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Post by Rowan on Feb 15, 2021 18:28:21 GMT -8
He stepped outside, in the cooler air of the Las Vegas night. Archie had said something about cacti and Rowan jumped on any excuse to not be with the crowd. He felt a kinship with the plants, all prickly and overlooked.
He shook his head - he had had enough bleak thoughts since Imbolc. He wanted to think about pretty things. He had rather enjoyed being a Flowering and was hoping that this night would offer more opportunity to try that kith on for size. His wounds opened up once more, as well as old bruises and gashes. Flowers bloomed from the split flesh, claiming the Wisp as their living flower bed. There was poetry in this form - turning old hurts into something beautiful. That's what he was striving for.
He sat down on a bench, surrounded by the sweet smell of florals and death, and took in the beauty of the night. The moon shone brightly in the desert sky and de-saturated the colours around him. A breeze ruffled his petals and his hair. For the time being, he was content.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Feb 18, 2021 16:44:26 GMT -8
"Hey, Rose Bud"
The Bright one said with a smirk approaching. Their thumbs were hooked through the loops of their pants, pulling back their black jacket.
Riley took a moment to examine the Flowering form that Rowan had taken for himself. Something about it still didn't sit well with the Bright one, but tonight was less evocative than Imbolc. Riley could relate to the idea of changing your face, a new look, a new self. Riley considered that maybe it was the one thing the two could relate to the most, given the chance.
"How's that new look working for ya?"
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Post by Rowan on Feb 18, 2021 17:00:30 GMT -8
Rowan is dragged from his reverie by Riley's voice. To be honest, they were the last person he expected to talk to.
"Oh. Good night to you as well, Riley." He smiled.
At the comment about his kith, he replaced some of his petals that had gotten out of place with the wind. "Oh, I happen to quite like it. It not as painful as it looks," he added quickly when he remembered the Moth's reaction from the rave.
"The smells is nice and others seem to find it easier to deal with me as well."
He shifted on the bench, making room for the newcomer. The bottle of wine was still on the ground next to him and he considered offering some to Riley. Then, he remembered Yule and held his tongue. 'Oh, whatever. Someone has to break this weird tension, might as well be you.'
"Would you like some wine? I seem to have grabbed the whole bottle and I'm only now realizing it might be too much. I don't have glasses, however." He offered both the bottle and an apologetic smile.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Feb 19, 2021 9:20:31 GMT -8
They weren't yet used to the way Rowan talked when he was like this. Then the other darkling offered a bottle of wine. The Bright one face peeled into a wide smirk, that was a peace offering they could get behind.
" Yeah, that sounds great"
Sliding next to Rowan, the dancer crossed one leg over the other before taking the bottle that was offered. Taking a long draw with no concern of a shared receptacle. They placed the bottle down between the two darklings.
" It seems to fit you. Not that my opinion or others matter mind you." They say with a light shrug and looked at Rowan.
But are you doing this for us, or for you?
"If it's working and you like then it seems to be a good fit yeah?"
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Post by Rowan on Feb 19, 2021 16:40:51 GMT -8
He takes moment to think about his answer.
"Oh, it's not like I've had much chance to try it on," he answered. He took the bottle and drank a tentative sip. He chocked and wiped some of the red that spilled on his chin.
He didn't know how to put it into words - he felt paper thin, fragile and exposed. As much as he hated his base kith, it offered some sort of protection. He put the bottle down and chuckled nervously. "I'm not used to drinking just yet."
"Don't get me wrong, it's pretty and all, but I don't know if it'll be much use. Most of my troubles won't be solved with a little perfume unfortunately."
He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and breathed out. "The moonlight feels nice, don't you think? I'm sorry we haven't taken the time to speak before."
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Feb 19, 2021 18:32:04 GMT -8
Riley gave a nod of seeming understanding to Rowan's comment about not having a chance to try it yet. The moth knew that feeling well. "It takes time"
They chuckled a bit as Rowan went for the bottle and took a hefty swig with a poor reaction to the wine.
"Whoa, there cowboy" The moth smirks and reaches overtaking the bottle for a sip themself and to spare Rowan of pressure for a moment.
Many would think twice In las Vegas if a man the age of Rowan mentioned not being used to Alcohol. Riley wasn't sure how long Rowan had been...there. Then again he may have been raised Mormon, that would also explain it. "Eh, it took me a while to appreciate wine. Wasnt my thing in college" When did I start liking wine?
The Moth was thrown off a bit by the apology and Rowan's general demeanor. It was different. Riley had developed an expectation for these interactions, this was not it.
After Rowan spoke of the moon and regretting their lack of conversation. Riley couldn't help but think of a quote from some of the great poets of their time.
"If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends"
They gently set down the bottle and nodded before fidgeting slightly in their seat.
"Yeah, it seems we never got much of a chance to just...talk, did we?" They chuckle before adding to the thoughts regarding the moon.
"To be honest I never thought about how it feels. Or I guess maybe? It gives me memories of things I like more than ... feels. Sounds weird"
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Post by Rowan on Feb 19, 2021 18:53:34 GMT -8
"When I got out, it was the first thing I needed to get used to. It used to be a bad omen, back in... From what I remember, anyway." He wanted to think about pretty things, not his Durance. But polite conversation was a must.
"College, huh? I've never had the opportunity." Was it the wine? Or the Sealing? Probably the kith, or all of the above. "I grew up over There." He really didn't want to go into more details about it. Really, he was hoping that maybe, just maybe, it will help Riley understand him a little better. He wasn't used to it - this honesty with others. Not that he lied a lot, he simply didn't let people in. Spring was about growth and he had recently realized that he needed some.
"Would you mind telling me about it? College, that is. Not the other thing. I'm curious to hear about your experience." He smiled, that sincere, out of place smile that looked a little sad despite his efforts.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Feb 19, 2021 19:28:45 GMT -8
"It's the sun for me. Couldn't say why really. " Riley remarked with a shrug, leaning back into the bench Or just bright lights.
The moth raised an eyebrow at the mention of growing up there. How old was he went he got taken? Riley grew up from the experience, but his phrasing suggested more than weary from experience.
The train of thought on Rowan's age was interrupted by his question of college. Riley blinked once, then twice then let out laugh.
"I went to Cal Arts as dance major. Lived off campus and-" they stopped held up a finger leaned down to grab the bottle and took a swig.
Fuck Why not?
" But honestly. I never got in. The application was denied, bad grades, i fucked around in high school. I couldn't stomach telling my folks, for them to be right. So I lied, moved to San Clarita, and got a job as a barista, and started to lie my way into the school."
Riley fidgeted in their seat again, this time standing up as if to shake off, or just move for the sake of moving.
" But there were some cool folks in college, lots of dumb choices too. Drugs, alcohol, sex. Not your average college experience. "
It felt weird saying out loud. No one but Claire knew they lied about going to Cal Arts.
"But like that's on my resume. So don't go spreadin' that."
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Post by Rowan on Feb 19, 2021 19:45:37 GMT -8
He looked at the Moth, nodded at the appropriate moments. When they were done, he mimed closing a zipper over his lips and throwing away the key. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."
"That must have been very difficult for you," he offered. "But I remember hearing that you signed on with Archie? You must be very talented to have caught his eye."
It hurt. He was smiling through it, nudging Riley on with their own story to distract from his inner turmoil. It hurt and he was afraid.
It hurt because this conversation would have probably never happened if he'd been himself. It hurt because people mistook it as a display of his capabilities. It scared him because normally he wouldn't feel this way.
That was the price to pay - pain, in exchange for acceptance. But he smiled on, or at least made sure people were looking the other way when he wasn't.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Feb 20, 2021 7:35:10 GMT -8
“Eh. Thanks I guess? That shit was a long time ago. “ The Moth pushed aside the emotional weight of those days.
The bewitched raised an eyebrow at the flattery used as bait for a fishing question. Riley saw it for what it was, a distraction. The moth lip curled slightly at one end in amusement, it was easy to spot cause it was what Riley did.
“I may like being the center of attention from time to time. But I am not easy to flatter. Even when it come sweetly scented”
Their tone had a touch of amusement to it. They took a small movement to observe the flowering’s behavior. How was someone so cut off like Rowan friends with Firebringer? You’d think they would rub each other the wrong way with their difference. Then again both of them knew how scary as hell when they wanted to.
There was a discomfort in Rowan beneath the flowering presentation and he was avoiding things, now with a distraction instead of a wall.
“Said you never got the chance” Talking about There was always risky business. They hadn't put two and two together yet. Or more Riley hadn't realized the implications of the experience Rowan had had.
“Did you have a college in mind before… or was that not your thing back than? If its not my business just say and I will drop it."
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Post by Rowan on Feb 20, 2021 15:04:04 GMT -8
He shuffled on his seat, a smile still on his face. Rowan was never one for facial expression - one had to read his body language to understand anything. He was upset that he had been caught in his subterfuge. He was usually much better at these things. They called his bluff, and he had no other option but to raise or fold.
“It seemed so far off, back in the days. I was barely half-way through high school. I hadn’t even formulated an idea of what I wanted to study. Not that it matters anymore. When I say I grew up There, I mean it literally. I was kid when I was Taken; I came back a grown man.”
He waited for the reaction, for the shoe to drop. This was the part where Riley judged him and decided his worth. And with his track record, it shouldn’t amount to much. He looked up at the moon. It looked beautiful in it untouchability. He wished he could be the same way.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Feb 20, 2021 20:01:39 GMT -8
They ran their hand across the pink wig as they processed the information. The bewitched knew of the theft of children, some even younger than that. Time with the Keepers was strange. Everyone changed there, grew up in their own fucked up ways. But Riley had not stopped to consider the ramifications, or what it would be like to return after that amount of time. "Fuck" is the word Riley was able to muster in response.
They let the sentiment hang for a long moment.
" That's something. " The moth wasn't sure how to handle this information. Was he a full grown man and should be treated as such? Or is he just a child? How much actual growing up happened in that nightmare for him.
Something suddenly dawned on Riley, went pale for a moment, before they let out a laugh.
"Wait, hold on. You werent making jokes all those times about my work were you?"
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Post by Rowan on Feb 20, 2021 20:57:56 GMT -8
He chuckled at their reaction, a slow and innocent sound. "I'm afraid not. Just as I'm not joking when I ask people to explain things to me. My idea of a social gathering is pretty much recess. Or parent-teacher day."
"I'm capable enough in other fields, just, not this one," he added quickly. He didn't want to be belittled - just because he wasn't good with people didn't mean he was incompetent. He had ran this conversation several times in his own mind, dreading its outcome every time. "It's not like I'm a child. I did grow up, just in another context. Things like propriety of small talk didn't matter - it was mostly about survival. Different priorities, is all."
Some of the flowers were closing up, his way of showing shyness. It wasn't a subject he particularly enjoyed talking about. How he had no qualms about doing what it took to make it out alive, but had absolutely no idea how to navigate a grown up conversation.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Feb 20, 2021 22:55:35 GMT -8
"Rowan, I am stripper, a sex worker." Riley whipped a tear from their laughter.
" Jesus here I thought. Oh Lord" They slowly recovered from the laughter. They realized it probably wasn't appropriate but that was Riley's go-to reaction.
"Sorry. I am not laughing at you. I -" They sat down next to Rowan looking at him as his flowers closed up.
"Yeah, you're capable. When you're not doing this...look. You can be pretty intimidating when you want. Not to mention all that occult jib-jab"
The moth paused. They hadn't quite reached the moment of 'hey need a shoulder' with Rowan. But it was a vulnerable moment.
"Look Rosebud. " Thanks for sharing.
"You might be missing some informative moments. But I am going to still treat you as an adult. You deserve that much. And you going to need to get use to me giving shit like one. "
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Post by Rowan on Feb 21, 2021 13:43:35 GMT -8
"Heh. Fair is fair, I suppose." He mock pouted, but his happiness pierced through. It didn't as much. The nagging feeling that this had all been possible because he had shifted was still there, but he was managing to push to the back for the time being.
"So, there is no Petting Zoo? A shame." A little blush touched his cheek - he wasn't sure what to add on the subject of sex workers. He felt dumb for missing it, but he also was uncomfortable around the subject. Mostly by lack of experience.
"The occult is easy. The whispers help some. Perks of being the Weird Ass Autumn Courtier." He mimed clawed hands to indicate weirdness, not that he had to try that hard. The conversation was running dry and he had no idea how to keep it going. The silence was getting awkward, so he took a sip.
"Right. Danica. Want to talk about that?"
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