Before the start of the new year, when Alexander has settled what needs settling and made arrangements for his tribute, he arrives at the temple grounds, giving himself enough time to take care in the preparation. It's not that he thinks he needs to show off, or impress himself upon the gods - but he enabled a bit of a scene in Hermes' keep, and he ( Read more... )

Unlike the opening of the Wayfaring Mare, there are few external decorations for this particular party.  The hostesses doubt, given the temperature and cooperation of the weather to participate with the colour scheme, anyone will want to spend much time outside.  Another difference is that the doors to the upstairs have been pulled shut and locked ( Read more... )

It is the rare occasion a countess of Xanadu actually visits the city. Once upon a time, she visited the lands her estate overlooked quite frequently; it was a sign of a good ruler, impeccable care for the helpless peasants, but that was once upon a time. There are no peasants now, no politics, no war, just self-sustaining people. Elizabeth misses ( Read more... )

The temple complex, dedicated to the Greeks, finds itself a new visitor today. She is small and veiled but walks with a certain sense of purpose and power, and when she passes others, she smiles warmly. (A ridiculous metaphor to fire belongs here, complete with the adjective "florid.") Normally, she would attend to duties in other ways, but today, ( Read more... )

In Xanadu proper, there is a luxurious manor home recently appropriated by two somewhat exceptional women. Since arriving with a cavalcade of hastily acquired help carrying in furniture and belongings, the pair have been sighted mostly only rarely, and most often in the afternoons and evenings- it seems at least one of the Countesses keeps ( Read more... )