• Closed • Family Dinner

[Basilisk]

51st of Ymiden, 720

It had been a hectic couple of cycles. A war with a powerful necromancer who had decided to strike at one of her Champions, a punishment decided for a traitor, a deal with her sister that ended with taking said necromancer under their care, and a trial for a different traitor. Famula hoped that after all of that, there would be time for some calm and quiet. To that end, Famula was going over to the Augustines house for dinner. The domesticity of it almost made the Immortal laugh. She was, to many of the people of Idalos, a goddess, seated on a throne of power and worship that set her far above them. Yet, Famula was aware that for all the power and influence the Immortals wielded, the potential and creativity of Mortals was an amazing, beautiful thing. Anyone who denied that, she mused, was a fool.

However, it wasn't really in her capacity as an Immortal that she was going over to the Augustine household. Both figuratively and literally, the Augustines were family. Granted, Faith was also her Champion, but the young healer was, and in a way always had been, so much more than that. Then there was Padraig, her own son. Famula had to admit that she wasn't particularly great at being a mother, Padraig hadn't even known he was her own blood until fairly recently, but she loved him all the same. It would be nice to spend time with them both outside of official duties.

So it was that evening found Famula walking up to the Augustines door. She had elected to leave the trappings of her station, such as the red soul chariot, the lamp, and all the other accoutrements that came with her status, in Zuudaria. She was dressed rather simply, in fact, just a plain black dress with black boots. She had also elected to walk to the door and knock, instead of teleporting in or using the key Faith had given her. She knew she was welcome any time, but she preferred to observe propriety and besides, just teleporting in felt a bit too "Immortal-like", for lack of a better term, for Famula's tastes that night. She wanted to try and act as much like a Mortal as she could for the night, more like she was just part of the family. So, when she got to the door, she knocked politely.

[Padraig]

Over the span of his relatively short lifespan, Padraig had experienced things that most men, or women, had ever conceived of. He'd been to the edge of the world, slipped beyond the barrier there; only to discover another alien, alternate world. And he'd come back intact enough to talk and write about it; and then do it again. He'd even ended up on the wrong side and the better side of the stuff of legends. Dragons.

None of those discoveries and experiences however, as fantastical as they were, had been as tricky for him to process as the idea that Famula, the Immortal of souls, servitude, resurrection and blood, was his mother. Padraig still wasn't sure what he should call her, and now just like normal people, which she wasn't Famula was coming to dinner. On the other hand, during one of his more contemplative moments, he wondered aloud to Faith, for all the powers that the Immortals possessed, how lonely it might be for any given one of them. As families gathered, they looked on, above and separate from it all.

Still, he appreciated the fact that she wouldn't arrive via red soul chariot and lantern swinging to and fro. Considering the nature of Immortal's job, tongues would wag, people would needlessly worry. The last few times that Padraig had met her face to face, she'd come from out of thin air. This time she knocked and had Padraig not been so busy trying to figure out how to greet her, he'd have grinned at the oddness of it all. But alas, he was the one most immediately available to open the door.

He'd dressed for the occasion, or rather, allowed others to choose his wardrobe for him... and when he opened the door to let Famula in, he did it with a smile. "Welcome, mother." The last bit was added a bit awkwardly, and spoken as if it was as much a question as a statement. Padraig actually hadn't asked her how he ought to address her. He'd meant to ask Faith earlier but had forgotten. Nonetheless he stepped back out of the way even as a large, hairy spotted dog with electric blue eyes trotted over and sniffed curiously at Famula's skirts. Tongue lolling, tail wagging. "Get back, Cosmo," Padraig said before inviting his mother in.

"Please, come in. It's good to see you again. The children have been asking after their grandmother. They'll be excited to see you," Padraig added, assured that Faith would be joining them any moment now. "Can I get you something to drink?"

[Faith Augustin]

Faith was nervous.

Padraig, who knew her better than anyone, would not be at all surprised at that fact. The cause of those nerves, of course, was because Famula was coming to visit them. However, even though she was Famula's Champion, that was not the cause of her worry. Katie ~ also known as the Glittermonster ~ had spoken with her earlier and Faith had to admit that Katie surprised her, on a very regular basis. The two women had been together in the kitchen; Faith had been rolling out a pastry for the meal tonight. Cyrus and Padraig were in the garden getting the vegetables. Faith was, as usual, quietly getting on and Katie was, as usual, chatting away. Most of what Katie said, Faith simply nodded along with, but then her grandmother-in-law spoke quietly. "You can't do it, you know."

Faith lifted her silver eyes to look at Katie and asked, of course, "Do what?"

"Let him down, little doll." Katie's expression was kind, but firm. Faith opened her mouth to argue, and then closed it again. For a few moments, Faith was quiet, and then she replied. During that time, Katie was unusually quiet. "I know," Faith's voice shook slightly, the emotion that she felt coming to the forefront. Of course, being who she was, that was a minute detail and would have been largely unnoticeable to anyone who didn't know her well. Yet, it was as emotional as Faith got, usually - or as she showed, anyhow - and Katie had grown used to interpreting the tiny details.

"I have no frame of reference," Faith said, and Katie raised an eyebrow. "And that was difficult, when we first met, when the children were born, times like that. But this?" The idea that she would, in some way, do something which let Padraig down - or not do something which she should and disappoint him that way - was a genuine worry for her. Faith's grip on the rolling pin tightened, her fingers whitening. She said no more than that, but just carried on with the rolling. The kind of pastry this was - thin, fine, brick pastry. It was so thin that it was almost translucent. Faith had made it, ready to drizzle with honey and it would form flaky layers as part of their dessert.

That had been a number of breaks ago, though. Now, the children were dressed, she was wearing something resembling a nice dress, Padraig had put on clothes which all went together (she'd put them at the front of the wardrobe and they both pretended he'd chosen them). She was there in the kitchen, as she heard the door being knocked and Faith frowned slightly. "I thought she'd come in the chariot," she said, conversationally, to no one at all. Wiping the flour from her hands, and Faith made her way out. Padraig was there, as was Famula and the very first thing that Faith did was step forward, her hand slipping into his.

She gave a gentle squeeze of his hand, and she smiled and curtseyed to Famula. "My lady," she said quietly, and then she spoke to them both. "I can get you both something to drink. Shall we go through to the living room?" Faith smiled at the two of them - well aware that Padraig very much did not want her to revert into "serving" them, but to be there and with them. She had no intention of being anywhere other than by his side, and that was that. However, this was his mother and the two of them needed time, so - she was here for him. And, of course, the children.

Faith knew from experience that the role of mother was the most important one. She could only assume that the same was true of grandmother. So, she was well aware, that her role in this was daughter-in-law, not Champion. And, as such, she was quite content with such. As she remembered, she added, "I've made nibbles."

[Basilisk]

Famula smiled at Padraig as he opened the door, her smile widening slightly as he referred to her as his mother. "Hello, son." she said, her tone soft. She knew it must be awkward for Padraig to refer to her as his mother, given she hadn't exactly been a presence in his life when he was growing up. Between that and her position as an Immortal, and his wife's patron Immortal at that, she had a feeling he wasn't quite sure how to address her. When the dog walked over, Famula looked down at the dog and grinned. "Hello, Cosmo." she said, before stepping around the dog at Padraig's invitation into the house. When he mentioned the grandchildren, Famula smiled again. "It must be confusing for them, trying to explain what I am and why I don't visit that often." she said, thoughtful. Then Padraig asked about drinks and Famula's train of thought went sideways.

Famula didn't really drink all that much, whether alcoholic or otherwise. For that matter, she didn't really eat all that much and while she knew there was dinner coming, and that drinks were typically part of dinner, she hadn't known that it was customary to have drinks before dinner as well. Fortunately, she was spared the need to immediately answer when Faith showed up. "Hello, Faith." she said, bowing her head to her Champion. For all that this was to be an informal get together, Famula knew Faith well enough that attempting to get her Champion to stop addressing her with some form of formality, at least at the first meeting of the night, was a fools errand, and Famula respected Faith enough not to try.

Then of course, the matter of the drinks came up again. Famula accepted the lead into the living room if Padraig did, and finally settled on a drink choice she knew to common enough that it being present was a safe assumption, while being a safe enough drink that no one would consider it inappropriate. "I'll take milk, please." she said in response to the drink question. Then Faith mentioned nibbles and Famula was caught off guard again. She knew the word, of course, but had never heard it in this context. "Nibbles?" she asked, some evident confusion in her voice.

[Padraig]

Faith's persistent case of nerves, which Padraig could sense as easily as if he'd been feeling it himself, amused and bewildered him. Both at the very same time. And it only endeared her to him all the more; as if that was possible. His wife was one of the strongest and most confident women he'd ever known. And yet confronted with her own mother in law at the front door; albeit an immortal one, she seemed as subject to nervousness as anyone else.

There'd been no lack of preparation, that was for sure, and he'd been sure to remain out of the kitchen throughout the trial, and out from underfoot. There were no circumstances, no place or time, that he could ever feel as if she'd let him down. Without a word, he smiled and gave her hand a gentle squeeze when she slipped it into his own, hoping to reassure her. But no, she wasn't here to serve. And yet, he also knew that heck or high water, she'd throw herself into the role of gracious hostess as she did with any other project she decided to take on.

Son, Famula said. Strange, considering the circumstances, but it was the first time in his life that anyone had addressed him in such a way. It felt oddly alright though, and he smiled again as Famula greeted Cosmo, who'd in turn greeted her in the entry. "He's a member of the family and a gentleman for the most part," he said, referring to the dog. "It's the four tailed cat you've got to watch out for." Of course it was said mostly in jest. But not completely. "You could say she's got an electrifying disposition on her best trials."

"In fairness our own children are the only ones I've any experience with," he admitted as Faith ushered them into the family room. "But in my experience they're quick to adjust and more inclined to take things in stride." It was the adults that tended to fidget over the details or stumble over the extraordinary, at least from Padraig's perspective. And without missing a beat, Pad looked to Faith when Famula requested a glass of milk. "I'll have the same." And why not? Not the usual before dinner drink. But as they said, when in the presence of the Immortals...

As for the rest, turning back to Famula, he said, "Appetizers...Little bits of food to whet the appetite before dinner." Then again, as for him he could barely make eggs and toast and what he knew about fancy cooking, was limited to what he'd been able to absorb while in Faith's company. "Is that right?" he asked with a grin, glancing back at Faith. "We should have done this sooner," he admitted, by way of apology for not having invited her sooner. "Before we sailed for the edge of the world. Time out there seems to pass quickly, and slowly, both at once."

[Faith Augustin]

Milk for two was just fine. Faith determined that it would be milk for three. "Yes, exactly that," she said, of nibbles and what they were. "I'll just get those, one moment." She turned to walk out and then, stopped, and turned back. "It's good that you're here," Faith said to Famula. "It's family and there's nothing more important. I'm sorry we didn't think to do it sooner, but I'm glad it's happening now." Silver eyes regarded Famula, then Padraig, she nodded and walked out. In the kitchen, Faith was quickly preparing the drinks when Katie came in. "Do you want me to bring the children, little doll?" Katie asked and Faith nodded. "Please, Katie. Thank you." The two women shared a glance and then Faith picked up the tray and walked into the living room. Watching her husband and mother in law together she wondered what Famula must think - it was an odd situation to say the least but it was one that she felt they were both handling very well. Putting down the tray with a smile she spoke to them both. "Three glasses of milk," she said "and a tray of snacks. Forgive me my lady but I was not sure what you eat or prefer and so I tried to cover all bases. If there is anything you would like next time I will do my best to make sure it is here."

When Faith said that she had provided a selection she was certainly not joking. There was a tray loaded with sweet and savoury treats, pastries and fruit - all sorts of things and as wide a selection as her skill at cooking and baking would allow. Padraig knew just how important it was to his wife that this meeting went well and, the reason for her desiring to do so. But if it needed saying, that she wanted everyone to feel comfortable and welcome might as well have been spelled out in letters.

Faith paid close attention to what if anything Famula ate. It was important that her mother in law felt welcome here - although, she was quite sure that with each visit things would get better or at the very least more normal. As she considered this the door opened and first the twins came charging in quickly followed by Rose and then Katie. Rose smiled shyly at Famula and then said softly "Hello grandmother." The twins were more shy, although Faith knew that would only last for a moment, and Katie who had walked in behind them smiled as first one, then the other moved to the safety of their parents .

"They are just shy," Katie said with a slight but rather tight smile. There was a glint in her eye which told of her irritation and as she continued to speak the cause of that irritation perhaps became more apparent. "It's only because they don't know you," Katie said to Famula. "Once they get used to you and know that you're around, well I'm sure then you'll find that they simply adore you. They are all three of them - all five, in fact - full of love they just need to know that their family - especially their parents and grandparents love them back." Somehow Katie managed to sound bright and cheerful and like she was telling off an immortal. Which, of course, she was.

"But what's really important," Katie said, "is that they know what the expectations of you can be. I understand that, apparently, things were more complicated previously but my Cyrus was the only consistent parent our Padraig had. Thankfully," she continued somewhat icily, "he was more than sufficient but still." With a glance at Padraig Katie's expression softened and she smiled at him. "There's no point crying over spilt milk," she said, "nor is there a point throwing accusations. But I hope that you are a consistent presence in the lives of these children. I know you always watched Padraig, and I'm sure that was helpful, but I hope these three know that you're there." With a smile around she nodded once to Famula and then spoke to Padraig and Faith. "Cyrus and I we'll be in the nook if you need us," she said and with that she turned and walked out.

The whirlwind that was Katie exited the room and Faith looked between Famula and Padraig, then said quickly, "I'm sorry. She's very protective of both of us and very aware that neither of us really understands what it is to have a mother. If it's any consolation," Faith added with a smile, "it's taken her arcs - literally - to stop pinching peoples cheeks and talking about herself in the third person."

Rose looked up at her mother and smiled, "Ggranny Katie still does that to me," she said quietly. Faith gently stroked her daughters hair and wordlessly kissed the top of her head. Meanwhile the twins had overcome their shyness, were completely unconcerned by all that was going on and Noah tugged at Famula's dress and asked without concern or awareness of who he was speaking to "Did you bring sweets?"

[Basilisk]

Famula has smiled slightly at the mention of the cat. "I've had a few run ins with such felines before, both big and small. At least your cat doesn't have fangs as long as my forearm." she said, before following Faith and Padraig into the living room. She nodded at his explanation of the children, but didn't say anything at the moment. Padraig and Faith seemed to agree that milk was a good drink to start with, and she nodded at the explanation of the nibbles. When Padraig apologized for not having invited her for dinner soon, though, she shook her head. "Don't be worried about that. I have been busy since the end of the war with the Necromantress. We have tracked down any remaining hideaways of her cult. Most were not interested in fighting and agreed to our terms, but a few went down swinging. No major injuries, though one would have been close without Cobaier. Plus there's been...;" Famula frowned for a moment as she tried to find the right word. "Paperwork, I suppose, would be the closest term. There aren't words outside the ancient language for some of the clean-up I had to do with Ellasin playing with the fabrics of life and death so much as she was. Plus explaining things to all the Immortals who got curious about things." she said, just as Faith returned.

On the topics of snacks, Famula smiled slightly. "I don't eat much in general, but my tastes run rather eclectic." she said, surveying the tray with interest. As the night progressed, the two would notice that Famula tried a bit of everything, but seemed to have a slight preference for the fruits. She ate in small bites as well, and even with her preference for the fruits, ate somewhat less than a human might have. When the kids came in, she smiled at them, then spoke to Rose. "I'm glad to see you're looking so well, Rose. You gave us all quite the stir." she said, her tone warm.

Then, of course, Katie started talking. Famula didn't interrupt or try to talk over the agitated mortal, though she did make a mental note that if Katie were speaking such to one of the Immortals who were quicker to take offence, she'd have talked her way into a curse. When she left, Famula smiled and then shook her head when Faith apologized for her. "There's no need to apologize, Faith. I'm glad she loves you all enough to risk telling me off for what she saw as my neglect." she said, before sighing slightly. "And perhaps it was neglect. But...I cannot leave Zuudaria, or my duties, for more than a few hours at a time except at greatest need. A realm of souls is no fit place to raise a child, and I was worried that if you knew who and what I was, it would distort you." she said, now looking at Padraig with a melancholy expression.

When the littlest kids overcame their shyness and Noah asked about sweets, Famula smiled at him. "You know, I did. I've never had grandchildren before, so I almost didn't know what to do." she said, pulling a trio of chocolate treats filled with peanut butter and handing one to each of the kids. "Fortunately, a dog was able to tell me what grandomothers are supposed to do." she said, smiling warmly at the children. "Now, you two have been off to the end of the world since were all together last." she said, her tone cheerful. "If I may ask, how did your trip go?"

[Padraig]

What Faith said was true. Nothing was more important than family. And yet for most of his life, Padraig's awareness of who his family actually was, biologically speaking, had been shaped by a web of untruths. Of course Cyrus hadn't had any part of it, since his grandfather had also been deprived of the truth. Just a short time ago, it had mattered, and mattered a lot. But perspectives changed in the same way that tempers cooled. And he was no longer sure how much it mattered, after all.

Katie on the other hand, held a different view on the matter, protective as she was of Cyrus, and of him as well. Padraig could see the wheels turning in the woman's eyes as soon as she entered the room with the children in tow. Full of opinions, and she could always be counted on to put forward her opinions and even criticisms. Whether it was wisdom at work or not; considering who her likely audience was. It was too much to hope that she'd be leaving the room without sharing.

"Nibble, Katie?" he asked, a sort of misguided hope that if Katie was chewing, she wouldn't talking. The children though charmed their Immortal grandmother though, just as he'd expected they would, and he smiled while watching them size Famula up, then approach her. But boy did Katie have a lot to say. And truth was, Padraig wasn't the least surprised. Luckily, Famula wasn't among a particular cast of Immortals that he'd have thought might strike the scolding Katie down on the spot for her impudence.

Then she was gone, Faith tried to explain Katie's motivations, and Padraig simply smiled and shrugged. "I've only known her a short time but I think somehow she sees the small boy I once was." Grinning at Rose then when she talked about Katie's treatment of her, he added, "Me too." As for Famula's words, he took on a thoughtful expression and was silent for a few trills, looking for the clearest way of expressing himself. "It was a shock at first, finding out that my origins were not what I'd believed they were. But if I'd ever thought it was neglectful, I no longer do."

"If I was to be raised by mortals, then there could have been no better choice but Cyrus. He was the best grandfather, and in a real sense, father, that I could have had. And if I'd known the truth?" he considered. "I'm not sure of the difference it would have made. But I can't imagine that I'd be the same man I am now, or have the life I have, at any rate." He smiled then a little, and added, "Maybe mortals and Immortals are more alike than they are different. I believe now that you did the thing that you believed was best for me, and I'm grateful for that. I think it turned out just fine."

As for their trip to the edge of the world and beyond? Now that was a whole different story. "I brought back a new friend," he said, tilting his head curious. "A kalvind, I'm not sure if you saw him out there, on your way in. A parting gift from Frosvinndur, the dragon that we met and spoke to while there. He's a small dragon-like creature, seemingly made of ice. I can introduce you to him later, if you like," he offered. "The journey there is difficult and treacherous enough to discourage even the hardiest of explorers. But I'd been once before, as had many of our crew, so this time, we better knew what to expect and how to get through it."

"The first time, when I passed through the barrier on my own, I was met with a less than warm reception to say the least." And that was putting it mildly. Nonetheless, he went on to describe their experiences there, what they'd seen and been told and he was sure that Faith would have more to add. "Theology as a science really isn't my specialty, but Frosvinndur spoke about spirits, quite a lot. Lakes, mountains, forests, ice...Are you familiar with World Spirit?" he asked.

[Faith Augustin]

Famula was gracious about Katie and Faith was pleased. When Padraig offered the Glitter Monster a nibble, Faith's eyes twinkled with mirth. Good try, she thought, but no luck there. The conversation turned serious, though, when Famula and Padraig spoke of his childhood, and how he felt about it. Faith looked between the two of them and said, quietly but honestly, "Selfishly, I'm glad things happened how they did," she said. Looking at Padraig, with a smile, she considered the simple truth. "That night, in Andaris, when I told you about my beliefs and worship, about my choices as a free woman. The night you first put your blessing on me," she explained the last to Famula, so that they were aware of what she was talking about. "I was so overwhelmed with freedom, with choices and, yes, with having been in love for some time. If I had known who your mother was?" Faith shrugged slightly and said, quite simply. "I think that would have made you as unattainable to me as you had been when I was a slave. I could not have seen past it to your mortality. And that would have been a real tragedy." She smiled to him and then busied herself, as was her way when emotion threatened to overwhelm her, fussing around the table settings, or cushions, or whatever she could get her hands on.

The children, of course, were delighted at the sweet treats. There were choruses of "Thank you, grandma" and a complete lack of awareness that "grandma" was a scary big person. Rose sat and ate the treat carefully, slowly, the twins far less so - of both. It kept them quiet, though, as the adults talked and Famula asked about the barriers. Padraig explained some, giving his mother the information from his viewpoint, and Faith then added her own. "From the moment that we moved across there, it became obvious that there was no ether at all. It transpires," she said, thoughtfully, "that they don't have a word for it. I have samples of the blood from the dragon, and from the mortals there. What also became evident," she explained, unaware that she had begun frowning, that familiar expression of concentration she had. "was that anyone who has any link to an Immortal, in their blood, so the children of two Immortals both began to drain energy. Frosvindur, he told us that they would die if they stayed. No magic worked there, nor any Immortal blessing. No magical item either, but spirits, such as my Warden Diri, they were fine." Faith had thought about this, a lot.

"I've reviewed Padraig's notes and talked to him about his previous visits. We have to fall into a state of semi-sleep, hypnogogia, in order to pass through the barriers. I believe that it is possible that those barriers are the same thing, or related to, the Veil which Dreamwalkers have to step through in order to become lucid. I couldn't dreamwalk there, and it messes with your dreams, too. I think it cuts us off from Emea, completely, in the way that the Veil cuts us off usually, from lucidity."

She was aware, suddenly, of herself and Faith smiled. "Forgive me, I find it fascinating." There was no doubting that. "I've made notes, if you're interested, I have copies," she said to Famula. And, of course, "and you're welcome to meet ....." glancing at Padraig she raised an eyebrow. "Have you named it?"

"Fluffy," said Noah, sagely, as he looked at the adults with an innocent expression on his face - which was smeared in chocolate and peanut butter treat. "We call him Fluffy."

Faith raised an eyebrow and glanced at her husband.

[Basilisk]

[align=leftREVIEW

Faith

Renown: 10 - For Having Dinner with an Immortal
XP: 20

These have already been added to your UCP.

Knowledge: Cooking - 2
Etiquette - 3
Socialization - 1

Sorry, the knowledges are very brief, but this thread was cut short before it could really get underway, sadly. But I did enjoy what we were able to do of it! Padraig, you are currently very inactive, DM me if you return and want stuff from this thread.[/align]