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Post by Kai Rose on Feb 1, 2021 16:17:36 GMT -8
"Oh, I'm sure Summer's got something we can use," she replied with a shrug. "Or, yeah. You can book a dojo or gym for the night and just lock the doors." Really, any rented private space with some room would do if they weren't going apeshit with superpowers that would damage the area. Wooden blunts weren't going to fuck up walls too bad. The compliment was met with a flash of a smile. "Your kid's back home? That's cool. You excited about it?"The question was as important as the read that came with it. She offered the needle and extended her hand, unworried about a little prick.
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
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Post by Ivory on Feb 8, 2021 3:16:07 GMT -8
A simple nod is offered at Kai's assurances.
Her question was met with a look of mixed emotion, though it was clear the Pale Dragon was not attempting to reflexively hide her emotions on the matter. Kai was a friend after all and the pair were quite secure. Ivory had smiled at first, but her eyes spoke of a hidden fear and immense uncertainty.
"Elated, in a sense," she said, "Though, certainly, I would have wished the circumstances leading to it were different. Then there is the realty that there are more things to consider now. As I try to increase my standing, I will likely be keeping with more interesting company. And... if the recent attempt on Mr. Chasseur's life is any indication, that will mean some may consider me unwelcome enough to act."
There was a pause there, the fear stewing in her features.
"While I am comfortable facing that alone, I am less enthused that his renewed proximity might cause some... interest in his use against me," she admitted, "Then there's the matter of his relationship with Aello. I... don't want to end their relationship naturally, that is not in my nature, but I won't deny that I worry about his exposure. Pendragon had hoped Anthony would remain apart from it all, but I lack the security of a live-in partner. Pendragon could rely on me to maintain just enough normalcy at home to keep Anthony from getting too curious, albeit at the cost of slowing my own rise in politics. I have no one."
"And he..." she started, clearing her throat as the uncertainty washed away, eyes welling with tears, "He hates Evelyn."
The pain in her eyes as the uttered the words was palpable.
"We were together even when Pendragon was alive, she was one of many close partners Pendragon and I had, though, admittedly she was more a lover of mine individually," she explained, "When... Pendragon died the family that we built died with him in a sense. As I mourned, they left. All of them. Evelyn too..."
Ivory stared to the middle distance, a tear rolling down her cheek as she recalled memories she wished she could forget.
"He hates that she left and he hates that I justify it..." she said, an had reaching up to wipe away her tear, guilt upon her face, "I can't tell him the truth without violating what Pendragon wanted for him, but if he knew what we were. If he knew the promises I had made with her..."
"I don't know what I'm going to do," Ivory finally concluded, the truth in her words ringing like a bell.
A part of Ivory was elated her son was home, but much of Ivory's thoughts on the matter were mired in fear and uncertainty. She was worried what his proximity to her and his relationship with Aello could mean going forward. Further she was wrestling with immense guilt, caught between her desire as his mother to tell him the truth and maintaining the Lie she and Pendragon had erected in an effort to keep the boy separate and unknowing of the machinations of the Lost.
Several long moments passed, Ivory hiding her face and sobbing lightly as she fought to compose herself, but, in time, she proved able enough to put on a face brave enough to lift it to Kai's gaze again.
"But that is beyond my control, right now. For the moment, there is nothing I can do," she said softly, finally retrieving the needle as she peered at the Polychromatic, "This, however, is something I can do... Are you ready?"
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Post by Kai Rose on Feb 8, 2021 23:22:24 GMT -8
No doubt, the world Ivory was entering was "interesting". It was the shark tank, a Court chock-full of narcos that would give Escobar a run for his money. She'd smelled the reality coming off Stheno the second she'd seen her. The Polychromatic just let her speak, a sympathetic look on her face the whole way through. The kid was absolutely at risk, a piece left out in the open that could be played by anybody who had the will to act. Evelyn, too, was working for the bad guys. Maybe it was intentional, maybe not, but she was compromised...
...fuck.
How do you tell a friend that everyone she had left was either a danger or was in danger?
"Wait. Before we start... I can help you. You're walking into a real difficult spot, and I will help you. But what I know is dangerous, the kind of thing that could ruin my life if it were to get out to the wrong people that I know it."
She took a long breath. There were certain things that were right, even if they weren't easy.
"I will tell you what I can, but I need you to swear an Oath that you will not reveal any of this. Promise me on the Wyrd, and I will tell you truths that you need to know."
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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 Feb 11, 2021 4:27:05 GMT -8
The needle had been hovering over one of Kai's fingers, the Pale Dragon breathing out a sigh to prepare herself before Kai spoke. The needle froze and then withdrew, a confused gaze from the dragon flickering up to the Polychromatic at her sudden omission of knowledge.
"What's wrong?" she whispered, her concern apparent as she searched the Polychromatic's features.
Nonetheless, her friend felt she had knowledge that could benefit Ivory. And she trusted Kai, for the Polychromatic had not given her a reason not to, which was not a claim that some in her own court boasted.
"You're scaring me, Kai," she admitted. She had never seen the Iron Spear so concerned or adamant about Oaths. What did she know? It seemed clear it must be about her own relationships or her place in the Spring Court, but why was it causing the Polychromatic such distress? "I... I promise I will not reveal any of the information that you share with me today with anyone."
It would be up to Kai to seal the promise, of course. If she wanted something more stringent, a true Oath, she would need to discuss the terms in greater detail.
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Post by Kai Rose on Feb 11, 2021 8:35:42 GMT -8
A swirl of brown represented concern and a hint of fear; the dark blues in this context represented cold worry and a degree of urgency. Whatever it was, Kai wanted to share something that was important to her, but she felt it was dangerous.
"Details about the realities of Spring in this city. Names, connections, what they're about -- a bit of a roadmap."
Kai didn't Seal the promise. She had said an Oath was required.
"I'm sorry, but I need a real Oath on the Wyrd for this one. I propose this: for your pledge of secrecy, I'll tell you things I know of the Las Vegas Spring Court that I believe will help you navigate those complex waters; if you break your word, your magic will be cursed by the Wyrd for a year and a day."
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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 Feb 13, 2021 18:46:56 GMT -8
So it was something serious, grimly so.
"A year and a day?" the Pale Dragon repeated, her expression speaking to her surprise.
At the Polychromatic's doubling down, Ivory's eyes shifted to one of candles, observing the flame as she slowly nodded and considered her options.
There was a certain responsibility in secrecy when it concerned truths that could place a friend in danger.
"As you say, Kai Rose," she offered, clearing her throat, "Here, within this sanctuary of candlelight, I swear to uphold a pledge of secrecy to the words you share with me about the Spring Court on this night. Should I falter, let the Wyrd curse my magic for a year and a day."
A dusky gray hand emerged from the white folds of cloth that made up Ivory's attire, alight with a dim golden glow as Glamour was burned to enforce the Oath, awaiting the Polychromatic's grasp so that the Oath could be sealed.
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Post by Kai Rose on Feb 13, 2021 20:25:18 GMT -8
"I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important," Kai replied as she repeated the length of time. She let out a long, low sigh of relief as the Hunterheart agreed. "We have an accord," she said, pushing her hand and Glamour out to entwine with Ivory's and bond them in the Wyrd. Kai got comfortable and tried to relax into what she was about to say.
"All right. This is a complicated topic, and before you ask me how I learned this, I'll just tell you -- magic. My magic is largely related to the interactions between people and time. People make choices. Choice is a function of time and motivation; motivation is a function of aspiration and emotion. I can read a lot about a person through my magic, predict their moves by understanding the emotions that make them tick... which brings us to what I need to tell you."
She leaned in a little, resting her forearms on her lap.
"Spring's power is held largely by its middle nobility, not its Queen. There hasn't been a stable Spring Monarch in many years. The middle nobles are entrenched in money and crime, and the spider at the center of that web is Rudolph Chugunkin, the gangster Knight of Coin. He is always a Knight; any Monarch who does not take him as a Knight does not last longer than a year. Whoever is in charge must work with him. The Queen might want to break free, or she might be in on it, but the power behind the throne is Sir Chugunkin. What you must understand is that the status quo benefits him. He maintains stability. Shaking things up isn't in his interest. Cross him at your peril. He is the Mob, and the Mob's tendrils run deep."
She held up a finger, starting to count down. "But it isn't just Chugunkin. This is a whole web of gangland power. Chugunkin's man is named Zhi. He acts like a business professional, keeps his assets hidden, but he's incredibly violent. You cross him, he'll find your Name, and your son's life will make you his pawn -- or worse. As long as you leave him alone, though, Zhi's known to be pretty nice."
A second finger came up. "This brings us to Stheno. She's got a racket in the unions surrounding the entertainment industry, jumping from identity to identity as a ranking member of various groups. She lets her people run wild, doing whatever crazy bullshit they want because she thinks they should be allowed to do whatever they want, because that's the Spring way. Whatever they want." She let the pregnant pause bloom. Stheno wasn't a good guy. "She's now diving into the criminal underworld. This is causing some tensions internally, as you can probably imagine."
The third finger popped. "Then you've got the Magpie, Ruben. He's in with Winter, and he employs a lot of lower level Courtiers from different Courts in criminal enterprises. He's pretty peaceful -- at least, he doesn't get caught doing a lot of violence. Rather, he takes his cut."
"Finally, you've got Piper and Eurydice. Piper's close to Sir Nimbus -- who isn't involved in all this narco bullshit, to my knowledge. She's in the underworld so that he doesn't have to be, and she's not into being part of Chugunkin's crew. Eurydice's in tight with a Summer officer, Sweeney, and the Sun Banisher, Fawkes, and she's pretty invested in stability because she's trying not to fall under Chugunkin's sway. The problem is that she's not sworn to Nimbus, so she's vulnerable." She paused a long moment, then sighed. "And then there's Buck, who's a big deal from another town... without any cover at all. Chugunkin's people are going to want to make him either get on board or bend the knee."
Letting that sit for a minute, she concluded.
"There are pieces I can't put together alone. A couple of things that aren't clear to me is... who's actually sanctioned to do something violent? Spring's gotta have officers who are enforcers, right? I'm worried about Buck in all this, as you might suspect. Piper and Eurydice probably don't have beef, but the others might."
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
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Post by Ivory on Feb 15, 2021 8:54:28 GMT -8
Ivory nodded slightly as the information was delivered. Much of it was new, though some had served to confirm a number of her suspicions. She remained attentive and silent as Kai spoke, granting the Polychromatic her undivided attention. She remained relaxed, at least until Kai confirmed significant risk to Anthony. At this, Ivory's body tensed, her eyes staring as her face grew cold at the prospect that some would have the gall to treat her son as piece in their game. Spring she may have been, but Ivory's Wrath could be easily earned. A threat to her son was perhaps chief among such acts to earn the Dragon's ire, but Kai likely knew this. It was wise for the Polychromatic to offer the information, of course. With blatant information in front of her, Ivory had no reason to hesitate on creating the moments and Oaths necessary to ensure her son's survival. There was no more time to coast and brood over the matter. The time had come to act and establish the structures they would need if the unthinkable occurred. The mention of Stheno caused a light frown to cross the Pale Dragon's face. She still believed that the Gorgon underestimated her, but all of this could be dealt with in time. Stheno had proven willing to assist Ivory, for Evelyn's sake more than anything else. With the rest of the information said, Ivory took a long moment to process. "Oh, is that all?" she offered, the sarcasm light and crisp as she granted her friend a slight chuckle in an attempt to create levity. "I had suspected our dear Queen was not at the epicenter of it all. Chugunkin's power base is rather clear and she has scarcely been mentioned aside from what is required with Rites and the Coronation of course. Likewise, the entrenchment of our middle nobles in the more morally dubious roles of Las Vegas was also clear enough. It's a shame really... to think how things could turn if they had placed their Desire elsewhere. Power, though, has its appeal and I suspect Chugunkin has afforded a more clear path to it than others... so long as he retains their support," Ivory mused, "Uprooting him would be difficult in Court. One would need to target his less-courtly assets, I think. Such an act would distract him from his duties and dominance among the Antler Crown, but they would need to be frequent or severe in order to weaken him politically."
She granted Kai an analytical look, clearly stewing over some small information of her own. "Evelyn has... her own reasons for looking into linking with him," she admitted, "Hence her association with Stheno. She is a stepping stone. I've agreed to assist her in her aims, though I am attempting to suggest other avenues."
"As for Zhi, it seems best that our interests remain apart," she said, "Stheno though, is the most obvious answer I have to ascending the social ladder, barring betrayal or something happening to my darling. I am not thrilled with this, but I may owe her some minor service - In my investigation of a drug known as Rose Water, I nearly died. The doctors and paramedics almost couldn't save me I'm told. My recovery may have been long and arduous had Evelyn not tapped Stheno to speed my recovery." "Still, from the sounds of things, Stheno is swiftly becoming a powder keg. I will do my best to redirect Evelyn's attention, but she is... stubborn in her own right," Ivory said, "Perhaps Piper or Eurydice are worth considering, particularly the former if I can gain Sir Nimbus' attention. There may be some hope of retaining may dignity yet and it is preferable to rubbing elbows too closely with the alternatives." "As for Buck, I will say I do not think that his attempted murder occurred in advance with the coming of Spring by coincidence. The man is a paragon and an unknwon quantity. Should he become crowned by the season, he could threaten the stability of Chugunkin's power base," Ivory said. It was an assumption, but a good one, "Unknown or not, however, Buck is still the most fervent representation of Spring that we possess and, from what I have seen, not overtly malicious. Even more, he is possessive of a charm that could counter Chugunkin's iron fist and alleviate the fears of my fellow courtiers. To put it plainly, Kai, having Buck as our King would likely lead us to open conflict, but it would likely have a greater chance of succeeding than a power play without his support. In either case, Chugunkin's influence would need to be neutered and I don't see that happening if he still breathes."
"Thus, my dilemma," Ivory relayed, "In order to prevent myself from being swept up into machinations of the Court and prevent attempts to leverage Anthony against me, I need to rise, but I must play a delicate dance to avoid the overbearing influence of Chugunkin while also working to not earn his ire. In other words? I need to plan for a war and hope for peace."
"To that end, would you be receptive to an Oath pertaining my son?" she asked, her tone soft and hopeful, "I am not blind to the fact that my attempts to climb may become violent and, if I do not work quickly, I will be ill-equipped to handle the war to come. In the case that something does happen to me, I would vastly prefer the comfort in knowing that a friend will ensure his return to Pittsburgh. Hopefully, he will understand the need for the precaution once I share the Truth... Speaking of, it may be in my best interests to get in contact with Aello. She should be informed of my intent, even if our relationship is not the best."At the question of enforcers in the Spring Court, Ivory turned her mind inwards, sifting through in an attempt to identify such figures from her memory. StrayToday at 9:50 AM Recall Spring's Enforcers (Wits+Politics) @dicecord-CoD roll 5 Dicecord-CoD BOT Today at 9:50 AM stray rolled 5 dice and got 1 success. 10(7) 5 4 4 4[/spoilers]
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Post by Kai Rose on Feb 15, 2021 12:06:24 GMT -8
Kai let her talk, cracking a half-smile at the sarcasm and just listening. She'd dumped a lot of material, a bucket of information that was simultaneously a roadmap and a proximity bomb. The information leaving an Oathbound chain could potentially draw a lot of fire. She nodded to the points about the entrenchment of the middle nobility, about how difficult it would be to uproot him in Court. The fact that the Avowed was linked up with Chugunkin was information she didn't know, but ultimately, the fate of one Avowed was little to her in the face of the meatgrinder that was the gang life.
Ivory's interests were all coming into conflict. She couldn't do it all. And now, she was asking Kai to be the safety net.
"You've got a bunch of competing interests, all of which are going to come into conflict. Do you help Evelyn, and bring yourself further into the Underworld by doing so? Do you seek fast power in Spring, which means playing alongside Chugunkin? Do you aim to keep your son safe, which means going slow and careful? Do you fight the power, which means putting your son into danger? You need to think about what matters most, select your priorities, and plan your tactics based on them."
She pointed upstairs, symbolizing Anthony.
"I don't mean to give unsolicited advice, but... if what you want most is his safety, you need to play it legit and just swear to Nimbus for political cover. Live a life where you create some resources and connections that can make Spring Court's life easier, maybe smooth the path for the Mob on occasion so they think you're chill. You could help Evelyn out here and there with the strings you can pull, and she can chase whatever dream a mortal among Lost chases. That's the slow track, but it's the safest one -- where you build your nest over time."
Slow and steady. Invest broadly, prudently. Don't bet it all on one hot stock and rise or fall.
"Once you've got his consent, yeah, we can discuss a pledge for me to offer your son assistance in getting out of town if you disappear. He's got to be cool with it, because if he fights me about it at a critical time, then we're both in a bad spot. You'll also need to put the assets in place for me to be able to help him. I have a little money and a few connections in Spring and Winter, but that doesn't go far against the criminal underworld. We'll need cash. Routes. Maybe a couple of cars. Stuff in different places, and a genuine plan in place for getting him out."
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Post by Krakenbox on Feb 15, 2021 12:21:35 GMT -8
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
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Post by Ivory on Feb 15, 2021 12:48:15 GMT -8
At Kai's points, Ivory was simultaneously silent and surprised. She had a point. Ivory was attempting to spread herself into differing interests that could, eventually, compete for each other. She could not seek a fast track to power while simultaneously seeking to protect Anthony. Her ideals of a sound, just Court were pleasant to consider, but acting upon them in an attempt to reform Spring would be dangerous. More over, Chugunkin and his cronies had not yet given Ivory a reason a threaten their organization. It would have been a poorly executed endeavor and more than a little foolish considering Ivory's own lack of influence an assets.
"You are right," the Pale Dragon said, offering a rare concession in the wake of the Polychromatic's common sense, "As for my priorities, they remain with Anthony. Evelyn knows this and, should she forget, I will not hesitate to remind her, even if it pains me."
There was a surety in her voice. Ivory loved Evelyn, but her love for her son was more enduring and she had a duty to protect him, even if it did slow her own interests.
"Nonsense, you are a friend. If I was unwilling to hear your advice, we would have remained acquaintances. You have a good heart, Kai, and, frankly, I think we both know I'd prefer to keep my hands out of the underworld's business," she said, "I will endeavor to attain Sir Nimbus' attentions by soliciting Piper for opportunities. Eurydice, too, could be worth getting to know, even if she isn't sworn to him. I have reason to see if she has been affected by all of this Rose Water business. If so, we have a common target to fight against. Regardless, the greater the network among those outside of Chugunkin's influence, the more likely we can go about our business without his tendrils interfering. Our goals need not always align, they merely need to not interfere with each other to craft an agreement of preservation. Though there is a certain wisdom in granting Chugunkin the occasion favor as you suggested, even if I loathe to admit it."
Looking somewhere in the middle distance, the Pale Dragon considered some internal thought.
"I've been meaning to look into connections with City Hall and the LVPD as well," she said, "It seems time to act on that desire..."
At Kai's agreement to serve as a guardian to get Anthony out of the city should the worse come to pass, Ivory breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thank you," the Pale Dragon uttered, the gratitude apparent as she spoke, "What you ask is more than reasonable and within my means. Once we've made a plan and gotten supplies, I will ensure Anthony understands the need and gain his consent. The Truth will need to come first, of course. Once all of that is where it needs to be, we will speak about the Oath again."
"As for the Clavigers... Zhi is among them, as is Marina. There is also Alexandrite, Scherezade, Holly Mason, and Saint George," Ivory offered, granting the Summer a little information of her own, "Marina is associated with Chugunkin* as well I believe. Scherezade was a member of Buck's security detail at the door to the balcony during Mabon."
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Post by Kai Rose on Feb 15, 2021 13:51:33 GMT -8
"Good. Slow and steady it is, then. Ultimately, if you're playing it slow, all you really need to do is not piss the narcos off. That's a lot easier than fighting them. Keeps Anthony in the clear, too. The further he is from all this, the better." She reached out and gently grasped Ivory's arm. Magical connections granted in her press against the drug dealer's mind many crazy nights ago flew through Kai's mind, putting two and two together to allow herself information about who was a good, honest and influential cop in the LVPD -- someone that Ivory could court influence with as a means of generating legitimate alliances in the LVPD. She was rich. She could support causes. She just needed an in who wasn't already owned by the underworld.
At the compliments, Kai smiled. "Thanks. I appreciate it. With Piper? Expect a protective girlfriend. Piper's in the underworld because she doesn't want Nimbus to have to be. Be the kind of person that Nimbus would associate with... whatever that is. I don't know his reputation. You might." She made a mental note of the names and associations with a quiet thanks. "What happened with the Rose Water for you? I'm familiar with it on my end."
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
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Post by Ivory on Feb 15, 2021 20:26:06 GMT -8
"It's for the best, as you've said," she offered with a smile, "It won't kill me to relearn the craft of patience and I'd rather get this right than dive into a hole I can't climb out of."
As Kai grasped her arm, the Pale Dragon would rest one of her own on the Polychromatic's shoulder, granting a pat of reassurance, she would stay on the path and not do anything rash unless forced.
At the comment of Piper, Ivory would chuckle.
"Then the matter simply becomes one of assuring her that my interests in Sir Nimbus are not of a romantic or sexual bend, I believe I can do so," she mused, "I don't expect his attention overnight, but, given his position and Piper's protective nature, gaining Piper's confidence and at least some trust could go a long way. Who knows? Maybe when she comes to see I truly lack an interest in Chugunkin's regime she might even find it to be a relief."
At the mention of her near-killer, Pale Dragon frowned lightly, recalling all that had led her to the fateful night.
"It began as an investigation into my assets. The real estate company that manages my properties locally was merging with one based out of Beijing and the agent overseeing my rentals directly suspected they were either involved in or complacent to criminal activity in the properties they oversaw. Naturally, this caused me some pause. I do not want my properties associated with such things, as that becomes a reflection upon myself," she began, "So I investigated an antique shop she said they had invested in that seemed to be involved in money laundering and, with a little help from the Wyrd, I posed as an agent of the parent company. The manager tipped me off as wrong from the get go. When I first saw her I felt a strong pulse of emotion, desperation and fear. And then it disappeared into nothing. She seemed like a husk, barely functioning if not for sheer willpower... almost soulless in a sense."
She recalled Elizabeth, thinking back to her promise. Part of her was thankful for not sealing her promise or making a pledge with the woman.
"She was thoroughly convinced of my little masquerade and began to talk. She spoke of her side effects being attributed to a drug the Wah Ching had provided, as the Wah Ching were behind the parent company proper. I could tell the drug was unnatural and, likely, fatal. I... felt compelled to do something about it, as the distribution among mortal kind is a breach and I believe Elizabeth will die if she is not granted some form of effective treatment, assuming she hasn't died already that is. Human beings are emotional creatures... living without them can be detrimental to their well being," the Pale Dragon continued, "I finished up my investigation by gaining access to a ledger associated with their money laundering and scanned the pages to my phone. Then I called someone I felt could help me identify the drug: Rowan."
"He clued me in to what Rose Water was and we came up with a plan to examine the effects in order to potentially find a way to help Elizabeth and any other mortals who might have OD'd. He had a vial on hand and I agreed to be a guinea pig. The only problem was that Rose Water is meant to be taken like eyedrops," she said, clearing her throat and shifting on her cushion with some sense of embarrassment, "I, uh... didn't know and downed the whole vial. I could have died there, but Rowan induced me to vomit and the paramedics stabilized me on the way to the hospital. Throat hurt a bunch afterward when I woke, I asked Evelyn to find me someone to help with my care at home. I had meant a physician among the Lost, but she instead brought Stheno, who helped speed along my recovery on Evelyn's behalf."
Ivory let the silence hang for a moment.
"Rowan is still looking into the matter and believes he can locate the source of the Glamour being used and, perhaps, whoever is synthesizing it, but I haven't dove back into it. Once I do I will likely go to Eurydice," Ivory said, "Rowan suspects a Spring rival of hers to be the culprit and I think he has a point. Eurydice is the Sage Escort and lacks strong allegiances, which makes her vulnerable and more susceptible to being unseated. Given what you've shared, that could mean a LOT of people though. I speculate Chugunkin may be involved, even if unwittingly, if an underling is trying to force Eurydice out and take the position. If Stheno is being as aggressive as you say, I doubt she could be dismissed entirely either, especially with what you've said about her ability to flit from group to group. Naturally, this is all speculation. I have no evidence and I possess a bias.
"According to Rowan, whoever the rival is has been jumping gang lines to make sure Rose Water hits the street," she said, explaining her suspicion of the Gorgon, "They also seem to be connected to a recent attack on a Cartel warehouse by the Crips, who stole the weapons of an officer of the Iron Spear. Sweeney, one of Eurydice's motley mates, but I imagine you might be aware of that attack. Rowan had mentioned Summer was investigating the matter of the theft, though he didn't believe they were working on an angle for investigating the drug."
"If Summer is having a change of heart on the matter, I'd recommend speaking with Rowan to see what he's uncovered about the chemist. You might find him at the Hostel. My goal is communicating with Eurydice to try and find out who might be trying to unseat her," she concluded, "That and building some goodwill with figures in the underworld that aren't connected to Chugunkin's regime could be beneficial in the long run. Lost associated with the Cartel seem a safe investment... safer than the Mob at any rate, given the fact they aren't trying to dominate the Court."
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Post by Kai Rose on Feb 15, 2021 23:06:19 GMT -8
Okay. Her investigation of Rose Water had gone awry due to not having a Fawkes present, with nearly fatal consequences. Kai pulled her in for a hug, obvious worry radiating off her. Her skin become bright red, cheeks flushed with brown and black. "Jesus, Ivory... holy shit. I'm so glad you're okay." She was talking fast, like she was scared even though the near-death experience was historical. "Thank God for the paramedics, hey?" Trying to add a bit of levity to it helped a bit, but there was no question this was a misadventure.
Her description of the Rose Water case was accurate, and a frown crossed her face at the Autumn Courtier digging around. She couldn't blame him. Thinking about the whole situation was really tough.
"I looked into that. Couldn't stand Hedge drugs fucking people up.... the chemist and her bodyguard attacked me when I found them, which was weird, because that didn't violate the Oath. Someone with power in Spring sanctioned them trying to kill investigators. They're dead. Self-defense." She shook her head, tearing up at the memory. "More information that could potentially kill me, if it got out, but... you don't ever need to worry about that drug again. I haven't been able to talk about it. It isn't safe."
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
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Post by Ivory on Feb 17, 2021 5:57:16 GMT -8
The hug took Ivory by surprise, but her hesitance was markedly brief, soon reciprocating the Polychromatic's embrace with a tight hug of her own. She'd offer a slight chuckle as Kai attempted her levity. However, the Pale Dragon seemed accepting of the near-death. The past was the past, after all.
At the tears, concern bled across Ivory's features. She hadn't known Kai to be overly vulnerable other than the first night they had met.
The deaths of the chemist and the bodyguard were noted, as was the seeming loose end of the fool who sanctioned them and the potential fiddling with the Freehold Oath. They could be discussed later though, there was something of greater importance to the Pale Dragon that needed to be seen to first.
"Kai... how long have you been holding this in?" she asked, "I won't push you, but, please, talk to me... The Oath remains remember? I cannot share what you choose to share with me tonight."
The nature of Oaths rested within the words. Ivory had sworn not to share what Kai had shared 'on this night' and the Wyrd would enforce that to the letter. Kai had until the coming of the dawn to share with Ivory before the Oath's content was locked away in secrecy.
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