Table Manners

[Catriona Lee Frye]

Catriona had sent the carriages out the previous evening, one to Wormwood park to retrieve one or both of her nieces, and another to the capital to escort Rosemary and possibly drag the Lee Frye boys to Lasairdubh estate. Everything had been carefully planned: a feast had been arranged with the cook, consisting of each of their favourite meals; fine wines had been brought from the cellar; the table was set and fresh spring blooms from the garden had been arranged as a centrepiece. No expense had been spared, this was a dinner for family after all, and her family deserved the very best.

The Lee Frye matriarch was in her element, and already she was looking forward to having some life in the grounds again: most of her children had flown the nest as soon as they were able, and the house hadn’t quite been the same without them. It was lonely without her little chickens to fuss over, and Cat found herself missing the days when they’d be sat around the dinner table hearing stories of the day’s adventures. It all had seemed so simple then, so safe, as though the worries of the world were a kingdom away rather than threatening to knock at their very door.

It was those worries that had led Catriona to call this gathering, to bring her children all under one roof once more. The Unseelie attack had unsettled her, the strike landing a little too close to Rosemary and Aoife, and no doubt Le’Orin and his wardens would retaliate… somehow. A retaliation they must be prepared for… the Lee Fryes, the Devanys, and the McIntyres had survived this long by being smart, and they were stronger together.

Her lady’s maid alerted her to the arrival of the first carriage, and Catriona rose from her desk and made her way downstairs to see which of her children, nieces or nephews had arrived first. 

[No real post order, following dinner they’ll have the run of the estate if anyone wants to sneak off/talk in smaller groups/start a fight/cause a fire/ect]

[Eoghann Lee Frye]

Despite his mother's good intentions, Eoghann had not ridden in her sent carriage, and the poor footmen would be told he'd already left once they arrived at the Ranger's headquarters. The Lieutenant Ranger was a free spirit, who didn't want to be confined to a wooden box. Besides, he could travel a lot faster on his Bay Roan then the carriage could any day.

His mind was trying to think about how this meeting would go. Wondering if Risa would be in attendance, and wondering if he would be able to look at his sister and cousin, knowing he had played a part in the Unseelie attack. After all, it had been Eoghann that had led his rangers in the opposite direction of the forest. Ensuring they wouldn't be around to stop the Unseelie when they'd made their play. He merely had one rule for Oberon. Aoife and Rosemary were to be unharmed, for if they were, whoever dared touch a hair on their heads would be in for a shockingly painful experience.

He was pleased to find they weren't injured. Eoghann wanted his family protected, and Oberon was the only one that seemed to get the job done. The mystics would not sit by quietly and allow Allarick to butcher them. Melody had been his last straw, and he wanted the king to suffer for his crimes against humanity.

He was dressed in his usual Ranger gear. Light leather armor for easier movement, a fur-lined cloak resting on his shoulders as he rode up the family drive. There wasn't a carriage in sight yet, and for that, Eoghann was thankful. His dark brown hair was slightly ruffled by the wind and directed his horse towards the stables. Dismounting easily and handing it off to one of the stable boys, before he decided to enter the estate through the servant's quarters. Not wanting his mother to see him tracking in mud as it covered part of his boots and the hem of his cloak.

He planned on staying home for a few days, catching up with some brothers. Maybe his sister if she let him. He climbed the stairs as quietly and quickly as he could, heading to his room that was still in the state of when he left it. With quick movements, he had discarded the leather armor, taking a sponge from a water basin, he'd rubbed any and all dirt from his skin, and then proceeded to get dressed in attire far more suitable for dinner. He left a few buttons undone on his shirt and slipped his arms through the black tailored jacket as he left his room. Closing the door behind him, as he ran a hand through his air. He was going back down the servant's stairs when he heard one of the carriages had arrived, and he picked his pace up, jumped down the last few steps as he moved through the kitchens and into the dining hall that had shown the fruits of his mothers labor.

A small smirk appeared on his face as he grabbed a small handful of grapes from one of the trays, and threw himself down on a chair. Crossing an ankle on a knee, while he tossed a grape up to catch it with his mouth, while he waited for everyone else to arrive.

[Niall Lee Frye]

Niall had expected more of a fight from Eoghann and Ciaran, that is, he had expected to have to drag his brothers into the carriage at their mother’s orders. Eoghann had already left for home, at least that was what they were told once they arrived to collect him. Ciaran, on the other hand, was nowhere to be found and they were already running late as it was. They couldn’t wait and they certainly didn’t have the time to go searching for his younger brother if they wanted to make it to Lasairdubh in time for dinner. So Niall had made the executive decision that it would irk Catriona Lee Frye less if they arrived on time and a Ciaran Lee Frye short rather than arriving late or not at all. He was quite certain he was wrong, and that the Lee Frye matriarch would prefer them all there than to have one of her precious boys missing- Niall just hoped that her ire would fall on Ciaran’s head rather than on his. He had enough on his plate without babysitting his brothers, especially now they were all more than old enough to care for themselves.

He had spent most of the journey staring out the window and watching the Teronnan countryside pass by- occasionally he dropped into his cousin’s conversation, every now and then his mind wandered back to his office and the pile of work he had waiting for his return. Part of him was looking forward to this dinner, Catriona had been right: it had been too long since they had all been together.

Stepping out of the carriage, Niall paused to help Rosemary out before stepping up to embrace his waiting mother. ”I’m sorry we’re almost late Mama, Eoghann left before us, and Ciaran… Ciaran will be here, I’m sure.” The man admitted, holding her at arm’s length and looking a little like a chided child before Cat had even opened her mouth to speak. 

[Lucas McIntyre]

Lucas could never pass down an opportunity to visit with his Aunt Cat, and some of his more rowdier cousins. Having just returned from Tresteria as of late, he'd certainly heard of the rogue mystic attack and he was on edge almost instantly. Espeically after hearing that Rosemary had been at the party. He was glad to see her and both Aoife unharmed, and he made mental notes to reach out to Ruairc to see what he wanted to do about the attack. Surely the Seelie court would need to do something about this retaliation. Not everyone wanted violence. Not all mystics were bad.

As Rosemary told him about the invite their Aunt had given her, he'd immediately accepted. Given the business she wished to discuss, their mother might have attended, but she'd made it her duty to distract their current house guest. Not wanting dear Theodroa deGrey in on the happenings of a mystic family. Mother was certainly in for an eventful afternoon...

As they neared the Lee Frye home, Lucas subtly nudged his younger brother in the ribs. Remy was apparently lulled to sleep by carriage rides, or he hadn't been sleeping. Again. Lucas made a mental note to question his younger brother further, but later. He awoke with a start, and maybe too loud of a snort. Sitting up quickly and wiping his mouth for drool. His eyes were wide for a moment as he looked between his siblings and cousins, hoping none of them had witnessed the display. Unfortunately for dear Remy, everyone had seen it, but he was saved by the carriage halting.

Niall exited and Lucas went soon after, offering a hand out to Rosemary McIntyre to help her down as well as Lavender. Once Remy exited, Lucas pulled him to the side and started fussing over him like a mother hen, making sure his sleep hadn't wrinkled his shirt, and he looked presentable. "Ah Come off it Luc, I'm fine." His younger brother grumbled, swatting away his hands trying to keep his voice low. "The bags under your eyes say otherwise, little brother." Lucas countered, dodging his swats as he smoothed a hand over his brother's shoulder. "Do we need to have a chat about what's keeping you up at night?" He asked lowly. "No." Remy was quick to say. Yes... was the real answer. Honestly....he went away to Tresteria for a few months and came home to chaos. Before Lucas could prod him more, Remy was moving to interrupt Nial and Catriona. "Aunt Cat!! You look lovely as ever!" He exclaimed, moving in give a quick kiss on her cheek before he ducked out of the way, no doubt wanting distance between him and Lucas.

Lucas narrowed his eyes at him before he adjusted his cuff links and fixed a pleasant smile on his face while he waited his turn to greet his Aunt.

[Risa Devany]

There was no question about it- the moment Risa received that letter from her aunt, she was already making preparations to leave. Her sister requested to make a presence as well, which she wasn't about to deny her. It just meant they could not visit for very long because the woman would not willingly leave their father unattended for too long. With Nilsana's help, their magic would keep him mostly catatonic and still unable to communicate to others. She felt satisfied leaving a servant and their brother (who was home for a few weeks) in charge for a couple of days.

The Unseelie attack had been more of a disappointment than a success, and it was leaving Aunt Catriona worried. And she had every reason to be concerned. Oberon had plans, and he was the first man in her life that she felt compelled to follow, to truly believe in. He would not fail again, and she would make sure of it. Now, it was up to her and Eoghann to ensure their family did not get in the middle of it, because Rosemary and Aoife could have been gravelly hurt.

It was only a couple of minutes after the first carriage did the one with her and Nils make its way down the drive. When it came to a slow stop, she awaited the driver to open the door and help her down, where she would smooth out the front of those dark skirts. That pale face, devoid of most emotion, suddenly brightened up at seeing her gathered family. Once her sister was at her side, she looped an arm through hers to walk the rest of the way. "Aunt Cat, thank you so much for the invitation. It's been far too long!" Risa's dark eyes hadn't spotted a particular cousin, but she assumed he would be here, if he wasn't already.

[ Nilsana Devany ]

[Nilsana Devany]

Nilsana was excited, at first, for the chance to get out of the house. She loved spending time with her cousins, and especially being around Aunt Kitty. Of course, she was too old to keep calling her Aunt Kitty, but she couldn't help doing it in her mind, even now that she was a grown woman. Aunt Catriona had always been one of Nilsana's role models--her and Risa--for her strong (some might say fiery) personality, her poise, her beauty...the list could go on forever.

Once she had gotten in the carriage, however, and they were on their way to a big gathering, leaving their brother to watch over their father, Nilsana's anxiety returned. She plucked nervously at the lace on the wristbands of her little gloves until she realized she was going to damage it if she kept that up. With a small groan, she shifted and sat on her hands the rest of the way to Lasairdubh.

When they arrived, and she was safely at her sister's side, she relaxed ever so slightly. It did her heart good to see Risa smiling like that. It had been too long.

"Hello, all," she chimed in quietly.

[Rosemary McIntyre]

Rosemary was thrilled to have a chance to get everyone together again. Her family was one of the few large groups of people she would willingly endure (provided, of course, that her father wasn't included). Thankfully, their father had declined the invitation due to poor health. She'd also managed to get her brothers along, if only because she enjoyed seeing the boys and her cousins' antics when they all got together. She preferred to stay on the sidelines with Nilsana and sometimes Aoife, but it made her happy to see them all acting like children together.

She was quiet on the carriage ride, letting herself relax and lean onto Remy's shoulder as he snoozed. She did think he looked a little silly, but if he was tired, he ought to rest now, before things got out of hand with all the Lee-Fryes and McIntyre-Lees in one place. She laughed quietly behind her hand when he jolted awake.

Getting down from the carriage, both Niall Lee Frye and Lucas McIntyre tried to help her down, leaving her laughing again. Ah, it was good to be with family. When was the last time she had laughed this easily?

Once her laughter was contained, she put one hand in each offered one and hopped down from the carriage in a rather unladylike fashion.

"Thank you, gentlemen!" she teased, looking more like Lucas than usual with that brief glint of mischief on her face. It disappeared as quickly as it had come, however, as he smoothed her skirts and composed herself. Other cousins might be late and high energy, but she at the very least intended to be the well-behaved lady she knew Aunt Catriona demanded.

[Aoife Lee Frye]

Aoife had elected to ride alongside the carriage, as much as she cared for her brother and cousins- she couldn’t handle idle conversation at the moment, not after what had transpired up on Nephim Peak. The woman had hardly spoken to anyone since coming back, not to her father, nor even to Rosemary. Instead Aoife had retreated back into herself, easily becoming lost in her own thoughts. She thought of the guard she had met, of what had happened to his daughter and to Alastair, and how she no longer had any hope to hold onto. He was gone. He wasn’t coming back. The anger was still there, the anger that he had left her- only now the mystic knew he had left her forever, he wasn’t captured or away on some Warden-related-campaign so secret he couldn’t even write. He was gone. Her thoughts turned then to Cian. She had felt so guilty, feeling as though she was betraying Alastair for feeling something for the soldier. But now, she didn’t feel guilty, just confused.

Occasional snippets of conversation drifted from the carriage, and Aoife realised just how much she had missed this feeling of normality- of having all her brothers and cousins together. Though they were all older, they were still the same people at heart. The Lee Frye brother’s still played their games, dragging their cousins into it where they could. It would be almost as though they really were just children again, if not for the circumstances of this reunion. Catriona Lee Frye was worried, she had said as much in the letters Aoife had opened, read, and left unanswered. That was the reason for this gathering, the Lee Fryes, Devanys, and McIntyres were prominent families in Teronna- and yet, one wrong word or slip up could bring it all crashing down upon them with the Crown’s hatred of mystics. They had to protect themselves somehow, and that was what tonight’s dinner was for- not catching up and sharing stories, but plotting how best to protect the family. 

Finally arriving home, Aoife swung down from her horse with practiced ease. Each sibling and cousin waiting their turn to greet their host, and she waited with them- eventually stepping up to plant a light kiss upon her mother’s cheek. ”It’s good to see you- I’ll go and change and be down in a moment Mama.” She said, hoping the long ride would be an excuse and that she would seem merely tired rather than reserved and withdrawn. Offering her cousins a small smile, Aoife disappeared into the house to change into something more appropriate for dinner than her riding clothes.

[Catriona Lee Frye]

Cat didn’t have to put on a smile as she watched her son, nieces, and nephews clamber down from the carriages- ruby lips parted unbidden as she took in their faces. For a moment, all the stresses and strifes melted with the winter snow and Catriona Lee Frye almost seemed to forget why she had called them all to Lasairdubh. Almost. 

Niall was first to embrace her, and slender arms wrapped around her second son, pulling him close and squeezing him ever so gently. As he held her at arms length, Cat thought she made out a few new grey hairs in his beard, a few extra crinkles around his eyes as he smiled- her babies really were all grown up now, with lives of their own. But then he spoke, and that easy smile turned quickly into a gentle frown. ”Niall, you were supposed to bring your brothers- Eoghann isn’t here and there’s no sign of Ciaran either. But it is good to see you, get inside and get warm by the fire- we’ll have dinner when your brothers finally arrive.” She didn’t give the man time to argue before turning those light brown eyes to her youngest nephew, Remmington.

”Why thank you Remy,” She said warmly, offering her cheek for him to kiss. ”I see your brother’s charm has rubbed off on you somewhat, but it’s good to see you.” The boy seemed tired, but Catriona Lee Frye knew better than to question him now and in front of the rest of the family- she would save her questions for later- instead she ushered him inside after Niall. ”Go and get warm, I’ve had a room made up for you if you wished to change or rest before dinner.”

Her eldest nephew was next, Lucas McIntyre waiting ever so patiently with a pleasant smile upon his lips. Opening her arms to the man, Catriona beckoned him forward. ”Lucas, welcome home, I trust you’ll be telling us all about your travels over dinner- no-one tells a story quite like you do my dear.” Like all of her sister’s children, Lucas was a good man, and like the rest of her nieces and nephews: he could do no wrong in her eyes. Rosemary McIntyre was not far behind her brothers, the picture of a little lady as always. It was no secret that Cat had hoped for a house full of daughters, she loved her boys with every fibre of her being- but they worried her so, off playing soldier… even Aoife had been a source of constant stress and concern. But Rosemary caused no trouble, spoke softly and sweetly, and grew the most beautiful of flowers. She may have been her niece, but Cat considered her near enough a daughter- it was why she was so pleased she and Aoife were spending more time together, perhaps she would rub off on the Lee Frye girl a little. ”Rosemary, my dear, look at you! Come here and give your aunt a hug.” Cat was glad to see the girl smiling after all she had been through- both with her engagement and the Unseelie attack. Once they had embraced and exchanged greetings, Cat would usher Rosemary inside to the warmth of the house.

Her daughter came next. Cat had become used to Aoife’s recent aloof and withdrawn nature, but she had thought the young woman had been making progress- but there was hardly a greeting, no warm embrace as Cat had hoped. Merely a peck and an excuse. Being home would do Aoife some good, Catriona was sure of it.

The Devany girls, Risa Devany and Nilsana Devany were next. Two more nieces, and two more that Cat loved dearly. ”Risa, you are more than welcome, neither you nor your sister need an invitation to visit- we’ll always have a room for you both. I’m glad you could come, both of you.” Turning to the younger sister, Cat offered a warm smile. ”Please, come in. There’s time before dinner, so please make yourself at home.”

With that, she followed her children and their cousins inside. Moving through to the dining hall to check everything was laid out to her specifications and neatly arranged. This night would be perfect. Brown eyes widened in surprise as she took in the scene- she had expected an empty table, not one of her missing boys, Eoghann Lee Frye , sitting in place already. ”Eoghann!” Cat beamed, ”You just couldn’t use the front entrance could you.” Taking him in, the woman raised an eyebrow, ”You’ll spoil your dinner with those grapes you know.”

[Ciaran Lee Frye]

Dammit!

The horse's hooves pounded heavily upon the cold earth as he made his way down the road towards home. It had been a little while since he'd been to Lasairdubh, avoiding it for various reasons, and not because he didn't love his family. He adored them more than he'd ever let on, and Ciaran would do anything for them...but freedom had been such a blessing. A freedom to do whatever he desired.

Up ahead, he could finally see the looming manor and the parked carriages out front. There was no one in sight, which caused the young man to panic. How late was he exactly? He figured he'd have had plenty of time to get back from Greyshollow, but as with everything, he hardly thought a couple steps ahead.

The animal had barely come to a stop before Ciaran was sliding down from the saddle, and he stumbled a couple of steps before one of the stable hands grabbed the reins. "Make sure he's fed, watered, and brushed down, pleaseandthankyou," he stumbled out, not even slowing down as he rushed in through the door.

Shitshitshitshit...

His boots squeaked upon and scuffed the polished flooring as he rushed down the hall towards the dining room, which would no doubt be decked out as though the damn king himself was attending. The idiot actually laughed at the absurd thought while the other half of his mind was still in full panic. His mother was going to kill him if he was extremely late, and to be quite honest, he hadn't a clue as to what time it even was at this point.

Finally, minutes after everyone had arrived and settled, Ciaran Lee Frye practically skidded into the open doorway where he stopped abruptly. Oh, looked like everyone was here, and they hadn't started yet! His chest heaved as he was panting for breath, before that wide, cheeky smile washed over his face; arms opening wide as he turned towards Catriona. "Mommy!"

[Iain Lee Frye]

Iain had never, and would never, be one to make some grand entrance. He never craved attention and felt it was more his place to blend in. Even as his family began to gather at the front of the house, making their introductions and fussing over one another, Iain decided to make his much quieter and undetectable entrance through the back entrance

While everyone was busy, he quietly made his way up the back stairs and moved down the hall to where his room had been. He wanted to clean up and make himself a bit more presentable, regardless. But he also needed a moment to gather up whatever energy he was going to need for this gathering. He knew it would be more than just an easy-going, light-hearted family affair and that it would have something more to do about the recent mystic attack. Mother Lee Frye was worried about them all, and he was certain this was not only her way of checking in but also to remind them to be smart.

As he was coming to his room, he looked up and noticed Aoife Lee Frye coming up the stairs, causing him to halt in his steps. His lips immediately pulled into a small smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Sis…” It had been some time since he’d seen his favorite sister, as he had always jokingly told her. It was perhaps a lame joke, but Iain wasn’t exactly the greatest in the sense of humor. “How are you? I’m happy you came.” Did any of them have a choice, though? He wasn’t really certain...But regardless, he felt the most comfortable around Aoife than with his other brothers, because well, she was his favorite sister, of course.

Iain had gone undetected, save for bumping into Aoife, now, but he trusted that she wouldn’t give him away and yell out to the family to let them know his whereabouts. But then, as if out of nowhere, there came a sound of fast clicking against the wooden floorboards, followed by a loud bark that echoed through the hall. Iain grimaced and turned to find the family dog, Teddy, running towards him and Aoife, excited to see them both. “Teddy, no! Shhhh!!!” But the dog didn’t care, he first jumped up on Aoife, licking her face as he tried to get her attention, and then to Iain. “Ok. OK.. settle down, boy!” He ruffled the dog’s fur, thankfully being one of the Lee Frye’s who couldn’t start fire to save the poor dog a scorching. Teddy panted excitedly before he quickly moved down the stairs to go bother the rest of the family.

He laughed slightly and shook his head, looking back to Aoife. “How is that thing still alive?” He muttered quietly so no one else would hear him.

[Aoife Lee Frye]

Aoife was so entrapped by her thoughts, preoccupied by the bloodstained note and the still sealed letter from Cian she had tucked away safely in an inner pocket of her jacket that she almost walked into her younger brother. Iain and Ciaran were the two closest to her in more than age, and Aofie was relieved to see the younger of the two here seeing as Ciaran had missed the carriage that morning. ”Iain.” Her tone was warm, but like her little brother: the smile that came to her lips didn’t quite reach her eyes. ”Oh you know me, any excuse to get away from court.” The woman shrugged, trying to inject a little humour into her voice- but it fell somewhat flat. ”But it’s good to be home, and good to see you- didn’t feel like using the front door then?” She meant it, it was good to be home- perhaps it was the breathing space she needed after all.

Her smile grew as she heard the skittering of paws hurtling towards them. It was impossible not to smile when a 90 pound ball of pure fluff and slobber was speeding towards you. ”Hey boy.” Aoife said, not even attempting to stop the dog licking at her face. ”I don’t know, maybe Eoghann just keeps shocking him?” She suggested, laughing as Teddy barreled back the way he had come- probably to greet the rest of the family; the dog was nearing ten now and still hadn’t begun to show signs of slowing down.

Pushing open the door to her room, Aoife turned back to Iain Lee Frye , ”I’m going to change, I guess I’ll see you down at dinner?” It wasn’t really a question, like the invitation to the house- Catriona Lee Frye’s invitation to dinner was hardly negotiable. ”And we’ll catch up properly afterwards?”

She dressed as quickly as she could, pausing only to read Cian’s letter. Aoife rolled her eyes as she pulled the gown up over her shoulders and laced it as tightly as she could. She knew the table would be laid fit for a king, and her mother would want everything to be perfect- so going downstairs in something comfortable or not a dress was not a good idea if she wished to avoid a fight. By the time Aoife had made it back downstairs, it seemed as though most of the family had arrived- including Ciaran Lee Frye who was making quite an entrance, so much so that Aoife couldn’t quite keep the grin from spreading across her face.

It was good to be home.

[Uailean Lee Frye]

To be frank, he expected this.

He warned his mother that he might not be able to make it, considering he was not only having to handle being on alert as captain in the army, but being secretly apart of the Seelie brought on its own slew of problems. Uailean hadn't spoken with Ruairc directly about the latest problem with the rogues, yet he had heard all about the man's anger and aggravation. What Oberon had done? Well, it was ballsy, and it was dangerous. Everyone at that party had been taken so off guard, and it was just another mess that would have to be dealt with.

And apparently something Catriona wanted to speak about.

Sending a message home to Sinead to let her know he wouldn't be home another night again, he immediately headed to Lasairdubh, figuring he would be too late for dinner. Luckily, he arrived sooner than intended and made his way in through the front door. Lee nodded to the butler, quietly asking where the rest of the family was before he heard Ciaran's loud mouth, and he spied his sister just before she was moving out of view at the top of the steps. Teddy's barks echoed from somewhere on the second floor, so he assumed someone else recently came home, too.

A slight smile creased his mouth before making his way down the corridor to find his family (immediate and extended) gathering within the dining hall. He lightly bumped Ciaran out of the way before ruffling that mop of curls atop his head- just how he hated it- and proceeded past him.

"Well, isn't this a sorry sight," he announced in jest, that grin of his widening even more.

[Risa Devany]

Risa often wondered how different life would be if their father hadn't been a weak-minded, dickless bastard. Would she and her siblings be enjoying such family gatherings like this more frequently? The woman would have loved nothing more than to spend time with her extended relatives, but a particular situation required that she remain close to home as often as possible. Perhaps Nilsana could enjoy their family's company more- the last thing Risa wanted to do was tie the girl down. She had a life to live, and it was why she had done what she had to their father.

Risa, on the other hand, didn't expect to have much of a life. Joining the Unseelie, she actually didn't expect to survive to old age. Her goal was to see the king destroyed, no matter the cost.

Her smile remained for her aunt after their greetings, then proceeded inside. Nils still on her arm if she wished, otherwise she was obviously free to go mingle with their cousins. Risa was only searching for one in particular, but she didn't think they would have a moment alone to speak of the unfortunate circumstances. She'd gone to the camp after the attack to speak with Oberon...but if Aunt Catriona was attempting to dig her way into this mess as well, then they might have a bigger problem.

As everyone began to trickle into the dining hall, she immediately noticed Eoghann. She attempted to meet his gaze as his mother greeted him, wondering if he was just as concerned about this "family meeting" as she was. Then, she turned her attention elsewhere. Aoife was nowhere to be found yet, but she did spot Rosemary McIntyre and made her way over.

"Oh, dear cousin, how are you fairing?" she questioned gently, holding her arms out for an embrace. Perhaps the younger woman didn't wish to speak of the Unseelie event, but Risa needed that extra assurance that she was in fact alright. Dark gaze traveled to the newcomers for a brief moment, before her gently smiling face turned back to Rosie. "I was so worried when I heard..."

[Nilsana Devany]

Nilsana hovered nervously near Risa Devany like an ever-present shadow, watching the hustle and bustle grow more complicated with every passing minute. It seemed like every time she blinked another cousin appeared, taking the house from lonely and forlorn to noisy and cozy once more. She liked it, even if it made her a little nervous to be in the midst of so much activity. She'd gotten rather used to being on her own, these days.