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Post by Alecto on Mar 22, 2021 21:47:50 GMT -8
The Beast twitched back from the Darkling, the only sign of her movement being the afterimage of dust before she smoothed her instinct to swat and flee. "I'm trying to guess what my kid would like, to be honest." Alecto's mouth twisted, "I got a general sense of what they wear, right now, anyway. Seems to change every few months but I guess that's the age. Think Linden would be interested in any of this?"
She chuckled, opting to swap topics with the gorgeous moth likely not having much to say on it. She didn't seem like she would have or even like kids, and it was a sore topic for most of their people. "What do you do for fun when you're not vogueing at a market?"
Everyone in the US usually asks what people do for work. For a Changeling it seemed like a dumb question that never held a lot of meaning, unless it was a point of pride to bring up themselves.
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Post by Agrippa on Mar 23, 2021 0:57:39 GMT -8
Linden's comment doubting the glasses chain had Agrippa stifling a giggle
"Probably not, but that's how you become a trend-setter, isn't it!? Go for it! It's practical and you'll be the fashion envy of the entire-!"
The mock bravado faltered a bit as they caught themselves almost saying a word in public that they really shouldn't have. They bit their lip, partially to buy time to think of a better word, and partially as a self-inflicted punishment. They didn't get out in mundane public much, and as much as they hated to admit it, that was something of an issue if they let their inhibitions down too far.
"...City."
Though they didn't even bother trying to cover their embarrassment, the expression was short-lived as the Summer moved on to a heavier topic. Agrippa blinked, clearly deeply confused.
"That would have been..."
Imbolic. Their vision unfocused as they searched their mind for what Linden could possibly be referring to
"You didn't do anything you would need to apologize for... I was a little concerned, but its not your fault that you felt the way that you did."
They opened their mouth to say more, but this time something greater than themselves implored the words to stay unsaid. They closed their mouth and smiled with a warmth they hoped communicated well enough how they felt about the situation without further elaboration
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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 Mar 23, 2021 6:18:01 GMT -8
The Darkling flinched with tension at the sudden movement from Alecto. The moth relaxed as Alecto spoke about trying to find a gift for her kid. Lost with kids always sounded complicated for Riley; kids were complex enough for mundies. How Alecto talked about her kid suggested that maybe the two weren't close? Or perhaps it was a strained relationship. "There are some excellent pieces here. Does your kid have a color or metal preference? " Riley couldn't offer much help given what Alecto had said, but they didn't want to pry. "As for Linden? I mean, there are pieces here I think would look good on them. But if they are Linden's style? Hard to say what Linden will like sometimes; they don't always know either "The moth picked up a bronze bracelet. Examining it, considering if the ogre would appreciate it. Was it the kind of femme they were looking for? "Fun? I love dancing. The nightlife is my scene. I like people or at least being around them. But when that gets tiresome, I listen to music or just me time." The Darkling glanced over to the beast. It was a vague list, but the Bewitched was still testing he waters with this new Lost. "What about you when you're not studyin' or shoppin' for the kids?"
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Post by Alecto on Mar 23, 2021 12:51:11 GMT -8
The Beast's exasperation towards the situation with the child seems to go deeper than "teenagers are complicated". She seems almost ashamed at the reality, but it's quickly replaced with a deep roiling anger that flashes in the predator's eyes. "Umm..." she clears her throat, the mermaid stone with the coral and tiny shells is fully pulled from the wrack. "Do you have any family members you're close to? Given the situation."
She made the mistake of sprinkling too many conversation starters, and Riley had taken all of them. "I do legitimately enjoy reading. I also meet most people by passing on things too sentimental for an email or phone call; helps learn how everyone's connected. I do a lot of jogging, and tinkering with technology. Honestly creating my own shitty GPS so Google doesn't track me was way more efficient than trying to map the city with my feet. You sound pretty passionate about dance."
Given that seems to be all you do...?
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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 Mar 23, 2021 13:19:30 GMT -8
The darkling noted the sudden flash of anger behind Alecto's eyes. Maybe they had crossed a line into too personal. Perhaps steer away from family.
"Gps? That's cool! I learned to build computers in college from a friend. But your own GPS..." Riley couldn't even imagine what that kind of skill took. They let out audible air to express how much work that must take. Alecto mentions their passion for dance, and Riley glances towards the table for a moment.
"Yeah, could say that. Been an important part of my life and a way I can connect with people sometimes. " The Moth shrugs with a soft smile.
"I like people watchin' too. Grabbing a beer or a coffee on the strip. Makin' up stories for people. "
They picked up a bracelet, trying on their wrist before setting it back down. The Moth was about to go on before they caught themself. Share the spotlight.
"What ya mean about passin' on sentimental thang's? "
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Linden
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Presence (3) Steady
Posts: 325
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Post by Linden on Mar 25, 2021 18:18:37 GMT -8
Mouth firm but eyes touched by weariness, Linden looked at Agrippa for a long moment. The warmth of that smile was not lost on them, the concern that they had made the Beast uncomfortable fading as it grew. But the shame remained, unwilling to let go of the knowledge that Agrippa would know that about them forever. Even if it didn't end up being the strongest memory, and Linden fervently hoped it wasn't, that moment of weakness had been witnessed. They let out a breath, some of the tension leaving their face, and returned the smile but more shyly. "It's not something you need to be concerned about, but, thanks, for... sticking around." Linden struggled to find the exact words they wanted, but that was close enough. "And, um, you said something to me after that, which- I know we don't know each other very well, but- I don't think you need to be worried about either."Well that was enough of that. Pointing at a chain necklace that could've almost been a bike lock, they admitted, "I sort of like that. What do you think?" Was it femme? No. But, baby steps.
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Post by Agrippa on Mar 26, 2021 4:24:53 GMT -8
Agrippa fought the urge to dismiss Linden's gratitude- they had already told them once that their apology wasn't necessary, and one denial was more than enough for this topic of conversation.
"That's what friends do, isn't it? Stick around for each other through thick and thin? None of that fair-weather nonsense. I have suffered that far too often from others to inflict it on anyone else, much less yourself."
The reassurance tugged down the corners of their lips as they once again searched their memories for the words to which Linden was likely referring. Agrippa might've been the sober one, but Linden clearly had the better memory of the night.
"That... Thank you. Know me well or not, a vote of confidence is rarely an unwelcome thing. I'm certainly not going to dispute it."
The warm and earnest smile broke back out into a grin as Linden pushed the sentimental topic aside to make room for more accessories. They reached around the Summer to take the chain in-hand, appraising the thing by running the links through their thumb and forefinger
"Safe, but good! Works with your current fashion, and is flexible enough to work with other aesthetics. Something with thinner chains might be a little more femme if your mind is still on that, but that doesn't mean this couldn't work well with a femme look!"
Their mouth went a little askew as doubt set in
"Not that I'm an expert on femme fashion.... I would take anything I say about that area with a grain of salt the size of a Himalayan salt lamp."
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Post by Alecto on Mar 27, 2021 17:34:49 GMT -8
"Tell me about it," Alecto prompted, looking at Riley with seriousness, "I don't need to put you on the spot. I'm just genuinely interested in what dance does for you with making connections."
The Beast grinned as the moth poked a bit, "You know. Courier services, but with things that people don't want to email or trust to the post." Love letters of the Lost, gifts, secret alliances, dirty business records...
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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 Mar 27, 2021 18:15:26 GMT -8
Courier services clicked for Riley. They had done a bit of sort of thing before and understood the value of it.
"Ah, got it. Plenty of work there" The Darkling smiles before placing down the bracelet they were examining.
Riley looked to Alecto at the further questioning regarding dancing. Was the Beast being polite? Was it actual curiosity? She's trying to steal your steps, your secrets. The intrusive shot, through the moth's head like a bolt of light. It almost hurt. But as quickly as it came, the darkling promptly shut that door in their mind.
"Sorry, most folks aren't interested, and it's- " The twilight dancer searched for the words, and unsatisfied landed on- "complicated."
They flash a smile, crossing one arm to rest their hand on the opposite shoulder.
" I feel like I talk better via dance. Words don't say the thang, ya know? Like, when you dance with someone, you see somethin' unique, connect differently. "
A look crossed their face; they weren't saying this right. Riley didn't like being misunderstood; it felt like they were wrong.
" Does that make sense?"
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Linden
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Presence (3) Steady
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Post by Linden on Mar 29, 2021 19:49:55 GMT -8
The coming and going of Agrippa's smile caught the Ogre's attention, trying to pin down what was said that contributed to either. Their mouth pressed into a line as they looked at the thinner chains, and slowly shook their head. "I think... for now maybe the concept of jewelry is femme enough for me. That's pretty weak, I know, but..." Looking down at the square chain they'd picked up, the Ogre ran their thumb over a corner of it thoughtfully. "It's a start." With a one-shouldered shrug and a slight smile, Linden stepped away to make their purchase.
They returned a moment later with the chain clasped around their neck, crumpling a receipt into their pocket. "Should we catch up?" Linden nodded toward Riley and Alecto, their posture more relaxed than before.
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Post by Alecto on Mar 29, 2021 22:06:29 GMT -8
Alecto wasn't hiding her emotions, leaning forward with her eyes wider than average. She was doing her best to connect with another Lost and there was a mix of interest, apprehension, and caution.
"Art is meant to be communication beyond just a dialogue, from my understanding. That's why poetry, stories, film, dance and all that other spirit flashing have their own state of reality." She shrugged, attention ticking between the Riley and the gift like she didn't know how to relax and keep her focus on the moment.
"if it's your primary language, so be it. I should see it in action sometime."
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Post by Agrippa on Mar 30, 2021 0:25:28 GMT -8
Agrippa shook their head, smiling. The expression held both a joy, and some deal of hurt born entirely of empathy
"Oh, its not weak. This is fashion! Its about what makes you feel the best, the most comfortable, and the most like you. There's nothing strong about wearing things that make you feel uncomfortable. Even if you know you might like to wear something different one day, that day doesn't have to be today. And it isn't, if today it wouldn't feel quite right. If you like that chain, then the strongest thing you can do right now is wear it and enjoy it!"
The unicorn leaned up against one of the more robust jewelry displays, the smile growing wide and nearly proud as Linden left to buy the chain they had chosen. On their return, the pale beast was staring longingly at a clear case that held an assortment of fancy broaches and lapel pins. Their head snapped up immediately, as if they were afraid to be found wanting. Ogre's suggestion was met with enthusiastic nodding
"Let's!"
They pushed themselves off their perch, gesturing for Linden to lead the way
"It looks amazing- you have a better eye for these things than I!"
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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 Mar 30, 2021 8:11:33 GMT -8
The moth blinked a few times at the beast.
"Heh. I guess yeah so" The darkling pushed their hair back and looked at the table. "Well, if you really want to see a raunchy burlesque show, let me or Linden know. I can make it happen."
The beast's energy was pretty clear that this was out of their comfort zone. Riley considered it for a moment, trying to figure out the best way to ease the beast's tension. Glancing to the table they gestured to the items Alecto was looking at.
"Any of those standing out to you for your kid?"
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Linden
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Presence (3) Steady
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Post by Linden on Apr 2, 2021 11:36:55 GMT -8
The level of understanding Agrippa conveyed left Linden warm, and humbled. They touched the lowest hanging point in the chain gently and smiled, head inclined in a small nod. It was a strange feeling, to have held on to the memory of Imbolc with such an unsettled bitterness and be met only with graciousness. They were still waiting for the other shoe to drop, in one way or another, but for now maybe they could just enjoy the sunshine and the company.
"That can't be true," they said in response to Agrippa's commend about them having a better eye for jewelry, glancing down at them as they crossed the space together. "What kind of jewelry do you like? You were looking at pins before, right?" The Ogre had only vaguely registered what Agrippa had been looking at, but it definitely wasn't chains.
"Hey folks," they called, announcing their presence to Alecto and Riley before coming up beside them. "Femme wasn't in the cards today, but-" Linden's fingertips bounced the chain away from their shirt a couple of times, clearly pleased with their purchase. "Finding anything cool?"
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Post by Alecto on Apr 6, 2021 9:30:17 GMT -8
Alecto snorted a chuckle, giving Riley a thumbs up as they drop their brand of 'true connection.' Another nod with the treasure in hand, going to the register as she thumbs bills.
She greets Linden with the jut of the chin, before getting the item wrapped in crepe paper. "Gift for one of the kids. Nice chain, glad I'm a trendsetter," she said, smiling slightly.
A brief look was afforded to Agrippa as she clocked her time, "I should probably duck out soon."
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