Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
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Post by Ivory on Feb 21, 2021 7:28:13 GMT -8
The firm tone caught the Fairest off guard and, at the notion that she was talking down to Riley, she only looked confused.
"Talk down to you?" she asked, though as Darkling relaxed, the Fairest merely lifted her drink and took a sip, letting whatever hang up the Moth was having roll away. They seemed intent to leave it there, even if Ivory was unsure what they had meant.
At the mention of Archie's new role in Riley's life, the stark white brows of the Fairest lifted.
"That's... hmmm," she began, rethinking her approach so as to prevent further confusion, "I won't pretend to be thrilled with the idea of him being in charge of some of your affairs, but I, admittedly, have a bias. I am still not convinced that the meeting was anything more than a play to find talent to latch on to. Just... be careful. Please? You are intelligent and perceptive. I know I don't need to tell you that our little organization is full of vipers."
Ivory did not trust Hartman, but Riley knew this.
"I will be frank in saying that I am uncertain whether I stand against Hartman or not," Ivory offered, "It is too early to tell. Still, you aren't wrong and I am not so petty to truly stand against him without due cause."
There you have it. Ivory would not go against Archie unless she felt she had a reason, regardless of her feelings on the man's social blunders.
As the conversation shifted to something more comfortable, the Pale Dragon's cordial smile returned as she rose and strode near the moth, slinking down to her knees beside them as she whispered an Oath.
"Then let it be. We pledge ourselves to secrecy and promise not to utter what each has shared on this night to others. Should we fail in our promise, the offender's magic shall be cursed for a year and a day," Ivory said, speaking the terms as a delicate hand moved to rest on one of the Moth's shoulders, so long as they were receptive. Yet the oath was not done, it needed to be sealed. At this fact, Ivory's smile stood coy as well, as if to challenge the Darkling's flirtatious nature. How did they want to seal the promise?
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Riley Sorsa
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Feb 22, 2021 7:13:21 GMT -8
The Bright One did not answer Ivory's question regarding the transgression. There was no need to embroil themself in that topic, that would be to no one's advantage.
"I appreciate the concern for my wellbeing. I will be careful and take precautions."
Hearing that Ivory had not yet decided to make any moves against Harvey brought a small relief to the Moth. It wasn't full proof, but now the Darkling knew they weren't going to find themself in this middle of a conflict of interest, yet.
The Bright One leaned forward at the touch of the shoulder. Riley picked at each word that the Pale Dragon whispered into their word. An Oath was no light matter, but the bewitched feared something was coming. Action was needed, no required.
"To this oath, my lips are sealed Not a word of this night shall they yield. "
The Darkling leaned placed a hand upon the side of Ivory's cheek, before leaning in sealing the oath with a soft kiss upon the Fairest lips. Fleeting and perhaps a bit of a tease.
"Satisfied? " The moth said as they leaned back with a smirk.
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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 22, 2021 15:10:58 GMT -8
Ivory granted a soft nod as Riley agreed to be cautious.
Not everyone who is kind is good, little Moth.
The thought remained unsaid, ringing only in her mind. Ivory was not here to patronize the Darkling.
The Pale Dragon didn't flinch at the touch nor did she pull away as Riley moved in for their kiss. The lips of the dragon touched the Bewitched's as tenderly as they had given, her lips blooming warmly as the Glamour was burned to seal the Oath between them.
At the Moth's question, Ivory merely smiled and rose to return to her seat.
"Satisfaction is relative," she offered as she seated herself once again, "but that isn't why we are here. Not at this moment. We can discuss the nature of satisfaction when our business around what you desire to know is concluded, I think. The night is young and I have no plans beyond being here with you."
Thus, the Pale Dragon settled in.
"Now… unto the target of your interest,” Ivory said, returning the conversation to business as she took a drink and renewed her lean forward to grant them an element of greater privacy, with her voice once again dropping low. Fun could come later, as could the rest of the weights on Riley’s shoulders. For now, the Darkling had asked for information on Buck and, with the Oath sealed, Ivory was now content to provide it.
“Admittedly, I do not know as much as some, but I will share what I do and my thoughts on his… place here. And his difficulties,” the Pale Dragon explained, providing an itinerary for the Moth, “To begin, he’s a true paragon of the season, Riley. Favored by the spirit of Spring in a way that I believe leaves him without equal in that regard within Las Vegas. If you are ever to meet him, you’ll understand why.”
“In any event, he’s been a controversial figure on many occasions, two of which occurred during Mabon,” she said, “The first, naturally, was the response of the Mirror to his… revelry. They took issue with the nature of the gathering he promoted and wanted to ensure he understood who ruled the season. And so they ensured he fell in line through the machinations of fear. A proverbial slap of the wrist to check his behavior, if you will. Then… there was the matter of his near death.”
A pause struck as the Pale Dragon’s countenance grew softer and contemplative as she recalled the memory.
“I was there when it happened,” she said, her tone even, if a touch grim, “A mundane appeared from thin air, bearing a pistol with a bullet destined for the Mr. Chasseur himself, but he was stopped. An ally of mine was with him and has certain abilities that allowed her to foresee what was to come. She ensured that Mr. Chasseur and the others were ready for the event and the assailant lost the element of surprise. He was taken down and the bullet failed to find its mark.”
Ivory drank again after retelling the tale.
“And now… on to the reasoning why I called for an oath,” Ivory said, her gilded eyes locking with the Moth’s, “I suspect Mr. Chasseur’s assailant was pushed into motion by someone here in Las Vegas. There are things I cannot share with you, even now, but understand this: There are those in this city who seek to maintain a certain status quo. I believe they see Mr. Chasseur as a threat to this stability based on his favor with Spring and how that might affect the spirit of the season here locally.”
“To put it plainly? I do not believe the attempt on his life in advance of the coming of our season is coincidence,” the Pale Dragon concluded, “Add the fact that he has proven particularly difficult to sway into agreement to participate in certain rites and his decision to refrain from accepting any specific duties… A picture starts to form. Then one merely needs to consider the fact that an investigation into his attempted assassination was never launched on any official channels. It took a Summer newcomer to step up and open it herself. She has asked me to assist, and I’ve agreed.”
There it was. The Pale Dragon knew roughly as much as the average Spring when it pertained to Buck, save her more intimate experience with the satyr’s attempted assassination during Mabon. The nature of her want for secrecy laid entirely in the revelation that Ivory believed it to be a potential conspiracy to remove Buck from the board - and she didn’t want her thoughts on that matter getting out when she felt people in the court could be responsible.
“Until we know more and confirm a few things, I’m not sure if anything the investigation has turned up will be particularly valuable to you right now*,” she said, her expression waxing apologetic, “but… if you are looking for an introduction I may be able to accommodate, given time. He and I have dinner plans. If they go well and my instincts are right, Mr. Chasseur will be a valuable and beloved ally going forward. Potentially for us both. Once the business surrounding his attempted murder concludes, that is.”
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Riley Sorsa
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Feb 22, 2021 20:19:28 GMT -8
The darkling draped one leg over the arm of their chair while resting in the corner of the opposite side. Their eyes lingered on the Pale dragon as she told her story.
There were parts Riley and picked up, the assassination attempt they had heard about. But hadn't known about the follow-up investigation (Or at least any details). As Riley had hopped, what they lacked in context and details Ivory had in spades.
One thing the Bright one took particular note of was Ivory's tone as she described and spoke of Buck's character. Agrippa had been taken by this Paragon of spring and spoke on his behalf after Ivory left. That on its own could be chalked up to the Unicorn's demeanor and trusting nature. But Ivory, well that changed things. That painted a picture.
It was a conspiratorial picture. Riley had hoped that they were just overreacting. The Emerald court was about to eat itself, and how many would pay for the presence of this man. The pale Dragon had not made her allegiance black and white. But it was clear that Ivory was putting down some chips on Buck. Did she believe he could upset the power within the Freehold? Could he even claim the crown. If he could be on his side of history could mean reward, title, power. But as far as Riley could tell, he was one man, at least in theory. The Bright One wagered this meeting meant Ivory setting up was assessing something similar, unless the pale dragon was withholding facts.
At last, the graceful dragon landed on the prospect of meeting Buck as an extension of her work. That gave the darkling pause.
"Why would you offer me that?" It was a different tactic for the Darkling. Normally they would gracefully accept such an offer. But if things were as dire as they fear... why would Ivory trust the moth, like that?
"That's not meant to be rude" Riley added in a soft tone.
"If we are to assume what you suggest is true. That as I fear a conflict is on its way. Affiliating yourself with Buck is bold enough, who knows who in this freehold would take grievance with that. But bringing me in, that's an additional liability"
Riley couldn't grasp it. The Darkling's mind reeled at the thought. Was Ivory so certain of this gamble that Riley was no threat? Did she trust them? or was Riley insignificant enough to not be a true gamble.
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Ivory
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Post by Ivory on Feb 22, 2021 20:59:19 GMT -8
The cordial countenance of the Pale Dragon remained as her story had come to pass.
To her question, Ivory granted a shrug.
"You expressed interest in the man and, depending on how my own meeting with the man goes, I may have access going forward," Ivory answered, her tone calm and even, "Why? Do I need a greater reason?"
The is a slight chuckle at the mention of affiliations and liabilities.
"I may enjoy the company of Mr. Chasseur and occasionally muse over what he could mean for Freehold, but make no mistake, Riley. We are not formally affiliated," the Pale Dragon continued, "No more than the affiliation with my involvement in the investigation that is. I do not know precisely what his goals or desires are, allying myself with him politically would be foolish until I have the time to examine his ideology. Hence, the dinner. Beyond my interests in his ideology and his favor, Mr. Chasseur does not factor into my immediate plans to improve my standing. My desire to join the investigation does indeed rest with some interest to know him, but recent discussions have tempered my own plans for advancement."
"While I find Mr. Chasseur to be quite interesting and worthy of understanding in greater detail, he has no titles here beyond Joyeux and, beyond his own motley, few overt allies. Coupled with the fact that his networks are unknown to me and the reality that he has not yet committed to Las Vegas in any significant capacity..." Ivory stopped herself, realizing she was beginning to rant. Hadn't she chastised Ivory's agent for being too wordy? "Let's just say I would much prefer to become associated with someone who is more established, legitimate, and whose ideology is a matter of public record in some capacities. With our promise sealed I am more than comfortable admitting to you that the figure I wish to offer vassalage is Nimbus."
The Knight of Rains would allow Ivory to pursue advancement without the perceived need to overly involve herself in - or with - the criminal underbelly of Vegas. For her needs, Sir Nimbus was the safest choice. That and his desire to improve the freehold appealed to the dragon.
"But that's a story for another time," she said, "We are here for you. Though, as I recall, you had hoped to share your own intelligence as well."
As Riley sought to read Ivory for some sign of intent, the stoic, regal face of the Pale Dragon offered.... nothing.
Nonetheless, the words seemed truthful enough. If Ivory's intent was beyond what she had offered, it remained unclear.
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Riley Sorsa
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Feb 23, 2021 8:44:55 GMT -8
The chuckle caused the Moth's hackles to rise momentarily. They didn't see what was amusing about the possibilities on the table. It was a defensive reaction, Riley recognized it, and let it pass as they listened to Ivory's explanation of the situation.
"He is worth knowing more about. I wonder the if it will come with a cost" Riley mused as Ivory mentioned their interest in Mr. Chasseur. Even if the Wyrd granted the Crown of Spring on this Antlered head, without Allies how could Mr. Chasseur not hope to hold it? Right? It didn't add up yet to the Darkling.
"I will consider the offer. I would be lying if I said I wasn't interested, or even a bit worried." The Moth admitted.
Their antennae flicked at the mention of Nimbus. Curious. If anything, unless Ivory was pulling a fast one, it seemed the two share many similar views and plans.
"Fascinating. I admit vassalage with Nimbus had been on my mind as well." The Moth raised their glass to take a sip before Ivory moved the topic to what The Bright one brought to the table. A topic for another time.
"On the official events, you are more informed than I. I have heard about the events I thankfully missed at Marbon. And the investigation I haven't pried into. "
Riley sat up a little. "My findings have been more proletariat focused. I spent the best part of the last week trying to get a measure of what the freehold at large is saying or feeling about this Paragon of spring. "
They ran through the hundred of rumors, the drinks, the voices, their eyes. It was a lot to parse through, in part that's why they had come here his evening to help create a frame to view them through.
"As expected most of what I heard is likely hearsay and false rumors, the kind of things you might expect from any tabloid for a pop star. His wealth comes from being a trophy husband. He is a dangerous alcoholic, who has gotten people killed because of it. That he has a token that can cause others to age faster. "
Saying them out loud made the Moth laugh a bit. " That he is polygamist, who has wives across multiple freeholds. Even that he seduced the winter queen of Las Vegas." Riley raised an eyebrow at that one, the end of their lip curled up in amusement. They could stand to hear more of that story.
"Some think he masquerades as mundane and has joined a hunter group, for shit. One that stuck out to me was he saved Lancelot from a huntsman, which is why they are in a motley... despite their troubled relationship"
Riley paused to someone who was just hearing these rumors this could be taken as trivial garabage, a waste of time. Not for the Moth.
" The information they provide probably holds very little truth. But it paints a bigger picture of the freehold at large. Most don't know who he is or what he wants and after Marbon, he hasn't been the most vocal either. These kinds of stories start are ways to placate those tensions" In the end they often feed them.
The moth felt like they had rambled. They faltered for a moment, the feeling of their voice uncomfortable in their mouth.
"Some paint him a fool, a playboy, or even a monster. All of these can be true or false. In the end it doesn't matter what's true, it's what people think is true, that matters. Or at least that's my opinion. Whatever the member of our court...or the freehold at large for that matter decided will inform the choices and consequences to come"
The public opinion looked to be painting the Spring Stag in a distasteful color, but it hadn't yet turned volatile. Stories always have a source, and Riley wondered if these were signs of intentional efforts from within the court.
"The options haven't settled yet, meaning there is still time for them to shift" or be pushed.
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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 23, 2021 20:51:14 GMT -8
"There is always a cost," Ivory said, though she did not feel a reason to expand. Riley knew all of that already.
At the mention that the pair shared a goal in whom they wished to swear to, the Pale Dragon's smile widened, teeth glinting in the low light of the lounge as her expression bore some small excitement.
"I am pleased to hear it," she admitted, "All the more reason to continue our association then. We have different strengths, you and I. We can use them to make the city better for our kind. Of that, I am certain."
As Riley began to discuss their own findings, Ivory listened, granting the Moth her undivided attention as she relaxed against her seat.
At the Darkling's points and observations the Pale Dragon merely nodded, some of the sillier rumors prompting a mirthful smile to again hit her lips. Nonetheless, Ivory remained attentive to a fault and gave Riley the time to speak their peace. Once all was said and done, Ivory took a drink, letting the Moth easy out of the chatter and allowing for some comfortable silence.
"Riley, you should know that I value your insight and the information you've provided," Ivory offered, granting the Moth a genuine compliment, "Regardless of the fact that many rumors can often be based on false or misunderstood information, there are occasionally glimmers that make sense and, between us, I can see a few of your statements holding some potential for truth. In any case, you're right. The truth of it all doesn't matter in this instance. What matters is how Mr. Chasseur is percieved and, right now, the overall viewpoint is less than ideal. I would venture to guess that at least some of the venom has been influenced by those who've become frustrated by his lack of commitment."
Another sip.
"With that in mind, until his intentions for his time here are more well understood, I agree it is likely best not to invest too heavily in his acquaintance. Our coming outing might give me a window, but you have my word that I will be careful," Ivory assured, "If association with him threatens what I have built or those to whom I bear responsibility, I will disassociate myself immediately. His presence is not worth that risk and, currently, he is merely an object of my curiosity. Cutting ties will be simple, should it be required."
Ivory's look then softened.
"Was there anything else you wished to discuss about our resident playboy? Or shall we move to more important things?" Ivory asked, "Like the other weights on your shoulders..."
A gentle prod, but Ivory felt the two were close enough to "friend" territory for her to at least let Riley know she could tell things were bothering her.
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Riley Sorsa
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Feb 23, 2021 21:12:36 GMT -8
Riley smiled pleased that the exchange had been favorable. There were still more pieces to fill but Ivory had proven to be more than a valuable source of information.
" Please anything else but Buck. I spent too many nights and bought too many drinks to talk about him and the topic has worn me thin"
They laughed slightly running their hand through their silver hair. They responded to Ivory's probing question with a raised eyebrow. " Here I thought I had good posture," Riley chuckled shaking their head.
"Plenty on the mind, I am sure you can relate but..."
The moth only really had one confidant. But she had been busy lately, too busy. She wasn't here, but Ivory was, she had shown up. They had respect for the dragon and enjoyed their company immensely. Ivory was among the few Riley called a friend. Furthermore, an oath had been made, perhaps it wouldn't hurt to try some openness.
" I guess there is," they said with a soft smile.
" I think I have found myself in a bit of a fix." They chewed on the idea in their mind.
"Your driven, I don't think I ever seen you waver from a desire. For you, when do you put another person's desire above your own? When do you find that line?"
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Ivory
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Post by Ivory on Feb 23, 2021 22:42:29 GMT -8
Ivory would laugh along with the Moth, happy to foster some levity and keep the conversation pleasant.
As Riley signaled they would open up, Ivory granted them the silence they might need to get comfortable. There was no need to press them.
"When you determine the benefit of a whole or, at the very least, the ones you love outweighs your personal gains," Ivory answered, "Cliché, perhaps, and I will be the first to admit that I can... stumble at times, but the reality remains that I believe that an individual is only as good as the community they reside in. The special nature of our community here is a testament to that concept, even if it does not always appear that way."
The relative safety of Las Vegas compared to elsewhere was well known by its residents and the subject of rumor elsewhere.
"For us, that means a call to action in order to improve the lives of our kind that lack the same quality of life that we enjoy," Ivory continued, linking the issue to their court ideology, "Regardless of affiliation. That is part of what it means to be Emerald. At least to me, but then... my life since my Return has hardly been typical."
Becoming a mother to a teenager and then suddenly being thrust into the role of a guardian had its challenges - and its lessons. Ivory's desires did not always link well with Anthony's, but if one of his conflicted with her, Ivory was more likely to shift her goals than attempt to manipulate the boy. Further, if given the choice between attending a soiree or spending time planning a community development, Ivory would prefer the latter. She simply lacked the contacts. For the moment.
Nimbus could change that.
"Why do you ask?" Ivory asked. The question was a curious one. "Do you believe you are at such a crossroads?"
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Riley Sorsa
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Feb 24, 2021 9:29:58 GMT -8
"huh," Riley said in a thoughtful tone. 'An individual is only as good as the community they reside in.' The moth lingered on that thought for a moment. They hadn't thought about one's value connected to a community. The Moth didn't know it now, but just in a few days, that would mean so much more.
"I'm quite honest with myself about the way I try to improve the lives of others. Most of that work falls into the mundane world mind you" They spoke their thought out loud, as they considered the Emerald path.
"Yeah. I' am at a crossroad as it were" The Moth picked up their glass taking a sip before gazing at Ivory thoughtfully. They had a pause in their explanation. The Moth milled over their words. They didn't know what the Wyrd would let them say after Imbolc. But in truth, they were concerned about how to say it right.
" Recently, Firebringer and I had been" What was the appropriate word for it. "We had been getting closer, sexual tension lot's of flirting and the like. It had been rather fun." They say with a smirk.
Their mind raced back to the dance floor and the kiss on Imbolc. The moth heart fluttered at the memory.
" However, by means," be honest. " That I am not entirely proud of. I came to learn who she truly desires. This normally is no problem, love isn't needed for sex, or you can love more than one, or simply desire more than one. All is fair as they say. I been through it all rather happily"
No strings.
"I had learned Fire was developing a deep desire for Rowan. " Riley paused milling over what they were saying. Something didn't feel right.
" But Fire's signals suggested differently to me. I knew I could push it further. It could be simple, no strings, just fun but "
They took a drink a long drink.
"Their desire for Rowan feels fragile, that if I were to indulge myself, I could unravel it, break it. It would be easy. A selfish thought to be sure, that I could want something so basic, and be tempted to ruin something that in time could hold deeper value. Even should Fire want a open relation or some other arrangement. I got this feeling when I saw that desire, that my involvement would be a threat to its survival" The Wyrd was truly cruel with its punishments.
Riley felt that twist in their gut as they admitted their selfish impulses. Why was this bothering them? The variety was the spice of life after all, and this was after all just for fun. Right?
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Ivory
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Post by Ivory on Feb 24, 2021 19:18:29 GMT -8
Ivory listened to the Moth as they began to crack the door, letting them open it as much as they wished.
The comment of Firebringer's attraction to Rowan earned a perplexed look from the Pale Dragon. Rowan had many struggles, but his want to find his way was clear. He did not strike Ivory as someone who had a strong inclination for romance. Moreover, the brief times Ivory had seen Firebringer in passing, the Pale Dragon did not think them to be interested in Rowan in that capacity.
Still, of more concern was the crutch the Darkling employed - and their belief that it was the beyond reproach.
"Hmmm," she offered at the comment, taking a drink.
"Riley, I do not know how long it's been since you're return, so please do not take what I'm about to say as patronizing, but I assume it's been... recent?" Ivory asked, "I say this because there is many among us who return to the world with their new... gifts and use them with the intention of making their lives easier. It makes sense, using the power we gained from our escape as a means of navigating this strange, familiar world. It's an alluring feeling that I know well. And that method would be fool-proof... if it wasn't for the source from which our power is derived."
Ivory leaned close, granting a soft smile to the Bewitched.
"The Wyrd is fickle, dear," she whispered, "No matter how talented you might be with your weavings, there will be times it will fail you. There will be times it does not show you the truth. Do not rely on magic to show you the way of people. That is a path to ruin."
Leaning back, Ivory would return to her normal cadence and volume.
"As with all things, it is best to use such... talents in moderation rather than frequent reliance. Our... talents can be good servants, but a poor masters," Ivory explained, "Relying solely upon it will cause you to silence your heart and your mind. And those can be more valuable than any contract."
Ivory let the statement rest. It sounded like Riley had relied on their magic as some kind of infallible means of discovering truth. The dragon could only hope her words helped them see the opposite could also be true.
"So, on the topic of Fire," she continued after some moments to allow the Moth to process, "Have you told her how you felt? Have you investigated her feelings beyond your... touch?"
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Riley Sorsa
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Feb 24, 2021 20:45:26 GMT -8
Riley saw the look Ivory made when Riley mentioned Fires' hidden desire for Rowan.
" Tell me about it-" they pause as Ivory explained the possible dangers of irresponsible contract use.
"I Know. I know, I know." say dragging their hands across their face creating an almost comically exaggerated expression of distress and frustration.
"I Don't often. It's not a thing I just go doing. I don't even know why I did it- " They let out a long groan setting their cheek into their hand and resting their elbow on the chair.
"I wanna believe you, I do. I know how weird it sounds but I just- I don't think she's aware of it yet. There was so much there, so many emotions, " A storm. "You've seen how she protects him. Its's just starting. In time-" They pause and take a sigh. They know what they saw, it had to be true...or...
Taking a moment's pause the Moth reached down and took up their drink and had a sip.
" Our moment- It was at a party. Things like that happen. Only after I realized she had been in a sort of vulnerable place. I didn't wanna push it. We've talked, texted, and the such. "
Riley sighed "As I said early she had given signs of interest but after ..my discovery, I wanted to give her space." The dancer shook their head. Mulling over their thoughts, almost chewing them in their mind.
"And with Ev'thang that's been goin' on. I just have not had the time. I think what's bothering me is how much it has bothered me. I am easy to come easy go. Little fun between friends ain't a thing I blink at. "
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Ivory
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Post by Ivory on Feb 24, 2021 21:44:19 GMT -8
Ivory watched as Riley reacted at her caution to the use of contracts. She wasn't here to chastise them, however. Even so, the more frustrating thing to the dragon was Riley's lack of self-esteem.
"The best thing about objective truth is that belief doesn't really matter," Ivory said, "The only way to attain it is to look at something from at least a few different angles. You've tried one."
"Of course she protects him, the circumstances of Rowan's return is... less than ideal. Even so, I don't recall her looking after him in any greater capacity than I did at Yule," Ivory offered.
Or have you forgotten.
"I'm going to be frank," the Pale Dragon announced, "I don't think this has anything to do with time. You're afraid and have convinced yourself that distance is the most altruistic path. Instead, you are going to find that road is going to eat you alive."
There was a pause as golden eyes locked upon the dark orbs of the Moth. Ivory knew the words were likely to sting, but she would not be saying them if she did not feel they needed to here them. A busy schedule had very little to do with Riley's decision not to talk to Firebringer from what she had been hearing. The Pale Dragon was not about to let them get off with the 'I've been too busy' routine.
"You need to talk to her," Ivory concluded, "There is no alternative if you truly want to know the truth. Your gifts are not beyond reproach and there are occasions that you must question them. This is one of those times."
Then a smile.
"You're bothered because you like her, I suspect," Ivory muses, "Your heart seems to be yearning for something more."
And I don't need the Wyrd to see that.
"Talk to her," Ivory repeated, "No more tricks, no more walls."
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Riley Sorsa
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Feb 24, 2021 22:40:31 GMT -8
Riley ran a hand through their silver-white hair in a display of minor discomfort at Ivory's blunt words. It stung cause it was true. Riley knew this long ago, even before Firebringer. They had sat in the chair Ivory was in many times.
Hearing they were afraid stung though. It was true, they were afraid. It had been easier to learn of Fires desire through the wyrd than to hear it from her lips. That would have been crushing, it very well still could be.
"I Know. You're right" Riley said softly, before rubbing the bridge of their nose. They had practice, lots of it. They knew how to take rejection, or to reject others. They preached communication was the basis of any romantic or sexual relationship.
"The thing is. I've done this before. Hundreds of times. I am good at it. I feel like an idiot. I haven't avoided talking to someone sense...fuck high school? I know better. I know better than what I-" violated her trust.
The moth stopped and looked at Ivory in a moment of silence.
"She fucks with my head," they stated once they found the words.
"And no, it's not love. I know what love feels like. We hardly know each other, all things told. But none the less."
The moth looked a bit agitated at the thought. Picking up their glass to finish it off before setting it down with clink.
"I'll talk to her..."
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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 24, 2021 23:03:03 GMT -8
Ivory drank once more as Riley began to speak. When the moth began to ramble, the Pale Dragon smiled.
"And yet this time seems different, hmm?" Ivory mused, "What matters is how you handle it, going forward. Life hands us little lessons all the time. The trick is learning to take them without thinking on our past decisions too harshly. To do otherwise, only serves to feed anxiety."
The Moth's decision to rely on their contracts was one such lesson. It was something they seemed to be taking to heart, but Ivory hoped it was clear that she didn't hold it against them.
The smile became broader as Riley declined to call it love. The Moth wasn't wrong.
"Of course not, I never said it was," Ivory agreed, "Although, we can both recognize that that is one possibility of what it could become. That is not always the end destination, admittedly, but the journey there can be a fun one."
As Riley began to finish her glass, Ivory would lift hers to do the same. When the Moth finally agreed to speak with Firebringer about their feelings Ivory granted a nod.
"Good, I will trust that you will, but, if you are silent on the issue for some time, know that I will ask you again," the Pale Dragon said, "Friends are meant to hold one another accountable, no?"
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