#darkgatefortress

The celebration was, by troll standards, a bit wild! There was dancing!

While the gate area itself remains off limits, the hold never felt so open to non trolls as this

or certainly as welcoming

Linnae, a thane, got invited to a certain party though it had outs such as 'to witness the events of Darkgate history unfolding' or other more dignified options

She was almost late, trying to decide if she is supposed to wear formal attire and if that means... gasp, a dress... but finally she arrives with a medium in between - light armor that would be appropriate for court polished to a high sheen, and her hair braided back with an ornament in it that some might suspect came from this very forge. And spent the night trying not to stare at Hewitt...

And what a difference it was, not just the celebration, but the nature of the place. It still screams 'vigiliance' and 'duty' but the accompany gloom of it has been wiped away. While not blazing bright the smudgy shadows have been cleaned up

After sending out the flurry of texted invitations, and a few actual phone calls, Sylvi quickly gets dressed in the semi-formal gear she keeps at the Fortress for emergency diplomatic use, does what touch-up she can on her make up and hair, and greets guests with a bright smile as they arrive.

Sully shakes the Bridge's hand "Love what you've done with the place, very Mod Squad"

Looks like the theatre crew is here

"Isn't it wonderful?!" she says, beckoning them all in and towards the refreshments.

Thane Linnea greets Sylvi with a bow. "It's like night and day here. How did you manage such a change? Has the gate been permanently sealed?"

She offers a salute/bow in return. "The negative energy has been drained. Beyond that, you're going to have to talk to the Mountain for details. I'm afraid I'm a little unclear on the details of the how."

"The how is perhaps not the matter. The proof is, as our Steward would say, in the pudding. Good work."

"Thank you! Now...I'm sure I saw the Chieftain around here...." She scans the room.

Hewitt is talking to the Mountain, but he turns to see the Thane, and says to her "Well done. Pardon me" And moves towards her

Her cheeks color a bit. "Ah, yes, I should give him greetings from my lord's barony."

"Oh, absolutely." Spotting the Chieftain, she gestures Linnae to aim that way.

She spots Colton across the room and gives him a quick smile and wave before greeting the next round of guests.

Colton flashes a smile and a shake of head ,proud but realizing for the Bridge THIS is another moemnt of triumph

Hewitt moves to the thane, "Greetings, Thane . Thank you for your kind and quick response" In a lower voice "It is always good to see you, but a rare moment of celebration makes it more so"

The Ren Fair satyrs look about "Geez, this is it LIGHTER?" but they smile

Sylvi laughs. "It is, yeah. Hey, you all need to meet Zane. He's my new assistant, but I've known him forever, and he's part of how this all happened. Ask him to tell you about it!"

She bows deeper to the Chieftain, hand on her heart. "May the lessening of the darkness let your true light shine the brighter."

She beckons Zane over and introduces the Trago to him.

The boggans who make cupcakes come in with more to add

The traggo talks to Zane and he talks to them... he seems to be in a much better mood than before

And that cheers Sylvi further.

Hewitt offers his arm "May I show you about abit , I know you know most of our regulars, but... well, we have nwe blood"

"Of course. I am honored to be by your side."

Colton finally works his way to join the Bridge "I haven't seen the troops this happy in awhile"

Music starts up... apparently a bard with a fine feathered tail was traveling through, and heard there was to be a celebration. He even plays a rousing song on his lyre, though there may be few, if any, who recognize the language, it is a very fine song to listen and dance to.

"I know," she replies. "It's like stuff finally paid off." She leans against him, watching the merriment.

Hewitt smiles and guides the Thane on. Nearby, Linnae might notice the Baroness Nadeen is already here. Well uhm. .MORE representation for SIlverwolf is better.

Colton gives Sylvi a squeeze "I don't suppose a.. lighter hold won't change your mind? "

She gets a little tense and is quiet for a long moment before answering quietly. "...I don't think so, Colton."

Nadeen may have a notice from Lord Aiden to pass on... couched in formal terms, but more or less congratulatory on their achievement, and a mention that now that the hold has less of the negative influences that may have been detrimental, they may feel be welcomed to draft from his stables if need arises.

Colton nods "I understand, and I'm sorry that. .shot in the dark was ill timed. It's not so muc habout this place, but where you feel happiest. But you can't blame a boyfriend for trying."

Nadeen will pass it on, but for now, leaves the Chieftain to Linnae's capable hands. The thane makes more introductions, new blood, and local non troll kithain... ones the Bridge has rallied.

"That profile, I don't suppose you've ever considered acting little lady?" A vulture pooka asks Linnae

Sylvi looks up at Colton, relief evident in her expression. "Thank you. And no, I can't blame you for trying. For the timing, yes, but not for trying."

Colton nods "How about I make like a good boyfriend and time your refill on your punch. Boozy or non boozy?" A smile

"Oh, I think tonight's a good night for boozy," she smiles. "Thanks." She hands him her glass, then overhears Sully's comment to Linnae. "Oh, you totally should, Thane Linnae!"

"Your fortress - rather, your holding is growing, with the addition of so many strong and capable new allies and associates." Linnea observes. "If we weren't already allies, for which I am glad for many reasons, we would surely be seeking your good favor now. There are those who may have tried to bridle the power of that which you have protected your lands against, only to find that they mounted a kelpie." Quietly admiring the hold - and of course, the Chieftain.

She looks up in surprise at hearing her voice, having been focused. "I - what, pardon?"

Sully beams "We're having a little play, something fresh, the music man... Auditioned in interesting ?"

Sylvi approaches. "Pardon, Chieftain. Thane Linnae, this is Sully Sullivan, the producer and director of our production of The Music Man...and we still have some roles to fill."

"I see" The Chieftain raises a brow

"Ah. I do not think that is quite my forte." She ponders this, "Might I recommend perhaps - Bluebell. Mm. Need you any childlings to play parts? We have several - I do believe that your story - mind, I've only seen it once, and this years ago, had school children? I might recommend one young starlet as well."

"Oh! Sully, what do you think?"

"Well, Amaryllses are a dime a dozen but we could use a few dozen more" He grins "And if this Bluebell wants to shine a little ight on the lime she's welcome too"