St. Michael's Chapel - Winter Solstice
December 22, 1999

Finnuala Rosher: *The Chapel is once again transformed, but this time the transformation is a celebration of light. Candles in gold glass spheres line the walk that goes to te\he steps. The doors stand open, spilling warm light out into the night, welcoming all who would join the celebration. Holly, pine, and mistletoe surround the doorway and send fragrant essences into the air. Music softly rises from somewhere below, gently infusing the night with spirit and harmony. The smells of hot food and drink waft through the halls and into the air outside; spiced wine and ale, baked apples and braided rings of hot bread grace the settings of bright brass and ruby glass. *

**NOTE: missed the beginning... wasn't thinking about archiving at the time**

Finnuala Rosher: William > It's a holiday. But this is more of a celebration of all the holidays that contribute to our collective festivities in midwinter. There will be Christmas happenings later, like with all churches.

Justin R. Quinn: "..There are many religions on this planet, every day is a holiday for someone.

Justin R. Quinn: Becuse the state does not mandate it, does not mean it doens't exist.

Finnuala Rosher: *A great movable iron fireplace grid with a temporary chimney decorated in evergreen sits near the wall, a long log burning low and peacefully in it. A warmth of more than the air, but of the spirit is present. Faith in the return of the Light takes many forms. *

William Clark: Finn>> *listens patiently as you speak, then takes in the surroundings again in light of what you've said* So, you're trying to accomodate as many religious traditions as you can?

Finnuala Rosher: William> Let me put it like this. *Smiles and takes the podium* Merry Meet, and Welcome! There's hot cider or mulled wine on the stove and a Yule log crackling in the fireplace to warm yourself with. Settle in, for on this longest night, I'll regale you with stories of this winter's holiday, and the customs associated with it.

William Clark: Justin>> That's one way of looking at it, I suppose. *his voice carries a hint of uncertainty or confusion*

William Clark: *slips his hands into the pockets of his wool coat and turns his attention to FINNUALA*

Justin R. Quinn: ~claps at Finnuala and moves to get food~

Finnuala Rosher: You're already familiar with many of them, no doubt; but you may not know that many of the traditions now connected with Christmas in the west originated well before Christianity. Marking the dead of winter with a feast, lights, joy and goodwill to others hearkens back through the mists of time. Though the Winter Solstice marks the longest night and the return of the Sun, is really just the beginning of the winter season.

Ilevya Kranov: *Simply turning one's head slightly to look at the surrounding area is more than enough to catch a glimpse of the astounding visage of Ilevya Kranov. Perhaps the most noticeable aspect of her appearance, is her commanding height. Indeed, Ilevya stands at 6'8", and for that alone many momentarily gaze in awe. However, there is also the fact that she is quite beautiful, with features that could only be described as classical Russian aristocracy....fragile and pure, yet at the same time, fearsome and dark. Also, her deep blue eyes, that hold a mottled iridescence, and her fine, raven black hair only contribute to this. Ilevya is clad in a long, white, silken coat, over a rather enticingly tight black blouse and dress pants. Ilevya strides in with a long and noble gait, tilting her head and smirking as she looks at others. She looks as if she wants something, and will likely get it, because it doesn't seem as if anyone will be able to stop her.*

Finnuala Rosher: *Gestures for people to fill up while she continues*

Finnuala Rosher: *Choirboys walk out with small baskets of nuts and fruit, a bottle of champagne and a golden candle (unlit) in each basket and set them on the long table. They then return to their own party going on in the bastement where the youths of the Chapel have gathered for games and refreshments along with the Christmas choir practice.* The custom of exchanging gifts may hark back to the Roman Saturnalia and Kalends, or New Year. Lights or lamps were traditional gifts at both these festivals. The Mithraic religion of Iran, Syria, Persia & Egypt observed December 25th - the date of the Solstice on the Roman Julian calendar - as the rebirth of the Sun God. This too featured light as a central element of the holiday.

Daisy Mae Everson: (back)

William Clark: *a fleeting image of ILEVYA registers at the corner of his vision. He turns and is clearly intrigued by her unique appearance. He watches her with an inscrutable gaze for a moment, then turns back to FINNUALA*

Finnuala Rosher: So now is the Solstice of the Year. Winter is the glad song that we hear. Eat, Drink and be in good company my friends old and new. *Steps down to join the others and takes a glass of mulled cider*

Ilevya Kranov: *looks around slowly*

Daisy Mae Everson: *helps her self to some cider and a small plate of the foods, sits and listens to Finnuala*

Justin R. Quinn: ~listens to Finnuala with reverance~

Finnuala Rosher: *Takes a braided bread wreath and tears it in half.* ALL> Thank you for coming.

Finnuala Rosher: Ilevya and William> Please join us in the food and drink. It's plentiful.

Justin R. Quinn: "..Thank thee finnuala, Tis most enjoyable."

Daisy Mae Everson: *looks toward the door* Evenin' Ilevya.

Ilevya Kranov: *After Finnuala speaks to her, she pauses....nodding a moment later, and moving in the direction of the group*

William Clark: Finn>> *shakes his head a couple of times* I'm sorry, but my diet is quite strict. I have already eaten this evening. But I appreciate the offer.

Finnuala Rosher: Quinn> It's my great pleasure. *Looks at the sparse gathering* I was hoping to arrange a Celtic dance, but it looks like that'll have to wait for another time.

Finnuala Rosher: William> I see,.. I think.

Ilevya Kranov: Daisy> *Spoken rather softly* Hello Daisy...

Justin R. Quinn: "..Thta's just because your not adventureour. ~walks forweard~ want to see me dance?

Daisy Mae Everson: *smiles at Ilevya*

Finnuala Rosher: Quinn> *Raises an eyebrow* ME? Not adventurous? Very well, let me see you dance.

William Clark: *takes a final look around and quietly exits*

Ilevya Kranov: *returns Daisy's smile* Are you well?

Justin R. Quinn: ~takes Finnuala's hands and bows slightly~ Pick a style..

Daisy Mae Everson: *sips her cider, almost spitting it out when Justin offers to dance*

Finnuala Rosher: Quinn> Waltz, the shocking step of the century past. *Curtseys gracefully and takes his hand in readiness.*

Daisy Mae Everson: *looks at Justin* You learn something new everyday about the ones you love.

Daisy Mae Everson: Ilevya>> I am well. How are you?

Ilevya Kranov: Daisy> *Shrugs slightly* Fine.

Justin R. Quinn: ~he smile, and start on a dime, a perfect movemnent that even the most uncultured can see that he is an _excelent_ lead and a _wonderfull_ dancer. moving with him is like floating as if all movement were effortless~

Ilevya Kranov: *glances at Finnuala and Justin preparing to dance*

Daisy Mae Everson: Ilevya>> You'e not very convincing. Something troubling you?

Ilevya Kranov: Daisy> I would...prefer not to speak of it right now....

Finnuala Rosher: *Moves with him in the smooth flow of motion they've learned of one another's steps while in battles, here transposed onto a more peaceful tapestry of music and grace.*

Daisy Mae Everson: All right, Ilevya. If you need to talk... I have a good ear for listening.

Ilevya Kranov: Daisy> *As she watches Finnuala and Justin* So I have noted....

Daisy Mae Everson: *smiles at Justin and Finnuala... and her heart aches for her love*

Justin R. Quinn: ~he seems happy, his eye brighting even more as the dance continues, until the break, where tyhe dancers end apart and facing "the king" for a perfect bow~

Finnuala Rosher: *All the joys of the moment, concentrated into the grand bow as well*

Daisy Mae Everson: *grins to Ilevya*

Finnuala Rosher: Quinn> Dare I ask how you got to be so talented at this?

Justin R. Quinn: ~Twirls Finnuala back into his hands smiles~

Justin R. Quinn: "..thou knows the reason Dear one ~stares into her eyes for a long momemt~

Finnuala Rosher: Quinn> I thought so. Not all dark experiences leave one diminished. You're the finest example of what happens to anthracite under pressure and fire. *Squeezes his hand* Diamonds are more than hard, my friend, they're beautiful.

Ilevya Kranov: *Continues to watch Finnuala and Justin, taking a sip of some cider*

Justin R. Quinn: ~he touches her face for a moment, leans in to whisper something to her ear~

Daisy Mae Everson: (back) *quietly watch her friends dance*

Justin R. Quinn: ~leans back to look in her eyes, holding her hands, before finally stepping away~

Daisy Mae Everson: *she sighs softly, says a silent prayer*

Ilevya Kranov: *sighs*

Finnuala Rosher: *Her eyes linger on Justins for a long time, hearing over again the words just spoken. *

Daisy Mae Everson: *stares into her drink*

Justin R. Quinn: ~turns to the others~ Well, is no one going to celebrate?

Finnuala Rosher: Quinn> *Laughs softly* Poor man, now you'll have to dance with all the females that you're once again, surrounded by. You shouldn't have shown your skill off so well.

Justin R. Quinn: ~thinks about that ~ crap! ~then smiles, looking at the 2 other women suggestively~

Ilevya Kranov: *looks at Daisy, expecting her to respond to Justin first*

Daisy Mae Everson: *looks up from her drink a distant look in her eyes* What?

Finnuala Rosher: *Takes one of the small baked brandied apples and leans back against the table to eat, watching to see if anyone else will partake of the delight-in-motion, known as dancing with Father Quinn*

Simon Everson: *wonders on in*

Justin R. Quinn: "Well! ~ in a light huff that is not very believable~

Daisy Mae Everson: Umm... Sorry Justin. I think I missed something.

Finnuala Rosher: Hi Simon. *Raises her glass to him*

Simon Everson: *glances in at the merry making* Damn, always late *waves to all present*

Justin R. Quinn: "don't worry about it Daisy"

Ilevya Kranov: *smiles at Daisy*

Finnuala Rosher: Simon> Eat, drink, and see if Daisy wants to dance with you. *Smiles* And look out for the mistletoe over the threshold.

Ilevya Kranov: *doesn't acknowledge the presence of Simon yet...not really wanting to either*

Daisy Mae Everson: *smiles at Simon* Evenin' darlin'.

Simon Everson: *laughs* why wouldn't she want to dance with me? I'm all a woman would want *sly glance at Daisy to make sure she get's it*

Justin R. Quinn: ~heads to the kitchen~

Daisy Mae Everson: *grins at Finniala and looks at the mistletoe, gets up and walks over to Simon*

Simon Everson: *backs up a bit* uh-uh..headng to the doror way.

Finnuala Rosher: *Pleased that someone's getting some use out of the mistletoe*

Daisy Mae Everson: So sure of yourself are we Mr. Everson? *grins*

Ilevya Kranov: *sits in a pew, observing Simon and Daisy for a moment*

Simon Everson: "I'll give you a chance to escape."

Justin R. Quinn: ~get's a bottle of water, and a cookie~~

Daisy Mae Everson: *walks almost stalks Simon like a predator*

Finnuala Rosher: *Shocked look at how Daisy treats Simon--amused, but shocked*

Daisy Mae Everson: *raise her brow* Why would I want to escape?

Daisy Mae Everson: (what can I say Simon bring the animal out of her...*L*)

Simon Everson: *stands proudly* Cause i am a dangerous man.

Simon Everson: ooc:the moon doesn't help those bastet genes either.

Daisy Mae Everson: *stops right in front of Simon*

Finnuala Rosher: ((*L*@Daisy))

Justin R. Quinn: ~walks to the kitchen door and watches silently, eating with gusto~

Ilevya Kranov: ((*S*))

Daisy Mae Everson: (*L*...) I could be a dangerous woman... *grin*

Ilevya Kranov: *quirks an eyebrow, yet still watching the two...having little better to do*

Finnuala Rosher: *Notices Father Quinn is eating and doesn't do anytihng to disturb that, as he seems to eat so seldom lately.*

Daisy Mae Everson: *glances up to make sure Simon in under the mistletoe*

Simon Everson: *simon is very under the misteote, he looks up* damn..

Daisy Mae Everson: *straightens the collar of Simon's shirt*

Finnuala Rosher: *Pretends to cover her eyes in shock at what Daisy's about to do to Simon*

Justin R. Quinn: ~can't help but smiles at the wolf and the cat~

Daisy Mae Everson: *lays her hand on his shoulder*

Ilevya Kranov: *smirks slightly*

Finnuala Rosher: *Takes another apple and nibbles it, savoring the spices and brandy, turned away from Daisy and Simon for their private moment*

Simon Everson: * look like he's going to bolt at any second&*

Justin R. Quinn: ~watches the making of a national geographic special.~

Daisy Mae Everson: *blushes slightly, grabbing Simon by the collar with both hands and pulling him to her for a long... hot... kiss*

Finnuala Rosher: ((*LMAO@Quinn))

Daisy Mae Everson: (**L*@Justin)

Simon Everson: *His arms go out to the side to stead himself againt the post as he tries desperately to breath or anyway he seems like a drowning man. Daisy knows differently as he returns the kiss with the passion of his blood*

Daisy Mae Everson: *she's captured her prey*

Finnuala Rosher: *Muffles a chuckle at the pair by sucking brandy out of the center of the apple.*

Simon Everson: ooc*G* evil justin

Ilevya Kranov: *rolls her eyes at the two kissing, turning her head to look around the chapel*

Ilevya Kranov: ((*s*))

Simon Everson: *pulls her closer, dipping her a little* "Roar, roar, like a dungeon dragon"

Justin R. Quinn: "..it's the sign of the times.."

Daisy Mae Everson: *breaks the kiss, she lips bearly touching his and she whispers* How's that for taming a dangerous man?

Finnuala Rosher: *Looks out through the door at the immense full moon and begins to understand a little of what seems to be in the air tonight*

Simon Everson: "Maybee, he needs a little more taming *whisper*

Finnuala Rosher: Ilevya> Would you like a drink, Ilevya?

Justin R. Quinn: ~his eyes turn back to Finnuala and stay there~

Ilevya Kranov: Finnuala> *nods to her* Certainly....

Finnuala Rosher: *That looked-at feeling...Turns to meet eyes with Justin*

Daisy Mae Everson: *grins* I think I could arrange that... *slipping her arms around him and kissing him again*

Simon Everson: *warm holiday greetings, and to all a good night. *

Ilevya Kranov: *stays relatively silent....sighing as tonight isn't yet as interesting as she had hoped*

Finnuala Rosher: *Gathers her senses and pours Ilevya a mulled wine and hands it to her*

Finnuala Rosher: Simon> May this longest night of the year be your best night yet.

Ilevya Kranov: *Nods to Finn when she is given the wine* Thank you...

Simon Everson: ooc:oh dear God! player cannot thinkn of anything to respond to daisy..she wins. Simon's mind if blown.

Finnuala Rosher: ((That's a first Simon!))

Ilevya Kranov: ((*L* Ohhh))

Daisy Mae Everson: (woo hoo I win...)

Justin R. Quinn: ~he doesn't look away from finnuala, keeps eating thou~

Daisy Mae Everson: (beats ICQ to work)

Daisy Mae Everson: *breaks the kiss and she smiles at Simon*

Simon Everson: *simon's , simon's gone, he growls suddenly as his birth right catches up with him, the growl is nothing that any human can produce*

Finnuala Rosher: *Glances at Simon, alarmed to hear that come from him, but in no way frightened. Not after knowing the real and deadly other things he can do.*

Simon Everson: *pure animalistic _lust_ stares back at Daisy, as he continues to grip the door frame*

Daisy Mae Everson: *blinks at Simon*

Ilevya Kranov: *tilts her head at Simon.......leaving any questions she has for another night.....one where she can tolerate him*

Finnuala Rosher: *Her forest gaze shifts back to the purple one*

Finnuala Rosher: ((And when would that be, Ilevya? *L*))

Ilevya Kranov: ((*G* Only time will tell))

Justin R. Quinn: ~glanecs at Simon, takes one look and says soflty~Oh daisy, i think you have awoken the beast in the man

Daisy Mae Everson: *eyes gliming at Simon* Perhaps we should... *glances back over her should* ... go for a walk?

Simon Everson: ooc:tolerate simon? i dare say that's a never.

Finnuala Rosher: *Glances at Daisy and out past her to the too-large and compelling moon, understanding far too well what has happened to Simon, and knowd that Daisy in her way has to understand as well.*

Ilevya Kranov: *Restrains herself from laughing at Justin's comment...focusing on the "beast" portion....she never really did think Simon was a -real- man*

Daisy Mae Everson: *glances at Justin* This beast I can handle... *grins almost wickedly*

Simon Everson: "Mayu be.,. a short walk"

Justin R. Quinn: ~he continues to stare at Finnuala and then reenters the kitchen~

Daisy Mae Everson: How about a horse back ride under the moon to the beach? (the hosre are back right?)

Simon Everson: *he continues to hold on to the door frame as if it were a life line*

Finnuala Rosher: *Draws her senses back to herself once again and samples another brandied crabapple*

Justin R. Quinn: ~stops~ Daisy, I do not believe any sane horse is going near simon in his present state.

Daisy Mae Everson: *nods to Justin* I think your right.. *pulls sSimon gently with her toward the door*

Simon Everson: "Horse. Bad." *dangers blue eyes, no white almost continue to watch daisy, everything she does*

Finnuala Rosher: ((Was afk))

Ilevya Kranov: *leans back in the pew...wondering if there will be a scene similar to earlier in the lounge....though, the next person who insults her tonight won't fare so well...she's somehow not in the mood*

Finnuala Rosher: *As if by some invisible quest, goes into the kitchen.*

Daisy Mae Everson: I thinks we shall be seeing all of you later...

Justin R. Quinn: ~comes back out of the kitchen and returns to his position, hands free~

Justin R. Quinn: ~naturally bumps into Finnuala and steps back into the kitchen to avoid her~

Finnuala Rosher: Oops, sorry Justin.

Daisy Mae Everson: Thank you, Finnuala... *bringing Simon with her outside*

Ilevya Kranov: *still sitting there by herself.....the chapel seeming incredibly dull*

Simon Everson: *taking too long and picks up Daisy with a low growl, walking out side*

Justin R. Quinn: ".no problem.. ~Smiles~

Daisy Mae Everson: (I'm gonna shoot my ICQ)

Daisy Mae Everson: whoa... *get picked up and carried out*

Simon Everson: ooc:set's up the gun ranck: Well Maw..let's get there.

Simon Everson: *heads of for the stables*

Daisy Mae Everson: *looks at the moon and just knows*

-end-