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Post by Krakenbox on Mar 18, 2021 16:53:24 GMT -8
Spring was sweeping into season and to ring in the warmer winds in The Meadows was the Ostara celebration. Ushering out the bitter winter in both relative temperature and mood Ostara was where one could celebrate what was to come and plant the seed of their desire so that it may blossom throughout the year - in many senses literally with the involvement of the Wyrd. Thus, the Freehold was invited to the Grove, a blossoming venue within the wards to celebrate the donning of the Antler Crown. Hues of purple and green, accents of gold and white were the colors that presented themselves in the sun. Plenty of food to sate the hungry, drink to loosen the mood, and music filling the air. On the grounds Lost could find tables so sit - both inside and out - green grass with blankets spready to just enjoy things a tad more naturally, a space to dance with one another, and lastly a more secluded corner of the grounds where the official ceremonies would eventually happen. All entrants were greeted with a card containing words of the season composed by the Antler Crown’s own Agrippa to set the tone - and a gift bag was available to compliment the less subtle aspects of fertility, if you know what I mean, assembled by Riley including goodies such as: Flavored Condoms, Lube, A wrist band stating ‘Consent is Sexy’, safe to consume glow in the dark body paint, and a lollipop (oh that cheeky Moth). As the sun's light waned, a new look would take over. Decorations would come alive with beads of light, some just outright glowing. Some may realize by this point that their body paint could be used to express themselves as they partied into the night. This was the night where inhibitions melted, desire reigned, and choices both good and bad were made. Then when the sun would rise memories would be paid to those no longer with us, and the seeds of the future year would be planted and all would wait to reap what their desires and sown. Welcome Lost, to Ostara___ "Tonight we gather for Ostara, to wake her light and bring forth the dawn. Though we may stand amongst the ruins that the passing year have wrought, we still do stand. And while we may stand still a moment, we must not stand still forever. We look, defiant of oblivion to the horizon, and plant a seed of aspiration as we ask ourselves the only question left. "Now what?"
But new beginnings are not a thing guaranteed. We must give them chase, demand their arrival and grasp them whenever they come within reach. In the practice of this ritual, we remind ourselves of this effort as we shoulder the responsibility to heralded the birth of a new day. So I implore you, guests one and all; search your desires tonight, chase them, and let the clamour of your celebrations wake the sun."
- Agrippa, of the Emerald Court
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2021 18:04:13 GMT -8
Ostara was here! Ostara looks wonderful! Ostara was only somewhat stressful. However, despite any challenges everything had fallen into place - Archie had been here since 5am, making sure every last thing was in place. He had spruced up the indoors, touched up the outdoors, made sure that food and drink had arrived. Everyone knew their spot, everyone knew their time. He had called and confirmed personally, and on top of that he made sure he was dropping messages through the day. While nerves were always firing, he actually kept his cool. There was a certain level of pressure that Archie performed well under and they were well within that limit. Thus when people were beginning to trickle in the event was perfect, coat checks operating, bracelets ready, music playing. One could do a chef's kiss. It was so perfect. The story of the night though, was Archie. He had a tie, not a bowtie!?! The price one paid for fashion. However it worked well with the green suit, he was on fleek, and already outdoors, with a drink in hand - an elderberry gin and tonic, he would be down to party if not for the blue band around his wrist. While he would mingle he was not going to let the event he painstakingly planned fall. One could have responsibility and still have fun and he did plan to do that. A quick sip from his glass and… Welcome to Ostara
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Mar 18, 2021 18:24:50 GMT -8
During the day, it was business as usual for Lucas. He was dressed in a light pink blazer, a black printed floral shirt with vibrant colors, white chino pants, and matching white sneakers. On his wrists and fingers were various pieces of jewelry that complimented his outfit, including a pristine looking watch. His light blonde hair was well gelled and the scruff on his face was trimmed in a fashionable way. Add in a splash of cologne that had a seaworthy scent to it and he was good to go.
When he arrived at the party, he was in the Magpie's entourage. Lucas was the only Winter courtesan in the mix, which wasn't too terribly surprising as was far more social during these kind of events than many of his fellow courtesans. Throughout the day time festivals, he rubbed elbows with a variety of different Lost, entertained whoever ended up at his table, and at times he simply chose to observe everything that was going on around him. There was no shortage of excitement or gossip at events like Ostara.
By the time the evening rolled around, Lucas had loosened his tie so to speak. His blazer had been removed for the rest of the evening as it was becoming too warm to keep it on and hit the dance floor. His wrists had three bands on them; yellow, green, and white. If ever there was a time to allow ones self to loosen their inhibitions' for an evening, Ostara was it. Once the sun went down, it would be back to business as usual. Until then, he was enjoying all that the evening had to offer. By now, he had a couple of drinks to get a pleasant buzz going on and ease his nerves so he could actually enjoy himself on the dance floor. Whenever someone came up to dance with him, regardless of their gender, court, seeming, or whatever else, he would dance with them. Whenever he danced with someone whose wristbands matched his, the dance was bordering on being risque. However, he had yet to allow any of his dance partners to whisk him off the dance floor to indulge in other festivities.
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Post by Rowan on Mar 18, 2021 18:30:33 GMT -8
The Wheel had turned and as always, good things came to an end. The Low Seasons were over, being politely swept out like so many elderly. Spring had come barging in, like It always did, with much noise and light. Urgh.
Rowan's mind wasn't in it, never mind his heart. It felt like he had much more important things to worry about than some stupid party, like Golden Boy and his ghosts, or what they had seen on the hydra hunt. But attendance was mandatory, so attend he had to.
No Oath to cover his ass this time, and no Fire. She had left earlier, with a bounce in her hair and step. The plan was to get there, hide, get trough the night. Probably easier said than done. He sighed and drew a card from a pack he had purchased at the corner souvenir shop - SHINE: ThoughtFulls Pop-Open Cards. It had been an attempt to give some direction to his wandering thoughts that had yielded mixed results
'If you want to fly, give up everything that weighs you down.' "What about this stupid body?" he asked his reflection. The bastard remained silent.
***
Rowan practically dragged his feet to the venue, wearing some obscure 80's movie t-shirt that was two sizes too big for him and did nothing to flatter his shape. His eternal Golden Knights cap kept the pesky sun out of his eyes as he looked over the bracelet code. The Darkling promptly gabbed as many red ones as he could fit in his hand and started putting them on. Somewhere between seven and twelve total. He loudly slurped his deep purple smoothie (the one thing he felt justified splurging on) and walked into the event as if it were his execution. Because it very well could be.
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Post by Philicia on Mar 18, 2021 19:33:58 GMT -8
As promised, the Verdant Queen held her eulogy during the feast while the sun was still high in the sky. The announcement of the deaths was seen as a surprise to the majority, a few breaking down into tears at the confirmation that a longstanding friend and face of the Court had been deemed to have passed away. Ambrosia, a Flowering Wizened was a personal friend of Queen Philicia; a fellow Wizened who often worked with famous occultists of the Freehold. She was a Spring chemist, though never bothered to get the paperwork rolling to validate the degree she likely already qualified for. She never called herself a doctor, but was talented in the arts of their healing, saving more than one life in the Court in troubled times during her years of service. She was never known to be a social butterfly, but she had touched many lives. Her Desire would be remembered as a beautiful thing; one that was centered around using Glamour to make medical advances that would be useful for humanity rather than exclusively the Lost. It irked her that they could perform miracles, but couldn't do much with it due to the danger of revealing their existence, and hoped a subtle enough medicine could be sold off and replicated with the right connections. However, practicality won out in the pursuit of her dream, and unfortunately it had been snuffed before an alternative could be discovered. Marquel, a young Bloodbrute Ogre was an aspiring Claviger, wishing to use his gifts in brutal combat towards the protection of his peers. He came from a rough background that had been burned into his very flesh, and he sought to overcome this curse by conquering his Desire of getting his family out of a dangerous place, and making sure his brother actually got something out of their shared trauma with the Hedge. He often spoke of his brother's spark and potential, hoping to pay his way into a school that would get him out of danger, and later a fund for his further education. The teenager was a known Avowed among the Emeralds, and was still missing. She held a toast, finishing the address with a statement that Ostara and the Court of Renewal still represented new beginnings, and their enjoyment of the festivities would be welcome as a celebration of life for those unable to continue the year with them. And with that, the sun began to set...
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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 18, 2021 19:40:35 GMT -8
The twilights dancer's excitement for the evening had grown exponentially in the days leading up to the event. They were busy with their hosting duties, dragging Dani around town to find the perfect look, and perhaps most importantly, preparing their act for the night. The Moth had big plans for Ostara. Archie had rented a limo for Riley and Dani, which actually had been a joke on Riley's part. Still, they should know better than to joke like that around the Chatelaine. The look on Firebringer 's face arriving at her apartment, was worth it alone. The drive to Ostara was a challenge for the Moth to behave. This evening Riley had dressed to impress. The bright one was glowing radiant and had styled themself and Dani, in a black, red, and gold theme that made the couple beautifully pop. Their top is a series of cascading chokers that dropped down into golden chains laid over a gold and black v-cut blouse. Layered over this, an asymmetrical maroon, military-inspired jacket (A cheeky nod to their dates court). Upon the left shoulder was adorned with a series of golden chains. Upon their right hand is the Twilight dancer's emblematic hedgespun, bejeweled gauntlet, that glow mixed the bright ones. Their hair is slick back and pinned with their golden Hairnettle, which took the form of a golden insect wing, and their lips are painted with black and red ombre lipstick.Before stepping out the Limo, Riley snapped their gauntlet twice, imbuing it with glamour. Pushing open the door, the Twilight Dancer fluttered out and held out their hand to their date, Dani. "Shall we?" They asked with a confident smile. Once Dani exited the limo, Riley took her by the arm and made their entrance. Their inner light glows brightly to draw the eyes of all to see the two of them. First there was a Eulogy and respects to be paid. Than after the party would begin. Tonight was going to be a good night.
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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 Mar 18, 2021 20:08:38 GMT -8
Ivory was already there, of course, assisting as well as she could in the morning to help organize the staff while putting the insurance, permits, and waivers aside in a secure place should they be needed in the course of the night's events. She remained attentive and gracious throughout the day time activities, dressed conservatively in a conservative, pale pink cocktail dress as she played her part in hosting. She listened stoically to the euology, her expression solemn as some of the Emeralds were moved to tears. In time, the sunlight began to wane and the Pale Dragon quietly excused herself to prepare for the evening, later emerging back into the event with a holographic top and skirt, sporting white sneakers. Her straight, shoulder-length hair was no longer in a tight bun, falling freely to her shoulders, and her face was painted in preparation for the night ahead, matching the pattern somewhat on her fingers in the form of similar lime green dots. However, before she moved to the debauchery, the Fairest did the responsible thing, dipping back to @archie and whispering quietly in his ear, reminding him of where the forms were kept, along with a list of emergency numbers if needed. Then, she looked around the venue, her hand gently squeezing the Chatelaine's shoulder as she beheld all that they, along with Agrippa and Riley had done. With a final warm smile to to Archie, Ivory finally went to put on her wristbands: Yellow, Green, and Pink. There selection took time, but, frankly, Ivory needed this. Life had been difficult these last several months and the dragon needed a night of abandon to reset. To welcome a New Dawn. The Pale Dragon's first stop? The bar, naturally. First to slam down one of the glowing shots, laughing along with some of the other Freeholders gathered with some small talk before finally receiving her signature cocktail: a Cosmopolitan. It had been some time since Ivory had put herself out there so blatantly, so, for now, the Pale Dragon observed the coming and goings of the crowd from her perch by the bar tables, looking for someone that might catch her interest... or if she was catching anyone else's. She may have had a green band, but that didn't mean she would carry on unless wooed. Riley Sorsa 's entrance was noted, of course. How could it not be? Golden eyes eventually found the Moth's bands, however, and soon an ecstatic expression hit the dragon's features as she lifted a glass to her Darkling friend. Rowan is unsuccessful in his attempts to blend in, with the golden gaze of the dragon successfully finding him as she observes his attempts not to draw attention to himself. The abundant use of red bands elicits a warm laugh from the Fairest. Coupled with her smile, she seems glad he is here, but, noting his want to hide, Ivory simply winks and looks away, returning to some side conversation and her drink.
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Finn
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Played by Swift
Posts: 139
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Post by Finn on Mar 18, 2021 20:26:02 GMT -8
Finn, for once, managed to get some time off, both for the daytime event, and the following day just in case. The past two events had been....interesting. More recently at Imbolc he'd been woefully unprepared, had a full blown panic attack, and then tried desperately to trip sit before finding a drink that was both strong and not at all at the same time. Previously to that he'd nodded off at Yule after a few too many whiskeys only to awake to the aftermath of some sort of mass panic. He still wasn't quite sure what had happened that night.
For Ostara, though, he was at least a little better prepared. At least he dressed up, with a blazer jacket over a button-down and slacks. He arrives as early as the invitation allows. First off there's the bracelets. He was familiar with the idea, but honestly had never participated himself. How many bracelets did one take? It seemed that some were mutually exclusive yet others, not so much? A glance at the few others here and arriving clues him in before it becomes an issue and he grabs a trio of colors.
He spends the daylight enjoying the food and gardens, constantly with a beer in hand - a light craft lager he'd found they had on tap, perfect for the season. When the Eulogy begins he stands in somber acknowledgement of those they had lost, thinking of his own losses over the past year. Hearing Ambrosia's name causes a pang in his chest. That was...unfortunate. By the end of the address he brushes a couple tears from his eyes and bows his head in silent regard.
Then the evening comes. He loses his tie for a more casual look, and goes to find a stronger drink. He pulls two of the bands out of his pockets and puts them on: White and Red.
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Mar 18, 2021 21:21:26 GMT -8
Lucas was having himself a good ol' time until Riley Sorsa strutted on in, making as dramatic of an entrance as possible. Despite Lucas's best efforts to ignore them, even he couldn't help but take a look in their direction. If he could physically cause his eyes to roll out of his skull from rolling them so hard, he would have done it at that very moment. But alas, he was left staring at them and feeling resentment build up inside of him.
While he no longer felt like dancing, at least his mood did not entirely tank. He excused himself from the dance floor, much to the disappointment of his fellow dancer. He beelined for the bar, deciding to get a drink this time around that had a heavier hit to it. The Bartender could tell he was in a mood and he was heavy handed while pouring Lucas a Amaretto sour. Lucas left a generous tip while sipping his drink. What he needed right now was a distraction before his mind got the better of him and he would begin to ruminate. Alcohol was a risk before if he didn't find himself a distraction, his mood might sour even further but this was Ostara. If someone was looking for a distraction and to forget their worries for a night, this was the perfect place.
While sipping his drink, he scanned the crowd. His eyes ended up landing on Ivory.
Distraction found.
He knocked back the rest of his drink to give himself some extra liquid courage. After spending most of the winter exploring dark and abandoned places full of the dead, he was feeling off his game. No time like the present to try and get back into the swing of things. Rather than overthinking things, he moved over to where Ivory was perched, letting the music and the energy surrounding the bar be his guide.
"Looks like you're ready to get the party into full swing as well." He offered her a good-natured smile, as he eyed her drink and one of the empty shot glasses. Then his eyes made their way to hers. "I was just about to order myself another drink and found myself thinking the only thing better than enjoying a celebratory drink is enjoying a celebratory drink with some gorgeous company. So here I am, wondering if I can buy you a drink? "
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Post by Agrippa on Mar 19, 2021 7:46:54 GMT -8
On paper Agrippa hadn't contributed much at all to the event planning- paltry funds, pitiful resource pools, and barely budding connections were little help in the face of the other event organizers, who were far more gifted in those areas than they were. As such, the unicorn had made it their duty to take on every miscellaneous job that popped up, and make several jobs for themselves where none necessarily existed. It had started weeks before the event, with them volunteering to make every trivial phone call and parcel pickup, and hadn't stopped even as the event was starting up. Last minute calls, hauling lights, and speakers, and chairs, and blankets... and even as everything was set up, they still managed to find several tasks that no one had asked of them. All throughout the daylight they had flitted on the edges of the crowd like a white-suited servant, uncharacteristically socially unavailable as they toiled in service to the event. By the time twilight rolled around they were really straining their ability to think of anything remotely useful to do, but it was only when the last rays of light finally disappeared over the horizon did they finally give up.
So it was that they found themselves standing just out of the crowd, leaning somewhat precariously on the post of one of the lights they had helped set up. Though clothed in nothing but brilliant white from bowtie to oxfords, their mantle played a subtle trick of iridescence from the frosted light above, pulling out a rainbow of colours where none truly existed. On a scan of the crowd, they could spot only three people that didn't already appear to be pre-occupied; Archie, Finn, and Rowan. They figured Archie wouldn't be up for small talk, and Rowan looked as though they would likely scatter if approached. So, that left Finn. Conveniently the closest of the three, and one of the few faces of the event they hadn't really had much time to get to know. They'd need to rectify that.
"Good evening!"
They almost sang the greeting, as they danced through the crowd and glided beside the Summer enforcer
"How are you finding it so far? Find everything you need?"
A hand gestured idly around, at once revealing that it was the event they were speaking of, and pulling the cuff of their sleeve down just enough to show they were wearing bands of yellow, white, and blue.
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Eis
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Posts: 189
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Post by Eis on Mar 19, 2021 11:32:29 GMT -8
Spring. Its a terrible, happy lie; the promise of rebirth, growth, and fulfillment of one's Desires. Eis tries her best not to think of the season as, quite literally, the polar opposite of her own. After all... in Autumn, things die. Warmth gives way to cold. And if one doesn't prepare oneself? One can lose everything. Eis couldn't remember the last time she payed respects and visited the Grove. It's certainly a colorful sight. Credit where credit is due. Dressed in a light, conservatively cut black dress with a green sash tied around her waist - in homage to the turning of the seasons - and one red bracelet, she offsets the color and spectacle as a woman of her age should. One such spectacle catches her attention, and Riley Sorsa earns a bitter smirk polite smile. It may just be envy... after all, Eis was young once. More likely, she convinces herself, her desire to deride the Spring Courtier is born of concern. Drawing attention to yourself is how They find you. The relative peace she's enjoyed since moving to Las Vegas notwithstanding. There's a reason Eis chose the season she did; sometimes a little Fear goes a long way if you want to survive. Rowan seems to have the right idea. If... not the grace to pull it off. From what Eis recalls, he's a fellow Autumn Courtier. He understands the need for caution, it seems. Always better not to draw attention to oneself. She smiles a mischievous smile for a moment, then puts it away before making her way through the throngs of celebrants toward him. "You look uncomfortable. Isn't this a night where everyone is supposed to 'cut loose'?"
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Post by Rowan on Mar 19, 2021 11:52:29 GMT -8
Rowan had been carefully loitering around the venue, using the bodies of dancers and party-goers to mask his presence and movement. Ivory saw right through him and had winked at him. He had shoved his hands in his pockets in response and considered making some adjustments to his nature to dissolve further. He was mentally running down kiths that would be helpful when he pinged someone to his side. On instinct, his entire body went taught. To be quite honest, Rowan still didn't fully comprehend how or why it acted that way and it annoyed him to no end. 'You're fine. It's just a party, not a kill box.' The Darkling slowly turned to face the presence that was intruding on him. Red - thank God.
"Last time I 'cut loose' I had to sear a Good Neighbours Oath."
That wasn't too weird, right? A subtle way to indicate that he wasn't one to be messed with. Rowan scratched at his ear from the din of the Mantle. Autumn. Finally.
"Your hair looks nice. I'm Rowan."
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Eis
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Posts: 189
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Post by Eis on Mar 19, 2021 15:33:15 GMT -8
A single, judging eyebrow lifts out of place as she silently weighs his retort. A painful few seconds pass before she cracks an amused smile. The following compliment catches her off guard, and for half a moment she doesn't feel in control of situation. Was he making another joke? At her expense? Is he making a pass at her?? No. She's not doing that. Maybe its the breathy, unnerving whispers about her neck that she hadn't recognized as Rowan's Mantle... until just now. That's the best explanation. Yes. "Eis. I'm being sincere when I say it's nice to meet you." Then, under her breath, "You may be the only refuge in this storm of social horrors." Another smile. She glances around, looking for somewhere away from... all of this. Her eyes eventually settle on a quieter spot of trees near the gazebo. "This isn't for me. If you're looking for refuge, I'll be over there." After a nonchalant twist of her wrist towards her destination, she walks off.
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Post by Wayland on Mar 19, 2021 15:35:49 GMT -8
It struck Wayland, before the sun had gone down, that this is exactly the sort of place her Mum would’ve loved. If the family had ever been wealthy enough or well-to-do enough that she could’ve visited a place like this. The upscale but fanciful garden party vibe is just what she’d always longed for. She can’t help but imagine how thrilled her Mum would be if she could have had tea with her daughters on these grounds. The experience is wasted on Wayland. It’s not her style at all. It’s a depressing thought. And that’s not what Ostara is for. The gift bags and bracelets gave a pretty big hint about what Ostara is for. White, yellow, and green adorn her wrists, along with the ‘Consent is Sexy’ bracelet included in the bag. This is a night for relaxing inhibitions, and while that can be a challenge for Wayland, it’s a challenge well worth suiting up for. Literally in her case; she’s arrived at Ostara in a tailored pants suit in silvery grey, with a short, open jacket and a matching bra underneath. A few silver chains have been looped around her neck and wrist, and low black pumps are on her feet. She wears makeup, but it’s understated, except for a bit of dark eyeshadow. She got here just before the eulogies. In time to make a drink for herself and start settling into the idea of being at a party. Luckily not late enough to miss Riley and Firebringer’s entrance. Riley had said that they intended to make an impression, and wow were they right. Wayland smirks, offering the pair a salute with her drink, and then taking a sip as she watches the party flow around her. ‘There’s time,’ she reminds herself. ‘Plenty of time to start feeling like part of this crowd instead of separate from it. You’ve got all night.’ Aspiration: Arrange a non-business meeting with someone before the end of the night.
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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 Mar 19, 2021 18:23:12 GMT -8
Lucas' approach was noted, the golden gaze of the Pale Dragon locking upon him as her dim, gilded halo flickered around her, becoming stronger and more present as the Winter completed his trek. He was gorgeous and, frankly, the Fairest was flattered... and impressed by his courage.
When the man began to speak, Ivory remembered to blink, lest the predatory undertones of her kith prompt the Winter to wilt away.
"It seems uncou-" Ivory began, before looking away for a moment and rolling her eyes at her approach, "Fuck it," she whispered.
"It seems kinda pointless for all of the hosts to wear the blue band," she said, her tone dropping to a far more casual nature than normal. The Pale Dragon was here to have fun, dammit. Prudence and civility be damned!
"Archie may not know me well, but I think he knows I need a night, y'know?" she said, her question purely rhetorical.
The request to buy her a drink is met with a mischevious smile as the Fairest takes stock of the man before her before granting a half shrug and turning to the bartender again, a pale finger pointing to the empty shot glass.
"Two more, please," she requested, the bartender obliging by pouring two of the sweet, glowing shots for Ivory and her.... guest? Admirer? What was this?
Time would tell.
She'd lift her shot to the stranger.
"To new beginnings?" she offered.
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