[GP] Réveillon & New Year's Eve & Check-In

[st_rangepalette]

Emma had said, during Winter's Crest, that she missed a tradition from home called réveillon. She seemed also to miss her cousin, as Lillith missed hers. Since she wished both to learn to cook and to be of comfort to her friend, it had been decided they would make a réveillon dinner for New Year's Eve.

Yet when Emma began to lay out the courses -- oyster soup and potato & leek soup, salad, a gumbo, venison roast, cheeses, and creme brulee, plus several hors d'ouevres not yet decided -- Lillith quailed at the size of the undertaking. Surely she would wish someone to assist who could contribute more than roasted rabbit, wheat or potato flour dumplings, and koláč.

Since Sunny likewise missed her family and would certainly wish a distraction, when she entered the cafe where they were planning, the other two seized upon her almost at once. Sunny could hardly resist their dual entreaty, even had she wished to, and Lillith thought she seemed even more ready for company than previously. Of course Sunny had offerings of her own: jolloff rice, peppered chicken, and fried plantain.

Between they three, the planning and the cooking were very nearly merry, and Lillith kept them liberally supplied with champagne (her personal favorite), too. By late afternoon of the eve of the new year, they had begun lining tables with dishes, and enlisted the help of other friends to make the evening event widely known.

Of course, in addition to the réveillon feast that took over the steakhouse, alcohol flowed freely, lights sparkled brightly, the nightclub had music for dancing. And at some point the Inn or Caroline or Regina hung mistletoe from several of the primary entrances and exits so that unless one wished to or was unaware of the tradition, no one (not even any new arrivals) need greet the new year unkissed.

Comments

Re: Dorian - OTA

[st_eelyourself]

“That is too bad.” Piotr chuckled. The term of endearment warmed him in a way he didn’t want to think about. “A jeweled skull would be very dramatic. Plus, you do not strike me as a man who tends toward the expected.”

Re: Dorian - OTA

[st_affandskull]

"You would be right, much of the time." Dorian actually did have a skull, but he avoided flashing it around. Necromancy was a touchy subject for many, and he preferred not to discuss it casually. "Besides, a staff might also double as an eternal torch, which is just charming."

Re: Dorian - OTA

[st_eelyourself]

Jokes and puns flew through his head in Russian, but he didn't trust himself to translate them properly.

"A Mage staff," he let his head fall to the side, "Then is it safe to assume you use magic?"

Re: Dorian - OTA

[st_affandskull]

"Very safe to assume that, yes. I'm quite good, it shouldn't shock you to know." Dorian wasn't inclined to go into family history or detail; if this young man didn't already know, well... best left that way. For now.

Re: Dorian - OTA

[st_eelyourself]

"What kind of magic?" Piotr leaned forward, genuinely interested. "In my world, magic is very rare. It is more common that mutants who use energy manipulation call it magic, but it is nothing like what I've seen people here do."

Re: Dorian - OTA

[st_affandskull]

"Nearly all kinds," Dorian replied breezily. "I'm quit a talented fellow, I'll have you know. Elements, spirits, and so on. It's far more common in my world than most people think, as it's generally only claimed when there's no choice in the matter in a good half the world or more."

Re: Dorian - OTA

[st_eelyourself]

“The variety of such ability must be enjoyable. I can only do one thing, it is unique but is not varied,” Piotr was fascinated by the other man and the world he came from.“Can anyone learn magic or is it only for people born with the abilities?”

Re: Dorian - OTA

[st_affandskull]

"It's a talent from birth for the most part. There are those who, historically, have made deals with demons in order to mimic true magical talent, but it should not be surprising that that never works out." It would be easier for everyone if magic was something anyone could learn, almost certainly. In the South, at least, where there would be less to fear.

Re: Dorian - OTA

[st_eelyourself]

"People crave power, especially if others have it and they do not. Maybe to them, deal with demon does not seem so bad?" Piotr shook his head, "I do not have much experience with feeling powerless, but I am lucky. If it was common to me, maybe the offer would be hard to ignore."

Re: Dorian - OTA

[st_affandskull]

"Quite possible, yes." Dorian knew - how could he not? - what lengths non-mages in Tevinter occasionally went to in order to claw their way up to the lowest rung of the mage ladder. "Fortunately I've yet to see any demons here."

Re: Dorian - OTA

[st_eelyourself]

"Not any literal ones, at least," God knew he'd brought his own figurative demons with him, Piotr took a look a the drink in his hand, a bittersweet smile touching his lips. "At least the personal kind are easier to chase away."

Re: Dorian - OTA

[st_affandskull]

"The very reason alcohol exists, or so I devoutly believe." Suiting action to word, Dorian drained his wineglass and refilled it. "And thankfully the cellars of this place appear to remain at a decent standard."

Re: Dorian - OTA

[st_eelyourself]

"I do not know if I agree. Alcohol has so many other good purposes, it would be shame to limit it to one reason to exist," Piotr smirked lightly, "It gives courage, loosens tongues, all things needed to approach attractive strangers."