Open Chronicles Pas Esvada is Coming to Elbion

[Alistair Wren]

Theme Music

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It was a week before Pas Esvada, and all throughout Elbion.

Standing just a few meters from the city square, Alistair clutched the edge of his fur-trimmed robes and looked around dumbly. The spires of the college and the the rooftops of the city were covered in snow, and a thick layer of sleet covered the street. Exams were over, but the college had been snowed in for several days and students had to sleep in the lecture rooms. Alistair and his friends hadn't got out until that morning, and there was week to go until Pas Esvada and none of them had bought presents for each other. The holiday was celebrated across Arethil, and different cultures had varying interpretations of what it meant, as well as different ways of celebrating.

He still didn't understand why the Professors hadn't just used telekinesis to push the snow out the way. Apparently that was too dangerous. Either way, being stuck at college after the term was over had left him decidedly pissy, and Cosmin's complaining didn't help. Night was falling, and they still hadn't got everything they needed.

And where the fuck was Tristan?

"Cos, where is Tristan?" Alistair asked, his arms full of shopping bags. There was a turkey in there somewhere.

Cosmin was busy looking at the front window of a bookstore. Alistair wasn't sure if he was even listening. He had a week to organize the Pas feast, then him and his mates had to put on their robes and sing carols at the college service. And he hadn't had any time to practice. The students were going home until the day, when there would be a huge feast in the city which was organized on behalf of the college.

"Cos!" He shouted.

Hauling bags of shopping up, he ran across the street and met Cosmin out the front of the window, "where's Tristan, I thought he was with you?" He asked, his hair covered in snow.

"And you still haven't told me what you want for Pas," he demanded. He was frustrated now. Every time he had asked Cosmin he said he didn't know. How was he supposed to buy a present for a guy who only liked abstract nonsense? Then again, Alistair had no idea what he wanted either.

There was a pause and he swallowed a long sigh, then exhaled. He peeked out from above the mound of shopping in his hands and slumped his shoulders, then rolled his eyes. He had a list somewhere, but couldn't reach it beneath the mound of stuff in his arms. Muttering to himself, he ran through everything they needed before the feast on Pas Esvada day, including presents, food and decorations. They still hadn't put up the fucking tree. It was laying in the college grounds near the latrine. Squirming beneath his shopping, Alistair gave up, then dropped a ham and a wreath onto the snow. With his free hand, he dove into his robe and grabbed the list.

"Okay, let's see what we need," he gasped.

After a quick skim of the list, he turned to face Cosmin, "Cos, did you get the stuff for the potato salad?"

 

[Tristan Morow]

Tristan wasn't so fond of the cold; he often found himself indoors when the weather began to turn from a comfortable warmth to the bitter cold. Thus, a week before Pas Esvada, the young Allirian woke in the comfort of his own bed. What time he woke- that was something of little consequence to the student mage.

Soft linen sheets and a thick fur blanket kept him warm while snow came down on Elbion. Turning his head, he could see out the window of his dorm. Snow indeed came down, leaving the city caked in a beautiful layer of white. The linen sheets were tangled under the blanket. The parts of his skin that weren't covered with the soft sheets were touched by the gentleness of the fine fur blanket. Even warmer, however, was the unclothed body laying next to him. A beautiful young woman with skin softer than that of his expensive sheets, she had silky dark hair and warm brown eyes. She had swooned Tristan the moment conversation was struck between them the previous night.

She shifted in her sleep, legs tangling with his and a small hand moving to rest on his chest. A strand of hair fell over her face, which Tristan quickly tucked behind her ear with a coy smile. As if in response to his gesture, her warm, playful eyes fluttered open. Once she realized where she was, a graceful smile flashed back at him. His partner brought herself closer to him, nuzzling his neck. He could feel as impossibly soft lips tenderly brushed against his skin. Words did not need to be spoken between the two.

She alluringly moved herself over Tristan, his arms spread across the bed now. Her hair fell like a curtain over his face, and her smile still shone down at the student. His smile, coy at first, now spread far wider than it had before. Clean white teeth flashed at her, and the beautiful woman brought her lips down onto his. It was a moment of shared bliss. When their lips finally separated, she rested her head on his chest.

The two fell back into a peaceful sleep without Tristan so much as thinking of his friends' whereabouts.

 

[Cosmin Lowdust]

The window was beginning to fog from Cosmin's proximity, but it wasn't his fault the books were placed so far from the glass. He had to squint to even make out their titles, though his own eyesight was at least partially to blame. The Prince's Vow, Eye of the Dragon, Face of the Wicked... A bunch of fictitious drivel, no doubt. Why didn't merchants ever put the intellectual stuff out front?

Cos!

The diviner bolted upright, turning to face Alistair with a perplexed raise of his eyebrows. "What? I'm listening," he lied, glancing about at the rest of the street. Most passerby were too caught up in their own affairs to notice the young man's shouting, and Cosmin adjusted a hefty sack of potatoes higher onto his shoulder before narrowing his gaze on Alistair. "I assumed Tristan was in your care, the imperious fool loves you."

A harsh breath of air sent fog tumbling out of the diviner's nose, coiling down and fading near his chest. Pas Esvada had always been a source of stress for him, and making friends at the College had only hampered his winter relaxation further. "I've told you time and time again, I don't want anything. I figure your coin purse would appreciate one less gift, given your little horde of friends to shop for." Cosmin began to count off on his free hand, quickly running out of fingers. "Tris, the Drake-Tamers you went to the Spine with, those two girls you're pining after-- Selene and Mere-Cellar, right? When are you going to tell them how you feel, anyhow? Look, don't fret over me, mate, you've got tuition to worry about for the next semester."

Cosmin shook his head and began walking once more. Two friends had taken a serious toll on his reserves of both currency and tolerance, and he couldn't even begin to fathom Alistair's absurd balancing act. When he heard a pair of thumps hit the ground, the diviner turned to see the Pas Esvada ham laying in the street, bedecked with a fancy little wreath of pine and holly. "Mind the meat. And, no, I'm just carrying this sack for fun," he deadpanned, once more hefting the burlap bag of taters that slightly sagged his shoulder. "Yes, I've got the potato salad fixings already, as well as the cranberries, and the garland... What more is there, a sacrificial lamb? Or will our sacrifice as bloody 'choir boys' be good enough for the gods?"

 

[Isabeau]

A smile crept along those lips of hers as her niece and nephew were giggling at one of the merchant windows, that had wooden made toys.

“AUNTY! AUNTY! Look, at all the pretty things.” Her niece squealed with delight, Isabeau laughed a little at how the children, despite everything that were going on, they were so excited for what magic would bring them on that faithful night.

Her nephew nudged his sister.

“She can’t see silly, Zeya” He whispered to Zeya, who looked as if she had offended a queen. Issy could feel the sudden change in mood and soon Issy was right beside them, scooping up the children in her arms and bent to their level.

“Shhhh, its alright Zeya and Zander it’s fine, you both can do something better and describe to me all the goodies inside.” Her warm smile beamed, her long black hair was now covered in a veil of snow and of course the long blue hooded robe snuggled close to her body. Her alabaster cheeks now a rosy red color from the cold, almost looking like a magical snow princess.

Zeya beamed a big smile as did her twin brother Zander and they began to describe in detail, Issy loved them and all their innocents, specially this time of year. Zander would make sure that his voice was heard as he spoke of the bright colors of the wooden soldier and all his regal glory and of course sweet Zeya, cooed over the beauty of the doll with beautiful red curls cascading down the well painted face.

She pulled both three-year old to her and gave them each a kiss on the cheek.

“Whatever would I do without you both.” Another soft smile as she stood back up.

Gabby who was snorting and very grumpy from being in the snow, stomped her hooves.

“Ok, ok we are going.” Gabby was carrying not only gifts but a feast for the night she was spending with family.

“Come here and let’s get back on Gabby.” She called to the two, who’ve now were giggling and plotting their night. She turned and Zander moved so Issy could feel for him, and one big swoop up went Zander on the saddle of Gabby, next was his sister Zeya, who sat in front of her brother.

Zander wrapped his little arms around his sister, to keep her safe and soon they were on their way to the next store. Isabeau kept her fingers intertwined in the main of Gabby as the horse guided both her and the children.

Zeya began to start to sing a fun little seasonal song and soon Zander chimed in and then Isabeau began to sing as well, and her voice though she hardly ever used it, was actually very good, for someone who didn’t have training.

Soon, a crowd as they walked began to gather around them, but didn’t stop them moving through the streets, Isabeau heard whispers of delight and some sang along, it warmed the woman’s heart to see such kindness flow into the air.

The twins paid no attention to the crowd as they were just excited to ride a pony and sing, they were little cute dolls wrapped up in warm clothing, singing their little hearts out.

 

[Severin Bellerose]

Joyous people, singing people, people sharing cheer among the rest.
Chaos one way or another.

Bah!! humbug!!

Severin stood before some stalls and merchant stands, making his eventual way across to an alley, but not entering it. His eyes shifted between the people. Students? Of course, they were now running amok between the people. He reached under his thick black coat, turning away. Out he drew a silver flask.
Unscrewing it while holding gloves was a minor difficult task. But yes there it went.
He took a swig of the heavy liquor.

 

[ZafiraJade]

Unlike most people, Zafira loved the cold.

She liked the cleanliness of snow, how it basked the environment in its white loveliness.

And the smell....

Zafira took a deep, refreshing breath, grinning wildly to herself as thin wisps of her own breath came out in front of her in the form of smoke. The action itself seemed like magic.

Zafira pulled the dark blue cloak tighter against her lithe frame, the frigid cold turning her pale cheeks pink. She bit at her bottom lip, green eyes scanning her once hometown. Elbion seemed almost unrecognizable now that she had grown. It hadn't been long since she'd been here - a mere three years, but so much had changed. The town itself seemed to be sparkling with a life she wasn't aware it could have - or maybe it was just the bad memories that followed it.

Pushing away her turning thoughts, Zafira fingered the rim of the leather-bound book she held in her cloak. She was in Elbion for her childhood friend who she remembered as constantly vibrating with positive energy. Excitement and nervousness rippled its way through Zafira's body at the thought of her. Finally, a familiar face after what seemed like a lifetime! The library where she worked was at a university which was why Zafira was standing dumbly in the center of it, looking around for this so-called library that was supposedly at the front of the school.

"Right in the front of the school, she said..." Zafira muttered, frowning as she scanned her surroundings. She felt a figure bump into her, his shoulder heavy against hers. She snapped her attention to the tall stranger, a rebuke resting at the tip of her tongue.

 

[Alistair Wren]

Grumbling, Alistair hauled up his bags of shopping and trudged through the street to meet Cosmin, who was still looking around and pretending to be listening. The college choir stood in the street and sang carols, their high-pitched voice soaring above the lights and the clop of hooves as horses pulled sleds through the snow. Slumping his shoulders, Alistair sighed, the merry notes of the choirboys doing little to calm his nerves.

He had sworn Tristan had been with Cosmin when all the students had been let out of the college.

"I thought he was with you when he we left the college!" He cried, barely able to see above the stack of meat and decorations in his arms.

A harsh breeze surged through the street and brought a shudder to Alistair's back. Cosmin reminded him for the billionth time that he didn't want anything for Pas Esvada. Rolling his eyes, Alistair slumped his shoulders and let out a vicious grumble. He knew Cosmin had told him he didn't want anything, but he didn't want him to mope on Pas Esvada day when he had no presents. As Cosmin counted out Alistair's friends on his free hand, he rolled his eyes even harder.

"Selina's not interested, and Myrcella, well..." Alistair shifted his eyes, "it's complicated, but I should probably get her something now that you mention it," he said sheepishly and recoiled into his fur-trimmed capelet.

"Complicated," just meant that Myrcella Bochanan was betrothed.

"And I do have to get presents for Ashieron, Freya Thrakin and Iliris, and maybe something for Rocky," Alistair said, making a mental list in his head.

Maybe it was better that he didn't get Cosmin anything after all. Alistair shook his head, trying to organzie all the names of people he had to get gifts for. Maybe a bottle of fancy mead for Tristan. Cosmin reassured him, telling that he needn't worry about him and should focus on his tuition instead, to which Alistair could only sigh.

"Maybe just a book on foresight runes," he thought to himself, all the while secretly planning to get Cosmin a last minute gift.

Sputtering, he leaned down and grabbed the ham, put it back in it's bag and slid the wreath around his shoulder. He accompanied Cosmin down the street, the two of them passing the festive windows and many market stalls selling Pas Esvada goods. He sighed with relief when Cosmin told him that he had actually remembered the stuff for the potato salad. At he had his excellent memory to count on. When Cosmin made a remark about their sacrifice as choirboys for the college service, Alistair couldn't help but keel over in laughter.

"You mean you don't want to stand in a dress and sing carols?" Alistair laughed, barely able to carry all the shopping.

He wiped an imaginary tear from his eye and sighed, having calmed down somewhat, "now where the fuck is Tristan? Come on, we better find him." He sighed, and waved a hand towards Cosmin.

A horse clopped by, carrying two young children and a young woman. As he walked past them, Alistair squinted. He recalled her from the plague he had dealt with on the ship in the Elbion harbour. He smiled slight, and shot Isabeau a friendly wave, wondering if she would be attending the feast and college service on Pas Esvada.

"Hello Isabeau, I hope the holidays haven't been too hectic for you," he said sheepishly, hiding behind the fur of his hood. Beneath the frost in his hair and the snowflakes on his eyelashes, he smiled, his cheeks and nose tinted red, "are you coming to the college service on Pas day?" He asked.

Alistair was too distracted talking to Isabeau to notice a figure walking towards him. He turned around and bumped straight into her, dropping his shopping, the ham, wreath and decorations on the ground.

"Oh shit, I'm sorry!" He stammered, and scrambled to gather everything up. He put the ham back in it's bag, made sure the turkey was alright and slid the wreath onto his arm, then stood at his full height and brushed the snow off his robes. He stammered a smile and faced the young woman, "sorry milday, didn't realize where I was for a minute there, are you having a good night? He asked, a tint of red coming to his cheeks.

"Pas Esvada, am I right?" He chuckled.

 

[Isabeau]

The serenade that the cute little twins bestowed upon Issy and those in the streets finally came to a giggling end as the two began whispering from one to the other. Issy could have sworn she heard one of them say they were going to try and stay up this time to see when the magic happens.



She felt a little giggle herself inside at the thought, as they never made it more than a few moments after dinner. A deep breath in as she closed her eyes and tilted her head up to the sky, opening her mouth and sticking her tongue out, a few snowflakes graced Issy’s tongue and soon she would return her tongue back in her mouth.



Opening her eyes, the memories of being a small child left alone for the holiday season, it wasn’t like she really was bothered by it, issy was basically a new born when the orphanage took her in and raised her, and so it was just what she knew. The snow when it did happen was an old friend as she’d sneak out with just a single coat, in her long white night gown and old used boots.



Of course, she was freezing but she didn’t mind as she ran around outside, catching snowflakes on her tongue by moon light. It was freeing and magical a few friends would visit, and yes, they were of the spirit nature, but they played with her, comfort her and pretended to even catch snowflakes in their own mouths.



She was young and had no idea spirits weren’t real people, not until later. Her long curls framed her small ivory cheeks as she bounced from one snow drift to the next, until finally the bitter cold won and made her slink back inside the Orphanage.

These were bittersweet memories she cherished and while they moved about her mind, suddenly a familiar voice called to her. She’d stop Gabby as she turned and with a warm welcoming smile she called back.



The twins were busy chatting and eyeing a very gorgeous pudding in the window of a local bakery.



“Happy Holidays Alistair, Oh, no not at all, though from the way you sound, it seems hectic is an understatement.” A sweet laugh moved through her lips. She then tilted her head to the side, her dark hair now highlighted by the snow that clung to the silk locks fell beside her own pink cheeks.



“I will, I was asked by one of your healers, he was rather admitted about it.” Another enchanting laugh came from her before she continued.


“it was very kind of your college to invite me, though I am not a student.” She didn’t feel at place there, perhaps it was an idea of being once more in a presence of a place like her orphanage that had her on edge, but she kept that to herself.

The light that bounced off of the snow, made her blue eyes glow even more, but they now showed concern as she heard the commotion before her, as she stepped forward letting go of Gabby’s reigns and moved to help in any way she could.

It was apparent that another was perhaps need help as well.

“Are you both alright?” She called from behind, yes, she couldn’t see but that didn’t mean she couldn’t, as Alistair had witnessed, Issy was quite surprising at what she was capable of.

 

[ZafiraJade]

At the panicky tone of the man, Zafira's rebuke floated away. She watched the young man struggle with the monstrous amount of stuff in his hand before he barely studied and turned his attention to her.

Zafira blinked, momentarily thrown off by the man's apologetic manner.

It's not that Zafira hadn't ever met nice people. It was just that there was something about her city, the one she lived in that had caused her to harden. It was how everyone was around her so stepping back into Elibon, the pretty little town where everyone was so helpful was strange. It was even more strange to see a man her age stand in front of her, breathless with a bunch of gifts in his hands and a girl with startling blue eyes talking to him. She wondered if another life she would have known them as something more than strangers. Maybe if she'd stayed, she'd be friends with these people. Maybe her childhood friend would still be her best friend...

There was no point in thinking about the what-ifs. It served no purpose, but to drive her absolutely insane. At the expectant look on the young man's face, Zafira snapped out of her thoughts. What was up with her today?

"No problem at all," she smiled, eyeing the big stack of items in the young man's hand. "Why don't I help you with that real quick?"

Her voice came out silkily, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she curled her pale hands forward. The plenty of bags in the man's hand expanded into one large one so that it carried all the contents in it with ease. Green sparks glistened at the edge of Zafira's fingertips, her green eyes morphing into a light brandy shade momentarily before returning to its original, cat-like hue.

"Better?" she asked, tilting her head sideways a bit. She couldn't help herself. The last few months on her had been grueling with the amount of stress her professor had put on her - so much so that she hadn't had the energy or time to talk to anyone. Plus, Zafira couldn't help the fact that she was a flirt. The man had a nice face.

Her eyes glanced to the confused - looking woman next to them and Zafira offered her a bright smile.

"My apologies, I didn't mean to interrupt," she said with a short laugh, voice silky smooth. "Might any of you know where the library is?"

 

[Alistair Wren]

Isabeau hauled the two young children to face Alistair, who forced a warm smile. Peering over the mountain of shopping in his arms, he stammered a bout of laughter to hide how stressed he was. Izzy's Pas Esvada seemed to going much more smoothly. Maybe he just wasn't meant to organize things like holiday feasts. The herbalist wished him happy holidays, and he looked down and smiled.

"Oh that's alright, the whole city is welcome at the service, it's a public event." A nod, and he turned around to walk straight into the woman who was striding down the side of the street.

The Pas Esvada food, and decorations went crashing to the ground. The woman offered to help, but Alistair was already on the ground frantically trying to pick everything up. As he stammered his apologies, she offered him a large bag, which he took apprehensively.

"Ah, thank you," he gasped. He packed everything carefully into the bag and slung it around his shoulder. "Yes, much better," he blushed.

As he stood, he noticed the woman was especially beautiful. "Shit", he thought, his eyes widening as they coursed over her figure. Luscious, dark hair and cat-liked eyes, she was indeed striking. The end of Alistair's mouth kinked upward, denting his cheek with a profound dimple. He raised a hand and reached around to scratch the back of his head, diverting his eyes from the woman and looking at the ground as he did so.

"Oh no, it's okay, I should have looked at where I was going," he stammered, cheeks tinted red.

Isabeau asked if both of them were alright, to which Alistair turned around and smiled, batting the air with his hand in dismissal, "yes, we're fine."

The woman asked where the library was, and Alistair creased his brow. Tapping his chin in thought, he turned around to face Cosmin, then looked at the woman. "Did you mean the city library or the college library, because the college is currently closed for the holidays."

Speaking of which...

"Shit! Cos, Tristan must still be there!" Alistair gasped, throwing down his hand in frustration. "We better head up there and try and find him, milday, would you like to come with us?" He asked the woman.

Mulling over ideas as to how they could into the college in his head, Alistair turned around to face the street, when he saw none other than Severin Bellerose hulking through the sleet with a flask of liquor in his hand. Alistair's dark blue eyes flashed, widening to the size of stars. He smiled happily and raised a hand, then waved high over the crowd at Severin.

"It's Professor Bellrose! Hi Professor Bellerose! Happy holidays!" He cried jovially.

"Hey, Professor," he began to asked, then his words trailed off. He was thinking that Severin might be able to get them into the college, depending on how drunk he was, but then again, that just might be beneficial.

 

[Isabeau]

She would nod her head, to the relief of both being alright.
"Oh, good have a wonderful rest of your night and see you later."
She'd leave the two be, as it seemed Alistair was extremely busy.

Issy would make sure to speak to Alistair again later, it was time to get the twins home.

Issy would quietly move back along the streets as she made her way back home, the two giggling children began to sing again, their voices echoes down the street until they disappeared around the corner.

 

[Severin Bellerose]

His eyes gazed deeply.... and coldly at Alistair. That was his name right?

Shit.
And the professor almost hoped he'd be free from the yapping students this time of the year.
Severin slipped his booze flask under his coat, straightned his back and yapped at the lad.
"Ah master All-Star." Severin spoke with such confidence.

 

[ZafiraJade]

At the question, Zafira's mouth opened for a response, until she suddenly clamped it. Her thick brows furrowed lightly. She wasn't completely sure, actually. Her friend had never clarified.

Before she could say anything else, she heard the young man's panic once again - some man called Tristan. Zafira bit back an amused smile, peering at the man with intrigue. He seemed to have a lot on his plate - which was why she was very surprised when the young man invited her with him - a girl he didn't even know.

Zafira quickly turned her head to look at the grand clock. She always had a habit of being early, and today was no exception. She debated momentarily on taking the young man's offer. She had a few hours to spare. She could come back meet up with her friend, spend the night, and then go home. It wasn't a bad plan, at all.

"I'd love to," she said with a bright smile. "Although I feel I should introduce myself first. I'm Zafira,"

She saw the man call over a professor from the afar and she watched the exchange unfold in front of her with interest, making herself politely separate. The man seemed to be a bit out of it, and when she was the flask in his hand, understanding coursed through her.

'All-star'. So that was the name of the young man.

 

[Neremyn]

Nere walks behind the tavern, feeling the cold breeze in his fingers and face. He enjoyed it’s sting on his face, he had himself a few drinks and decided to leave before it gotten even more crowded in the establishment. Nothing was more like the holidays when a lot of people were back from their jobs and taking a much needed break, and decided to spend it drinking.

Along the way he had gotten a few items, mostly for the food that he was going to cook his roommates for the holidays. Once he gotten back to the dorms Nere walks behind them and takes off the warm cloak he was wearing. Lot of steam escapes from his body and he lets out a sigh of relief. The cloak made him feel as if he was in a sauna. Which was something he hated the thought of. Not to mention it felt good to stretch his wings after keeping them hidden for much of the day, folded underneath the cloak and his clothing.

Nere jumps into the air, with his bag in hand and flies up to the window to the living room of his dorm. He’d hover for a moment, landing on the windowsill and opening it with a gentle push. After unlocking it with some magic, and he’d jump into the living room setting the bag down on his nightstand. Closing the window behind him.

He thought he was alone until he smelt, it. Looking around Nere panics some, thinking that someone had broken into the dorm room. But he’d settle down after a minute once he realizes that Tristan had a woman with him. Why can’t he go and get a room in town or something, then he could have all the women he’d want. Grumbling some, he reaches for one of his nice and baggy sweatshirts and puts it on, reluctantly folding his wings back up under it before he’d lay down in his bed, on his stomach trying to get comfortable. The other two were probably out buying some goodies for some people or something else. Nere thought as he’d take out his magic ball and start playing with it, also just to make sure it was still there.