Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
Posts: 588
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Post by Ivory on Jan 4, 2021 16:10:12 GMT -8
Ivory went home resting following her successful infiltration, taking much of the remaining day to unwind following the ordeal. It had been a success and Ivory had no reason to feel that it would come back to hit her. Still, this was the first time Ivory had put herself into the field against a large gang. There was a certain danger to it that had made the Pale Dragon anxious, but excited. She had the evidence of money laundering, potentially. Though it would take time to sift through and Ivory had a greater concern. The Pale Dragon was not well integrated into the criminal underworld and, while no slouch when it came to the Occult, she lacked the understanding needed to fully understand Elizabeth's condition. Likewise, she knew few who could help her. Thus, Ivory called one she felt could assist, calling Rowan on the phone and explaining that she needed assistance of a more mystical persuasion. She had said she felt what she had uncovered could be dangerous for the Freehold, but declined to give more information on the phone. Instead, she insisted the Snowskin join her at her home, granting Rowan her address in Spring Valley so that they could discuss the matter privately with instructions to join her at noon the following day. With concerns of the Wah Ching and what it could mean to meddle in their affairs, Ivory had also called Kai Rose , but only managed to reach her inbox. After calling twice, Ivory accepted that the Polychromatic was unavailable. With a little luck, perhaps the Pale Dragon would not need on of Kai's... talents. The day of the planned meet came. Ivory's home was large, located on a well-to-do street in the Spring Valley neighborhood. Though it was not the largest home in the neighborhood, it still served as a physical marker of Ivory's wealth. The front was guarded by a low, black gate, but this lay open, as Ivory had been anticipating Rowan's arrival. All that remained was for the Darkling to arrive and knock on the door.
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Post by Rowan on Jan 4, 2021 17:18:45 GMT -8
If it had been anyone else, they would have been looked at weird. But since it was Rowan, no one payed him much attention. He was wearing cargo shorts, a washed out T-shirt and his Golden Knights cap despite the temperature. Like Elsa sang, the cold never bothered him anyway. Hands in his pockets, he walked down the street like some pale wraith.
'Hehe, Palewraith' he thought.
The phone call from Ivory had taken him by surprise: he didn't know that had a reputation as the Occult Guy, even if he was Fall. Spring Valley was a ways from both Paradise (his regular haunt) and Whitney (where he worked). Maybe the invite was a statement in and of itself - 'I don't care if you know where I live, try to come and get me'. Or maybe Rowan was just being a Darkling.
In any case, the house made him feel small. His place was nowhere near that impressive, nor well situated. He reviewed his interpretation about the invite: it could have also been a Flex. He double checked the address, just to make sure. Yep, this was the place. He eyed the gate, wondering what material it was wrought from, but decided that it wouldn't be smart to touch it to find out.
He knocked on the door.
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
Posts: 588
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Post by Ivory on Jan 4, 2021 17:58:01 GMT -8
Shortly after the knock, a heavy wooden door was opened, revealing Ivory just beyond it. The Pale Dragon was dressed in a black tie-neck blouse, abound with the designs of golden-yellow flowers, alongside a pair of black flats and white slacks.
Opening the door wider, Ivory's free hand would click a remote, the sound of the gate behind the Snowskin closing to announce the device's purpose. She granted the Snowskin a cordial smile.
"Welcome, Rowan," she said, her tone friendly, but professional, "Thank you for coming on short notice, please join me in my office. We will discuss my... predicament there."
With that, the Fairest turned, moving away from the door to a room adjacent to the foyer. The foyer itself was well-constructed, evidencing the luxury of the home with stone tile floors, wood paneling, and a tasteful chandelier. The office Ivory had walked into was of a style complimentary to the foyer, possessive of similar wood paneling and hardwood floors with abundant rugs. Two comfortable armchairs of rich brown leather sat in front of a sturdy wooden desk. The desk itself bore a computer and a similar chair... alongside a tray upon which sat quartered turkey club sandwiches and an assortment of grapes, apple slices, and a few oranges. To the right of this was a drinking glass and a bottle of Coca Cola.
Ivory herself had moved to a small bar cabinet tucked into the corner, retrieving a bottle of Perrier and a glass for herself. She would remove the cap with a bottle opener.
"Help yourself," she offered, with her back still to the Darkling, "Consider it my small apology for calling you over in the mid-day. I find it discourteous to discuss business when my associates are hungry."
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Post by Rowan on Jan 4, 2021 18:22:58 GMT -8
He made his way into the house, taking in everything he was seeing. There was so much of it, and some art of him might have even been envious. The way Ivory was talking reminded him of a school principal, making him feel uncomfortable. That discomfort was quickly dismissed with the offer of food. He took some of the turkey sandwich, scraping most of the condiments off with whatever utensil he found. He eyes the Cola but dismissed the idea - he didn't want to seem too childish. No offer had been made for seats, so he simply remained standing awkwardly next to the food tray and took a bite. The food was lukewarm and bland. Perfect, in other words.
"Am I in twouble," he managed between two bites. Then he remembered his mother telling him to no speak with his mouth full, so he chewed fast and swallowed. "Am I in trouble for something?" he tried again.
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
Posts: 588
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Post by Ivory on Jan 4, 2021 19:08:59 GMT -8
The question caught Ivory off guard, causing her to turn, a confused look and a small, amused smile on her lips.
"What? No, not at all," she offered, "Even if you had done something to earn the ire of the Antler Crown, I am not within a position to mete out justice. I'm a small fish, in case you've forgotten."
Turning back only to finish pouring her sparkling water the Fairest would then move to seat herself upon one of the armchairs, gesturing to the other.
"You may sit if you like," she said.
A moment would pass, allowing to Rowan to situate himself on the offered seat or to decline and remain standing. Whichever choice was made, Ivory seemed indifferent taking a drink of her beverage as she slipped one leg over the other.
"Now, before we get to the center of the matter, allow me to give you some background," Ivory began, "A sizable amount of my money is invested in real estate, rental properties here and elsewhere. They are assets I carefully select and upkeep, as one should with such responsibilities. While I do very little in the day to day management of them, I care for them deeply. The well being of these assets must be carefully guarded, lest they fail to fulfill their purpose and continue to provide residual income. Therefore, when threats do arise, I can become... well, let's call it testy."
Territorial was perhaps a more apt word, but Ivory had no desire to fully color the wrath she could unleash to the Darkling.
"Recently, the property management company that sees to my properties here locally was merged into a greater company, the EverGarden Group, which is based here in the US, but they seem to largely originate from Beijing," Ivory continued, "And, to make a long story short, a little sleuthing and infiltration on my own uncovered that EverGarden has been allowing at least one business under their management to be used as a front for criminal activity. The company appears to be controlled by the Wah Ching, a large gang as I understand it, likely originating from Beijing if EverGarden's reach is anything to go by. To be frank, Rowan, the allowance of these criminals to utilize properties for their... purposes has the potential to fuck with my assets and I take this personally. Contrary to some, I have no connections with the underbelly in Vegas nor do I wish to. In the long run, such associations are rarely good for business."
"I took it upon myself to investigate the offending business I mentioned, it's an antique shop called Shine, run by a woman named Elizabeth," she said, "However, while I succeeded in gathering the evidence I require to potentially continue my investigation, I uncovered something more troubling. Something regarding the bleeding of our world into the world of the mundane. Thus, I called you."
Ivory let the spew of words rest for a moment, allowing Rowan to take in the reasoning for her calls. She had not contacted the Spring Court with her concerns. She had called him and her concerns went beyond simple mundane criminal activity.
"I have reason to believe the Wah Ching are distributing some kind of drug, perhaps magical in origin," she concluded, "Among the likes of Men, it seems to create a sense of wrongness, shunting away emotion entirely aside from the odd wave of confusion and emotional anguish, only to be snuffed out yet again by the effects of whatever this drug is. Elizabeth is a victim of this drug, whatever it is, and I seek to locate some treatment for her."
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Post by Rowan on Jan 4, 2021 19:40:18 GMT -8
When offered a seat, he took it. He stayed on the edge of the armchair unsure how to position himself in it.
Rowan listen to the exposition without betraying any emotion. They way he understood it, Spring had been forbidden from getting involved in Banal business, and so the Crown had decided to dive into Las Vegas' ugly underbelly. Several questions came to mind as Ivory explained thing, but she did a good job of answering them. When she had finished, he simply kept eating, letting her stew in her anticipation. He broke the silence to ask for a glass of water to wash down the turkey. Then, he sat straight and looked her straight in the eyes. His black orbs didn't blink, his expression unreadable.
"Then you understand that if I come aboard, this will be an equivalent exchange, yes? I don't think you want to owe me some vague future favour that could be easily abused."
He blew in his hands and waited for the answer. It had been one thing with Smudge, it stayed inside the Court. But this, even if it was a personal matter, crossed Court lines. They also had operated on neutral grounds.
"I'm assuming you can protect me, should someone take offence at my playing in Spring's turf."
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
Posts: 588
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Post by Ivory on Jan 4, 2021 20:13:21 GMT -8
Ivory would gladly rise and get Rowan water, retrieving a can of spring water from the very bar she had been at earlier.
The Pale Dragon did stew lightly as Rowan ate, light irritation coloring her features before being commanded away. What she had laid in his lap was heavy, it was rude to expect an answer quickly.
"Whether you become involved or not depends entirely on what you bring to the table. I have a problem, I've heard you can assist and the way I see it, we both benefit," she offered, "My assets are protected and you safeguard the Lie by ensuring that this violation is sealed. Something which I assume the Leaden Mirror would look favorably upon. However, I understand I cannot expect your help without providing you with something. Name what you believe to be appropriate and we can discuss details. If you believe you can assist, that is."
Something akin to a growl leaves the Pale Dragon's throat as she glances to the side at the request for protecting, her subtle fangs glinting in a rare appearance as she lightly snarls. However, it is not the request that irks her, it is the assumption she would be unwilling to assist if the desires of her fellow courtiers were determined to be at odds with her own.
"I've made it clear. My desires do not involve the shadows of Vegas' darker appetites," Ivory says, "If my peers are involved and intend to tamper with the company managing my assets, they are proving their wishes for my success to be a lie. And if that's the case, they've proven themselves poor compatriots. What protection I can provide is yours, but I lack the pull of others. As I've said, I am not a courtier with much influence, nor do I find myself under the employ of any in the middle nobility. However, I believe that independence grants some anonymity in my goals and you as well should you wish to assist. What I do have is some influence among the Iron Spear, however. If evidence of wrongdoing falls upon the laps of some among the Spring, I have little issue with calling upon my contacts within their numbers to ask for a favor and explain their role in tampering with mundanes with our magic. There is an inherent danger in this and their solutions tend to be brutal."
The proclamation was blunt, tinged with some coldness. A certain fire lights the Pale Dragon's features, resolve and draconian conviction alighting her face.
"I am loyal to my season, Rowan," she concludes, "but that loyalty can only extend to members of the Court to a certain point. When our Desires fork, I must choose between our ideals or the favor of individuals who may be involved with activities that can cause harm to my Desire. The choice is obvious to me, but I am not blind to the dangers."
That was that. True to her draconic appearance, Ivory would rather face violence than to divert her attentions from her Desires at the direction of fellow Springs that do not share her path. Ivory would not allow herself to be tainted by the criminal elements abound in the Emerald Court. Criminals like that had already caused her a great deal of pain once. And Ivory would not allow it to happen again without a fight.
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Post by Rowan on Jan 4, 2021 20:24:40 GMT -8
He puts up his hands in a gesture of surrender that is not reflected on his features.
"You know me, Ivory. I make enough enemies by simply being who I am. I just don't want any extra heat. Erasing our tracks is Winter's job, but I will gladly help. I'm more interested in the how."
He takes another sip of water, marking a pause and the end of that particular debate.
"I believe I can help, and if that's alright with you, I will name my price after the issue is resolved. Depending on my level of implication." He takes another sip, placing his eyes back on her.
It was a clash for the ages, kind of. Her, an unstoppable force, and him, an immovable object.
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
Posts: 588
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Post by Ivory on Jan 4, 2021 21:03:11 GMT -8
Ivory's features softened as Rowan lifted his hands.
"Yes... of course," she said, "My apologies if my passion for the matter overshadowed your perception. Nonetheless, I remain undeterred. I understand Winter's role, but I lack contacts within that Court. However... there in lies another boon. Removing the issue could grant us some contacts within the Onyx if they take notice. If we bring forth tangible evidence, it may even help to bring them in to help deal with the matter... quietly. Maybe? That would safeguard your assistance and ensure my security."
At the odd request, Ivory thinks for a moment and then nods.
"I can agree with that, I only ask you bear in mind my capabilities," the Pale Dragon requested, "There are things that could be beyond my reach and I do not wish to see you unrewarded for your service."
Settling back into her seat, Ivory mused, thinking back to the Mabon Feast after party. Alcohol and mundane substances were not the only things circulating. Archie Hart and Smudge had imbibed in... something. Something that gave the latter some pause. Ivory's expression grew more sullen.
"The more we muse on the subject the more apparent it seems likely that someone among the Antler Crown may be involved," she said, "Following the Mabon Feast there was something circulating among us at Mr. Chasseur's party, though I did not take it."
Then a consideration caused Ivory to return her glance to the Snowskin.
"You mentioned the want for protection. You believe my court is involved then? A leak makes sense," Ivory said, a delicate hand rising to rub her temple, "We are not above making such things and I have little issue with it if it remains where it should be. The effects I've seen in Elizabeth though are... frightening. In a sense."
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Post by Rowan on Jan 4, 2021 21:35:31 GMT -8
Dang it, she was making him gamble with his Clarity. He had info, but it was raw, unchecked. He hadn't had time to make due diligence. His brow furrowed, thinking of a way to make it even grounds.
"I'm a Darkling. I always think that everyone is involved. I'm like Bruce Banner that way, but with paranoia instead of anger. Very well, we have a deal - I will be in your care, then." It was what some might call a Pro Gamer Move, or a Dick Move. Rowan seemed to remember something about Fairest caring about their allies, but the details eluded him. In this way, Ivory was also placing her Clarity on the line. If she would understand his meaning was not his problem. He attempted a smile.
"The something you're looking for is called Rose Water. The drug is supernatural in nature. It just so happened that I, um, had a 'cleaning contract' in some office space that had ties to it. Babylon Investors." He waited for the Fairest to check if the name rang any bells.
"The person in charge of the drug seems to be a woman. I don't have more info on her, but I have a lead to a warehouse, where some gangsters managed to replicate the drug. I also know about a guy who's being tread for an overdose. In the psych ward."
He let the information sink in. It wasn't much, but it was more than Ivory had a moment ago.
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
Posts: 588
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Post by Ivory on Jan 4, 2021 22:38:33 GMT -8
Ivory let a pause hang after Rowan said his words. She would blink at the Darkling.
"You are a clever man, Rowan, but you need not use your cleverness for such things" she said, her tone becoming soft, verging on motherly, "I would not have called you here if I was unwilling for you to enter my care, I understand what I'm risking. I do so willingly."
She granted the Darkling a soft, warm smile. He was truly a broken thing if he thought himself to be so unworthy of such things. Ivory wanted it to be clear that his trickery was unnecessary for this task.
"We are about to embark on a dangerous path, you and I," the Pale Dragon said, "I'd prefer to walk as friends, if you would allow. The reward and my promise is unaltered, but, should things falter, I would like to know I took those steps in good company."
At the mention of the drug, Ivory let the softer moment slip away, leaning forward in clear attention. At the pause following the name of the company, Ivory merely shook her head
"I do not recall the name, but I'm certain I'll have time to Google them later... do you believe they have connections to our people? Or perhaps a specific Spring?" Ivory asked, her face easily conveying her curiosity. The little Darkling had been busy.
Eyes widen at the mention of a gang producing the drug independently.
"The Wah Ching, perhaps? Maybe they are responsible for the distribution to the Unchanged," she mused, "Giving Elizabeth's demeanor, it seems a useful tool to keep assets docile. Manageable. She scarcely argued my presence in her shop. Though admittedly I had a little help from my own gifts."
Finally the mention of the overdose caught Ivory's attention the most. She took a moment to process the matter, rising from her seat and quietly moving bar cabinet with her empty glass.
Confirmed. They've gotten someone else.
The thought had been at the back of her mind, of course, but confirmation that multiple souls had their emotions unnaturally ripped away from them was difficult for the Pale Dragon to hear. For a moment, Ivory's fingertips traced the neck of a bottle of Blanton's bourbon rested atop the cabinet. Though it rested there for some moments, Ivory would give a soft sigh, pulling the hand away and letting it drift to the half-empty Perrier to refill her glass.
Now is not a time for distraction.
The glass filled, she would turn around, leaning on the bar cabinet.
"Were they also bereft of emotional energy to the point of Hollowness, save the occasional wave of confused desperation and anguish?" she asked of the victim, "Is this a mundane psych ward? Do you feel the treatment is helping the victim? I had considered it beyond their understanding based on what I believed to be its origin."
Ivory's words carried a hint of hope. If the doctors were proving successful in treating one victim, perhaps they needed to get Elizabeth into the same program. Part of her heart carried a sense of doubt, however.
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Post by Rowan on Jan 4, 2021 22:50:23 GMT -8
He chuckled. He was glad she had caught that. At the end of the day, they were on the same team, but others might have more nefarious designs. Ugh, he hated when big words got into his mind. He simple nodded his acknowledgement. "I got you."
"Not necessarily them. The woman I told you about was apparently happy with how Rose Water was doing on the market." He pinched the bridge of his nose to remember what Smudge had told him. "Something about high addiction and low risk of overdose."
He pulled out his burner phone and found the pictures of the medical bills. He passed the device over to Ivory. "Halcone, their name. Rapid onset depression."
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
Posts: 588
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Post by Ivory on Jan 4, 2021 23:05:09 GMT -8
Ivory nodded at Rowan's response to her kind words. He had heard her, that was what was important. He didn't need to show it in the same way, Ivory understood that he may not have been capable.
"Perhaps the formula has changed then? Elizabeth's side effects hadn't subsided for some times, she didn't indicate overuse," Ivory relayed as Rowan spoke of low risk of overdose, "Moreover I believe she was told to continue using, as if another dose would reduce the effects. So... either something has changed, she's particularly affected, or, worse, she's being used as an experiment."
Looking over the medical bills Ivory frowned.
"What I felt wasn't merely depression, Rowan," she said, "There was something very... wrong with her. Did you speak with Halcone himself?"
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Post by Rowan on Jan 4, 2021 23:12:21 GMT -8
"No," he answered the question. "The warehouse had seemed more time sensitive." He paused, remembering what else he knew.
"But here's the thing. Smudge? He didn't feel hollow. The way Smudge told it, he felt more grounded then ever. Like, for the first time since Coming Back, he wasn't in a dream anymore. And he seemed fine last time I saw him, no depression."
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
Posts: 588
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Post by Ivory on Jan 4, 2021 23:34:07 GMT -8
"Did you do more than track the warehouse down?" she asked, "Or does it need to be dealt with?"
That would likely require more persons than a Spring courtier best known as a lush and a Fall Darkling with an... icy disposition.
She drinks again and nods.
"If the drug is supernatural in origin, maybe our being allows us to enjoy differing effects? A lot of things affect us differently, don't they?" she mused, "Or maybe it's a matter of doses over time. In either case, Elizabeth's life is going to end if we don't find a solution. Of that, I'm afraid I'm fairly certain. Humans are emotional creatures, without the ability to express..."
She let her voice trail off. The implication was plain. Without their help, Ivory believed Elizabeth would die.
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