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The Dining Hall has been cleared of its usual furniture and replaced by smaller tables for quiet mingling and then freestanding chairs for those who don't want a table. The room smells of fresh cut flowers as they are literally everywhere, on tables, hanging from the walls and so on. Toward the back of the Hall, a dais has been set up, but devoid of any figure on it yet. Servants mill around, serving those Lomasas who have already arrived.
Subhan Lomasa is quite easily missed amongst the crowd, sat quietly as she is at a freestanding chair. The excitement of yestereve has still left it's impression on her, the Baroness remaining a bit pale. Standing faithfully at her side is Phillip, who while normally given leave to meander as he will while they are here at the Castle, has chosen to stay by his Lady's side and ensure her health may be seen after if need be.
Renkek Kahar considers as he walks in and for now eyes a table near the back of the room he's not family not even remotely. However he had nothing better to do and perhaps may see some distant cousins as well, for all he knows anyway be thay Nillu or Kahar. He looks about and goes to a freestanding chair for now at least as well.
Already here and comfortable, Lorana has claimed a goblet of wine and any excuse to be here in her armor. She might not be stationed at a post this evening, but she's still a new member of the House Guard! Besides, it's ornate enough. Or at least that's what she told the one or two guests who decided to ask her about it.
Corriden enters the room-- It would seem that he, unfortunately, is on duty this evening, if the longing look he gives towards the wine is any indication. The 6'8" Lomasa pauses just inside the door to check that his uniform is in order, before striding into the castle dining hall.
Subhan Lomasa is being Subhan! Possessed of her pallor and lingering ill-feeling from the other night, it doesn't seem like she's going to be particularly active. OR maybe someone's enforced that she's not /allowed/ to be particularly active. Viable possibility! Violet eyes shift towards Corriden as he makes his way into the dining room, light smile offered towards the on-duty sibling.
Corriden isn't the only one who planned to show up to the meet in style. Norran arrives from the outer hall, notibly clad in a suit of functional iron half-plate (old-fashioned, for those with an eye for such a thing). It is meticulously well-maintained, polished to a shine and without any obvious flaws from the years. The accompanying helm rests at his side, secured there by a leather strap and at the ready in case he needed to don it. Over the hauberk is a tabard bearing the regalia and colors of House Lomasa while being fashioned of velvet.
He takes a moment to adjust one of his pauldrons, looking out over the gathering and spotting who he can recognize.
Corriden flashes Subhan a wide grin and a wink, professional demeanor dissapearing for just a moment. He takes up a place along one of the walls, towards the middle of the room, and surveys the goings-on dutifully with a soldier's posture.
Emerald-hued eyes sweep out over the Lomasas and Company as they pour in, Lorana sipping at her wine and slowly striding around the room with a dull clang in each step. Armored, but not on duty. Subhan and Norran each get a nod as they are spotted, and then the woman of 5'8" notes a head and shoulders sticking out a bit from the crowd. The noblelady decides to head over for introductions. "Chose a good sentry," she muses to the man with a friendly smirk, "You seem to be able to see over a fair bit of the crowd, my Lord."
Renkek Kahar may end up sticking out like a sore thumb as it were, but he smiles and nods to those that arrive. He considers something as he seems lost in thought momentarily but seems to return his mind to present things as well. He looks at those in armor and may ever so slightly sigh, but not likely noticable of many. He considers as he looks around more as well.
The girl's [Kensington's] boots clacked hollowly as she entered the Dining Hall, head kept low, her hair worn down, partially obscuring her face for the time. The girl was fully dressed in her best, save the empty quiver on her back, it was strange for those who've met her, to see her without her bow. She had a hardened look on her face, as she looked about for something. The girls face was covered in a multitude of scratches, as if she had been draged through a bramblepatch. The girl didnt say anything to anyone, yet despite her appearance, seemed to carry her self as if she had been given a noble upbringing. Lowering her head to others as she passed, clearly, knowing her place.
"Ah! Mistress!" calls Norran toward Kensington, disguise of noble bearing easily seen through by an actual noble as he shifts and jingles his way over to her. "Could you tell me where they put all the wine? It seems I'm going to need to be /thoroughly/ intoxicated in order to keep myself from dying of boredom before something actually happens."
Corriden turns his green gaze towards Lorana, and offers her an amiable smile. "Thank you, m'lady. I see the House Guard is well represented this eve.. Are you on duty or off?" He gives the room another visual sweep as he speaks, offering Norran a nod as he catches sight of the man.
The girl snapped her head over towards Norran, "Thats L..." she paused as she began reflevly, then lowered her head shamfully. "No M'Lord...I was not told any of this, I've been...away for a time." she said softly, shifting slightly to her right foot, "And I'm no Mistress....I am but a humble woman." she said softly, almost as if it shamed her to utter such words.
A single man dressed in the rich brown of House Lomasa enters the large room, looks around for a second and then inhales a deep breath before projecting a loud baritone that reaches all corners of the room. "My Lords, My Ladies, honored guests and friends, it is my honor to introduce to you Her Grace, the Duchess Dianna Eliana Lomasa of East Leg."
Into the room sweeps said Duchess, the brown silk rustling around her small form as she appears. "Greetings to you my fellow Housemates and guests," she says with a smile, blue gaze sweeping over the many faces in the room. Arlus appears to the right of his Lady, for once all cleaned up and in a Lomasa tabard and chainmail. The pair walk through the Hall, with the crowd parting hastily to allow Dianna free movement to the dais at the back. She takes her time, her head lifted proudly, and looking straight forward.
If anything, one could consider Subhan a silent sentinal, watching and listening to the proceedings and supervising to ensure the enjoyment of others. With little else to occupy her, it is so that, after offering a nod to Lorana in greeting, she reaches to tap Phillip's leg and get his attention. A nod if offered in Norran's direction, silent understanding passed between servant and noble.
And so Phillip, with only mild reluctance, he goes to fetch Norry a drink.
The girl dropped to a knee the moment she set her eyes upon Dianna. Lowering her head, and placing her right fist against the floor. Silent, waiting, deferent.
"Off," Lorana replies, thumping her gauntlet against her breastplate with a clang, "No tabard. But I like my armor and I doubt her Grace will complain about the extra security. She'd have to pry my axes out of my cold dead hands anyway." She grins to Corriden lightly and plants her back against the wall beside him, "Name is Lorana, by the way. And you are?" She bows some as Dianna comes into the room, and then straightens back up and returns to the relaxed position on the wall.
"Ho, no drink then. If I'm not the most smashed person here, what's the point? Couldn't possibly catch up to Corriden at this rate," laments Norran aloud, the young man shaking his head and offering Kensington a quick grin. "Of course you are. You couldn't be 5 or 6 years younger than I." As the girl takes to a kneel, he raises his brows in surprise. "That's not necessary, Mistress. A bowing of the head is enough from you, she's not the Empress and you're not a Blade," he speaks to her, giving a shrug as he makes his way to wade through the other Lomasas toward the front of the room. Polite waves and nods are given to those he recognizes.
Renkek Kahar smiles as he listens and watches and sees at least gender wise he won't be the sore thumb. He smiles and nods as he looks around. He does notice what seems to be a servant for someone trying to gain entrance for whatever reason. He considers and remains quiet but soon does stand and move to the table he had picked out earlier not wanting to be seen as suspicious in either extreme as they may say. While it reamins close to the back it's not one of the few where they're likely to have empty seats that the other servants may attempt to steal a brief second's respite in a chair there.
"Extra security never hurts. Good to know there's backup if we need it.. I'm Corriden, and it's a pleasure." The beefy Lomasa watches Dianna's entry as he talks, then turns a rueful smile at Lorana. "Pardon me. Hope to meet you when I'm off-duty." That said, he moves at an easy long-legged stride to a new position, to one side and behind his Duchess, gaze sweeping the room again for threats.
With practiced ease, Phillip appears at Norran's side silently, "My Lord." He offers quietly, as well as a goblet of wine.
Subhan, quiet as she has been so far this night, remains so, violet eyes watching her sister's grand entrance with nothing more than a subdued mein.
Lorana's eyes widen with some surprised interest as Corriden reveals his name, but she simply bows her head. "The pleasure is mine, Lord Corriden. And of course, do what you must, I'm sure we'll run into each other again." She takes another sip of her wine and watches the man of a full foot more height leave, looking him over more closely. "A wonder Arlus still lives," she murmurs into her goblet with an impossible-to-hide grin.
As Dianna reaches the steps to the dais, Corriden steps forward to offer his sister his hand to help guide her up. Once on the platform, she turns gracefully to survey all of those present. It appears that at least most of the House has come out for this meeting, and the large room is surprisingly full.
"Friends and family," Dianna intones, her voice loud enough to be heard. "Be welcome at the Castle of the Hours. I thank you for so many of you answering my call. I am Dianna Eliana Lomasa, daughter of Iagu Lomasa of East Leg, for those of you who have not met me before this night." She pauses to take a breath. "Tonight, I have hopes of putting your mind at ease for my ascension to the House Duchy, and to hear your thoughts of how we can better our House in the coming days."
As Dianna passed her, Kensington stood slowly, following her with her eyes, respectfully silent, waiting. She smiled softly content to watch the goings on.
Corriden Lomasa returns to his position once Dianna's ascended, squaring his shoulders back and doing his level best to look competent and professional. Still, every so often, he does cast a doleful look at the wine.
"Oh, /thank you/. Good man," nods Norran to Phillip in approval, taking the goblet and looking over to Dianna as she begins to talk. Shaking his head, he takes a deep swig of the goblet as he settles in to watch, silent for now at least until she speaks again.
Renkek Kahar considers and blinks this however may be something of interest afterall to him, not like he'd run and tell anything unless something serious would be said. He doubts such a public function would serve that purpose anyway. He considers if he is asked he'll think of something to say that won't get him tossed on his ear outside or the like.
Lorana finds herself a seat and settles into it, draining her goblet and gesturing a servant over to get another. "Pst," she starts to the people near her, "Anyone up for tossing some axes around after this stuffy affair is over?" Politics - really not this woman's thing. But she listens, at least.
Vesta Seamel slips in quietly, and is shown a seat by servants. Out comes the journal, and the quill, for the taking of notes. She might not have much to say, but she apparently has every intention of paying attention.
Phillip beams quite happily at Norran, his boyish charm and cheerful demeanour quite readily available tonight, "Just gesture when ye want another, My Lord. My Lady noticed your distress, so to speak." A small nod is offered in Subhan's direction.
Quietly Subhan comes to stand, the Baroness half-watching and fully listening to Dianna as she moves over to take a seat closer to Corriden, presumably to keep a better eye on him.
Kensington moved to the table the others were at, and stood silently, and if not given any direct remarks, she would take an empty seat, interlace her fingers, and watch on silently.
"We all grieve for the passing of our former Duke, His Grace Lord Lennek," Dianna continues, her head bowing down, fingers lacing together in front of her. "We all must curse the Shadow for taking him before it was his time, leaving behind a grieving family. But tonight I am here to assure you, my fellow Lomasas, that we will continue to persevere and stand against the Shadow a united force." She pauses to take in a breath, her blue eyes gleaming in the torchlight as she surveys the reaction of those around her.
Dianna lets her voice hang for roughly ten seconds before continuing on, lips curving into a smile. "Tonight, the first order of business I wish to discuss is the reformation of the Lomasa House Guard. In the wake of Lord Lennek's death, we were all pitched into chaos and the same was true of our main defense. Many of you have already come to me, wanting admittance and I have readily granted it. If there are any who still wish to join, I encourage you to seek an audience with me so we may find if you are suitable." Once again, she waits a few moments before continuing. "Over the course of the next few months, I plan to have ever member of the Guard rotate shifts, putting them in each of our townships and here at the Castle of the Hours. This will provide me the opportunity to become more familiar with those of you serving, but also so you may become familiar with each of our holdings. After this, anticipate finding a more permanent assignment."
Norran nods slowly. That's about it. He remains silent, listening, watching, drinking.
"Ooo, rotating, lovely," Lorana remarks softly, "Plenty of travel." Other than that, she pretty much acts similarly to Norran. Especially in the drinking part.
Renkek Kahar considers as he listens and watches well that's certainly something that isn't worth relating too much really unless others not present ask. He nods as he considers as he continues to look towards the Dais as well.
"As we begin to move forward, and take on new challenges," Dianna says with a small smile. "I ask that all of you be vigilant and be prepared for whatever may come. We stand at a crossroads, my friends, and if we are not careful, we will lead House Lomasa down the wrong path, and into ruin." Her gaze sweeps the room again. "I now open the floor to questions and comments in the hopes that you too may offer insight into our future."
Subhan Lomasa obviously isn't one to speak out any questions or comments - she's got the priviledge of being able to question the Duchess practically whenever she pleases after all, seeing as it's her little sister standing upon the dais. So she remains silent, even still.
Being a bright boy, Phillip slips away for a moment to fetch another goblet of wine to keep at the ready for Norran.
Corriden Lomasa turns long enough to offer an encouraging smile to Dianna, before resuming his alert surveilance of the room.
Norran bows his head to Phillip again in thanks, working on his second goblet of wine as he looks toward Dianna. Questions? No, having a guard is a good idea and we should keep doing that. He remains silent.
Lorana Lomasa, meanwhile, finishes her second and waves for a third in her wine genocide. She doesn't seem to have anything worth saying for the moment.
Renkek Kahar smiles as he considers and it's something on his mind and definitely something He coughs as if to be recognized "I realize House Lomasa doesn't focus on trade as much as other areas, but I was wondering what might you do to improve trade relations with some of the other houses and the like? or how to better, make your house prosper even more." he nods briefly.
Dianna's gaze flickers back and forth through the crowd, searching for the owner of the voice before landing on Renkek. A smile curves her lips. "Ah, My Lord Kahar," she says. "A valid question, especially from another House." She inclines her head slightly and considers the question before answering. "I know the common image of House Lomasa is a group of fun loving, party goers who perhaps drink too much but in truth, my Lord, we are also politicians, artisans, warriors and more. We produce more than just hot gossip and fine parties." There is a small glint in her eyes. "As other House Heads are named, I will be working diligently to form new agreements that will provide everyone with our goods and bring in the best products from the realm for my people. As for how this will happen... there are many ways to form new relationships. Through marriage, through a common goal or bartering wants and needs so everyone will come out happier in the end." She tilts her head to Renkek once more. "I do appreciate your interest and concern, Lord Kahar." Gaze turns back to the rest of the room. "Are there other questions?"
Corriden reaches up to rub at his black goatee, then declares in his rumbling baritone, "I say, your grace, I think everyone just came to steal all of your wine. I have two questions, the first related to Lord Kahar's. Are there any particular toes we of the House guard should be wary of stepping on? More importantly, when you speak of marriage does this mean you will be actively seeking contracts for us? If so, I oughta tell ya I love a woman in a uniform." His smile is a wicked one, as he leans a bit away from his the duchess, just in case she gets the idea of smacking him.
Renkek Kahar nods and dips his head he speaks no response he smiles and looks to see if anyone else has questions. He considers what's said however and seems to approve of the answer to his question at the least. He does get a goblet of wine brought over as well.
Kensington had finally taken the time to sip some wine, when the comment of Corriden caused her to go sheet white, snorting then coughing slightly in her goblet, holding her nose.
When Dianna mentions the 'drink too much' part of House Lomasa's image, Lorana peers into her goblet in the mildest moment of self-conscious thought before shrugging and taking another sip. She snickers very slightly and chimes in after Corriden, "I can agree with that preference! Although obviously in my case it would be a man." The woman puts on a grin and leans back some in her seat.
"Drink too much, nonsense?" harumphs Norran with a chortle, before downing the rest of his wine in a single gulp. But that's about all he adds.
As Corriden speaks, Dianna groans almost inaudibly. Only those closest to the stage would hear it. She intakes a deep breath, smiles once again and then turns toward her brother. "I would encourage the Guard to avoid stepping on any toes outside of our lands," she says slowly. "However if someone /within/ Lomasa territory is causing any form of trouble, from a peasant to another member of the nobility, I would expect the Guard to react in the same way. We are the law within our lands, save the Emperor and those who speak with his voice, Corriden, but not outside of it." The next question draws even more of a sigh. "I will be seeking contracts for those who are under my rule who I feel would benefit from a marriage or if someone approaches me about it." Her eyes narrow slightly at the tallest Lomasa. "Father /did/ give me the authority to oversee my siblings' contracts so if you have any particular desires, please let it be made known in a less public seeting." Corriden gets another glare before she looks to the rest of the people. "Any further questions?"
Kensington's eyes drift to Dianna at the mention of 'contract' and 'marriage' a slight rosey palor becomes her cheeks and she quickly makes her self busy consuming the rest of her wine, anything to hide the burning in her cheeks. She looks about as she finishes and sets the goblet down silently, watching the others, clearly the fifth wheel in this meeting of noble men and women
Corriden Lomasa nods to Dianna's words-- Right up until she mentions the part about actually seeking contracts for her siblings. The color sloooowly drains from his face as he contemplates, green eyes wide, the potential loss of bachelorhood. And freedom.
Lorana's grin grows, and her amusement claims her voice before her brain can beat it down with a stick. "Can I be considered to marry your brother there?" she asks brightly, "He seems like so much fun." She is, of course, joking, but Corriden gets a wink anyway.
Dianna lets out a sigh and tucks back a small portion of her hair before looking down at Lorana with a patient look. "I believe, my Lady Lorana, that the point of contracts is often to advance either the House or the individual, as well as provide some form of restraint for them." She glances askew to Corriden with a bland look.
Corriden Lomasa is torn from his shocked stare at Lorana's forwardness (it isn't one of those bad kinds of shocked stares, though!) and turns back to Dianna with just a hint of hangdog dissapointment in his expression, like a boy who's been denied dessert. Or a grown man who's been denied wine.
Renkek Kahar smiles as he listens to that answer and looks somewhat amused but takes a drink of his wine as well. He considers as he listens and looks to see if any other questions are aksed as well.
Subhan Lomasa makes some effort to pass Dianna a bit of a look, though it's certainly quite easily missed with all the others vying for her attention. Her gaze soon shifts to Corriden, almost as if to reassure him.
Kensington just remained silent, as she hasnt been addressed, content to remain more or less un noticed.
Lorana simply nods to Dianna, raising her goblet in salute and then setting it back on the table. Her grin widens a bit, although her cheeks flush as some embarrassment manages to settle in through the wine and amusement.
Dianna sweeps an expectant glance around the room but as no more questions arise, she nods her head and smiles, "I thank you all once again for making the trek to the Castle of the Hours this evening. Please stay and drink and eat for as long as you please." Perhaps a bad idea to invite /everyone/ to stay, but the invitation has already been issued. She takes a step toward the stairs but pauses.
The doors to the Dining Hall all slam shut at the same time, making a loud crashing sound. A whispering hiss sweeps through the room before there is a single laugh, echoing all around but without any source to pin it to. The next instant, the entire perimeter of the room roars with a brightly burning flame, rising up to the ceiling, but remaining oddly contained, herding House Lomasa and its guests toward the very center of the room.
Kensington suddenly screams out in agony at the excessive brightness, her eyes conditioned to operate in the darkness cant take it and she falls from her chair to the floor groaning in agony!
Renkek Kahar does get up and move to the center and then looks towards the screaming and blinks as he looks towards the remaining guests especially the other lone non-Lomasa to see if something else happens. He's not sure what he could do if anything if something were about to happen to him however.
"Balls," spits Norran quietly as he watches the fire, face widening in shock at the speed of it. "This is no normal fire!" he yells, moving back with the rest and looking at the rather hopeless situation around the entirety of the room. He seems to catch upon a thought and, glancing down to his goblet with just a little bit of wine left, decides to toss the goblet into the fire and watch what happens to it.
"What the bloody-," Lorana startles out of her seat and heads straight for Dianna. "Your Grace, stay down!" she says, falling into a protective position around the woman as it's time to move away from the flames. She draws two of her throwing hatchets and keeps her eyes open, gaze suddenly alert even in spite of her few drinks.
A bit late on the uptake due to a poorly timed glance at Lorana's bosom, Corriden pulls his steel greatsword out; not because he thinks it'll do any good against fire, but it is rather comforting to hold, at least. He steps closer to Dianna, placing his back to her body on the his side and counting on Arlus to do something similar on the other side. Although the drawn sword may be next to useless in the situation, at least Corriden's body makes a nice meat-shield.
Panic? Good thing there's Subhan here, your one-stop shop for panic. She lets out a sharp, startled scream at the slamming doors, bolting to her feet, violet eyes thrown wide and a trembling having taken her entire body. Alas, with the combination of fright and poor health du-jour, the poor Baroness trips and falls on her face in her attempt to flee the encroaching flames.
Kensington lay under the table, whimpering in pain, crawling towards the sounds of the others, staying low as possible, doing her best to shield her eyes, moving slowly, using her training in the darkness to find her way without the use of her eyes. Please for all that was sacred let them not fall silent.
Suddenly surrounded by guards on three sides, it doesn't stop Dianna from whimpering in fear at the sudden appearance of the flames. She inches forward, hopeful of her meatshield staying with her, in order to reach the dais steps and getting further away from the flames. Arlus stays by his Lady's side, sword drawn, facing the outside and waiting for any and all attacks to come at him.
~Foolish children,~ a probing voice echos into the heads of almost every person in the room. In some, the voice is far louder, causing cries of pain and fear, with some people collapsing on the floor in sobs. Others are far stronger, able to handle the intrusion into their minds. And others yet manage to block the voice out from their minds completely. Others like Norran. ~What happened to the last leaders of Fastheld is only the beginning. Your world will crumble and fail. Bow down to the Shadow and accept your fate.~ And then, suddenly, everyone's head is there own once more. The fires disappear in a woosh with no evidence of them having ever been there.
Kensington just cried, holding her face. The room wasnt what one would call a bevvy of brightness, but the sudden inferno that lit it up like the surface of the sun was too much for her too fast. There was blood. Not much, possibly from her clawing at her face, but her eyes were bloodshot, the tearducts red, like staring into the sun for too long. She would likely live, and be more or less fine, but it isnt a pretty sight.
Lorana shivers in spite of herself at that voice, eyes canting down to the floor in a fear response before she forces them up again. "Coward!" she cries, furious at both the mage and herself, "Call me a child to my face, you Shadow-spawned bitch!"
With a loud CLANG, Corriden's sword first wavers then drops to the floor from nerveless hands, his eyes going wide. He makes a choking, gurgling sound and slides downwards, first to his knees, where he wobbles in a daze, then slumps back against his Duchess, eyes rolling up into his head.
Kensington just curle up on the floor crying now, shivering, holding her self tightly, as if trying to wake from a horrible dream, but was incapable, young, rather inexperienced in many things she couldnt handle it.
Subhan Lomasa's only response is to curl up into as tight a ball as she can manage, the smattering of screams, whimpers and sobs a constant aria of anguish and fear.
Oh, the fire goes away. And the rest of his wine is spilled onto the ground. Norran frowns. "Definitely no normal fire. Shadow. First time I've ever seen it. But what was the point?" He glances over to the others screaming random things, head tilted in utter confusion. "What is it? Is it still here?" he asks the Lomasas at large, looking back to the entrances into the Hall. He runs off toward the kitchen to check if anyone's fled out of the back of the keep.
Vesta Seamel gently uncurls herself from where she'd been on the floor, curled protectively around her journals. Wiping tears away from her cheeks, holding her breath, she nevertheless seems to force herself to write down ...something.
Renkek Kahar does feel something... but blinks he looks around a lot as if to see if anyone else is in the room and then soon everything is gone... He blinks more and looks to the others for now. He's probably still panicking in his own way but not screaming he didn't come beweaponed so had none to draw either.
Dianna whimpers from her spot right on the edge of the dais. She's sitting on the top step, her arms curled around her as she rocks herself back and forth, whimpering. Even after the voice has retreated from her mind, she stays where she is, shivering. Arlus, looking pale and sickened, stays close to the Duchess. For the first time ever, his hand trembles as he holds his blade.
The rest of the house guests are in different stages of reaction, some slowly able to reach out and help the others who are worse off, and others being those sobbing or having passed out. There is no further sign of voices in head.
Corriden Lomasa rouses somewhat sluggishly from his blackout, looking terribly confused as dim comprehension begins to seep back into his mental state. First, he glances back at Dianna, and seeing her in good hands with Arlus, he then manages to push himself into a stagger towards Subhan. He doesn't even try to speak, doubting his ability to be coherent at the moment.
Lorana takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She manages to steady herself, but can't seem to drive the unease from her core as she scans the crowd. They will likely have left, but she looks anyway, for any signs of someone who doesn't quite... fit. Just in case they're counting on just being part of the crowd. She seems unwilling to leave Dianna's side for the time being.
Where has Phillip been this whole time? Why, he'd gone to utilise the chamber pot, as it were. What a jammy bastard.
Subhan remains curled up tightly, screams dying off to leaver her sobbing and whimpering, obviously frightened out of her wits.
Kensington cant handle the stress, losing conciousness on the floor where she lay
Renkek Kahar blinks and watches and considers he goes towards some of those remaining helpless and tries to get them either back conscious slowly or do what he can to help. He does move slowly in case something else happens and all. Whenever he gets to any of the Noblewomen he's very careful in his actions as well. Really any of the women at all but especially the nobles.
Reaching Subhan, Corriden settles back to the ground next to her, arranging himself in an indian-style-ish sitting position. Like handling a wounded bird, the tall Lomasa yanks off his gauntlets and tosses them to one side, then carefully gathers Subhan into his arms with a surprising gentleness. His hands are still shaking as he wordlessly cradles his sister, rocking back and forth with her soothingly, tucking her under his whiskered chin. He hums hoarsely to her, his gravelly baritone unsuited to lullabyes, the sound reverberating through his chest as he tries his damndest to soothe Subhan.
Norran emerges from the kitchen, munching on a slice of fudge cake and carrying a small plate with a few more. "Mmm *munch* Well, I didn't find any mages back there but! *gulp* I did find a perfectly good cake! Just sitting there! That's it, however. I'm calling it a victory for House Lomasa. *munch*." The cake gone, he makes his way over to Dianna at the dias, offering her a grin. "All is well, Your Grace. They seem to have fled. Someone should send for the Church, no doubt. Cake?" The plate is offered to Dianna.
Dianna takes in a shuddering breath and surreptitiously wipes a few tears that had tracked their way down her pale cheeks. She casts a glance at Norran, smiles weakly and with Arlus' help, she wobbles her way to her feet and speaks up with her voice as loud as possible to get over the few screaming and sobbing people still in the room. "Friends," she says, pushing past the few tremors. "Those of you who cannot travel on this night, we shall find you a place to lay your head tonight within the Castle of the Hours. The rest of you... I encourage you to return home to your loved ones and tell them of what has happened here this night. Be wary and watchful and please call upon me if you ever have need. I shall do whatever is in my power to protect you."
Many of the Lomasas start moving toward the door and the few that find themselves unable to move have servants helping them from the room and off to other parts of the Tower to sleep off their terror.
It's been a busy night at the Castle of the Hours. Many Lomasas and other guests are flocking out of the room while others are being carried, their faces pale and drawn. Those still left in the Dining Room are trying to pick themselves up off of the floor and regain some composure, except for Norran, who is eating cake. Dianna is standing on a makeshift dais toward the back of the room, looking pale but determined.
Renkek Kahar is moving to help people either back awake or where they can move at least. He looks about seeing the rest having help and decides to take the advice of the Duchess and get the heck out of dodge or at the least the castle. He doesn't start running like someone in a foot race but does start heading for the exit at the least.
Vesta Seamel slowly gets to her feet, white as a sheet and wiping tears from her face with one hand, as she tucks her completed records into her satchel. As quietly as she came, she makes her way toward the doors.
And it would seem that one particular Kahar has taking the concept of being fashionably late to new heights. In rushes Trinsa Kahar in her formal trousers. Oooo silk! "Why.. I do hope that there still spirits left. I found the most marvelous gutter to stumble into later." The young woman declares as she enters. It takes her a moment or two to register that not eveyone is looking particularly happy with the tears and whatnot. "Oh dear... Was it one of those kind of parties? Who got the intervention...?" She murmurs.
Without looking, Subhan knows who it is who's taken her up into his arms, the familiar warmth and gravelly lullaby so reminiscent of times past when they were children and Subhan would awake from some nightmare or other. Instinctively she clings to Corriden, fragile body shaking with her wracking sobs. She tries to speak, to regain even a smidgen of compusure but it is an effort doomed to failure, vocalizations meant to be words merely turning out to be slightly differently pitched whimpers.
Looking to Norran, Lorana just stares at him and his cake for a few moments, before she... starts laughing. It's an absent giggle at first, before it graduates to a hearty chuckle as her built up tension finds its release. The laughter is accompanied by a few slow tears she hadn't allowed to fall earlier. "Are you always so...?" she starts, trailing off as she fails to find the exact right word to describe the thought. Regardless, she claps the nobleman on the shoulder and smiles, before finally starting to move. It's towards what's left of the wine.