The fashionista can’t help but notice Betty has fallen asleep. But she looks so comfy in her SuccuPlus hoodie and sweats, that the client gives the nerd a good report.
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After Ahto speaks, Addy leaps from the steeple…! …letting her magic ring… …slow…
…onto the stage. She curtsies upon landing. “That about wraps up our evening. Before we take off, I’d like to take a moment to thank the leaders o’ this young kingdom for granting the opportunity to bring mankind and fey together on this Crystalhue’s celebration. “We’ve our eloquent and fearless leader, Ahto Ulrych!” She pauses if there are crowd reactions (applause), before moving onto the next: “Wonky Prong Junior, resident genius and creator o’ that amazing finale! “Harmond Orlovsky, who’s celebrating the day with his distinguished family…”
“Eunomia Verto, who more than anyone I’ve e’er known, is unwavering when it comes to The Truth. So…” Addy makes eye contact with Eunomia. “…on a personal level, thank ye for being me Maid of Honor this morning, and for giving me the courage to face the truth, even when it’s hard on me. “Father Barris, thank ye for being a fine religious leader, and for getting up before the sun to officiate a small wedding on me goddess’ day. “And for those who’ve seen the Vixen and Ash together so much, best I let ye know I am the lady under the mask. Which makes me lovely wife the Vixen’s wife: “Asham Kavinka. I could spend the next hour thanking her for all she’s done for this community, but she’s not the type to flaunt her accomplishments. All o’ ye know Lady Kavinka’s the one ye go to if ye’ve a business to set up, a monster to slay or any concerns ye’d like addressed or alleviated. Ye can be certain she’s done a bulk o’ the behind-the-scenes work that made today’s wild success possible. So when I say ‘thanks for everything,’ the word everything’s hardly an exaggeration.” Addy smiles lovingly at Asham, then decides it’s time to close the event. “Finally, I’d like to thank all o’ you. Those who ran games under tents, those who brought children, those who took the time to thank Snickerdoodle for her delicious berry juice, those who committed acts o’ kindness without seeking any reward—” If the nixie is present, Addy’s gaze lingers on her. “—and every one o’ ye just for being here on Shelyn’s day and making it the joyous occasion it’s meant to be! “And seeing how there ain’t sprites dancing o’er me dress, best I get off the stage, leaving ye with a Merry Crystalhue…!”
@Ahto (or anyone), did you want to say anything to close the ceremony? Addy definitely will, but if anyone else intended to speak I believe she would’ve worked this out ahead of time. I assume the Ahto/Eunomia spoiler RP takes place prior to the fireworks.
Addy watches one amazing display after another, and upon hearing the Sylvan command, she pays close attention to Sprocket. Somewhere in the back of her mind, the Vixen is surely seeing how a rocket-dog could be an awesome sidekick against a monster, but Addy tunes out that part of herself… Wonky / GM:
Addy finds a place where she can see the show, but is not easily seen. She remains still and reminds herself not to ooh and ahh like the crowd below.
Addy is on the rooftop quietly enjoying the combination fireworks-slash-dog show. She will be invisible for a couple more minutes. It looks like the show could outlast several potions…!
To be fair to the fey, those die rolls kinda matched any quartet’s ability to pull off the real Waltz of the Snowflakes, which only requires one harp, but many violins, vocals and dancers. Additionally, the singers don’t have to also dance, and a fiddle lacks the finesse of a classical violin. Addy’s die roll, on the other hand, indicates she’s wicked awesome at being scenery!
Were mistakes made? Like a good winterscape, Addy did not react… but that wasn’t neutrality. She was doing all in her power to feign a mere smile which severely understated her euphoria as ladies no bigger than her hand danced about her body. And the harp-player on her knee was flawless! She waits for all three of the winged women to take flight, then takes the hand of the fiddler at her side, and bows with the performers. Backstage, her real feelings show in the form of an ear-to-ear grin. “Thank ye so much for inviting me to the stage! That was even better than how we rehearsed it! Did ye see me parents’ faces? Oh, I gotta go to them! Snickerdoodle, would ye mind helping me serve cups o’ yer berry juice to Ash and me parents? “Oh, and all o’ ye’re welcome to take me seat during Wonky’s show. It’s front and center. I can introduce all o’ ye to me parents now, if that’ll make it easier.” In any case, Addy intends to serve her parents and Ash, and she’ll offer one to Wonky as well. “Ye’re clear to set up for tonight’s finale, Miss Prong. I can’t wait!”
Tried to squeeze in an Artistry check, but missed the editing window. I figured Addy should have to roll something if she’s on stage. And the bonus is high because I’m using my Lv.5 & Lv.9 Social Grace bonuses for Background Skills. (Art now, Craft @ Lv.9) Funny that I picked Artistry first. I think my main reason for not picking Craft at the current level is that I can’t take ten to create a masterwork outfit yet, whereas at Lv.9, I can.
Addy is not a performer, but she is an artist with social grace. Thus, once the fey begin the Waltz of the Snowlakes, Addy poises her body to create the illusion that she and her white dress represent a winter landscape for the diminutive dancers.
Addy recalls the opening number from rehearsal. Low hums and gentle pluckings play like a snow flurry, with the sprites twirling about like descending flakes. “We could call it Winter is Coming. Nah... that sounds rather ominous, now that I’ve said it aloud. Winds o’ Winter? Nope, nope, forget I said it. That title shan’t see the light o’ day.” She considers the dance. Miss Tremaine and Lenore talked about dances. One kind of dance is a W-word, perfect for a Winter-alliteration. Addy snaps her fingers. “I got it!” To the crowd, she bellows, “Ladies and gents, li’l ones of all ages, prepare yer selves for six minutes o’ pure bliss—that being the first song and dance of our fey troupe performance: “Waltz—” Don’t say ‘of Winter!’ No more titles with ‘winter’ in it! “—o’ the Snowflakes!”
GM:
Nice! I was thinking like this, except Addy wouldn’t do any singing. Addy also doesn’t look as pretty as Bernadette Peters right now, so my bluff check should be +13. That’s my normal +9, +4 for Social Grace, and there’s also an Extremely Fashionable +1 Trait, but that should not apply now that Addy’s dress is torn and kinda muddy. Only two posts prior, I remembered not to include the trait. I also had a link with a Steve Martin quote (edited in because I saw Ahto’s post after posting mine). The mention of both actors compels me to link THIS.
If what I’m attempting works, with all these tiny fey huddled together and timidly performing, Addy will look like one of those guest starlets on the Muppet Show.
Addy gets back on the stage.
She asks Tyg, “Mind if I share yer seat?” If Tyg allows, Addy sits on the center stage stool, crosses her legs, and invites Tyg to climb on her knee. “I guess I never did explain what Crystalhue’s all about. It’s a celebration held on the winter solstice, which is the shortest day o’ the year, with the longest night, and o’ course it’s the coldest season. So what’s that got to do with Shelyn? “Nothing. “She’s the goddess of art. Whatever worries ye might rightly have for survival, ye don’t get through that by wallowing in misery. We face this time o’ year with joyful hearts. Joy’s essential to survival; art brings joy. Do me a favor, Tyg. Play that joyful opener from rehearsal on that lovely harp o’ yers. Just for me.” Addy rotates ninety degrees, giving the audience a side profile of herself facing the grig on her lap. If she is able to get Tyg to play, she then signals Snickerdoodle over and says, “Why don’t ye stand beside me, and play yer part… for me Mother.” Addy points out her mom. “The fiddle’s her favorite instrument, mainly ’cause o’ the way ye work the bow and the strings. Go ahead and show her how it’s done.” If Snickerdoodle manages to join in, she calls to the sprites. “Ainsel, take a seat on me right shoulder, and Toughnut—” Addy’s left side is away from the crowd. She slaps her thigh. “—ye can sit here. How about the two o’ ye sing the Sylvan lyrics. I’ll translate the story o’ the song tells afterward.” And if all that works, Addy will stick with the fey through the whole song, or even the whole act, with a joyful heart.
Addy gets the fey to the stage, which will provide a nice distraction while those boys get scared straight, On the stage, Addy announces, “Ladies and gents, li’l ones of all ages, our next performers’re ready to give a show like none o’ ye’ve ever seen. But before the music begins, I’d like to address the commotion some o’ ye’re likely aware of. “A boy was missing. He’s been found, as have the culprits—older boys who’re cooperating.” She only provides this detail in case any in the crowd suspect a fey kidnapping. “Among the rescue party’re the very performers ye’re about to see. Providing song and dance: Ainsel and Toughnut. On fiddle: Snickerdoodle. And playing the harp is a dear friend who not only got the band together, but also found the missing boy. Please give a hand to Tyg!” Addy steps aside and holds her hand out to center stage. If Tyg takes her literally and thinks the upturned palm is meant for her to land on, Addy will just roll with it. But this moment is for the fey, so Addy has no intention to stay on the stage. So she only says one more thing to the fey, in Sylvan, <You were truly heroes just now. Thank you.> Once able to give the fey the floor, Addy sits next to Ash and holds her hand. As this leaves one hand free, she also holds her mother’s. Mother surely knows Addy and Vikki learned Sylvan in the hope to one day speak to fairies. That actual fairies exist and are so pleasant to talk to…! Thoughts of her dead friend almost bring Addy to tears. But the fey will definitely be distracted if she can’t keep it together. So Addy dares herself to stop bottling what’s eating at her. “Vikki’d have adored this,” she says—
—and she smiles pleasantly at her parents, then faces the stage with a cheerful expression, ready to enjoy the li’l ones’ big moment!
Addy replies, “I’ve a feeling I owe ye more favors than you owe me.” She gives Ahto a smile, then… …turning to Tyg, she says, “It’s show-time, once you and the girls’re ready.”
Addy helps get the boy back to his family, and she even offers to carry him well away from the cliff. When she goes to Ahto, she doesn’t forget to get her ring back. “I’ve plans for that ring. It’d be very bad to forget I ain’t wearing it. “As for the other plans for the day, I’ve a feeling Tyg and her li’l friends’re comply unfazed by the whole ordeal. With the boy found, might be best to give the crowd something to feast their eyes upon so Coda’s family can have some space. Shall I get the fey back to the stage, and on with the show?”
Addy is pretty sure she knows what Ahto is looking for. “I’ll make an announcement before the fey go on. I wanna credit Tyg for finding the boy. If ye’d like, I can also ask if the person who rescued him’d like to approach you. You’d know if someone’s telling the truth, not just trying to take credit by falsely claiming heroics, right?”
If a rope’s been sent down, Addy uses it to aid her ascent, mostly to set a good example.
Once up the cliff, Addy’s white dress is now wet, torn, and the color is more a speckled eggshell. The rainbow sash doesn’t look so bright. Oddly, the Vixen might have made a fuss over this. Addy seems to love being filthy. She says to Eunomia, “Let me just… stay like this. For now.” Eunomia: It’s clear to Eunomia that Addy wants to be muddy now, but the ‘for now’ makes it clear she’ll be begging to free her dress of unsightly tears and all that gross mud before dinner.
Addy lets the expert work his magic (whether or not he needs actual magic); she assists in whatever way she can, and/or is asked.
Addy knows nothing of healing, and she possesses no magic.
If she can tell the boy is alive, that’ll be a relief. Is it safe to move him? Would Addy be able to tell?
Addy replies, Got it! and heads back to the cliff’s edge. Climbing while barefoot is child’s play to her. If Ahto looks like he could use a hand, she’s happy to head down.
Else, she stands by, ready to secure the rope and pull up the boy.
Addy watches Ahto fall safely*, then looks up to Tyg. “Before you begin performing, let me publicly credit ye for finding the boy. I’m gonna pray for a Crystalhue miracle—and get a rope!” Addy runs back, silently calling out to Eunomia, We found the boy. Ahto may need to heal him, and we need lots o’ rope and a plank.
Addy says, “I don’t care about money—I don’t know how magic works. Don’t the ring need to attune…? I didn’t test it the day I got it.” Despite her fear, she takes the ring off and hands it over. “Leap o’ faith, then. If ye’ve a rope, tie it at yer waist so I can pull ye both up.” Realizing tying the rope first not only slows the rescue, but risks herself being pulled down, Addy clarifies, “I mean, kid first, then tie the rope. I just need me end of it now.”
If she sees any of the fey, she lets them know the red-haired boy is a barefoot, and to relay any helpful information to Eunomia. (She will also ask one to help her with the tracking!)
Addy bolts to the mill, fearing it’s the more dangerous destination. Off to the mill, she says to Eunomia via message, wondering if the whole team hears her, or if Eunomia needs to relay a message sent by her magic.
Addy hears the announcement. “Hey, girls… we got a missing kid—a li’l red-haired boy. Red like…” Addy holds up a lock of the undyed portion of her hair. “…like me natural red. “I mean, it’ll look insensitive to have all this song and dance during a search, and when ye do go on, I’ll announce yer heroic efforts!” If the fey agree to help with the search, Addy also helps out, calling Cooper’s name. “Coda Cooperson,” she announces, “come join me on the stage to claim yer prize!”
Well, since the vigilante took the day off, somebody’s gotta…
Addy says in Sylvan, <What you rehearsed is lovely, girls, so I suggest you stick to it. The crowd will love it! Trust me on that!>
Addy eats with Ash and her parents. If anyone else joins, she introduces them—but she’s only at the table for about ten minutes. She wants to get backstage sooner rather than later, and be in the presence of her fey friends.
She manages to contain her excitement while out in the crowd. And after just the right amount of sustenance, she is able to remain completely calm in the presence of her dainty-but-excitable fey friends.
Addy is relieved this will work out. She certainly wasn’t going to ask Wonky to alter her plans. She waits patiently for Wonky to mix the concoction, then graciously accepts the Crystahue gift. “Oh, thank you! I believe ye said this’ll last four minutes, right? “I’d ask for a way o’ knowing when yer show’s over, but I’ve a feeling it’ll be obvious. I can’t wait for the big surprise! Oh, but I best grab a bite with Ash and me parents before I keep blabbing and’ve no surprises left for you!” She’s about to bolt, but says, “Ye’re welcome to join o’ course—with Sprocket—Mother’s an animal lover.”
Addy says, “Okay, I get it… and actually do NOT want ye to give away a secret. I just hope the audience’s attention’ll either be directed at the steeple or the stage when ye’re done. “If ye can tell me that’s a likelihood, I can work with that. If not, Ainsel and Toughnut can direct eyes to me after yer big finish.” She hesitates before adding, “Maybe I best give away one o’ MY secrets so I don’t get killed.” Wonky & GM only, please: Addy shows Wonky the ring given by the fisherman. “I mean to leap from the steeple prior to saying some words—and yes, I tested the ring.
“I’m no expert on what ye do, but can I trust ye won’t be blowing things up near the wooden structure? “Oh! And any chance I can drink an invisibility potion so no one sees me climbing up? No biggie if ye can’t spare that… I was just gonna sneak up there. But, I am wearing a lot o’ white.” Wonky can tell Addy is pretty flexible about this big leap. Not having the potion would really not bother her.
I love this^ being Ahto at a party!
Addy says of Tomi, “Oh, she’s probably a li’l nervous about…” And maybe Addy’s a bit nervous herself, the way she cut herself off. But despite being mildly flustered, it does occur to her that Ash is more than capable of seating her parents, she makes a hasty intro: “Mom and Daddy, this is Wonky—she’s in charge o’ the finale! Wonky, this is me Mother, Kelsie, and me Daddy, Edan. “Let’s chat a bit.” Once Ash and her parents are out of the way, Addy says, “O’ course yer pyrotechnics’re the final performance. I’m just curious as to where the crowd’s attention’ll be directed at the very last. Would it be the stage or…” She points to the library steeple. “…the sky? Either’ll do, just gotta know which o’ the two—or if it’s that plausible third option I’ve not thought of.”
Addy comes out onto the stage, and says, “Let’s give Miss Tremaine and her troupe a hand for that lovely performance! “Enjoy yer lunch, ladies and gents, and be sure to be back in time for me littlest friends, Tyg, Ainsel, Toughnut and Snickerdoodle!” Addy then heads backstage… GM:
…and tells the courtesans, “That was amazing! I loved it… and I better grab a bite or a nap or both. If I don’t catch ye while I’m mingling, I’ll see ya tonight!” …but she isn’t back there for more than a minute. Addy rushes toward a red-bearded man who’s just shy of six feet (in height and in girth).
“Hope ye’re enjoying the show, Daddy!” She then turns to a dark-haired woman clad in fur and bone jewelry, seated next to Asham. “I take it ye’re well acquainted with me date, Mother? “Let’s get the three o’ ye seated. I best eat light and be quick about it so I can get to the fey before they’re on. Wait’ll ye see ’em! They’re lovely… like the fairies me and Vikki used to dream up!” She almost stutters speaking the name, but with Ash’s presence and the festivities, she can speak the name. She’s actually glad she did.
Is there a magical equivalent to Ye Olde Microphone? Like a spell that amplifies voice, for example? (Or an ability. Yup... NOW it dawns on me how beneficial the Mockingbird social talent could be in this situation.) Anyway, if there’s a player or NPC or a “wonky” device with such magic, Addy’s inquiring mind wants to know.
Addy is relieved that there won’t be an ugly scene of an arrest, much as she understands Eunomia’s point of view. But with the party divided on the issue, and Addy admittedly being too soft to act on the Vixen’s behalf, she sees the wisdom in Ahto’s compromise. “Seems things’re settled after all. Merry Crystalhue, then. I expect this menagerie will be gone before the start o’ the show, and not a solitary word o’ this’ll darken our doorstep.” It isn’t a question. Addy trusts the fear of Ahto’s been significantly struck into the man, even if he did get off easy. And the Vixen’s voice isn’t making a peep, true to the promise made in Addy’s prayer to Shelyn. She’s about to go see the performers, but seeing how one of them is in this very room, she tells Wonky, “After ye’re all set with yer new purchase, I’d like a word in private. It’s about tonight. “Ye can find me near the outdoor stage by the library.”
Addy smiles. “As long as the animals get proper care, I’m good.” She says to Mortro, “Ye heard the lady. Deal’s off.” She then moves to a position that helps her obstruct the exit, should the man try to flee Ahto. Eunomia & GM only: Eunomia’s mention of Vikki brings Addy to tears, but she’s glad it was said. “You always know just what to say. And I know ye speak the truth, so I always trust ye…”
This is proven later on Crystalhue, when Addy takes back her own deal in a heartbeat! As for the dawn of that very day: Eunomia is introduced to parents Edan and Kelsie Lane. Daddy walks Addy down the aisle—path in the woods, really—and Barris pronounces the couple as wife and wife. Eunomia is invited to bear Addy’s ring, while Mother, as Matron of Honor, does the same for Ash. After the short-but-sweet ceremony is done, Addy says to Eunomia, “I know it was just a li’l thing, but yer presence meant the world to me. But this is Shelyn’s day, so if ye don’t mind, keep me marriage a secret. I’ll reveal the truth after Wonky’s fireworks’re done. “Sorry ye’ll be among the least surprised in the crowd.”
Addy says to Ahto, “Oh, it is Crystalhue. Maybe a li’l leniency can’t hurt. How about, in a true Abadarian spirit, ye let Mortro earn his way out o’ the stocks. Specifically, the deal’s to return the swindled money, pay—out o’ pocket—any o’ the local druids or priests o’ nature deities for the treatment of any infected animals, and aside from that, head to the border without o’ word.”
Addy then turns to Mortro, and adds, “Before ye go and do a silly thing like try changing the deal, let me help ye: this is the only deal I’m pushing for, and I’m only pushing for any mercy at all ’cause this is me goddess’ day—the most fabulous time o’ the year. See how f!&%ing jovial I am? But if ye don’t like me deal as-is, well, that’s gonna suck the eggs out of me egg nog. Ye don’t want that. What ye want is to accept the deal—me Crystalhue gift to ye—and quickly. “’Cause the alternative’s Ahto’s compelling invitation to the stocks, which ain’t in the spirit o’ the holiday, but is to the letter o’ the law.”
“Sure, I’ll just go out and yell to the kids, Merry Crystalhue! As a gift to the wee lassies and laddies, come enjoy a complimentary visit to the Animal Cruelty pavilion!” Dropping the sarcasm, Addy goes on, “Ye wanna talk about money, ’cause Ahto’s an Abadarian? I get it. Only, this is Shelyn’s day—She’s my goddess, the goddess of artistry, and con-artistry ain’t an art form.” Addressing Ahto’s concern of being out-voted, Addy says, “This is a slap in the face to Shelyn. Yeah, blasphemy. “I ain’t about to overrule Ahto. I think ye best leave on his terms.”
The tent’s hilarious! Addy is trying to fight the Vixen within, as she promised Shelyn there is no Vixen today. So a situation like this will get her to act like… well, as posted. If there’s a combat situation, Miss Lane has her bow. Oh… and I forgot to mention to the GM, Mother can cast Endure Elements. And yes, so her daughter can go barefoot on Crystalhue.
Addy turns to Master Mortro…
“So here’s the deal. I haven’t properly celebrated me goddess’ big day in five years. And it’s a very special day… one o’ peace, love and unity… and joy. “And what it ain’t’s a day where ye get a bunch o’ suckers to gawk at yer depressing half dead animals. And what’s with the dwarf?! How many f#*#ing chickens does the guy gotta eat?! “Ye know what? Don’t answer that. Just piss off before I get pissed off! Walk away. Leave the animals.”
GM & Eunomia only, please: At some point before Crystalhue, Addy asks Eunomia if she’ll join her at dawn. She then reaches into her purse and pulls out a pair of covenant rings. “Ye know how me last wedding experience went. And Ash’s heard it all too. Talking through it with you’s what led to me finding the courage to share everything with Ash, including the all the parts o’ me I ain’t proud of. “Turns out she likes the idea of a secret wedding. Me parents’ll be here in time to attend, so technically, we’ve the witness we need far as legal stuff goes. And with no big ceremony, there’s li’l to do but attend… but I wanted to ask anyway. “Would ye mind being the Maid of Honor?”
Miss Tremaine: Addy replies in an apologetic tone, “I thought me being a first-timer’d take the pressure off ye… not put more on.”
Addy thinks it over, and says, “If decisiveness on me part’ll prevent a delay, I’d like the massages at midnight, privacy until dawn, and a couple’s bath the morning after. Keep decor simple. Flower petals—every color available in the spirit o’ Crystalhue. And candles: white. “As for bawdy surprises, let Tomi and Abbs be the ones to draw the bath and lead Ash and I to it.” She assures Miss Tremaine, “I’m sure they’ll see the face o’ two very satisfied guests, and I’ll give the ladies me compliments. “I’ve waited too long for this night. The only thing that can possibly ruin it’s the night not happening.”
Miss Tremaine: Addy replies, “Flower petals sound lovely. A part o’ me’s partial to red roses, but… lemme put it this way. I’m a fashionista, conscious o’ the meaning o’ color… and me dress is white.”
Addy blushes a little, but her expression is no less giddy.
Addy makes the arrangement with Miss Tremaine, which doesn’t take long at all. With everything ready to go, and the talent trusted to follow the program, Addy explores the area. She can be seen practicing an acrobatic stunt—
—testing the feather-fall ring’s effect on her descent. And does a feather-like fall extend the distance of a jump? Only one way to find out!
If anyone sees her, Addy doesn’t mind at all. She’ll greet passersby with a “Merry Crystalhue!”—a phrase not uttered from her lips since her late teens, and not this joyously since her childhood! After jumping around thrice too many times, she blurts, “I’ve rings on me fingers, and welts on me toes!” And she ain’t kidding, so she gives practice jumps a rest.
Addy takes in how ravishing Ash looks, all dolled up for the big day! “Oh, you’re so right, Ash! Me li’l friends earned the new spot. I’d say in musical talent, Tremaine’s troop caters to human tastes, but the fey worked out a sound that’s both pleasing to us bigguns and otherworldly. “Wonky deserves the final spot, so let’s give it to her. I’ll say some words after that. It ain’t scripted, and probably won’t be. If I know the gist o’ what to say, off the cuff’s best for me.” Considering Ahto’s concern, Addy gives Ash a peck in the cheek. “Looks like Ye’ve work to do. I’ll go to Miss Tremaine, let her know o’ the arrangement.”
Addy would definitely trust Miss Tremaine or another talented NPC to handle it. Addy will only want to... well, I’ll PM that. Short answer: yeah, you can work out the schedule.
Addy has her schedule in hand, and in her other hand a pencil mere inches away. —which she withdraws as soon as Wonky speaks. “Oh! Awesome! Then I don’t need to change a thing!”
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