[Dead Heading] The Pit

Riley shot Ivory a glance at her statement of near-death experience, had it been a joke? Or was it brutal honesty? The moth didn't have time to ask before they found themselves in mixed company.

Riley gave a smile and nod to Agrippa and Archie raising their glass in greeting. as they followed behind Marina to meet the "nobles". the bright one seemed to pulse softly with the music and light of the club as they approached Chungunkin and Lady Sedna. Riley provided a bowed head in a sign of respect alongside the handshake.

The greeting from Sedna took them by surprise. The woman seemed to have an impressive knowledge of those present, even the likes of Agrippa new to the freehold.
The darkling glanced to Ivory at the mention of her late husband's passing. It was a kind gesture from the Noble, but none the less such a public declaration made the Darkling nervous.

Riley Looked to Lady Sedna and gave a respectful nod of their head.

"It's a pleasure" The moth flashed a playful smile.

Having not heard Marina's initial invitation, Agrippa followed the group mostly out of curiosity, and because it seemed that they were expected to do so. They didn't want to get left behind, and if their friends were going it couldn't be all that bad of an idea- at least Agrippa trusted that Riley, Ivory, and Archie wouldn't make any worse decisions than they would... So it came the them quite a shock when they found themselves inside a private room being personally greeted by the Knight of Coin himself. It was all they could do to keep the surprise from bleeding out further than a momentary expression and brief hesitation before they gathered enough of their senses back to actually take the hand that was offered. They had barely the time to process being in the same room with Spring Royalty before their attentions where ripped away by the lady in shadow as she spoke their name.

"Charmed to make your acquaintances!"

The plural was intentional, made quite obvious by the way Agrippa pivoted a quarter-bow so that it could be directed towards all in the room. It was only once seated that the unicorn breached a level of calm where they could feel something gnawing at the back of their skull. There was something about this situation that bothered them, and they couldn't quite put their finger on exactly what that was... They gave the feeling less than a moment's consideration before forcing it back to the depths of their subconscious- they could deal with it later, right now they had impressions to make.

The tag team was clever, almost good cop bad cop - only one of these two was a hard man, and there were certain virtues he would love to hear espoused, which the Fairest would make sure to dot in throughout the casual conversation. Measuring his words - not too much, not too little, and making them count. However there were things to mention that may be be as obvious…

Archie was often not left wanting...Money

Archie rubbed shoulders with the hottest celebs...Status

Archie was a man who understood faith...Loyalty

Archie was flexible but firm...Get it done, or else

Archie could say things without saying things...Social Fairest, amiright?

Archie was respectful...He could have come in ridiculous but he knew better

Archie had connections to the old country...Could you turn away family like that?

Riley was all too happy to speak about themself and their services they wished to provide for the court.
With two snaps of their finger, the gauntlet channeled the Wyrd giving the moth elegance to their words and poise. The Darkling weaved  a image of flirtatious mystery when they spoke of themself, while being graceful enough to share the lime light, and even setup their companions moments to shine, another display of their talents. 

- Riley saw themselves as a social shapeshifter (both figurative and literal). They were able to engage in social groups both high and low with ease.
- The bright one had a knack for being able to find their way into any bar, establishment, or party in town.
- They were well connected, to the adult industry, a network they continued to foster. One day Riley hopped their talents in that industry could be of use to the Freehold, while also providing a useful network of information and services deeply connected to the feelings of desire.

Both Chugunkin and Sedna seemed to enjoy listening to Agrippa's bardic yarns, the drinks flowing naturally as the Beast embodied the carousing of the Court of Desire. Even if he didn't set forth a specific skillset, phasing between realities and generally just being a likeable Face to any social deck shuffle was nicer to have in one's own hand than another's.

The Winter Princess wedged herself between the Unicorn and Riley, the snap of the finger drawing everyone's attention in a dramatic fashion, with a certain thrill like everyone was on the set of a tense movie. The fact that they were a social chameleon, and knew how to prop up their companions to boot differed themselves from Agrippa's raw Beastial charisma: they were an agent for information. It was easy to buy that the Darkling was going places, and overlooking the Bright One would make you look late to the party.

Ivory was queenly as always, delaying her input as a gesture of responsible nature and patience for one of the Arcadian Crown. Her confidence was steady and established, signaling a foundation that could be relied on rather than just green eagerness. She could be a community pillar, she just needed the distractions of the court to stop scurrying around the pearl they already housed. The signal that she was capable of violence triggered a knowing look from the pair; whether it was well received or not was unclear.

Archie was clearly comfortable with the setting as well, nerves evaporating as the familiar beats of Socialization As Business showed his hand without sounding boisterous, boring, or desperate. His chatty nature started to overtake the conversation, watching Chugunkin's grin grow as he made reference to his Russian connections; as smooth as a jazz musician weaving the lie of the Wyrd into the music of his pitch as one of the Bratva.

What he didn't expect was the Pakhan to start belting out his native language, waiting for Archie to respond as he ramped up the jovial familiarity. He was clearly asking questions from his tone, ignoring Hartman's polite signals that he couldn't understand him. It was the friendliest public shaming he had ever seen, and anyone looking would think they were brothers.

"See, if you wanted to be my adjutant of my affairs, you should have just said, little Chatelaine," he laughed, the serrated teeth sharper than ever. "The brass balls on you, eh? Maybe you should have been one of the Domovoi — puppeting the Master's household." There was a moment where an uncomfortable silence spread within the tight quarters of the table.

Sedna took a long sip of her champagne, clearly enjoying this as she afforded Hartman a wink. Chuginkin leaned in, holding out a large hand towards Archie.

"I am sure that you will take the vassalage, rather than make me look like a limp dick cuck by running off to some other knight while I foot the bill for your dinner date, huh?"

Riley had seemed to be enjoying the chance to show off their colors alongside the others. That was until Archie decided to play mobster and Chugunkin called him on his bluff. However the Knight seemed more than anything to be pleased than angry.

The moth raised an eye brow looking to Archie uncertain if the man knew what he was doing or flying by the seat of his pants. They decided it was best to watch it play out, and tap in if the talent agent needed the help.

Meanwhile The Moth turned their attention to the Winter Princess Lady Sedna. Powerful, beautiful, and a member of the winter court, it drew the moths curiosity. In particular they took a moment through the engagements to try and read her opinions on the social engagement so far, and more importantly if her opinions of the company.

Sedna's attention remained moreso with Riley and Agrippa than Ivory or Archie, despite their pitches being more appealing when one was considering logistical contributions to the Freehold.

As far as Status Quo on what the Lost found "impressive", Archie and Ivory having entrenched businesses and solid income brackets as something to be envied, and yet she was clearly more invested in the other two.