♖ Festum Animae ♖ MSL
by Istiana Komenenos
Topics: Tyranoth, Cornaeth, Feasting, Marcus, Istiana
The halls of Cornaeth were alive with movement, music and the scents of various kinds of foods, laughter erupted from little bubbles of people, wine flowed as if it were the Icen that ran beneath the land. The festivities were in full swing, with large fires burning in the hearths, creating a warm glow to surround all within. Tables lined the walls, full of delights from across the world and from those close to home. Boar roasted on spits, the fats causing crackles to spark up, each passing of the handle wafted the scent of meat and spices into the air, clove and pepper. Mountain grouse roasted in small clay pots, doused with red wine and shallots. Cure meats and smoked fish covered a vast array of tables, with the Icen Trout as the centre piece, the smoked colour offset by the vibrant green parsley peeking from its mouth. Strips of the latest venison hunt, which had been seasoned and hung for a couple of weeks, then prepared that morning to be gently roasted. In other areas, the scent of freshly milled and risen breads emanated, some plain, some flavoured. The crusts giving a satisfying crackle as the finger broke into it, a testament to skill and a welcome to all who joined them in the hall, each having some fresh bread. Olives, salad leaves, cress, peppers and tomatoes, sat near the cured meats, along with the cheeses, goat and sheep being the favoured with their climes, yet bison was also there, a deeply rich apple wood smoked kind that was a personal favourite of Istianas. Fresh berries and nuts had been imported in, lemon for drizzling on the salmon, and having been combined with honey tones for cakes. It was a fine display, with a little something for everyone, and cost a small fortune. Yet it paved the way for happy inhabitants. Istiana held a platter, filling it with almost everything that was available, that she would present to her Wolf, and pick at herself as she took a small moment of time to relax and admire her handiwork for the festival.
Marcus
A whip of wind from the mountain would occasionally cause the flames in the metal frame to roar up, as the bacchanal feast came to a quaint conclusion, Cornaeth's nights were mystical for the lights never left the skies this far upon the horizon and the aural dance of strange atmospheric phenomena mesmerized the imagination, the winds of magic as they were called, where there was not tuft of forest, the rock of mountains seemed to gleam with ice floes and collections of snow, mighty, formidable and unshifting. It was the sight of this realm that graced Istiana and Marcus, detached from their throne room as duties were excused and both could breathe a sigh of relief at having concluded such and such formalities, now lounging upon a large wooden frame that reminisced of more ancient valradic furniture. Istiana lying into Marcus's sturdy and wine-warmed frame, as an idle hand on each entwined digits with the other, partaking in a feast of their own away from prying eyes, prudish tradition waned amongst these lovers and they seemed more at comfort, at a glance the best of friends, in between glasses of wine, slow dreamy gazes into one another's eyes before the most delectable of kisses, as if the wondrous array of foods before them lacked that distinct seasoning of lovelust which made this all the better.
"What would the people say of the Wolf if not for you, I never thought the domestic domains would be much your fancy given such skill with blade and bow, but what an infinitude of mortal blessing to have a wife such as you to whom no talent nor skill is spared, sometimes..." Marc added clutching her in his arms with a greed that an Ishtaran merchant would have for gemstones and treasure, " I grow a bit possessive, cautious... for how could I not, looking at you, I fear even the gods may become covetous and for you, I'd raise a sword even to the heavens " Marcus added laying a trail of kisses along her shoulder. " I just hope this feast suffices to clear my name of the unfortunate incidence at Arneval, just so you know, I had heeded your advice to keep a low profile but our visit was complicated... who'd have thought that the Marcher Baron's had taken to training Siege Trolls " Marcus added with a laugh " You remember that time, Orc fortress outside of Karnothi, warg-riders and trolls, I thought we were done for and then you pushed that boulder off the ledge causing an avalanche... it was a spectacular sight... well worth the nagging afterward " Marcus issued a deep growling sigh, as he looked back to Istiana with a smile, his beloved, his closest friend, he clutched her hand and brought it to his lips laying a kiss upon it." What strange times those were and stranger times still... but so long as I have the good fortune of tasting your recipes.. I think we'll do well... It's a shame I never got to meet that Mother Agrippina... judging from your handiwork she must have been a fantastic cook " Marcus leaned back gently caressing and massaging at his wife's shoulders and neck.
" The court apothecarius tells me you've been in better health the past few days, hrm, that doesn't dismiss my concern entirely though I'll take his word for it, battles I may have fought but nothing compares to the ordeal of the miracle a woman must bear, you and our child are the only banner this old wolf fights for now "
Istiana
There was nothing else like these moments, when they could relax from days of political dealings and standing upon ceremony for hours on end. These times, watching the magic of the sky above them, curled in together, was simply peaceful. A much needed balm for the soul. He was correct in his assertion, that she had not exactly been built for the domestic life, yet, he was enough to entice her into it, he was the only she could have imagined this kind of life with. Her previous engagement had not been about love, it had been about politics. And she had chosen him as he was decent man, one that was the least likely to be cruel when she
kept the marriage barren. Yet the Wolf made that life something she had yearned for.
Especially when he said things such as he would fight the Gods themselves for her.
"It should suffice. All measures were pulled out and what little things I gleaned from those around me, they are less annoyed now." A gentle smile graced her lips, remembering the incident he recounted, though she remembered it as a panicked attempt to rescue him. For a life without him in it would have been a grave one indeed. "I also remember that time, during the riots, that you swept into my home, lifted me and carried me to safety, leaving me in your tent before going off to help soothe the people. And the way you growled at me when I came back to you later."
"You would have been besotted by her. She was a large woman, in mind, spirit. Wisdom. A fine cook that could be lethal with her wares too. It is where I learned it from." It was what had saved her life all those years ago. Had Mother Agrippina not shown her the ways, her own fate would have been the same as all the others in the shelter that day. "And she would have either loved you or battled you. For you two are similar in some ways." As she spoke, her head rested forward, with his strong fingers deftly working on her muscles.
It was warming that he held such concerns for her, for her health and the health of their child. "The root I was given has done great things for me. And I spoke with some of the wise women today, they say that this is common and shall pass. Some pups just enjoy making their mother ill early on. They also agreed to come in when I am closer to my time, to aid me in delivery." Each time she thought of that, it was always accompanied by an amusing thought, of Marcus shouldering his way into the room, while the door wasn't locked, finding it easy to enter and being surprised by it. Thinking that she would hold to convention and keep him out. Should he want to be there, she would not stop him.
by Istiana Komenenos
Topics: Tyranoth, Cornaeth, Feasting, Marcus, Istiana
The halls of Cornaeth were alive with movement, music and the scents of various kinds of foods, laughter erupted from little bubbles of people, wine flowed as if it were the Icen that ran beneath the land. The festivities were in full swing, with large fires burning in the hearths, creating a warm glow to surround all within. Tables lined the walls, full of delights from across the world and from those close to home. Boar roasted on spits, the fats causing crackles to spark up, each passing of the handle wafted the scent of meat and spices into the air, clove and pepper. Mountain grouse roasted in small clay pots, doused with red wine and shallots. Cure meats and smoked fish covered a vast array of tables, with the Icen Trout as the centre piece, the smoked colour offset by the vibrant green parsley peeking from its mouth. Strips of the latest venison hunt, which had been seasoned and hung for a couple of weeks, then prepared that morning to be gently roasted. In other areas, the scent of freshly milled and risen breads emanated, some plain, some flavoured. The crusts giving a satisfying crackle as the finger broke into it, a testament to skill and a welcome to all who joined them in the hall, each having some fresh bread. Olives, salad leaves, cress, peppers and tomatoes, sat near the cured meats, along with the cheeses, goat and sheep being the favoured with their climes, yet bison was also there, a deeply rich apple wood smoked kind that was a personal favourite of Istianas. Fresh berries and nuts had been imported in, lemon for drizzling on the salmon, and having been combined with honey tones for cakes. It was a fine display, with a little something for everyone, and cost a small fortune. Yet it paved the way for happy inhabitants. Istiana held a platter, filling it with almost everything that was available, that she would present to her Wolf, and pick at herself as she took a small moment of time to relax and admire her handiwork for the festival.
Marcus
A whip of wind from the mountain would occasionally cause the flames in the metal frame to roar up, as the bacchanal feast came to a quaint conclusion, Cornaeth's nights were mystical for the lights never left the skies this far upon the horizon and the aural dance of strange atmospheric phenomena mesmerized the imagination, the winds of magic as they were called, where there was not tuft of forest, the rock of mountains seemed to gleam with ice floes and collections of snow, mighty, formidable and unshifting. It was the sight of this realm that graced Istiana and Marcus, detached from their throne room as duties were excused and both could breathe a sigh of relief at having concluded such and such formalities, now lounging upon a large wooden frame that reminisced of more ancient valradic furniture. Istiana lying into Marcus's sturdy and wine-warmed frame, as an idle hand on each entwined digits with the other, partaking in a feast of their own away from prying eyes, prudish tradition waned amongst these lovers and they seemed more at comfort, at a glance the best of friends, in between glasses of wine, slow dreamy gazes into one another's eyes before the most delectable of kisses, as if the wondrous array of foods before them lacked that distinct seasoning of lovelust which made this all the better.
"What would the people say of the Wolf if not for you, I never thought the domestic domains would be much your fancy given such skill with blade and bow, but what an infinitude of mortal blessing to have a wife such as you to whom no talent nor skill is spared, sometimes..." Marc added clutching her in his arms with a greed that an Ishtaran merchant would have for gemstones and treasure, " I grow a bit possessive, cautious... for how could I not, looking at you, I fear even the gods may become covetous and for you, I'd raise a sword even to the heavens " Marcus added laying a trail of kisses along her shoulder. " I just hope this feast suffices to clear my name of the unfortunate incidence at Arneval, just so you know, I had heeded your advice to keep a low profile but our visit was complicated... who'd have thought that the Marcher Baron's had taken to training Siege Trolls " Marcus added with a laugh " You remember that time, Orc fortress outside of Karnothi, warg-riders and trolls, I thought we were done for and then you pushed that boulder off the ledge causing an avalanche... it was a spectacular sight... well worth the nagging afterward " Marcus issued a deep growling sigh, as he looked back to Istiana with a smile, his beloved, his closest friend, he clutched her hand and brought it to his lips laying a kiss upon it." What strange times those were and stranger times still... but so long as I have the good fortune of tasting your recipes.. I think we'll do well... It's a shame I never got to meet that Mother Agrippina... judging from your handiwork she must have been a fantastic cook " Marcus leaned back gently caressing and massaging at his wife's shoulders and neck.
" The court apothecarius tells me you've been in better health the past few days, hrm, that doesn't dismiss my concern entirely though I'll take his word for it, battles I may have fought but nothing compares to the ordeal of the miracle a woman must bear, you and our child are the only banner this old wolf fights for now "
Istiana
There was nothing else like these moments, when they could relax from days of political dealings and standing upon ceremony for hours on end. These times, watching the magic of the sky above them, curled in together, was simply peaceful. A much needed balm for the soul. He was correct in his assertion, that she had not exactly been built for the domestic life, yet, he was enough to entice her into it, he was the only she could have imagined this kind of life with. Her previous engagement had not been about love, it had been about politics. And she had chosen him as he was decent man, one that was the least likely to be cruel when she
kept the marriage barren. Yet the Wolf made that life something she had yearned for.
Especially when he said things such as he would fight the Gods themselves for her.
"It should suffice. All measures were pulled out and what little things I gleaned from those around me, they are less annoyed now." A gentle smile graced her lips, remembering the incident he recounted, though she remembered it as a panicked attempt to rescue him. For a life without him in it would have been a grave one indeed. "I also remember that time, during the riots, that you swept into my home, lifted me and carried me to safety, leaving me in your tent before going off to help soothe the people. And the way you growled at me when I came back to you later."
"You would have been besotted by her. She was a large woman, in mind, spirit. Wisdom. A fine cook that could be lethal with her wares too. It is where I learned it from." It was what had saved her life all those years ago. Had Mother Agrippina not shown her the ways, her own fate would have been the same as all the others in the shelter that day. "And she would have either loved you or battled you. For you two are similar in some ways." As she spoke, her head rested forward, with his strong fingers deftly working on her muscles.
It was warming that he held such concerns for her, for her health and the health of their child. "The root I was given has done great things for me. And I spoke with some of the wise women today, they say that this is common and shall pass. Some pups just enjoy making their mother ill early on. They also agreed to come in when I am closer to my time, to aid me in delivery." Each time she thought of that, it was always accompanied by an amusing thought, of Marcus shouldering his way into the room, while the door wasn't locked, finding it easy to enter and being surprised by it. Thinking that she would hold to convention and keep him out. Should he want to be there, she would not stop him.
Moderators: Ravenesque Istiana Komenenos (played by Ravenesque) Marcus Leocadus (played by Tyranoth)