In 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.
The gift of your presence - ![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
coldsong
Nov. 10th, 2018 11:50 pmEverything is set.
After his previous attempts, and Harrowheart’s advice, Viatorus had taken a little time to consider his next plan. It wasn’t that he thought Loki would demand perfection, but everyone else in his life did. Trying to adhere to that standard was a nigh impossible habit to break. So he had taken a few days to research, ponder, and set everything in order. Now was the time. Nemesis have mercy on his soul.
He’s in his sister’s apartment. A large, immaculate London apartment of perfectly defined rooms that are all the epitome of modernity. The decor consists mainly of sharp corners, furniture blocked out in rectangular shapes in blacks, whites and golds. This is the apartment of someone who holds order in the highest regard. Except that now… Now everything is in the wrong place. Not in a mess, but misplaced. The kettle, microwave, and all the food is in the bathroom. The kitchen table has been replaced by a desk, and the cupboards now find themselves bursting with books, a few ornaments laid out on the counter. There is a luxurious looking bed in the livingroom that doesn’t look like it could get through the doors. Clothes and shoes fill the shelves in place of books or statues. In short, it is an elaborate mix up.
Isidor is going to hate it.
For now, however, she remains blissfully unaware, and Viatorus is left to consider his handiwork as he stands in the living-room-now-bedroom. One piece of Harrowheart’s advice stuck particularly close with him: Whatever the consequences, he must be able to laugh or it’s not a prank, it’s not mischief, and Loki will know. So, with a deep inhale, he prepares to laugh through his sister’s inevitable fury.
Raising his hands, palms upwards, and bowing his head he starts to pray the only way he knows how. Thoughts of Loki, of chaos and a meditation of its virtues had filled his mind as he worked. Now is the easy part. The part he knows. He grounds himself, raises his voice and sends his message into the ether. “I call upon the sly god, the trickster Loki Odinson of Asgard and offer up this act of mischief to you.”
After his previous attempts, and Harrowheart’s advice, Viatorus had taken a little time to consider his next plan. It wasn’t that he thought Loki would demand perfection, but everyone else in his life did. Trying to adhere to that standard was a nigh impossible habit to break. So he had taken a few days to research, ponder, and set everything in order. Now was the time. Nemesis have mercy on his soul.
He’s in his sister’s apartment. A large, immaculate London apartment of perfectly defined rooms that are all the epitome of modernity. The decor consists mainly of sharp corners, furniture blocked out in rectangular shapes in blacks, whites and golds. This is the apartment of someone who holds order in the highest regard. Except that now… Now everything is in the wrong place. Not in a mess, but misplaced. The kettle, microwave, and all the food is in the bathroom. The kitchen table has been replaced by a desk, and the cupboards now find themselves bursting with books, a few ornaments laid out on the counter. There is a luxurious looking bed in the livingroom that doesn’t look like it could get through the doors. Clothes and shoes fill the shelves in place of books or statues. In short, it is an elaborate mix up.
Isidor is going to hate it.
For now, however, she remains blissfully unaware, and Viatorus is left to consider his handiwork as he stands in the living-room-now-bedroom. One piece of Harrowheart’s advice stuck particularly close with him: Whatever the consequences, he must be able to laugh or it’s not a prank, it’s not mischief, and Loki will know. So, with a deep inhale, he prepares to laugh through his sister’s inevitable fury.
Raising his hands, palms upwards, and bowing his head he starts to pray the only way he knows how. Thoughts of Loki, of chaos and a meditation of its virtues had filled his mind as he worked. Now is the easy part. The part he knows. He grounds himself, raises his voice and sends his message into the ether. “I call upon the sly god, the trickster Loki Odinson of Asgard and offer up this act of mischief to you.”
