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volurofthehearthIn Rhineland-Palatinate there is a castle deep in the countryside, surrounded by forests that rise and fall with the surrounding hills. It is as tall as it is wide and it's elegant architecture gives away its purpose as a status symbol more than a true protective building. Cream walls hold up the slate roof, the stone unafraid of curving here and there for rounded corners and round towers. All in all it's a pretty gem hidden away from the rest of the world. One that for the first time in decades is buzzing once again.
Work began as soon as it was chosen. The entire place was scrubbed top to bottom, given a new lease of life with fresh paint, new furnishings, and electricity and plumbing looked over carefully to ensure all was working well. It had fallen into moderate disrepair in more recent years. All of which had been reversed in short order with the tiniest amount of magical help. Hiring appropriate staff had prompted a ripple effect as the Archon insisted only thoroughly experienced Durant staff work here, and thus their previous roles had to be filled. Without knowing the full extent of what the Asgardians were capable of and expecting, it was safest to assume staff who were unfazed by the most bizarre experiences would be best suited to this task. Along with discretion, this also had the added benefit of staff who were prepared to prepare for their guests, including a rundown of what cultural quirks they might possibly encounter. The list of professions involved was exhaustive, and the Archon had needed to pull some strings to ensure everything was properly covered. Luckily they had Lieselotte's family ties along with Durant contacts. Another benefit of the German castle.
By the time the children start arriving all the staff are settled, the rooms made up, the ground have been manicured. The vast majority of staff who will work there are standing in traditional black and white uniforms, ready for inspection outside when the new residents appear. With so many children to wrangle, they are divided into groups to gently guide them to their new rooms. The children will have to share rooms with each other, but the rooms are large and the beds are soft. Fortunately for the children (if not the staff) their rooms are all clustered together so that none are too far away from each other. There are exceptionally few locked doors but a great number of rooms. The biggest are downstairs with the parlours, the dining room hall, the dance hall, and various rooms for entertaining or relaxing. There is also a moderately sized library (with the most expensive or precious books removed) and a handful of studies. This is certainly a Durant home, traditionally decorated even with new furnishings. The only exception to this is the art. There are photographs hanging on the walls, and even some modern paintings, but not a single classical landscape or portrait to be found.
The Nyströms are easy to spot amidst all the chaos. Well dressed blonde ladies who clearly know their roles. Carita, clearly a Mother, helps the children settle in while also helping her frazzled sister Luna to not be overwhelmed by the sheer number of them. Gry with her wide eyed stare lingers nearby to keep an eye out for stragglers as the groups are guided around. Like Carita, Ragna is calm despite the madness, but focuses on helping to organise the staff. And Runa... Well. Runa has to resist bouncing off to help with everything. She has to guide Loki through all of this, despite how badly she wants to pamper some of the kids.
Work began as soon as it was chosen. The entire place was scrubbed top to bottom, given a new lease of life with fresh paint, new furnishings, and electricity and plumbing looked over carefully to ensure all was working well. It had fallen into moderate disrepair in more recent years. All of which had been reversed in short order with the tiniest amount of magical help. Hiring appropriate staff had prompted a ripple effect as the Archon insisted only thoroughly experienced Durant staff work here, and thus their previous roles had to be filled. Without knowing the full extent of what the Asgardians were capable of and expecting, it was safest to assume staff who were unfazed by the most bizarre experiences would be best suited to this task. Along with discretion, this also had the added benefit of staff who were prepared to prepare for their guests, including a rundown of what cultural quirks they might possibly encounter. The list of professions involved was exhaustive, and the Archon had needed to pull some strings to ensure everything was properly covered. Luckily they had Lieselotte's family ties along with Durant contacts. Another benefit of the German castle.
By the time the children start arriving all the staff are settled, the rooms made up, the ground have been manicured. The vast majority of staff who will work there are standing in traditional black and white uniforms, ready for inspection outside when the new residents appear. With so many children to wrangle, they are divided into groups to gently guide them to their new rooms. The children will have to share rooms with each other, but the rooms are large and the beds are soft. Fortunately for the children (if not the staff) their rooms are all clustered together so that none are too far away from each other. There are exceptionally few locked doors but a great number of rooms. The biggest are downstairs with the parlours, the dining room hall, the dance hall, and various rooms for entertaining or relaxing. There is also a moderately sized library (with the most expensive or precious books removed) and a handful of studies. This is certainly a Durant home, traditionally decorated even with new furnishings. The only exception to this is the art. There are photographs hanging on the walls, and even some modern paintings, but not a single classical landscape or portrait to be found.
The Nyströms are easy to spot amidst all the chaos. Well dressed blonde ladies who clearly know their roles. Carita, clearly a Mother, helps the children settle in while also helping her frazzled sister Luna to not be overwhelmed by the sheer number of them. Gry with her wide eyed stare lingers nearby to keep an eye out for stragglers as the groups are guided around. Like Carita, Ragna is calm despite the madness, but focuses on helping to organise the staff. And Runa... Well. Runa has to resist bouncing off to help with everything. She has to guide Loki through all of this, despite how badly she wants to pamper some of the kids.
