Description
After nearly two and a half months after the deadline for the Prom, it seems Kai finally seized some time from his duties (and procrastination of his obligations for the OC-T "Campaign", as he dubbed it) to create his piece for Prom.
Of course, Kai, not being all that up-to-date with how such events go, assumed he was to make gifts for those he favored especially in this round, and namely, he went about creating illuminated manuscript portraits on gilded and dyed leather.*
*(No, these are just paper, alcoholic makers and gel pens. )
What Kai didn't realize was that Prom meant showing one's self and others having fun at the event. Kai spent the Prom, however, in the solemn company of MegaMaeve 's General Avadir and Ithilloth 's Emperor Inaumeleth, as shown brilliantly here-
Nonetheless, Kai valued this Round and wanted to show his gratitude towards those he especially admired. Although he wished to do more portraits, his talents and time are woefully limited. Plus, he's been occupied with maintaining the fjords and mountains of the Far North in ice, to maintain balance in the natural order in the mortal and Other worlds.
Each design was matched, to best ability, of each character's setting, theme or personality.
Va: Green and silver, denoting her clothing and practicality.
Inau: Kai attempted to recreate the patterns of Inau's Sigelian clothing.
Johan: Kai's attempted recreation of the Royal Swedish Emblem duirng Johan's time.
Coogan: Imitating the patterns of Coogan's tutelage under Mack.
Jovian: Imitating the patterns of Jovian's Art Nouveau quarters and creations.
Kiro: Kai thought the Levi-Strauss labels and plaid patterns were Kiro's family heraldry.
From left to right, top to bottom, here are the fantastic people featured here, in Kai's own descriptions:
General Avadir, Captain and Commander and Battle-Mage of Fillian Port:
"A most formidable leader of an iron spine, a steeled tenacity, and a discipline as supple as the foundation of a fjord. A leader and mage of most uncommon sensibility, and most fearsome to encounter. Her gravity, as composed like a well-tempered blade in the hands of a god-like master, is most powerful. She commands respect and terror, produces devastating efficiency, and is nothing short of becoming a semi-immortal.
She has earned my own tribute of somber respect, prudent fear (of eliciting her wrath), and overall awe of not only her magic, but her overall power of her soul and being. At the Winter Solstice's War, I, Lord Frost, welcome her advice and insight into the battle."
Emperor Inaumeleth, 114th Emperor of the Kingdom of Sigelia:
"Few being exist with the fiber of character, nor the breadth of wisdom and understanding of his people's needs as the Emperor embodies and executes with his actions. His appreciation of his responsibility of his people's welfare and security cannot be stressed enough- his focus remains singular in his duty. His good nature emanates through his sensible diplomacy-he balances sobriety with a gentle wit, a talent few can master. Likewise, his severity in accountability of not only himself but of his government remains tireless. He does indeed have my respect, deepest admiration, and desire to take example after him. He is welcome to trade and import negotiations in the next year in my realm."
Johan, Son of Lars (Johan Larsson), Soldier in King Karl XIII's Army
"A gentle spirit of remarkable endurance. His strength, though underestimated by outward demeanor alone, belies a hidden depth. His manner is clean, refined, and decidedly good-natured. He possesses a fine sensitivity and appreciation of his kith, kin, comrades-in-arms, and his gods- er, God. Though beset by a melancholy his good nature carries, this youth holds potential, and would flourish in a land without war, he might make for a fine scholar of nature, or an energy mage. Our meeting, though, brief, has secured this young man in my good graces, and he may call upon my aid or hospitality at any time."
Coogan, Son of Reed (Coogan Reed), Student and Healer-Mage:
"A youth of astounding energy and inexhaustible capacity of generosity. His spirit remains undaunted, and his generosity towards others is nearly inhuman in its energy and warmth of kindness. In a similar vein as someone I likewise respect, this youth charges his kindness as his greatest strength- a skill seldom found in mortal and immortal alike. His healing magic is likewise singularly impressive- Lady Gerda, with my favor, extends an invitation from the Sohvi Great Learning Hall, to study and share his talents and wisdom. Like the youth Johan, Son of Lars, I also extend my aid and hospitality to Coogan, Son of Reed, at my house."
Jovian de Rugehala, CEO of Rugehala Enterprises ( CEO? A Wizard?)
"An astounding wizard of fantastic guise-shifting talents, keen wit, and audacity that only favors either the most clear-eyed seer or stout-hearted rogue. He calls himself an engineer, businessman and scientist, though I must imagine these are titles for Wizards in his land. His appearance may change like the direction of the wind or the seasons, but his sincerity in his good intentions remains fixed like the stars in the skies he traverses in. Though his energetic nature and wit tire me, his tenacity in aiding others earns my respect. I do not understand his ways or his land, but he has my admiration for attaining such wisdom in wizardry and magic, yet retains a generosity all may approach and rely on."
Kiro, Son of Isaak Markov:
"A hot-blooded youth of unquestionable honesty and candor. His temper is much to be left desired, though his warmth is not lacking. His resourcefulness, as well as his sharp mind of learning, demonstrates a soul bursting to improve, and for this, I truly admire the aspirations of this mortal youth. There is a conflict of rage within him, tempered with the remorse and fear of solitude. However, his qualities of honesty, sincerity, and overall guide of care, for he appears a goodly brother and kin to his family, will certainly guide him towards improvement. He has my respect and extended hospitality should he visit my realm. His Lordship, Grandfather Death, of my realm, likewise extends the offer of taking the youth under his tutelage for a season, for my lordship has taken the sincerity of mortal youth and refined into secure wisdom."
Available for individual download here.
Special thanks and credit to the awesome MelancholyCyborg1 for allowing her inspired design for her Prom piece to be modeled here!
***
Well, it seems Gerda's content that her lord has FINALLY finished his prom event assignment!
Gerda: *Bubbling with cheer* My lord, that's wonderful! You made such handsome gifts for your new friends!
Kai: *stiffly, as disapproving of her cheer* Allies, Lady Gerda. The word "friend" is too lightly used and heavily abused. Allies.
Gerda: Oh, I see. Well, these are handsome gifts! Such nicely tooled leather and fine pigments! But...did you not depict the feast itself? That is what the Prom is, a great feast. Are you not supposed to enjoy yourself at a great feast?
Kai: I partook the way I saw fit with my closest allies. The gifts are diplomatic with hospitable intentions.
Gerda: *peers and winces with a growing trepidation, like a baker at a falling cake* Your talent at art, my lord...
Kai: Yes? *sideglances accusingly suspicious*
Gerda: *wiggles her fingers over the portraits in earnest examination* A bit stiff? You could have used magic for something more lively?
Kai: *shoulders slouch in annoyance and glances wearily at her* Woman, magic used in art bodes unwell with me- remember when Jarlo drew a dragon and cited a spell on his quill? It came to life and the kitchen door is still in repair!
Gerda: *wrings her hands and then rubs her brow tensely* Well, yes! But he is SO sorry, my lord!
Kai: That matter is over now.*crosses arms, frowns resignedly and sighs*
Gerda: Well, I mean, you could show more style? More... current?
Kai: What? For Fate and Order, Woman, I learned art five centuries ago!
Gerda, Kai basically grew and learned most of what he knows in the equivalent of the Late Iron Age- be easy on the guy!