#odyssey

Thistle squints like anything, kenning to try and understand the magic - presuming it "feels" like the cantrip at her own saining, right?

It does, and it doesn't, there is a bit of a more primal feel to it, less structured, building in waves, more free form than the carefully orchestrated lines of perfect code and runes.

"It's like writing in water" Gwen whispers in surprise

"It's still pretty."

Then again - Thistle works in dynamic, free-form clay, less structured than what Blaine tried to force her into.

A nod at that

She crosses her fingers. Just in case.

Gwen notices the gesture and joins her in it 🤞

The magic builds, and then crashes - not like a car crashes, but as a wave crashes, ending it’s journey on the shore and then flowing back to the source, washing over Niamh and Art.

The fledgling Sidhe’s eyes glow as the memories of his true self flood in. No past lives, but dozen dozen years in Arcadia, and in the Autumn world when it still flourished in Spring and Summer.

As the light fades, Art remains, the same, and yet subtly changed. His stance is more certain, the set of his shoulders more confident. He looks taller, or maybe is just standing straighter.

Color slowly bleeds into the fabric of his suit…

Gwen watches hoping whatever house he gets, Art feels welcome

Thistle bites on her lip.

Gold! Gold gleams first at the cuffs.

A murmur among the Selkie. Guesses exchanged - gold for Gwydion, or Dougal? For Varich, Aesin? Leanhaun or Balor? Too many options.

The idea of the aging curse, she doesn't know much but... the poor guy

A bright shimmer, next, is silver, at his collar. Gold and silver? That… could be anything, or nothing, or just a design.

"Stars, you think?"

"I don't know, " She whispers "For him it might fit "

Then the main color of the outfit darkens, blue! A bright sky blue…

“Liam! Pay up!” Calls one Selkie, and her friend shushes her, “Not yet, I don’t think.”

It darkens! Deepening to a true midnight shade, blue-black, and a spray of silver speck like stars across the sky come into view!

BROW

"Totally stars."

His outfit is black and covered with stars, with discrete golden suns as cuff links, and a twining pattern that reminds of a sinuous serpent at the collar.

Serpent like snake, or more like a dragon because it alost looks like "Part Varich part Ailil?"

Mm, hard to tell from back here, but the suns look like a nod towards Varich. Actually, as he gets closer, there are bright dots picked out in the collar. It’s a constellation, one that looks a bit draconic.

...Fornax?

Draco! Thistle has learned that one!

"Huh" A grin "Guess we don't know what house he is but we know what he likes?"

Little Louis calls out, “Black with Silver stars, that’s Eilunid! Pay your bets!”

Niamh laughs! “Not so fast. We have not introduced him yet, young one.” She says, though the little bookie is probably about her own age.

A look at Louis with amusement for a second

then a breath as Niamh gets gets ready to introduce Arthur

Niamh leads him out of the surf, and then gently tugs his hand, indicating that he should turn… as he does, the final element comes clear - a deep purple star emblazoned proudly across his back!

He completes the turn, and then bows to everyone observing.

The Selkie namer calls out, “It is my pleasure to introduce Arcturus Sol-Eltanin, Star-Seeker… Squire of House Beaumayn!”

"ARCTURUS! HUZZAH!"

"COOL use name," A nod of approval, "Welcome, Squire"

“Just Art, please.” He says. “I’m used to it, you know? And there’s no need to be formal, not with friends.”

"I don't know, Arcturus is pretty fancy but whatever you like best" Gladiola aka Gwen smiles

A look to Thistle "One of us needs to hug this guy, and I think you got dibs"

He bows to Niamh next, taking both of her hands and lifting them to place a brush of a chaste kiss. “Mother Niamh, I am honored.”

Then he grins to Thistle and Gwen. “Sol for the Sun of Varich, and Eltanin, well, it’s the brightest star in Draco. To honor both of my mentors.”

"They'd be so touched"

"I think they'll like that."

"Of course the Baroness will be all 'very kind, thank you' with a proper head nod that doesn't betray too much, and the Baron will do that eyebrow lift of surprise then act like he wasn't and will tell you how powerful the dragon is as a symbol' but insdie they'll both gush"

“I know you want cake, but… I like the idea of a hug too.” He says.

Thistle blushes a little.

Gwen says "Chance for you to hug him before I do going once.... " She starts a count

He bows before Thistle, and then holds out a hand - a little uncertainly. “We are still friends, right? Even though now you are Thistlethwaite, and I am Arcturus?”

She takes his hands with hers. "Can't get rid of me THAT easy, Sparkles."

"...twice.."

“Sparkles?” He laughs! Citrine zips around his wrists, admiring the gold accent.

And Arcturus pulls Thistlethwaite in, giving her a bear (hah) hug!

A whoop from the crowd sets off the others who take up a cheer!