Ozymandias Posted May 13, 2003 Report Posted May 13, 2003 Tuesday came in quietly enough. As any other new day's beginning in The Pen, it was silent, save for the noise that can be heard -somewhere- of the wheels in dozens of heads turning as pen is put to paper first thing, or finishes and lies still for a few blissful moments of the joy of another piece completed before falling, along with its wielder, softly to the desk and many red-eyed authors begining to snore as one. But something was happening in the Cabaret Room. For one, the inside of the entire already massive room now looked suspiciously like an ancient cathedral. For another, there were carefully inscribed nameplates, running the length and breadth of the cathderal pews proudly displaying in inlaid gold, the names of all members of The Pen in alphabetical order (actually, the organizer's first attempt at getting his guests to mingle). The carefully polished oaken stage stood utterly empty. For the moment. All writers and guests of The Pen is Mightier than the Sword find themselves awoken by a polite, but insistent calling of their names, and a gentle shaking of their shoulder, each one in their own room, or chosen sleeping space du jour. Any abuse the visitors are unintentionally visited by those of The Pen who are somewhat slow to wake is paid no heed, as it is (fortunately) difficult to truly injure a shadow monster's being or feelings. Even ones as decorously polite as these strange visitors. Soon, led by their quiet guides and their curiousity, all writers under the expansive (somewhat given to random remodeling) roof arrive at their seats in The Cabaret and make themselves comfortable. All the guests are offered their choice of coffee or a strange concoction in a gleaming silver can named only "Crazy Larry's". Either one does wonders for those not yet awake. Once all are situated, the Founder himself takes the stage in as dignified a manner as possible when one is climbing onto a stage through a small, glowing, rectangular aperture that suddenly opened in the air. Once he too was properly situated, Ozymandias flashed a look of apology to the assembled. "I apologize for cutting things so close, one and all, but there has been much work to be done." A wry ghost of a smile crosses his lips as he continues: "I also apologize for the earliness of the hour, but I had a promise to keep. But NOW," he boomed, voice suddenly reverberating throughout every nook and cranny of the Cabaret/Cathedral, "Let us begin." With that, in two smooth motions, he unsheathes his longsword, and produces a tightly rolled scroll from his sleeve. Unfurling the scroll with a snap of his wrist, blade pointed to the sky in his other hand, Ozymandias intones, "Ayshela. Salinye. Wrenwind. Damon Inferel. Tamaranis. Yui. Please rise and approach me." The bewildered yet respectfully silent six do so, stopping quietly at the foot of the stage. "Ayshela. Salinye. Wrenwind. Damon Inferel. Please step up." They mount the first step, still a bit unsure, but trusting the weatherbeaten old man nonetheless. Touching each gently on the shoulder, he intones, "For services rendered to our beloved Pen and to our beloved craft, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Page." He smiles at them. "May your inkwells never run dry." With a gentle nod, Ozymandias dismisses them to his either side. "Tamaranis, step forward." Tamaranis approaches the stage. "For services rendered to our beloved Pen and to our beloved craft, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Quill Bearer." He smiles at Tamaranis as well. "May perserverance and endurance continue to be your constant companions." With a nod, he moves off to the Founder's side as well. Fixing his eyes carefully on the still (though very brightly lit) elusive form of the Pen's Shadow Huntress, he addresses the final candidate. "For services rendered to our beloved Pen and to our beloved craft, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Elder." At this, he clasps her firmly by the shoulder, mouth splitting into a wide grin. "And allow me to be the first to say it's about bloody time." At Ozymandias' none too subtle urging (after returning a bemused smirk of her own) Yui turns to face the people of the Pen is Mightier than the Sword with her other newly promoted fellows. "Lords, Ladies, All!", bellows the old egyptian jovially, "Let's hear it for them!" And the Pen is Mightier than the Sword burst into a standing ovation. (OOC: Okay, I loves me melodrama. Sue me. Congratulations, everyone! Unfortunately, I cannot attend to making the appropriate changes to your accounts until this evening 9:00 PM or so, EST. But it will be done, I promise!) Accounts done, Help File updated. Couldn't wait, oh Great Leader.
Salinye Posted May 13, 2003 Report Posted May 13, 2003 (edited) Salinye blinked the last of the sleep from her eyes at the ghostly man before her speaking unexpected words. "For services rendered to our beloved Pen and to our beloved craft, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Page." He said leaning forward a bit to touch their shoulders. "May your inkwells never run dry." The wizardess simply stood blinking again trying to absorb what was taking place. Slowly a goofy grin began to grow upon her delicate elven features. It was Wrenwind who saved her from further embarrassment by taking her arm and pulling her up to stand next to the Lord of the Pen. (Which is not entirely different from Lord of the Dance, but that's another story entirely.) Standing with the other initiates turned page she regained some of her senses as Tamaranis was called forth to be named a quillbearer then he too settled in place beside her. "Smooth Sali, smooth." He whispered poking fun at her frazzled response. "Shut it, Tamned." She whispered back in good humor. All joking stopped as Yui-Chan was called to stand before them and ordained an Elder. Salinye could not think of a more deserving person to recieve such an honor. It was all she could do to contain her excitement at having the honor to stand among such talent. Her goofy grin returned. OOC: Wow...this is...unexpected. I am quite honored to be called up with such amazing talents as Wrenwind, Alysha, Damon, Tam and Yui. What a privilege. *quickly rubs shoulders with them all hoping their talent will rub off on her.* "No no, don't run, I'm just trying to absorb your talent....I swear!" Edited May 13, 2003 by Salinye
Psimon Posted May 13, 2003 Report Posted May 13, 2003 His twin hearts fit to burst, Psimon holds back tears of joy to see those he holds so dear, and those he's yet to really know, receive their well-deserved honours. Words tumble through his mind - Devotion, Perseverence, Dedication - these do not even begin to describe the time and effort which these people have put into their craft. All he can do is stand and applaud, and this he does with all he can muster. ooc: Well done, one and all!!
Alaeha Posted May 13, 2003 Report Posted May 13, 2003 Alaeha stood in the crowd, beaming a warm smile, one rarely seen, on those who had received the smiles of Fortune as well. As the newly promoted ones turned and tried to wade their way through the crowd, she weaved her way amidst the other inhabitants of the Keep to meet them. She popped up directly in front of Salinye. Giving the new page a hug, she whispered in her ear a moment. "Now I want no more of this inferior attitude... none of this 'I know very little and I'm no good and everyone else is better than me.' out of you. I happen to think you're a beautiful poet." With a wink and a quickly flashed smile, Alaeha turned and went on her way to congratulate the other promotees, blending once again into the crowd. OOC: Congratulations all! Especially Yui! Consider yourselves thoroughly hugged, please.
Peredhil Posted May 13, 2003 Report Posted May 13, 2003 Peredhil gleefully hugs each of those promoted, and then hugs Ozymandias for doing the Lore Master thang, then hugs everyone else. Rah!
Gwaihir Posted May 13, 2003 Report Posted May 13, 2003 Congrats everybody I'm very glad to see you all where you are now. It's deserved.
Ayshela Posted May 13, 2003 Report Posted May 13, 2003 Hearing a soft step behind her, Ayshela starts awake and turns her head, relaxing when she sees Alaeha stepping through the door. "M'lady, you need to come down now, you've been requested to attend a meeting." "A meeting? At this hour???" Ayshela looks toward the window, and seeing the sun rising, realizes she'd fallen asleep at her desk. Hastily scrubbing an ink mark off her face, she turns wearily and follows Alaeha, joining a growing stream of people. Entering the Cabaret Room, which has been transformed into a most impressive cathedral, Ayshela gratefully accepts a large cup of coffee which she sips carefully as she searches out an inconspicuous seat. Settling in her seat, she watches Ozymandias take the stage and hopes she can stay awake as she would hate to even inadvertently be rude to The Lore Master. Suddenly, to her astonishment, she hears "Ayshela. Salinye. Wrenwind. Damon Infernel. Tamaranis. Yui. Please rise and approach me." Joining the others walking toward the stage, Ayshela wonders if her face reflects her astonished confusion. Standing respectfully before Ozymandias, awaiting judgement and wondering what they'd done, confusion gives way to stunned delight as she hears "For services rendered to our beloved Pen and to our beloved craft, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Page." With a benevolent smile, Ozymandias dismisses them to stand beside him. Ayshela manages to gather her wits enough to move into position and stand with a dazed smile and witness Tamaranis become a Quill Bearer and the most deserving Yui become an Elder. Ayshela congratulates Tamaranis and the others promoted along with her, then kneels to Yui for a moment, in delighted awe. "You are truly deserving, M'lady. It is an honor to share the stage with you." Smiling widely, she hugs everyone there and goes in search of Alaeha, grabbing her for a hug and a quick happy dance. OOC: ohmygoodness!!! What a lovely morning surprise! Thank you so much. i am truly stunned, and deeply honoured. i will try to be worthy of the honour conferred upon me. Thank you!
The Portrait of Zool Posted May 13, 2003 Report Posted May 13, 2003 For once someone else stands in the shadows applauding, as the Mistress of the Shadows succumbs to stage light. Congratulations Yui. Congratulations to all.
Yui-chan Posted May 13, 2003 Report Posted May 13, 2003 By the time friends and acquaintances had hugged, greeted, clasped and congratulated the humble little woman in the night-dark cloak, Yui-chan sported a sincere - if tremulous - smile and flushed cheeks. She was glad that she'd made a beeline for the other promotees to give them their much-deserved congratulations first, before the rest of the member populous had reached them, because now she could barely see even Tamaranis' pale face through the crowd around them all. Yui hoped that dear Ayshela wasn't going to try kneeling again, images of her falling under what felt like a stampede of Pennites flashing through the Huntress' overactive imagination. With a grimace, she shook her head and banished such an unworthy thought, contributing the silliness to nerves and lingering shock. Such an honor, and at such an early hour of the morning! Her sleepy brain was still processing all the ramifications while she nodded and spoke and shook many an ink-stained hand. Each person received a heartfelt, if softspoken, 'thank you' for their kind words - (It wasn't until later that she worried that a few of them might have received an 'arigatoo' instead - she did that sometimes.) - and more than a few heard her promise to try to be worthy of the title. Only the handful of individuals who knew her best noticed the surreptitious glances she occasionally slanted to where Zool watched from the quiet of the shadows, and of those, only Peredhil the Perceptive recognized the slight hint of longing in her eyes. The ancient half-elf smiled with the knowledge that Temae Yui, granted a position of honor, power, and responsibility in the Keep of the Mighty Pen, would endure the light gladly when necessary but always return to the Shadows in which she belonged. ... for her part, Yui was just learning her first, important lesson as an Elder while she continued to chat with her fellow Pennites there on the steps of the Cabaret-cathedral. With the rising sun beaming heartily through the windows behind them, she was quickly becoming aware that black is the wrong color to wear in the light.
Kasmandre Posted May 13, 2003 Report Posted May 13, 2003 Congratulations to all the promotees. Every promotion received today was earned at least a dozen times over.
Damon Inferel Posted May 13, 2003 Report Posted May 13, 2003 (edited) Damon grimaces slightly, noting that the Loremaster has misspelled his last name, but sighs and accepts his upgrade with a light smile. He's not one for crowds, so he runs off of the stage, wondering how his simplistic role-playing skills and graphic descriptions could have earned him a promotion. One more sigh as he hides behind a wall, listening to the loud trample of people who run by and hug everyone else, and he finds himself staring at the wall with great disinterest. "Damn alleyways..." He mutters, crawling out of his hiding space as the smoke clears from the rumble of feet plodding through the 'cathedral'. Well, i suppose my superiors should hear of this, no doubt they have already... He bangs his head on a wall momentarily. Oh, I don't have any superiors... He laughs a little and looks at the cleared hall, afternoon already setting in. This was unexpected. With one more sigh and a tinge of annoyance for sighing so much, he floats back to the Abyss to ponder how he can correct the error in his name. Fixed! Thank you so much for pointing that out. In his haste to not keep this waiting any longer, an unfortunate 'n' sneaked into your name! It has been eradicated for such Rude behavior! -P Edited May 13, 2003 by Peredhil
smallscale_mind_games Posted May 13, 2003 Report Posted May 13, 2003 Damon thought he had escaped the hugging. He was wrong. Merry falls off the ceiling (dragging Pip and Lynne along with her) and all three enthusiastically glomp Damon, shouting various things along the lines of "congratulations". Leaving the others to do as they will, Merry runs off to hug the various other people.
Madoka Posted May 13, 2003 Report Posted May 13, 2003 A samurai, clad in shiny Metalium armor, steps up and smiles happily at the recently promoted. Omedetou gozaimasu! Congratulations to all on your promotions! You all certainly deserve it! With at, Madoka proceeds to give every promoted Pen a *BIG* hug! Bring out the sake!
autumn_sun Posted May 13, 2003 Report Posted May 13, 2003 =The Pip-eth one laughs and does a flip, turning into chibified pip= Yay! Damon got a promotion!! =makes a big deal about dancing on his shoulder and ends up falling off backwards= Thank the gods you have long hair =clings to a chunk of hair=
Justin Silverblade Posted May 13, 2003 Report Posted May 13, 2003 (edited) My words shall be short - for the expression I have for you all is already about the room: Congrats! All very well deserved - both the Pages and of course, the newest addition to the eldership. It is very much deserved: All the new Pages have offered much contribution to the Pen - by writing and reading, commenting and creating. The Pen is a great place with you 5 around. And, of course, Yui-chan: way to go gal! I can't think of anyone more deserving. Ever present, shadows or not, you're a treasure; part of a great foundation for the Pen. The Eldership is bringing in a real gift to their council. I mean it. Way to go everyone! Keep on writing, keep on reading! - Justin Edited May 13, 2003 by Justin Silverblade
WrenWind Posted May 13, 2003 Report Posted May 13, 2003 Bewildered and sleepy WrenWind steps up to accept her honors with a little curtsy and a quiet, thank-you then settles back beside the others. Thank you all for the encouragement
Gyrfalcon Posted May 14, 2003 Report Posted May 14, 2003 Gyrfalcon stepped forward and shook each promoted member's hand until he reached Yui-chan. To her, he bowed before reaching out to shake her hand. "Welcome to the Elders, Yui-chan, it's good to see you among us." the half-elf said simply, but with a big grin. OOC: Congrats to you all- you earned it.
Degenero Angelus Posted May 14, 2003 Report Posted May 14, 2003 Congratulations to all of ya. Had it really been that long since we did promotions last time?' *Looks at the Poet tag next to his name that he's had forever, and smiles. He pulls out some polish and cleans it up shiny, puffing his chest out proudly.
Wyvern Posted May 15, 2003 Report Posted May 15, 2003 "As others have said, congratulations to all!" Upon exclaiming this, Wyvern hands out Bruteweiser booze in small paper cups which have Almost Dragonic Product advertisements drawn on them, carefully placing pink umbrellas in those of the newly promoted Pen members. Briefly toasting to the prosperity of the Pen with his "Almost Dragonic Deliberatly Disfunctional Alarm Clock Advertisement" paper cup, the greedy lizard swiftly crosses out May 13th from a large Pen calender he holds and puts a red circle around the date of July 13th... Bowing and departing from the Cabaret Room, Wyvern passes by a gloomy Damon Inferel and briefly stops to hiss: "Apologies for the name confusion... my almost dragonic handwriting can often come off as quite sloppy and illegible... In fact, I'm surprised that any of the name spellings were correctly deciphered!" Snickering to himself and patting Damon on the back, the reptilian Elder whips out a book entitled Pen Rankings and Using Member Income Taxes to Your Advantage before cackling evilly and dashing out of the packed Hall...
Tamaranis Posted May 15, 2003 Report Posted May 15, 2003 It wouldn't have been accurate to say that Tamaranis was prone to becoming alarmed, exactly. It was an extremely rare thing that he would be taken truly by surprise, and just as rare that his suprise would be apparent in those instances. However he did tend to become, tensed, or readied, in a way. He always assumed the worst, and being suddenly summoned to the cabaret room for a meeting of an undisclosed nature could have been due to any number of dire circumstances. On his arrival in the cabaret room, however, thoughts of preparing to avert the apocalypse were banished from Tamaranis' mind. A celebration of some kind was underway. Tamaranis neglected to stifle the darkness that surrounded him as he watched. Most members of the pen were already familiar with his tendancy to kill the light around him. The overabundant light seemed to be a source of minor distress to Yui anyway, and for whatever reason she didn't see fit to do anything about it herself. When Ozymandius called him forward, however, The vampire utterly banished the darkness around him. It was something he did rarely to never. To those familiar with his habits, it was a far stronger act of respect than something like kneeling could ever be. It occured to Tamaranis that it was strange to be receiving an honorific after all these years. The last time he'd been subject of such a ceremony he'd still been alive. Still, "Quill Bearer" had a nice ring to it. Yui's promotion, however, seemed to steal the show. "Congradulations, Yui." Tamaranis said as the cheering died down. "I'll be the second to say it's about bloody time." OOC: Yeesh, I go away for a couple days and you go and promote me.
Elwen Posted May 15, 2003 Report Posted May 15, 2003 Elwen walks among the crowd, after Merry has let her go, sincerely congratulationing those who got promoted. The normally reserved elf/kitsune maiden gives her /ashke/, Damon, a passionate hug. "Wonderful job, ashke." she says. "You deserved this." (And maybe it'll be my turn someday...)
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