Post by Ivory on Aug 31, 2020 22:50:21 GMT -8
August 24, 2020
A flash of blood and a cry of terror as the prey realizes they've been after their bear witness to the fall of comrades.
They try to run, scrambling over mounds of gold and diamond.
A leap and a beautiful song of victory announces their end as claws dig deep, birthing a shower of crimson.
And that is when Ivory awakes, her breathing heavy and form glistening with sweat. Yet it is not fear she feels. The dark pleasures of the dream ripple still, it's reality almost disgusting the Fairest with it's truth. Almost.
Eyes of molten gold look to the right, gazing upon the alarm by her bedside. Not even 5:30 AM, but she decides it's best not to return to the daze of sleep. So, Ivory rises, moving into the master bath to draw a hot shower, aiming to melt away the fragmented memories of the night.
It's another two hours before Anthony rises, but that suits Ivory just fine. She took her time getting ready, putting together a nice outfit for the day, putting on her face, and glanced at a letter she had left on her side table. An invitation from a neighbor for the coming night. A small smile hits Ivory’s lips, remembering the contents she had read the night before.
Two hours pass and Anthony finally wakes and meanders down the stairs, drawn by the smell of breakfast.
“Morning,” Ivory says, already dressed and prepared for the day ahead as she pours herself a cup of coffee. It’s her second.
“Morning,” Anthony replies, nabbing a plate and getting his serving of hashbrowns, scrambled eggs, and bacon. He gives Ivory a side hug before finally moving to the table. She follows shortly thereafter, only bothering to put hashbrowns and bacon on her plate before doing so.
“Any plans for the day?” Anthony asks, shortly before he gets his first forkful of the morning’s bounty into his mouth.
“You mean after I drop you off?” Ivory responds, with Anthony granting a nod. Ivory offers a shrug, “I expect that will take most of the day. Admissions recommend I stop by their office after we get you settled in and you head for orientation. After that? I got invited to go out by a few friends, but we’ll see.”
“You should,” Anthony said, looking up from his food, “I think getting out of the house would be nice.”
Ivory smiled to the boy. She didn’t have the heart to tell him what the event would include… or that his father would approve. As much as Ivory and Pendragon loved their son, he was still a mundane. He would only see the mask.
How could he understand the greater needs of a Lost?
Still, the sentiment was appreciated. He had been vocal about asking her to go out on the town. It had been two years, after all, and Ivory knew that the idea of her becoming something of a recluse after Anthony left weighed heavily on the boy. Luckily for them both, that would not be the case. Ivory had no intention of being a hermit, despite her comforts.
The morning pulled onward steadily enough. Breakfast was pleasant and the two spoke of the day’s itinerary, while avoiding the core of what they day meant. Neither wished to cry.
Finally, the time came to drive Anthony to the campus. It was move-in day and Anthony had elected to live on-campus despite their home being in the city. Ivory supported the decision. She reasoned it was better to give Anthony the space to grow - and it made her own goals all the more easier now that she would not need to worry about the careful masquerade she needed to practice when he was home.
The pace through the campus itself was slow and grueling, but they found a spot near his hall. Eventually. She moved along with Anthony in a slow line, eventually reaching the check-in station.
“Hi! Welcome, can I get your name?” said the spunky girl at the table, wearing a polo that designated her title as a Resident Advisor.
“Yeah, Anthony Cartwright,” he said, providing the documentation they needed for the process to go smoothly.
“Great! Justin is your RA and he’s actually here now,” said the girl, “Hey Justin! This is Anthony, he’s one of your residents, can you show him his room?”
A curly haired boy a year or two older than Anthony rolled up and gave his introductions before leading the pair through the hall, talking about the hall and the amenities for students, relayed in a fashion that was clearly coached.
When they reached the room, he finally extended his hand to Ivory.
“Cool to see you helping your brother out,” he said.
Ivory just smiled, about to speak before Anthony did it for her.
“This is actually my mom, Abbie,” he said, wincing lightly.
Justin winced as well, distracting himself by moving a box as his cheeks reddened in embarrassment. Ivory found it amusing, but she understood the reasoning. She was only seven years older than Anthony after all and, technically, his step-mother. Still it was common for others to think they were siblings.
The day continued quickly onward once Anthony got his keys and, after two trips, the pair traveled to the car for his final box, which Anthony would be carrying back alone.
“You sure you don’t need help unpacking?” Ivory asked.
“I’ll be good,” he said as he retrieved it from the back of the car.
Then he set it upon the ground and gave Ivory a hug.
“Love you, Abbie,” he said.
Ivory gave him a kiss on the cheek, reciprocating his embrace.
“Love you too, kid,” she said, “You’re gonna do great.”
And with that, Anthony lifted the box and walked back towards the hall. Ivory watched him go, allowing herself to feel the loss and excitement she felt for Anthony.
So this is what this feels like.
When he was nearly out of sight, Ivory departed. Stopping only to retrieve a folder of information from Admissions, she opted out of attending their parent orientation. Anthony would be fine and, besides, it's not like she was a long way away if he needed her.
Later that night…
Ivory’s BMW M3 pulled up to one of Spring Valley’s larger, quieter estates, following the directions on the letter she had been gifted.
Evelyn Schwarzbaum, an old friend of Pendragon in his mundane guise as Arthur Cartwright, had extended an invitiation once she learned ‘Abigail Cartwright’ had finally made her way into Vegas. It would not be the first event of Evelyn’s that she had attended, but it would be the first without Arthur in tow. Still, it was time, and there was no sense in denying her needs - or the use that such an event would have for her future goals.
She stepped out of her car in a dress of black lace, accessorized with black heels, and long gloves. On her face sat a masquerade mask of like design and beneath it glistened lips of deep red. The valet took her keys while the doorman, though perhaps it would be better to call him the muscle, looked over her invitation before signaling another to lead her to a secured stairway.
Arriving in a large, opulent multi-room basement suite, Ivory found herself in the company of others in similar dress. The dark wood accents of the room were accented by dim, warm lighting and, on a mezzanine looking over the main space a small band provided soft, classical music for the people below to enjoy.
“Abigail!” came a familiar, warm voice as Evelyn worked her way through the assembled, nabbing a pair of champagne glasses on the way.
While Abigail would never consider herself unattractive, Evelyn was something of a vision pairing elegant features with pale skin, fiery red hair, and mesmerizing pale blue eyes. She stood at least half a foot taller than the Fairest. A woman in her early 30’s she had come to know Abigail for the first time nearly four years ago, when Arthur had first introduced them and explained that Evelyn was ensorcelled.
“I am so pleased you’ve come,” the woman cooed.
“And I am pleased you’d have me,” Ivory replied as the pair locked hands and kissed one another’s cheeks.
“Of course, you are a far greater vision than you know. The night would be poorer without your company,” she said before dipping closer, “And I have missed your company.”
The pair locked eyes for some moments and then Evelyn released her grip, retrieving two glasses of champagne and granting one two her Fairest companion.
“Find a seat, we will begin soon,” Evelyn whispered.
Weaving through the crowd, Evelyn spotted a few like herself, Lost sporadically dispersed among the mundane, most of whom she recognized from the previous Coronation of Spring. All were here for the same reason. An easy Glamour feed… and a night of fun.
Ivory’s reasons were much the same, but what sealed her agreement to arrive was her other goal. Evelyn was ensorcelled to Stheno… and Stheno could be a useful sponsor. Was there a better way to gain her attention than making use of the parties provided by one of her allies? Perhaps, but Ivory doubted they would be as direct.
There were few opportunities to show one’s adherence to Spring better than events like this and Ivory aimed to show her dedication.
Soon, the band ceased, leaving the room alongside the servers at the instruction of Evelyn and her aides. Soon silence fell on the crowd and, as the bell rolled out, Ivory could feel the growing anticipation and desire in the crowd. And so… she took it in.
[Feeding Roll: Pres/Persuasion/Wyrd = stray rolled 7 dice and got 2 successes. 3 7 8 9 2 7 5]
Then the bell was rung and, before long, Evelyn herself began her approach towards Ivory.
Knowing what was to come, the Fairest watched the tall vixen close the distance, a coy smile forming on her features. Soon Evelyn dipped down, slipping into Ivory’s lap as delicate fingers caressed Ivory's face. Both of Ivory’s hands found their place on Evelyn’s cheeks in turn as their lips finally met.
And the night began.
A flash of blood and a cry of terror as the prey realizes they've been after their bear witness to the fall of comrades.
They try to run, scrambling over mounds of gold and diamond.
A leap and a beautiful song of victory announces their end as claws dig deep, birthing a shower of crimson.
And that is when Ivory awakes, her breathing heavy and form glistening with sweat. Yet it is not fear she feels. The dark pleasures of the dream ripple still, it's reality almost disgusting the Fairest with it's truth. Almost.
Eyes of molten gold look to the right, gazing upon the alarm by her bedside. Not even 5:30 AM, but she decides it's best not to return to the daze of sleep. So, Ivory rises, moving into the master bath to draw a hot shower, aiming to melt away the fragmented memories of the night.
It's another two hours before Anthony rises, but that suits Ivory just fine. She took her time getting ready, putting together a nice outfit for the day, putting on her face, and glanced at a letter she had left on her side table. An invitation from a neighbor for the coming night. A small smile hits Ivory’s lips, remembering the contents she had read the night before.
Two hours pass and Anthony finally wakes and meanders down the stairs, drawn by the smell of breakfast.
“Morning,” Ivory says, already dressed and prepared for the day ahead as she pours herself a cup of coffee. It’s her second.
“Morning,” Anthony replies, nabbing a plate and getting his serving of hashbrowns, scrambled eggs, and bacon. He gives Ivory a side hug before finally moving to the table. She follows shortly thereafter, only bothering to put hashbrowns and bacon on her plate before doing so.
“Any plans for the day?” Anthony asks, shortly before he gets his first forkful of the morning’s bounty into his mouth.
“You mean after I drop you off?” Ivory responds, with Anthony granting a nod. Ivory offers a shrug, “I expect that will take most of the day. Admissions recommend I stop by their office after we get you settled in and you head for orientation. After that? I got invited to go out by a few friends, but we’ll see.”
“You should,” Anthony said, looking up from his food, “I think getting out of the house would be nice.”
Ivory smiled to the boy. She didn’t have the heart to tell him what the event would include… or that his father would approve. As much as Ivory and Pendragon loved their son, he was still a mundane. He would only see the mask.
How could he understand the greater needs of a Lost?
Still, the sentiment was appreciated. He had been vocal about asking her to go out on the town. It had been two years, after all, and Ivory knew that the idea of her becoming something of a recluse after Anthony left weighed heavily on the boy. Luckily for them both, that would not be the case. Ivory had no intention of being a hermit, despite her comforts.
The morning pulled onward steadily enough. Breakfast was pleasant and the two spoke of the day’s itinerary, while avoiding the core of what they day meant. Neither wished to cry.
Finally, the time came to drive Anthony to the campus. It was move-in day and Anthony had elected to live on-campus despite their home being in the city. Ivory supported the decision. She reasoned it was better to give Anthony the space to grow - and it made her own goals all the more easier now that she would not need to worry about the careful masquerade she needed to practice when he was home.
The pace through the campus itself was slow and grueling, but they found a spot near his hall. Eventually. She moved along with Anthony in a slow line, eventually reaching the check-in station.
“Hi! Welcome, can I get your name?” said the spunky girl at the table, wearing a polo that designated her title as a Resident Advisor.
“Yeah, Anthony Cartwright,” he said, providing the documentation they needed for the process to go smoothly.
“Great! Justin is your RA and he’s actually here now,” said the girl, “Hey Justin! This is Anthony, he’s one of your residents, can you show him his room?”
A curly haired boy a year or two older than Anthony rolled up and gave his introductions before leading the pair through the hall, talking about the hall and the amenities for students, relayed in a fashion that was clearly coached.
When they reached the room, he finally extended his hand to Ivory.
“Cool to see you helping your brother out,” he said.
Ivory just smiled, about to speak before Anthony did it for her.
“This is actually my mom, Abbie,” he said, wincing lightly.
Justin winced as well, distracting himself by moving a box as his cheeks reddened in embarrassment. Ivory found it amusing, but she understood the reasoning. She was only seven years older than Anthony after all and, technically, his step-mother. Still it was common for others to think they were siblings.
The day continued quickly onward once Anthony got his keys and, after two trips, the pair traveled to the car for his final box, which Anthony would be carrying back alone.
“You sure you don’t need help unpacking?” Ivory asked.
“I’ll be good,” he said as he retrieved it from the back of the car.
Then he set it upon the ground and gave Ivory a hug.
“Love you, Abbie,” he said.
Ivory gave him a kiss on the cheek, reciprocating his embrace.
“Love you too, kid,” she said, “You’re gonna do great.”
And with that, Anthony lifted the box and walked back towards the hall. Ivory watched him go, allowing herself to feel the loss and excitement she felt for Anthony.
So this is what this feels like.
When he was nearly out of sight, Ivory departed. Stopping only to retrieve a folder of information from Admissions, she opted out of attending their parent orientation. Anthony would be fine and, besides, it's not like she was a long way away if he needed her.
Later that night…
Ivory’s BMW M3 pulled up to one of Spring Valley’s larger, quieter estates, following the directions on the letter she had been gifted.
Evelyn Schwarzbaum, an old friend of Pendragon in his mundane guise as Arthur Cartwright, had extended an invitiation once she learned ‘Abigail Cartwright’ had finally made her way into Vegas. It would not be the first event of Evelyn’s that she had attended, but it would be the first without Arthur in tow. Still, it was time, and there was no sense in denying her needs - or the use that such an event would have for her future goals.
She stepped out of her car in a dress of black lace, accessorized with black heels, and long gloves. On her face sat a masquerade mask of like design and beneath it glistened lips of deep red. The valet took her keys while the doorman, though perhaps it would be better to call him the muscle, looked over her invitation before signaling another to lead her to a secured stairway.
Arriving in a large, opulent multi-room basement suite, Ivory found herself in the company of others in similar dress. The dark wood accents of the room were accented by dim, warm lighting and, on a mezzanine looking over the main space a small band provided soft, classical music for the people below to enjoy.
“Abigail!” came a familiar, warm voice as Evelyn worked her way through the assembled, nabbing a pair of champagne glasses on the way.
While Abigail would never consider herself unattractive, Evelyn was something of a vision pairing elegant features with pale skin, fiery red hair, and mesmerizing pale blue eyes. She stood at least half a foot taller than the Fairest. A woman in her early 30’s she had come to know Abigail for the first time nearly four years ago, when Arthur had first introduced them and explained that Evelyn was ensorcelled.
“I am so pleased you’ve come,” the woman cooed.
“And I am pleased you’d have me,” Ivory replied as the pair locked hands and kissed one another’s cheeks.
“Of course, you are a far greater vision than you know. The night would be poorer without your company,” she said before dipping closer, “And I have missed your company.”
The pair locked eyes for some moments and then Evelyn released her grip, retrieving two glasses of champagne and granting one two her Fairest companion.
“Find a seat, we will begin soon,” Evelyn whispered.
Weaving through the crowd, Evelyn spotted a few like herself, Lost sporadically dispersed among the mundane, most of whom she recognized from the previous Coronation of Spring. All were here for the same reason. An easy Glamour feed… and a night of fun.
Ivory’s reasons were much the same, but what sealed her agreement to arrive was her other goal. Evelyn was ensorcelled to Stheno… and Stheno could be a useful sponsor. Was there a better way to gain her attention than making use of the parties provided by one of her allies? Perhaps, but Ivory doubted they would be as direct.
There were few opportunities to show one’s adherence to Spring better than events like this and Ivory aimed to show her dedication.
Soon, the band ceased, leaving the room alongside the servers at the instruction of Evelyn and her aides. Soon silence fell on the crowd and, as the bell rolled out, Ivory could feel the growing anticipation and desire in the crowd. And so… she took it in.
[Feeding Roll: Pres/Persuasion/Wyrd = stray rolled 7 dice and got 2 successes. 3 7 8 9 2 7 5]
Then the bell was rung and, before long, Evelyn herself began her approach towards Ivory.
Knowing what was to come, the Fairest watched the tall vixen close the distance, a coy smile forming on her features. Soon Evelyn dipped down, slipping into Ivory’s lap as delicate fingers caressed Ivory's face. Both of Ivory’s hands found their place on Evelyn’s cheeks in turn as their lips finally met.
And the night began.