Eis
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Posts: 189
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Post by Eis on Mar 24, 2021 1:25:46 GMT -8
Eis echoes the chuckle, deciding then that Kai passes the test for first impressions. Sensible and not not lacking wit. And not nearly as cherry as Lusas seems to be, for a Winter. Which certainly helps in not feeling completely overwhelmed.
When the drinks arrive and Lucas whips out his phone, Eis sighs and rolls her eyes before moving into position - with her drink raised in salute and one hand on Rowan’s shoulder, as though they were close. More accurately, he’s tonight’s pet project. She can’t feel too much guilt in running him through the gauntlet. He needs to be tested. Whether he appreciates her efforts or not is irrelevant, as she may have to rely on him one day.
And it doesn’t take long for Rowan’s next test to present itself. The newcomer, strongly built with a metallic scent about them and a tone reminding her, loosely, of the sound accompanying her own mantle. They form their greeting for Rowan in the form of a challenge. Eis knocks back her drink, shudders, then watches the events unfold. Kai seems to rush in to diffuse the situation, but she’s still curious to see how Rowan reacts.
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Mar 24, 2021 1:38:58 GMT -8
Lucas smiled at the photo once it was done and everyone willingly participated in it. Just as he put his phone away, he noticed Linden approach. The Winter's first reaction was to want to step in and help lower tensions. However, Lucas was sober enough to realize that without the proper context he may do more harm than good. For the time being, he simply observed the situation to get a better sense of what was going on.
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Post by Rowan on Mar 24, 2021 7:24:18 GMT -8
The double tasted of sugar and alcohol. The proximity of other people made him hyperaware. It was both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.
Let’s not sit there and pretend Rowan anything else than to dip on out when Linden swaggered up to him. After all, ‘walk away’ was a ver valid choice on the chart. His inner voice reminded him that this was the exact reason why he shouldn’t stand out and try new things.
‘I can’t keep running. Nowhere is safe, so it wouldn’t even help. Not really.’
He squared his jaw. “I’m pretty cer-“ No. He was definitely certain. Rowan straightened out, try to not let it show just how nervous he was. He chose the ‘talk it out’ option. “I don’t understand what you’re talking about.” Expectant gazes were turned to him and he really didn’t want to cause a scene, not after what Eis had told him.
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Linden
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Presence (3) Steady
Posts: 325
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Post by Linden on Mar 24, 2021 10:08:50 GMT -8
"Superpowers, huh? Sounds exciting." Linden returned Kai's wave, unsure how to absorb the knowledge that he could transform others, not just himself. Without more context their best clue that it hadn't been an issue was that Rowan looked to be in one piece. Kai's greeting opened their focus beyond just Rowan, and they gave both the beautiful Winter and the harsh-looking woman with the towering hair a nod. "Excuse the intrusion, but I'm curious-"
They looked back to Rowan, gaze level. "What was your inspiration? The look reminds me a bit of one of our hosts." They spoke a little more slowly than before, choosing their words carefully. The Ogre wasn't an especially opaque person: they had clearly formed an opinion, and were waiting for confirmation or denial.
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Mar 24, 2021 15:24:42 GMT -8
Lucas chewed on his lower lip for a moment as he watched the formidable looking Summer Courtier question Rowan. Any time someone like that said "I'm curious" as a follow up to a question, it usually didn't end in anything pleasant.
Moments later, Lucas almost bit his lip open as his mind worked through who Linden could be referencing. There were only so many members of the Spring Court who were associated with moths. In fact, he could only think of one; Riley.
Really, universe? Really?
No matter what the Winter Fairest did tonight, he could not seem to escape Riley's influence; Out in the middle of the dance floor, doing his own thing? Boom. Riley makes a dramatic entrance. Going forth and approach a complete stranger, to enjoy some time on the dance floor with and maybe more? Boom. Riley comes rolling in again. Taking a breather and hanging out with his Cold Weather Squad? Boom. Riley's influenced came strutting on in one more.
Lucas looked towards the bar where Riley was at around the same time the Moth looked over at his group.
If they weren't so far away, he would have shot them quite the dirty look. Were they so vain now that they had other Lost thug for them if someone dared wear an outfit that looked like theirs in any way? God forbid someone else have a moment to shine and detract from their spotlight. His gaze settled on the red-headed Lost next to Riley, who he had seen enter with them. From where he was standing, he could make out the faint, smoky heat radiating from her mantle.
Jesus, Sorsa. Now you're even collecting dates as accessories for "your look".
After the thought crossed his mind, he felt guilty. He didn't even know the red-headed Lost who was with Riley. There wasn't any reason for him to be uncharitable towards her.
He became lost in his thoughts, zoning out from the current conversation all together. Maybe this was a sign from the Wyrd that if he wanted to dive deeper into the rites during Ostara, he needed to make peace with what happened during Ostara last year. No matter where he went or what he did tonight, he kept running into his unresolved conflict that stemmed from Ostara. It was time to put on his big boy snow pants and try to bring about some closure to how things went down with Riley. Lucas took his phone out of his pocket, tinkering with a couple of different options in his phone. Whatever he was trying to do, he didn't succeed because he grumbled under his breath.
The only option left for him was to march back to bar and face the storm head on. At the moment, walking over there felt like walking towards a firing squad. He sighed, looking up towards the ceiling. Couldn't he have one uninterrupted moment of fun tonight that didn't lead to some kind of drama? Initially, he cast a glance towards the dance floor to see if anyone there might catch his interest. However, sometimes what one is actually looking for is right there in front of them.
His gaze landed on the ever colorful Wizened. Unlike most Lost who repressed their emotions in a variety of unhealthy ways, she literally wore her emotions on her sleeves. Not to mention she had a welcoming presence to her, she was wearing a cute, spring themed dress, and she rolled with the group selfie with ease. If he was looking for a drama free, relaxing time on the dance floor, he couldn't think of anyone better to ask to dance than Kai.
He scooted past Rowan and Linden, moving over to Kai's side. "Hey, while they are figuring all of that out, any interest in stretching your legs out on the dance floor for a song or two?"
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Post by Wayland on Mar 24, 2021 15:29:50 GMT -8
Until now, Wayland has been fairly isolated at the party. Hanging back by a table, and people-watching. She's told herself that she's been waiting for a good moment to find someone to talk to. Didn't want to step on Riley and Fire's entrance, or throw herself into their company without giving them time to get comfortable at the party. Similar story with Linden and Alecto. And that guy Rowan, he probably wouldn't welcome an uninvited visitor to his conversations. So she's been sipping on her drink, and keeping an eye on the development as the groups start to mingle. So lost is she in waiting for an opportunity to make an approach, it comes somewhat as a surprise when someone approaches her. "Moscow Mule," she replies when he inquires about her drink, tipping it towards him in salute. His attempt at humor comes off a little weird. But then, humor of a vaguely sexual nature seems fairly on-brand for Ostara. Her eyes narrow for a moment, and then she decides to respond in kind. "If I'd known I was supposed to get sprung, I would've brought my equipment," she responds, dry tone belying her implication, as she raises her glass to her lips for a discreet sip. InvertedMonkey - Wayland — Today at 4:04 PM respond to Archie's joke with a witty joke, Presence + Expression @dicecord-CoD roll 3 Dicecord-CoD BOT — Today at 4:04 PM invertedmonkey - Wayland rolled 3 dice and got 1 success. 5 5 8
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Eis
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Posts: 189
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Post by Eis on Mar 24, 2021 17:48:34 GMT -8
This is what the fuss is about? Some stupid sentiment over 'wearing the same outfit'? Eis could gag. The temptation burns in her chest to make a scathing remark to shut the whole idea down. But how does that help Rowan? She'd have to let him fight his own battles, she decides. Rather than defend her fellow Autumn directly, all she says is "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." Her delivery is about as dead as this conversation now feels to her. She doesn't even bother the make eye contact with Linden as she says it. She'll leave Rowan here, for now, and check on him later. She nods to Lucas and Kai - who may be breaking from the crowd soon anyways, if luck is on the Winter Courtier's side - and steps away. As she passes behind Rowan, the idea to give him a little 'good luck' gesture crosses her mind. Of course, she'd be discreet. But a reassuring hand placed on his back would let him know she's on his side.
Her hand lingers for a moment, and she silently curses herself for it. So much for secrecy. She has no option, now, but to find somewhere far, far away to watch the evening's events unfold. It doesn't take her long to find exactly the individual to grace with her presence next. With her target locked, she briskly makes her way to the bar. On her way, her hand catches another colorful drink off a serving tray without so much as a word to the server and she upends it in her stride.
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Post by Kai Rose on Mar 24, 2021 23:03:19 GMT -8
The thing about Kai Rose was that she paid attention to all the micro-cues, things few others could. It wasn't like she did it on purpose. Synapses fired without effort --
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2021 23:48:02 GMT -8
Was it really that funny? Yes, yes it was. Archie couldn’t help but laugh, taking a moment to compose himself as his cheeks got rosy from the sudden outburst, fighting back a small snort, eventually having to take a deep breath to catch his breath with a long sigh.
“You got me with that one I will give you that. I don't’ know why but that just hit the spot.”
He raised his glass to her and tipped his own drink back in the moment.
“So just yourself this evening? Or waiting for someone? Either way is fine, so long as your date hasn’t been stolen. Well, then Wyrd have mercy on whoever thought they could get away with that one.”
He shook his head for the poor soul in this imaginary position.
“Besides that I hope everything has been up to snuff. The fun fact of the night was that it was a number of us Emeralds in the rough who got tasked with putting it all together. So call me neurotic for worrying if people are enjoying themselves. Gives me all sorts of butterflies.”
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Mar 25, 2021 0:09:01 GMT -8
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Post by Kai Rose on Mar 25, 2021 7:21:13 GMT -8
Huh.
"Sure."
The handsome spook got a nod, and she led him off to the dance floor.
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Post by Wayland on Mar 25, 2021 9:00:29 GMT -8
Archie's reaction to her humor is satisfying, but Wayland plays it cool, watching the rest of the party with her usual reserved demeanor as he regains his composure, free hand dipping into her trouser pocket. Her eyes flick back to him when he asks if she brought anyone, a slightly awkward smirk playing across her lips as he bemoans the fate of some imagined date-thief. What, does he think she'll beat someone up? In his place, Wayland would be worried about Linden right now, not herself.
She shakes her head at his inquiry, "I came stag," she answers simply. A beat goes by, as she realizes that her words don't actually lead the conversation anywhere. That's bad, right? People don't like having one-sided conversations. She pulls her free hand from her pocket and shakes her wrist at him so he can see the white bracelet, glowing alongside the green and yellow. "I'm not really seeing anyone right now. Haven't in a little while." Though her color-coding should suggest that this is a state of affairs she's open to changing.
Returning her hand to her pocket, bracelets still visible against the gray fabric of her suit, she takes a small sip of her drink and considers his other query. "The daytime event wasn't really my speed." Another short answer that doesn't go anywhere. She expands quickly, "But my mum would've loved it," and immediately curses herself. Shit. She spoke without thinking. Nobody needs to know that. Change the subject! "Riley mentioned something about helping put Ostara together. So, there was a group of you?" She tips her glass to him, inviting him to brag. Or at least, start talking, so she can stop.
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Post by Rowan on Mar 25, 2021 18:27:14 GMT -8
Just like that, everyone was bailing. Rowan understood a little better Lucas' connection with Spring - fair weather friendship. It's great while the party's great. He was about to start pouting when he felt a cold touch on his back. Eis. It lasted for an awkward amount of time. Truth be told, any amount of time was awkward to Rowan; he wasn't really a touch kind of person. With every person that turned away, his light dimmed a little more. So much for coming out of his comfort zone. Instead, he mechanically put his hands in his pockets.
"Inspiration? It's not like an outfit I can pick and choose. That's not how the Contract works."
Surely, even this Ogre could understand what he was saying? That this had nothing to do with Riley, and that he was quite frankly starting to be sick of them showing up everywhere he went. It was as if the whole Freehold was one giant Moth Burlesque that he cared very little for.
Obviously, he said none of that.
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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 19:34:58 GMT -8
Linden didn't respond to Eis' comment or when Lucas and Kai moved away to the dance floor, they kept their attention where it needed to be, on Rowan. They had been through some rough things together, but the Ogre still didn't feel like they had a good bead on who he was. They took a sip of their drink, savoring the nectarine, and after a moment gave Rowan a slow nod. "Okay." It was simple acceptance of his words, essentially at face value; no venom, just wariness. "I was worried you were wearing my friend's experience like a party dress to mock them. But since that's not the case, I'm sure there are other people you'd rather be talking to. I won't hold you up."
It was hard to let go of the idea that it had been on purpose, but it didn't seem like he was lying. Linden, standing tall in their peach-pink suit with a fruity drink in their hand, gave Rowan a small inclination of their head before stepping away.
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Mar 25, 2021 22:13:52 GMT -8
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