☩There is a harmony in autumn, and a lustre in its sky☩

[magicalskeptic]

First and foremost, this is a party.  It may be celebrating the end of summer, and the opening of a business, but it's a party, with all and sundry invited.  There is food, wine, music, and, hopefully, something to keep everyone entertained.

Yes, it is a mixture of what the hostess has always known -- there are sheaves of corn used in decoration --

Comments

The Hostess

[magicalskeptic]

The hostess might be particularly difficult to find during the event.  Should one see a blur of gold (it's a new gown, more her style, but with a little Deiran, and a little modern infused into it) it's probably the hostess off to check on something. Her dress is the focal point, thus her accessories are few, save a gold band bracelet, and a long chain with something she still carries, tucked into the neck of her gown.

She is both excited, and though she will not admit to it, anxious for everything to run smoothly.  Fortunately, she has Iola to assist, and Morgana is going to do her best to convince the girl's mother to allow her to stay as long as possible.

Throughout the evening, people might find the hostess:

• Hopefully not neglecting her escort.
• Playing with baby Elisheba Shepherd, who has been brought down to say hello to her guard Melou, before Morgana kidnapped her for some well-deserved spoiling.  Putting a baby in the vicinity of Morgana is like Penny bringing Angus -- Morgana will believe such a thing is done, just so she can spoil it.
• Checking on the quieter rooms -- the sitting room and the library, for those not well enough to partake in all the festivities.
• Looking for those she knows, and those she's yet to have the opportunity to meet.
• Willing to accept any polite offers to dance.  For some though, she might even accept an impolite offer, but that's not a guarantee.

Morgana has set herself an almost impossible task: speaking to each and every one of her guests, so she doubts she'll find a quiet moment all evening.  To her, that is the best part of all.

[sonofpellinore]

As for the hostess' escort, he mainly hovers near her, bringing her refreshments and occasionally demanding she take time off to actually enjoy the party. He's dressed simply but well, in a dark burgundy tunic with a little gold trim.

The fact she's so evidently having a good (if hectic) time rubs off, and he smiles easily.

[magicalskeptic]

"I must make amends," Morgana's also smiling easily, as nothing's gone wrong thus far. There's yet to be a challenge issued, or an incident where someone might embarrass themselves, where she's from, this would be considered a minor miracle.

"You kindly ask to escort me and yet I have been so busy this evening, that I fear you way regret doing so." It has been a while, a very long while since Morgana's flirted this way, but her skills aren't that rusty. "Therefore, I think you should insist I pay attention to you for a while."

[sonofpellinore]

"I will indulge you, then, by insisting. But first, may I say you should be terribly proud of how everything's coming off. Parties this nice usually involve weeks of Kay scowling, in my experience."

He offers his arm. "But I would be glad to have a glass of wine with you, and perhaps a dance or two, if you can spare the attention?"

Lamorak, it must be said, can be quite charming when he wants.

[magicalskeptic]

"Thank you," As is appropriate, Lamorak is her escort, she reaches to take his arm. "I have been fortunate not to scowl. My staff may not be extensive, but they are very efficient. I have had Iola too." Morgana's not one to insist upon all the credit, "I will have to make sure she takes time to go and see the horses." Here's Morgana, thinking of yet another thing to take up her time.

But, she's supposed to be focusing on her escort. "A glass of wine and dancing sounds perfect." It's not as if Morgana will be calm enough at any point this evening to sit, thus dancing would be lovely.

[sonofpellinore]

"I don't know if anyone's scowls could match Sir Kay's, regardless of the resulting party," he comments lightly.

As they move toward the refreshments he says, "So you'll be open for business, then, after this? Your hotel, I mean."

[magicalskeptic]

"I have only met him the once, in a trip away from here, so I shall have to accept your word on the matter."

Her escort gets the tiniest of raised eyebrows. While amusing, too many comments like that will remind her of someone she's lost. "Yes. Tonight is the official opening, though I already have one guest, and someone moved into the small cottage."

Morgana nods as two flutes of wine are poured by the extra help she's hired for the evening.

[sonofpellinore]

He hands her the wine, but the reaction, while subtle was not what he expected. He doesn't press, though; instead, he touches his glass to hers. "To a successful opening party, then."

[magicalskeptic]

"Absolutely," and takes a sip. Morgana has no intention of imbibing too much this evening, but one glass of wine is perfectly acceptable, and expected.

"Do you know many people here?"

[sonofpellinore]

"Not many," he confesses. "I've seen one or two I know by sight, but I've kept mainly to myself since coming to Xanadu. I've not a wide acquaintance, other than those I knew at home."

[magicalskeptic]

"I never understood, until I left Camelot, exactly how small my circle of acquaintances truly was. I am relieved to be able to mix in a wider society," Morgana leaves out, without fear of harsh judgments. It's a pleasant evening, and such unpleasant memories need not be brought up.

Her expression changes to one that is a bit more playful, "Well then, to make sure you have a better integration into this society. I shall propose a challenge."

Another thing Morgana's only recently been relearning how to do: play.

[sonofpellinore]

"Oh," he says, with a small laugh. "I see. What challenge would you set me, fair lady?"

[magicalskeptic]

For a moment, and it is just a flash, her smile dims, by what he's incidentally said, but as Lamorak could have no idea, Morgana does what she does best, compartmentalize and repress.

Thus, the smile is back, as is her mood.

"We shall have to introduce ourselves to as many people as possible. Whomever meets the most new people tonight shall win." Being the social creature she is, it might be a bit unfair of a challenge, so, she offers a fair trade. "As I have set the challenge, you may set the prize for the winner."

[sonofpellinore]

"I fear you've an advantage, my lady," he says, still good-humored. "As the hostess, everyone will make time for you, and I will be but the sun to your moon, throwing back light. But if it's the challenge you please to make, I will not shirk it."

Considering a moment, he says, "If you win, I will do a day of chores for you at the hotel, of your choosing. Should I win, you will do me the honor of having supper with me."

Why yes, both prospects end up with him and Morgana spending time together. How did you notice?

[magicalskeptic]

There is a long pause after he speaks. At first, Morgana's expecting an addendum, some sort of teasing after such a compliment, but it doesn't come.

His choice of rewards also earns him a quizzical look -- like Morgana's walked into something a little unexpected. It's a moment before she answers.

"I accept your terms," she feels like blushing, and usually, Morgana would never do such a thing. "And we shall have to trust each other's count. Shall we begin?"

[sonofpellinore]

"I think so. Though I pray you, allow me to include those to whom you introduce me, otherwise I'll have no chance at all." He smiles warmly, clearly happy she accepted.