entourage approach, she bows her head their way, "Amberlee, it's like we keep running into each other. And Damon, I hope you are feeling better." She looks expectedly to Noemi, "We met that once in the Autumn, but I never have met you formally. You are?"

Noemi lets Amberlee stand in the middle, she has a plate in one arm.. the other round Amberlee she gives a little curtsy to the woman she is brought to "I am Niemi Tsulvay Owner of The Gardens, Mapmaker of house Danaan"

Damon nods. "Yeah, if I felt worse, I'd probably be fucking dead."

Savannah does give lip service to savoury food, selecting a little venison, braised with what look like redcurrants. And even a roast potato. But most of her plate is laden, rather heavily, with sweet pastries of all sorts. She is decidedly... plump, for a Sidhe. It appears there is a reason for that. She sips her wine. And with a skill bourne of endless lessons on etiquette, letting her hold glass, plated, AND still eat daintily, she commences the process of consuming the meal.

Amberlee smiles at Miranda and she nods. "You know I never miss a holiday, especially if you're hosting." She falls silent so Noemi can give her introduction. She's fine being the cream in the middle of the oreo for now.

Sky nods at Miranda, looking eager to please. Absolute puppy energy, really. But he takes a half step back to let her check her other guests rather then try and monopolize her time and attention. Mental note added to ask about sky ships that's a new one. UC Prospect doesn't have a course on those, would you believe it?

Sark wiggles his fingers with a smile when Miranda gives him a glance, and slowly approaches, but does nothing to interrupt the conversation going on between her and Amberlee and the otehrs. instead, he hovers a little, doing the dutiful 'keeping an eye on things' before he gets a chance to express himself.

Miranda smiles to Noemi, "It is a pleasure to finally meet you. A mapmaker you say? And Owner of The Gardens? What sort of place is The Gardens? I think I heard of it, but have not been there. Is it a place people go for maps? Or is that just what you do as a duty to House Danaan, Noemi?"

Noemi sticks her tongue out at Damon even though shes standing before Miranda after she makes her intro she looks to him as if it was his turn. "I think the nocker needs a spanking." she says before she nods her head "it is a club, a resturant, and a place I sell my perfumes." There is a pause as the pooka answers and she looks as if it tears her apart to answer a direct question. "I make maps m'lady"

Savannah is approached by someone who is either brave, or slightly drunk - enough to think he could get a sidhe onto the dance floor. He approaches, he murmurs a proposition of some kind, and she just... glares. If a stare could melt sand into glass, she could make a fortune at a foundry. She doesn't even speak. She just takes a rather savage bite of pastry, and keeps glaring, until he slinks off, tail between his legs. Metaphorically, at least - with fae, you need to specify. She wasn't exactly impolite, but she wasn't going to win an award for Miss Considheneality, either.

Malcolm finally manages to divert Sterling's attention elsewhere for a while, looking to Noemi again. "Ooh, are they those 3-D ones like in Minecraft?"

Damon snorts, and with that single motion - and not a raised middle finger, not while greeting the baronness - manages to convey his thoughts on a spanking. He does lean over and squeeze Noemi's hand, though.

Oh look. They made up. Amberlee extricates herself from Noemi and gives Damon a light push in her direction. Very light. MNore of a nudge really. "It's not you, it's me," Amberlee says to Noemi and then scoots away to go find something to drink.

Sky does some drifting for a few moments, sliding back in the direction of the bar at first. Until he catches the interaction between the Savannah and the social offender. He diverts his steps over in her direction, looking after his retreat before asking her, "Everything ok? It looks like he... Well, it looked uncomfortable over here, at the least."

Sark eyes Noemi and Sky and Damon and Miranda and apparently decides this might be a bit, so instead he offers an amused wink at Miranda and mouths at her 'later' with amusement on his face. He turns away to approach the offered sweet munchies and gathers a few for himself as well as a small mug of...he doesnt know what it is but doesnt seem to care either. With that done, he gives the rest of the crowd a curious once over, lingering to watch Savannah shrug off her attempted suitor with a little amusement.

With a sigh, Savannah replies to Sky, "I am quite all right, thank you for asking. It simply isn't polite to ask a lady to dance while she is eating, I thought *everybody* knew that. And it is hardly wise to ask her to set aside her dish and to return to it later. Even moreso her wine. I suppose one cannot expec those without a courtly upbringing to grasp all the social niceties, but really... and his breath smelled like a brewery. But one must admit, he had... I think the term is *cojones*, yes?" Savannah is, of course, of House Daireann. None of that house would EVER lay food aside and go back to it later. The House had assassinated a considerable number of people due to people returning to termporarily abandoned refreshments, and they would *never* make that mistake personally.

Miranda shakes her head, "Nockers.. well, unless he breaks the Escheat, this is not my business to punish him." It is probably more of something they can do in their private time together. But the Baroness keeps everything polite. "I would like to see your restaurant sometime, and check out your perfumes. Hopefully soon!" She does sense the issues, and that ah-ha moment of a Pooka. "Forgive me, I am used to directness and I forget myself until I remember the way of your Kith." Amberlee walking away, she notes to speak to her soon. Her eyes move to Sark, "I do hope all is well with you, my dear friend. Meeting all the new arrivals lately?"

Noemi grins a little as she looks to Damon she laughs as he is pushed into her, her eyes nod and she looks to Malcom "hey hot stuff, I will have you know My maps are of the editable sort!" she answers him

And there's that forced hint of a smile again from Malcolm. "I'm sure." Everyone knows what it means when a /pooka/ calls you hot. Except Sterling, apparently, who responds with a wolf whistle.

Damon stumbles into Noemi with a grimace and soft oof, but doesn't actively complain, which is a minor miracle.

Sark grins when Miranda does address him, offering her a small bow of his head, "Things are complicated but I am enjoying them. I am warmed to see how active teh freehold has become lately. It gives me hope that we can return to some of the adventures we had before...well, SOME of them. Ahem." He offers her an amused wince, knowing full well she knows what he means.

The singer announces, "We've got word we have time for one more song before the Fire Brands arrive! Join us in song and or dance! And drink! Be Merry!" They jump right into the song, as the dance floor fills up.

"Kind friends and companions, come join me in rhyme

Come lift up your voices in chorus with mine

Let us drink and be merry, all grief to refrain

For we may and might never all meet here again

Here's a health to the company and one to my lass

Let us drink and be merry all out of one glass

Let us drink and be merry, all grief to refrain

For we may and might never all meet here again"

A song! Amberlee's over there by the bar, getting herself something to drink. She gets her drink and she turns as the song begins. She lifts her drink in the air and joins in. One of her favorites! ".. For we may and might never all meet here again!" she sings as the song starts to wind down.

Sky nods at Savannah, taking her answer as something to be duly noted. "Ah, well at least he wasn't intentionally being rude then. Blundering is a bit different. At least I hope it is, because I do it myself from time to time. Not that one tonight though, I don't think. I didn't even dress well for dancing, which is a good and fair reminder to myself. Maybe I should have, but good dancing clothes don't mix so well with motorcycles."

Noemi manages not to toss her food at Damon as he runs into her, she frowns a little "first you make me cry, then you smash potatoes on my nose... I swear, you owe Me and Miss Amberlee a dance. and.... Malcom too!"

Damon frowns. "Amberlee owes me a damn dance, more like, fucking shoving me." He straightens, and pulls from one of his voile's many pockets - a mostly clean handkerchief! Which he hands to Noemi.

"It depends on the dance. For this party, you are dressed just dandy," Savannah assures Sky, "There'sh always dirt kicked up and beer spilled, in my experience." She looks down at her almost empty plate, and very empty glass. "I don't supposhe you could be an absolute DARLING and get me a refill of this?" She holds the glass out. "It's a rather impudent beverage, I like it. It's the 07, if you need to clarify. I'd be sho greateful!" Is she slurring, after one glass of wine? She might be a bit stuck up, but she is also, apparently, a total lightweight.

Savannah says, “You could consider it an interview for the bartender job, if you really wish!”

Noemi takes the handkerchief and she blots her nose before she laughs a bit "Pathfinder mapmaker, is my duties in the dream." she tells Amber as she moves closer and she drags Damon with her as she walks along. "Damon says we all need to dance!"

Sky takes the empty glass before he's even really processed the request. But could he really say no anyway? Nah. He heads for the bar, giving the glass a look and a sniff. 07 is not a ton of detail, and he's not completely new to this end of the culture, at least. He finds (or makes) a spot to push up to the bar, and flags down the bartender. "A refill for the lady, please? The oh seven, it was."

He keeps an eye on the tender, not trusting them completely to get this right and not make him look like an idiot. The returned glass looks and smells right enough though, so he carts it back to Savannah.

The sounds of many feet can be heard coming, with what may be a marching band? No! It is the Fire Brands - they have arrived! Carrying lanterns, some with flags, others instruments like lutes, drums, wooden flutes, they arrive with all the pomp and circumstance of a marching band. These travelers are making their way through and following the lanterns setup toward the Rhapsody Freehold. Inviting those here to go with them on the short trip, should they wish to watch as they complete this step of their mission to replenish the balefires.

"Yes. Let's dance." She leans just a little bit to murmur to the bartender briefly. She might know that guy, actually. Just a little chit chat for a moment. That's broken when he gets Sky's drink, of course, and he moves on to other things while Amberlee sips her drink. "You two first. I--" Oh! But then there's a THING. The firebrands! Amberlee's absolute favorite. She waits for them to pass and then she scoots around and grabs the nearest person (some NPC) to go along with her toward the balefire

Noemi giggles as she and Amberlee, Damon head out to the dancefloor, she leaves her food on the bar. Her eyes over to Malcom "Hot stuff, come on and dance as well!" she calls loud enough to him "bring your man-servant!" she says indicating Sterling as she bounces hand in hand with her friends and a smile.

Sark oos under his breath as the Fire brands arrive. He doesnt REALLY understand the exact process here but sees how the group is sorta scooping people up and start going with them, so he scans the group to perhaps confirm that yes, maybe they should go along and participate. A glance to Sky and Savannah to perhaps confirm they are occupied, and he turns to offer his arm to Miramda. He waggles his brows at her and murmurs, "Im going to assume your grace needs to attend, so you should have a proper escort, should you not?"

Malcolm can lie, too, as it turns out. "Be right there!" he calls back, before walking over to watch the fire show instead. Sterling does take up the invitation, though he mostly winds up dancing with the group he was already with.

Savannah accepts the glass and examines the contents in the light. She sniffs, she sips, and she beams. "Excellent work! Thank you so VERY much!" She finishes her pastries and sets the plate aside, and swigs, not sips, from the glass. "If this ish your first Imbolc celebration in the dream, you have to see the firebrands at the balefire, it really is quite moving, really!" She remarks to Sky firmly. "I always try to shee it." She heads that way, still holding her glass. She's steady on her feet, and doesn't LOOK inebriated. Yet.

Amberlee gets everyone dancing and then scoots away to join the procession

Sky follows Savannah's gaze up the path after the firebrands, then his feet follow as well. After a sell like that, he's just got to see it. "Yes ma'am, it is my first one. Ever anywhere, for that matter. So I'm looking forward to it!"

With the arrival of the fire brands, the group that follows from the Blue Boar spread out around to circle the balefire. The HUGE Prismatic Dragon is there tonight, standing in front of the balefire with pride. The caretakers of the Blue Boar Inn and Rhapsody Freehold flank him. Fletcher Potts on the right, and Quentin Oates on the left. The Great Prismatic Dragon is a sight to behold as he keeps a close watch to be sure no one messes this up.

The firebrands make their declarations and together bring their lanterns together and in this important ceremony, the lanterns touch and lower toward the balefire. WHOOOSH! The balefire rises up in a flare like a volcanic eruption! The colors are vibrant and aweinspiring, all along the spectrum of colors before settling back down to a stronger version of what it was before.

Cheers can be heard as the fire brands back off and are called to reassemble. It is over before you know it and they begin to march on off again down the silver road to the next balefire to replenish.

Fletcher and Quentin come forward in front of the rest of the locals that remain and state, "We are grateful for you all to be here. Welcome and thank you for being here for this auspicious occasion.. again." Fletcher announce to them all. "We are always so grateful for the replenishment of the balefire and hope that you all will return here often. Remember as always to respect the Great and Mighty Prismatic Dragon, and do not disturb him. You are welcome to visit and enjoy what the Rhapsody Freehold, and the Blue Boar Inn has to offer." Quentin gives a thumbs up - he stil does not like public speaking. The dragon gives a mighty roar and then ambles back to its hideout as crowds are not its thing.

Noemi dances then she follows the parade, she looks to the firebrands and she takes her lantern to the fire. she smiles and she bounces a little on her toes, her eyes flicker brightly as she watches the dragon.

Savannah comntemplates that as she walks, Sky's first ever... "Well, then. If you had to pick a festival to start with, this is the right one! The renewal of the Balefire, our rebirth. Highly symbolic to have it as the first big festival you have attended." She watches, and breathes faster at the sight, and then, while some cheer and applaud, she actually wipes away a couple of tears. "It alwaysh gets me this way. It's so beautiful. I feel reborn, you know?" Proximity to the balefire might be at least partly responsible for that. But she does watch the dragon, somewhat avariciously. Tonight of all nights... Dragons!

Sark pauses int he group to watch the lighting, a small smile on his face when he sees the Ancient one is here. As the Prismatic is leaving, a tiny little blue dragon flits and sneaks through the crowd to land on Sark's shoulder, sorta hiding in his hair as she hisses, "He didnt see me , did he?" Sark manages to stifle a snort and reaches up to pet the little beastie, murmuring, You're gonna get us BOTH into trouble. You know I have to ask to take you out for the evening."

Amberlee doesn't get in anyone's way, but the Satyr kinain with the cutest horns EVER is right there for the celebration. It isn't often that she gets to just LET GO, but out here, with the renewing of the balefire, she actually can do just that. She shares a couple of slightly more than friendly kisses with some Satyrs over there and makes a nocker blush and then she traipses her way back to the group and toward Miranda.

Noemi was there one moment, then gone the next...the nocker cant seem to keep track of the beautiful lizard pooka, for the moment his eyes leave her shes gone.. poof! into the revelry of spring with the sayters

Sky kind of has to take Savannah's word for it that this is *the best* fest to start with. But he looks well impressed anyway. And he does have a good view over the crowd, at that. He's not quite moved to actual tears, but he shuts his mouth in quiet awe for quite some time.

Miranda is there with the others, but not in front of all of this. It isn't her freehold! She stays not far from Sark, and looks for Ambrelle and smiles when she gets closer. "It is always a gift to see the Prismatic Dragon, especially when he isn't grumpy."

Savannah rests her free hand on Sky's arm. "I was overwhelmed the first time, but I was only thirteen, and didn't really understand it all. Maybe another time, I can tell you about the feshtivals in more detail. But nothing is quite like seeing. And FEELING." She does not rush the young man, however. He can take all the time he wants, it is an important moment. But when he is ready, she offers her arm. "Walk me back to the party. Now the Firebearers have relit the fire, it might get a little... frisky." She cast a rather withering glance at the satyrs. "Have you ever been to a satyr revel before?"

Sark chuckles softly at Miranda's comment and looks like he's going to say something, but Chirp cuts him off with offering, "If he had stayed here much longer with the crowd, he would have become grumpypants pretty fast. He'll be pissed I snuck out but he'll take it out on Sark when he takes me back." Sark gives her a smirk and mutters, "Keep that shit up and Im not buying you raspberry beignets tomorrow..." This gets him a nuzzling of his cheek and an immediate puppy-dog eye look along with a smile. She knows EXACTLY what she's doing.

Amberlee looks around briefly. SHe doens't see her 'date' anywhre. She was coming back to check in. Oh well! Amberlee slides up next to Miranda and leans over to murmur to her. It isn't a secret, just not very loud. "Tonight was perfect," she tells her. Sark gets a smile. "No raspberry beignets? THAT's rude."

Miranda encourages those around to return to the celebration, "There is plenty of food and drink for all! Enjoy the night!" The band is already back to playing, and sounds like the dancing frogs have joined them as well. A grin to Sark, "That is quite true, but he is very proud of his balefire." Don't you call it anyone elses. Amberless comments make her happy. "It was truly a joint effort for everyone. I'm so happy it went so well. We work together for good things for us all."

Sky stares into the balefire for a long time. It's even a while before he notices that Savannah had her hand on his arm and was talking to him. As the words of her request come back to the front of his mind, he speaks quickly in an attempt to catch up. "Oh, sure ma'am, of course. I'd be delighted. And no, I can't say that I have. I have heard they have a reputation for... partying pretty hard though. And I've heard it enough from so many different sources that I'm going to assume there's a lot of truth to it?"

Savannah gives a rueful smile. "I'm no really in any position to give you orders, merely a little advice. If you don't want to end up doing things you might regret or be embarrassed byy in the morning, it'sh proably wishe not to get too drunk thish evening. Hrk." Hrk? Ah. A rather daintly repressed hiccup. As they walk to the party again, they naturally come hear the Baroness. And Savannah says to Miranda, "That was beautiful, My Lady. The dragon is truly berathtaking. I am very grateful to be allowed to witnesh this. Thank you." A few more steps then, "My glass is empty again. This ish a very drinkable vintage!"

Sark flashes a small smile at Amberlee and murmurs, "You aren't helping, gorgeous," but the amusement on his face indicates he's certainly not upset. Instead he sighs and shakes his head and gives little Chirp a gentle scritching, which seems to make her night for the time being, "Getting a little stir crazy in the tower, are you? Have you beat his ass at chess yet?" Chirp hehs, "Not a chance, he's only got like what, a thousand years of games on me? I gotta let him feel superior about something so he doesn't ground me." With that said, he grins and offers Miranda a small bow of his head and a wink, "I think I will go introduce her around before she gets sleepy..." which gets his ear a slap of a little blue wing, "I am NOT sleepy. Old fart. You just want to nap." With that said, however, he does start back towards the Inn Yard and perhaps an effort to find himself a new mug of Beverage.

Miranda smiles to Savannah as she comments to her, "I am very glad that you could be here to witness it. It truly is my favorite holiday. The balefires mean so much to each of us. It is so vital for the Dreaming itself." She then nods to Sark, "Of course. I'm glad to see you both. Enjoy your night, and your rest afterwards."

Amberlee grins at Sark and she nods. "Helping is my job." She goes silent, looking around for more familiar faces. She sees a few. She waves.

Sky can't help but smile, even as a flush comes to his pale cheeks. And he's at least smart enough to comment on her own level of drinkitude. "Well, so far, I've been far too distracted to even start in on a drink. I'd have to do a whole lot of catching up, probably. It takes a fair amount to beat my liver into submission, I'm afraid. I do think I want to try one of what you've been having, it smells great!"

He helps her back to the main party, and the bar specifically.

Savannah beams. Sky is such a gentleman! The bar! She wiggles a hand at the bartender and extends her glass. "More, pleashe, and one for this remarkably... well built fellow with me." She regards the revelry, which has undoubtedly picked up the pace. "You need to drink a LITTLE, it's not Imbolc without a glass raised to the joy of rebirth and the fire. Just... be careful. That's what my foster told me. Satyrs are a lot of fun, but they're alsho satyrs. Morning after can be... meshy."

Sark pauses at the snacks to gather up a small plate, under the close supervision of the little dragon on his shoulder. He offers her a small bit that she attacks with relish, dropping a few crumbs on his shoulder while she chows. Taking a sip from his mug, he watches some of the satyrs start to peel off and chuckles under his breath, choosing to approach Sky and Savannah, tilting his mug at them in a bit of a regreeting.

Sky raises the glass to his lips gratefully, and then even more gratefully for a second sip after the first coats his tongue. He turns around to lean back against the bar, which is pretty low on his body in comparison. He scans his eyes across the party as it gathers momentum. "How exactly is 'messy' being defined here? I mean, I've been to parties at college, sometimes they are more fun than sane, but..."

Savannah beams as Sark approaches, "Ah, the golden lord. I love your little friend." Wine is given, and she sips rather deeply. "Meshy. Well, Satyrsh feel everything, like... everything, so much deeper than we do. So you can imagine that morning after feelings are enhancshed too. Whatever way they go. Think of the waysh that could work out. Never really regret, they don't sheem to do that part, but... meshy." She is definitely slurring a lot now, and seems rather flushed and chipper. Booze! The great social lubricant!

Sark bows his head at both Sky and Savannah and grins at her compliment about Chirp. Chrip herself stops munching so she can flutter her wings and offer, "Thank you!" Sark mmms softly and offers to Savannah, "Im going to head out to take her back home but I will be back much later. If I miss you, call me at the Ranch when you have the time and we can talk..." to Sky, he beams, "And I hope I run into you again at the club or somewhere else. I'd like to learn more about you. Both of you have a good evening, hmm?"

Amberlee was briefly distracted by something or other and she wandered off, but now wanders back, drink in hand. She buddies up to Miranda with a little grin and hands her a drink. Something respectable, of course. "So many new faces. I love it," she says quietly.

Miranda has been busy talking to others herself, and when Amberlee approaches, she is happy to see her again. "It is so wonderful. It is a gift from the Dreaming, I believe."

Sky sips at his drink some more. Really, he's basically gulping it. He needs a bigger glass, look at him! And the 07 is very nice, as the Sidhe had already figured out. He smiles to Sark, raising the glass in salute. "For sure, sir! I do mean to be around. Just look around, and then if you don't see me yet, try looking up a little higher. Bonus effect from the growth spurts!

Another sip, and a turn of his head toward Savannah. Careful not to poke her with his horns, of course. "Alright, I think I see where you're coming from on that... But if it's it good spirits and without regrets, how bad can it really be? I mean for me, I think I get that for those of certain social standings there's other issues..."

Savannah pout slightly, in a manner that would make a saint throw away their halo and howl at the moon. She runs a fingertip down Sark's arm. "Well, if you have to go, you have to go. But you owe me a danshe, lord of the golden... wyrm." She daintily stifles another hiccup. "And House Daireann ALWAYS makes good on debts, owed or owing. It'sh a matter of honor. What?" She registers Sky is talking to her. "Well, that'sh up to you. But if you end up being sent hundredsh of roses, or relive Basic... Instinct? no, it'sh fatal Attraction I mean, ishn't it? Well, don't say you weren't warned!"

Savannah decides she needs more pastries. she heads to the table again!