All I want for Christmas... [OPEN]

[brightwitch]

There have been several upheavals in the witch community of late, from the re-emergence of Circle Midnight and their new High Priestess, to the aggressive and chaotic behaviour of the fae in south-east London, taking over territory that was once home to many well-known and respected Daybreak covens.

Somehow, it all keeps coming back to Croydon.

Sylvia has feared it ever since she first became aware of these two threats: that the fae and Circle Midnight might decide to work together. Now they have, and while her spies and other figures in the community warned her of the attempted handover, allowing Circle Daybreak to prevent the fae from handing over Croydon to Abigail and her band of young and foolish witches – still, they were only able to prevent it from happening. They couldn't take Croydon back and that means the borough is still an uncertain and dangerous place.

There's no hiding what happened. Every coven knows. And, not surprisingly, there's a backlash. How dare the fae attempt to prop up an illegitimate Midnight coven right next door to Daybreak territory? There's one voice in particular that stands out as loudest amongst the crowd: that of Circle Daybreak's newest High Priest, Gilbert Norrell.

It's not long after Croydon that he and his manservant Childermass report to Sylvia of some worrying behaviour on the part of Circle Daybreak's High Priestess and Vice President of the Night Council, Dee Absin. Their story is backed up by Peter Vrinak, another member of the Council and a voice for stronger action against the fae.

Before Christmas, the news gets out: Dee has been removed from the Night Council, with Peter Vrinak taking her place as Vice President. And who will fill the now vacant seat of Witch Representative? Why, none other than Gilbert Norrell himself.

On 29th December, Gilbert Norrell officially takes his seat on the Night Council.

Coincidentally, on 30th December the Night Council announces its newest law, which it calls an emergency measure in response to the aggressive behaviour of the Seelie and Unseelie Courts in the mortal realm.

This law bans the use of all dark magic, the use and possession of all dark magic objects, and the selling or trading of dark magic objects. Anyone caught in possession of these objects will have them confiscated. The punishment for breaking this law ranges from hefty fines (for minor magic/objects) to up to 5 years' imprisonment (for high level magic). The law will come into effect from 1st January 2016.

Until then, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[ooc: This is a summary of what goes down, there will be subthreads below to play out the various events! Also please do feel free to post a top-level comment reacting to the news, or to thread out your reaction with other characters.]

Comments

Letter to Abigail; sent to arrive on the 30th

[hurtfew]

Miss Widdowson;

You are no doubt aware that the events in Croydon of late have drawn some attention. An attempt to establish a Midnight Coven adjacent to Circle Daybreak territory with help from the fae has come as quite the shock to many.

You will understand, then, that the calling of an emergency meeting of the Night Council was necessary.

I am writing to inform you that, as of the 30th of December, a new law is being passed in response to the aggressive behaviour of Unseelie and Seelie fae entering our mortal realm. It will govern the use of all dark magic, the possession of all dark magic objects, and the selling or trading of dark magic objects. Anyone caught in possession of these objects will have them confiscated, and be risking punishment by hefty fine or, in severe cases, up to five years imprisonment.

It is my belief that all magic is achievable without the aid of dark spells or such mischievous and cruel creatures as the fae, as I have proven myself any number of times within the last twenty years. You have done well for a young woman of your age, and I very much hope you will one day come to understand that this is for the best. Experience is a good teacher.

If you have any questions regarding the law the Night Council will be happy to address them.

Your servant,
Gilbert Norrell
High Priest of Circle Daybreak & Witch Representative, Night Council

sent to arrive on the 2nd;

[acrookedchild]

Mister Norrell,

I appreciate that you wrote to me personally on this matter. It shows a great deal of regard, and I am honoured to be shown such consideration.

It comes as no surprise to me, as I am sure it does to you, that you and I see the events of Croydon very differently. However, we must both admit that neither of our aims were satisfied. Rather than establishing a place for either of our covens, the borough is now less safe than it was, torn as it is between the factions. That is the fault of all three factions involved, and denying that would be pure foolishness. I hope we can, at a later date, come to some understanding to better protect the residents there.

I am also grateful for your warning about the new laws. I know of none in my Circle who make use of dark magic. I, myself, have made it clear to those who answer to me that I will not tolerate the use of magic to infringe upon free will. If I should discover one of mine doing such a thing, I will personally hand them over the Night Council myself. As to what they may do on their own, as covens are rarely involved in the dealing with of fae, I can offer no insight, but I will be sure that every member of Circle Midnight is well informed as to the possible penalties.

On a happier note, I would like to congratulate you on your appointment to the Night Council. It is a prestigious position, and I am sure you will do well under the close scrutiny that is no doubt rampant for new members. I look forward to seeing what you do with the opportunity.

Respectfully yours,
Abigail Widdowson
High Priestess of Circle Midnight