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 16:20:56 GMT -8
Riley sat in a large lounge chair stationed at the back of the Dorsey Cocktail bar. It was just private enough to avoid being overheard but still benefited from the atmosphere of the lounge. The moth sat bathed in the soft light that came from the illuminated bookshelves, sipping an old fashioned. They had come by early. This was a night not to be late for , the meeting was important both for business and pleasure. The night they wore a black jumpsuit with a low-cut v neck and strap shoulders. They had been going nonstop the last few weeks but looking at the Bright one you wouldn't have guessed. Their mind was elsewhere at the moment going over the recent business with Archie, the nights on the town learning what they could about Buck, of course, there was Imbolc, Rowan, and Firebringer. The moth shook the idea from their mind, their antenna flicking back and forth before taking a sip from their old Fashioned and gazed expectantly at the door, awaiting Ivory.
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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 18, 2021 16:54:24 GMT -8
Riley needn't wait overly long, Ivory was a punctual Fairest. The Pale Dragon arrived, wearing a black lace halter dress that contrasted well with her dusky gray skin, stark white hair, and, of course, the ivory scales that were her namesake. The contrast continued with the dragon's makeup, boasting rich burgundy lips and nails, alongside prominent smokey eye. The bar, naturally, was the Hunterheart's first stop. The interaction with the bartender was brief, polite, and professional. After all, Dorsey was known for the professionalism of its staff. Soon, the Fairest felt the gaze of the Darkling, her golden eyes seeking the source before granting the Moth a wink and a smile. Her order was taken and card taken and kept. Clearly, the dragon had opened a tab. Soon, Ivory received her drink with the glass and tell-tale rich pink denoting the choice to be a Cosmopolitan, a favorite of the Spring socialite. Finally, Ivory approached. "I trust I haven't kept you waiting too long?" she asked.
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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 17:37:56 GMT -8
"Not at all. I had only just arrived" Riley rose from their seat to greet the Fariest. The Moth gave a glance over Ivory's attire. The dragon looked remarkable as always. Riley only had a few options fine enough to actually fit in at these kinds of places, but they had their tricks to make it work. They leaned in to give a light kiss just off the side of Ivory's cheek.
"You look beautiful as always. Please join me" They smile gesturing to the arrangement. The moth waited till Ivory took her seat, before taking their own.
"Its good to see you. How are you?" The last few times they had seen each other they had hardly a moment to truly talk or catch up. The question was innocent enough but after Ivory had mentioned a near death tjat night at the Cosmopolitan, Riley hoped it didn't feel like prying.
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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 18, 2021 18:11:02 GMT -8
Ivory smiled as Riley granted an appraising look, later reciprocating the kiss with one of her own to the Moth's cheek.
"As do you," Ivory offered, her tone genuine, "Truly an inspiration, as always."
Readily taking her seat, the Pale Dragon would hook one leg over the other. Her eyes watching Riley as she took a seat before finally taking her first drink.
"Indeed, it's been too long since we could just sit and talk, no?" Ivory mused, "Naturally, circumstances have made that difficult, but with business and my little... inconvenience out of the way, we have all the time in the world! And I am well, thank you. Yourself?"
Once more the Fairest seemed casual about the affair, almost considering her recent near-death as an annoyance.
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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 8:58:35 GMT -8
Riley watched Ivory for a moment at the mention of the difficulties. They wanted to ask more, the Dragon was far too calm about a "near-death" experience. For the Bright One, they would probably drop it for at least a year, that of course depended on the nature of the events. Riley would press, but not yet.
"Life...has" They trailed off before chuckling a little " Simplest would be to call it busy...and complicated." There was a deep desire in the Moth to spill the beans, to gush about it all. The contract with Archie, and everything that was in the works. To talk about the meeting, and buck. To tell Ivory about Firebringer. All in it's time and place.
They rested their glass down onto one of the small tables by the arm of the chair. "I owe you an apology. I spoke with Rowan"
They paused, there was a small discomfort in the bright one, but they had prepared for this. Most of the emotional weight of the events had passed after the talk with Rowan at Imbolc. Still, admitting guilt was not their cup of tea.
"Rowan told me that you two had found common ground at Yule. My behavior to him was" A pause. " It was wrong. You were right to call me out on it that night. And right after such a meaningful gift too. I am sorry"
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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 19, 2021 16:34:39 GMT -8
The Pale Dragon granted a cordial smile as Riley began to trail off. Ivory's golden gaze landed on Riley's features, looking into the intricacies of their expression as they hesitated. Something seemed off with the Moth and Ivory aimed to understand what as the night wore on. Meetings were not always social calls.
"Your apology is appreciated, but unneeded," Ivory offered, her tone gentle, "Do not fret. Truly. You may consider the matter forgiven, though I never held it against you."
She'd grant a moment for the Darkling to understand that she truly did not hold it against them for combating them. She would have done the same in their shoes. Nonetheless, Ivory doubted that was the entirety of what Riley wished to share.
"Riley," she offered, her voice growing slightly softer, "Talk to me."
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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 17:24:54 GMT -8
Riley relaxed a bit, their shoulders rolling back hearing that Ivory accepted their apology. One less pressure, a sweet relief.
"That's kind of you. I am not sure I would have had that grace myself. " They wouldn't have, they were a vindictive creature when pushed.
Stirring their Old fashioned with a slow rotation of their wrist. Riley's antennae twitched as Ivory voice grew soft.
A moment of apprehension shadowed their brow. IT was a knee-jerk reaction of the darkling, being asked how they were made them wanna dig deeper and talk less. Relax. "A lot has happened it seems, sense Yule" The dancer smiled taking a sip of their drink.
"I have a manager now " Archie, but we'll get there.
"And to my surprise, I have an Audition coming up" Oh shit that's so soon. Shit.
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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 20, 2021 2:40:48 GMT -8
Ivory took a drink of her cocktail as the matter related to Yule was put the rest, noting the Darkling's relief.
Had it been that big of a weight?
Ivory had come to see the matter as trivial in the nights following, but it seemed Riley had placed it under greater importance. Regardless, it was done, crossed over, and forgotten.
Ivory's cordial nature showed glimpses of genuine warmth as Riley had turned to brighter news.
"Congratulations," she offered at the news of the agent. It meant someone had taken them seriously enough to pave the way. It was a good thing. "And an audition as well? How thrilling! To what? Are you aiming to join a production or a troupe?"
Riley would thrive in either.
After a comfortable pause, Ivory would grant the Darkling a knowing glance that spoke to the fact that the Fairest knew that wasn't all they wanted to discuss. The Pale Dragon was thrilled things were looking up for the dear Moth and she was content not to push them to reveal the sources of the many weights upon their shoulders. For now.
They could discuss more pleasant things, but Ivory expected the conversation would turn at some point, either towards business or the Moth's struggles. She would be present for either.
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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 7:49:40 GMT -8
“ I am not inclined to share the name of the show yet,” Riley said with a smile before adding. “Silly superstition, don't wanna count my chickens and all”
Mentioning it by name threatened to wake Riley up and reveal that opportunity just to be another dream to be forgotten by the morning.
“Thank you though. Once I know more you will.”
The darkling sipped their drink, noticing the knowing look Ivory gave towards them. It was impressive how hard it was to hide things from the Hunter heart in a social setting. A testament to the dragons skills but frustrating to a darkling who didn't want to be seen just yet.
“Look I don't know what happened to you recently. And Honestly its probably not my place to know.”
Riley wasn't certain of the nature of the near death experience and had been respectful enough not to trudge the rumor mill to find out. But the lives of the lost were full of danger, so it was easy to assume it dealt with that aspect of Ivory’s life.
“Which is to say. If you need something, a friend or help with anything. Don't hesitate to ask. And don't worry I am not the type to feel obligated to help, I’ll say no if I must”
Riley knew all too well about the problem of asking for help for worry of bothering someone they cared about, trapping them into obligations they didn't want or deserve.
“Just to put that on the table” they smiled softly across to the Fairest.
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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 20, 2021 15:58:51 GMT -8
"Please do," Ivory said when the Darkling assured they would tell her more once they knew, "when you pass your audition, I want to ensure I can arrange for good seats."
The cordial smile tugged slightly wider, injecting some of the Pale Dragon's warmth towards the Moth into the scenario. When the Darkling caved and granted some idea about what had been weighing on them, the Pale Dragon's brows perked lightly.
"Ah, that," she offered leaning forward, "There isn't much to tell, dear..."
Then the dragon's tone dipped lower to afford them a little more privacy than their isolated spot already provided.
"Let's just say I was... investigating a designer drug and misjudged the means of dosage," she said, with a wink, "but I survived. There really isn't much to fuss about and, frankly, my mind is at ease over the matter in its entirety."
That was that. Yes, Ivory nearly died. Yes, it was tragic... at the time. No, it didn't matter to the Pale Dragon any more. What's done was done. She had washed her hands of the issue.
Straightening, Ivory would straighten and then relax back in her chair, her usual tone renewing.
"Your offer is heard... and I am grateful, Riley," the dragon said, "but I think we both know that is not the only weight sitting on your shoulders, hmm?"
There again was the Pale Dragon's knowing glance.
"You want to speak and I want to listen, otherwise I would have declined the meeting, dear," Ivory explained, "I would love for there to be some measure of trust to be fostered between us. It would only serve to benefit us both, I think. As far as I understand, our interests do not conflict... and I enjoy your company."
An offer of continued peace and understanding, Riley need only open up.
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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 19:29:18 GMT -8
"You are certainly on the shortlist, once all is said and done." Riley frowned moved at the mention of the events that had transpired. Overdose was a familiar pain for the Darkling. " I am sorry," They said softly. "I am thankful you're still kickin'."
The moth looked at the emptying old fashioned considering Ivory's story. Had the Pale dragon moved on? Riley felt a ping of envy on how the fairest could just let so many things wash off her back.
The moth ruffled in their seat in a small sign of discomfort to being seen so easily by Ivory. "Persistent aren't ya," they say in a humorous tone trying to break their own feelings of awkward tension. " I've always been slow to trust others with my thoughts. It ain't a reflection of you. I want the same. Trust between us" Riley offered.
"Our meeting the other day has been on my mind. It could have gone better, but it made me think. One moment...I can use refill"
The moth moved to the bar fluttering past tables and chairs. Getting on their feet, moving. It helped. Another old-fashioned also would help.
"I got lazy" the darkling admitted as they returned. They paused to ask a question in return before going forward. "Distracted even. I'm Fixin to change that. Somethings coming, and with spring almost here. I wanna be ahead of it"
The Bright one stared off in space at the thought before refocusing upon Ivory's face. The moth was slow to trust but knew the value of information. But for a commodity to have value, it needs to be traded. The darkling begun to show some of their hand.
"what are your thoughts on this Buck fellow? Honestly"
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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 20, 2021 20:17:57 GMT -8
Ivory's smile became broad as Riley flattered her a little at the mention of being on the shortlist.
As Riley said she was sorry, Ivory shrugged.
"It's in the past and I am fully recovered, but, yes, I'm glad to be alive. Death is counterproductive to living," she said, her nose scrunching lightly at the jest, "Admittedly, it's affecting others a little more than myself."
At the statement of persistent the Pale Dragon smirked.
"It's one of my many qualities," she joked, though inwardly she was pleased the Darkling wished to deepen their friendship.
At the mention of the previous gathering, Ivory was barely able to stifle a giggle.As Riley rose to get a drink, Ivory would join her after draining the remnants of her own cocktail, gaining another cosmopolitan for the evening as the pair settled in once again. Then she addressed the statement that had preceded their journey to the bar.
"'Meeting?' You can't be serious," she said, "That was a gathering sponsored by a small man seeking impressionable, talented persons with which he could attach himself. And he crumbled at the first sign of resistance."
That was at least how the Pale Dragon saw it.
"I will remind you I granted him the opportunity to move past the issue, so long as he abided by courtesy," Ivory continued, "He froze and elected not to pursue. I regret nothing."
The Darkling spoke of more things to come, but remained vague. There was some frustration on Ivory's face at this point, but, if the Moth was going to continue being cryptic, she wasn't about to push. Riley said she wanted to trust as well. The ball was in her court. Thus, the vague statement of something coming ahead of Spring was largely left alone.
"I am beginning to wonder if telling you is in my best interest," Ivory said as Riley requested information on Buck, "My view on the matter diverges from many locally, it seems. And I doubt it is something that would be viewed positively."
If Riley wished to be cagey, so would Ivory.
"Why are you asking?"
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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 20:57:16 GMT -8
Riley nods slightly at Ivory's appraisal of the meeting that happened. She wasn't wrong by any means. That truth didn't change Riley's course either.
" Abigail. " Riley says flatly dropping their chin. "You have not been on the other side when you are laying down the law. It's awe-inspiring and scary as fuck"
The tone was both letting a friend know the truth, with a bit of acknowledgement of skill. Ivory did what she did well and Riley respected that. Infact the moth never wanted to be on the other side of that.
Riley raised a hand up after being blunt about that. "I am not here to apologize for Archie. He screwed up. But what he lacks in your gravitas he makes up elsewhere. That's neither here or there"
The darkling would wait to go into that later. Getting Ivory to work with Archie wasn't the goal. Getting Ivory to work with Riley however was. Seeing Ivory starting to close up against the Moth, almost gave Riley a spasm of panic. Their anxiety spiked for a moment.
"I am asking cause I have spent the better part of two weeks trying to learn about him. " They sight rubbing their eyes thinking about the effort that had taken so far and how it wasn't turning up as much as they had hoped.
" I Don't know where I need to be on him. Spring is coming and there is a good chance a shit storm is coming with it and right now it might be centered on him. I want to see it coming Abi"
The moth set down the glass before leaning on their elbow, their hand cradling their chin.
" So I Asked cause you have a good head on your shoulders. If it feels compromising please, I don't want you to feel pressured."
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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 20, 2021 21:27:38 GMT -8
Ivory's golden gaze considers Riley for a long moment before she speaks, her eyes holding fast on the Moth while she collects her thoughts.
"There is a certain power in understanding what you are," Ivory said, "but, if you or your... friend truly find me frightening, I will only say this. I am not the only monster here. There are others who are far worse than me. He would do well to remember that. If he tries the same antics on them, they will not be so forgiving."
Archie had escaped the meeting unscathed and without being forced into an oath of service or a pledge to change his behavior. A mercy by any stretch of the imagination.
"That is for the best. I would not have accepted it," she said as the Darkling confirmed they were not their on Archie's behalf, "Dealing with proxies leads too often to disingenuous resolutions. If Archie wanted to apologize, I would expect he would have reached out. A shame, but he has made his choice and I see very little benefits arising from significant investment in his person. Objectively, I have my doubts on what he could do for me."
Archie couldn't offer wealth, a safe path to identity, or most of the usual tricks of the trade to secure oaths with Ivory. She already had these things.
Ivory granted another hard look as she considered her options, then a shrug.
"I'm willing tell you what I know and what I suspect," she offered, "but I will require an Oath of Secrecy. Are you receptive?"
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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 22:44:25 GMT -8
Riley raised an eyebrow unimpressed at Ivory's tone and warning.
"I respect you enough to not talk down to you. I ask you to do the same for me" The moth voice was firm but not angry. That had crossed a line and the Darkling had to establish their Boundaries. They let breathed out relaxing their shoulders. "That's in part why I am here, you are abundantly clear of who you are. As for Archie. For the sake of being crystal clear. He is my manager, and I am entertaining the branch he has offered."
They sat back in their chair crossing one leg over the other. Unlike the woman across from them, The Moth was vulnerable. They had no money, no status, no power. They had their body, and their wit to keep them alive, in a world filled with those who would hurt them both mortal and fae. They didn't have the luxury of cherry-picking who could help them.
"That doesn't mean you need to work with him. I can't speak to what he could do for you" The moth paused trying to find the words for it. "Sometimes. I think at least. It's nice to know someone isn't against you."
The offer to share info and a pledge was met with one of the moth's coy almost flirtatious smiles. " I would expect no less. I will take this pledge, and I will share what I know. This shouldn't be a one-way street. "
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