|
Post by Rowan on Apr 15, 2021 17:55:32 GMT -8
Hearing Bella's reply made him stop in his tracks. "Ghosts? Really. That's- interesting."
His mind was going over possible implications of asking for some crash courses. She had offered her help with GED, why not this as well?
|
|
|
Post by Bella on Apr 15, 2021 18:09:51 GMT -8
Bella smiles before nodding and humming to herself " Well, If you'd like...lets give people another lets say hour to show up and if no one else shows up would you like to go and get a cup of coffee?" She asks Rowan
|
|
Eis
.
Posts: 189
|
Post by Eis on Apr 17, 2021 16:52:02 GMT -8
Eis had seen the text. And, yes: she knows full well how to answer them. She'd just chosen not to. For a while. She hadn't recognized the number, and, frankly, a ghost emoji? Was she dealing with her fellow scholars or was this written by one of her high school students?
Might be a terrible waste not to go.
Such is her dilemma. She can either ignore it and waste an opportunity - or - acknowledge it and waste her time. There really wasn't any winning this, was there? She sighs, audibly. For an absent audience. The only company she keeps nowadays are the papers and tests she grades. That's her 'homework'. She puts down an utterly dreadful paper on the war of 1812, rife with spelling errors and starting with 'The war of 1812 was faught in the year 1812...' and raises her glass to take a sip of tea. Black, with a little honey. She stares out her window at street lights and nothingness for a moment. The quiet is nice. No laughing, joking teenagers or bells. Its as serene and normal as she can imagine.
Also completely boring. Peace is all well and good, but she could be out sharing ideas. With adults who, at least, have similar loyalties - if not similar interests. That seems to settle the matter. She puts down her tea, stands up and walks to the door. She opens it, then pauses. She grabs a light, blue jacket and heads out the door.
The address from the text brings her to La Palazza Mansion. Curious. Plenty of local legend surrounding it. Perhaps a little on-the-nose for an Autumn gathering... or perhaps not? If there's any truth to the rumors, she might actually leave with something valuable.
But all that remains to be seen. Eis knocks on the door before entering. To be polite. Inside she's greeted by the familiar site of the frostbitten specter that is Rowan. Dear Rowan seems to be speaking with a less familiar face. Autumn, as Eis can only assume. Waxy and corpselike, this one. The thought of which is actually refreshing to the Fairest. Eis isn't quite like other Fairest, in that perhaps she's less concerned with looking immaculate. Showmanship has its place, but frankly, Eis doesn't visit said 'place' very often. She, herself, in comfortable jeans and a white button down shirt. So who is she to judge the eccentricities of who may be their host? Heelies and all.
"Good... evening. Sorry for being late." A white lie tucked behind a friendly smile. "And Rowan! Good to see a familiar face." Not... really a lie. Because familiar is comfortable. Obviously.
|
|
|
Post by Bella on Apr 17, 2021 17:09:25 GMT -8
Bella looks at the newcomer with a smile before zipping over in her heelies. stopping a few feet in front of Eis. " Hi! I'm Bella Knott, I mainly work in the Autumn Library or am going to school....been REALLY preoccupied with my studies...sorry." She says bashfully. " -But I'm hoping ow that I'm less scatterbrained to be able to get out and meet more of my Court mates and other 'Lings in the Freehold." Bella adds before finishing with. " How are you? thank you for coming!"
|
|
|
Post by Rowan on Apr 18, 2021 15:55:22 GMT -8
As if on cue, Eis made her entrance. Rowan felt a passing moment of shame with his glowing soles before deciding to own it. Why was he being self-conscious around her? Old habits, maybe. After all, Eis did remind him of his teacher, in a way. He simply waved at her without a word and let Bella do her thing. She had so much energy, Rowan wondered where it came from. He could never.
He walked slowly in their direction, his running shoes flashing red and blue against the floor. Sometimes, Rowan allowed himself to indulge in the little things. He'd always wanted a pair of shoes like that, but his family never had money for such frivolous expenses. Score 1 for Adult Money.
"You're fine. I just got here."
|
|
Eis
.
Posts: 189
|
Post by Eis on Apr 18, 2021 18:11:01 GMT -8
Eis nearly jumps as the energetic woman comes to a rolling halt in front of her. This Bella Knott is... quite a lot. Certainly friendly. Mention of a library hold promise, as well.
"I, too, have decided - as of recently - to come out of hiding and make myself known to the Court. Though, really, I can't pin down precisely why. Still; good to meet you. You can call me Eis. Among the mundanes, I'm known as Ms. Rebecca Goodman. A high school teacher." Perhaps a little revealing for a cursory introduction. But Eis has a feeling Bella will be just as open to share. If her introduction is any indication.
The Fairest's icy stare flicks to the flashy footwear, maybe for half a second. Probably just enough to register she's looked at them. First heelies, now light up shoes?
"Perfect." Her flippant response to Rowan says it all: she could care less about being late. She almost takes pleasure in it... a way to sort of demand attention and not be bound by the expectations of others. "Seems I'm underdressed. My footwear doesn't do much of anything."
Aside from perform normal, practical function that an adult might prefer.
But ever at the ready to move things along, she asks "Bella. Is this a special occasion, or did you simply wish to reach out and network among the Court?"
|
|
|
Post by Bella on Apr 18, 2021 18:30:40 GMT -8
Bella, using every atom of her self control to not squeal in delight and zips around Eis in joy of getting to meet a teacher who is in the same Court as her, giggles somewhat insanely and looks back to Rowan in excitement. " Just wanted to hang out and chat with my Ghoulfriends and all other manner of Cthonic fellows from the Autumn Court." Bella says happily before finally losing her self control briefly to make a few quick laps around the room humming what sounds oddly like The Munster's theme song before collecting herself and rolling back over to Eis and Rowan. She then takes a breath and goes " Ithinkitssocoolthatyouareateacher!Ilovethat!whatsubjectdoyouteach?howlonghaveyoubeenteaching?doyouenjoyyourjob?doyouneedanassistant?youlooksopretty!CanIgiveyouahug?OhmygodsRowanI'msogladtobemakingmorefriends!" in rapid fire before grabbing the both of them in a quick but friendly hug before she starts speeding around the room again
|
|
|
Post by Gavin Graves on Apr 19, 2021 14:31:08 GMT -8
Gavin had been standing outside obscured by contract for some time. He'd done several laps around the building noting its entrances and exits, the lay of the land, and useful terrain for any necessary escape that might arise, not unlike a feral cat cautious to enter an unknown space. These instincts of his usually didn't draw much attention because he made a habit of leaving early to work through them before an appointment. Today was not going his way and he was running late. He'd stepped out into a crosswalk and a driver in a rush laid on the horn startling him. It was all he could do to not have left the metal offender as scraps in the street. The adrenaline was running high and he needed this time to pace it off. He had observed a few of the others arriving, but did not approach or make himself apparent.
When he eventually felt settled enough to try to be people again he approached the door and knocked before entering. People are friends, not food.
"G'day mates," he added as he tentatively entered the room with the others. He was dressed in his utility jeans and matching coat, ever-prepared for ruggedly enduring whatever the elements had to dish out. Having barely made passing acquaintance with the people he was meeting, and some he had never met, he had no real sense of what was to be expected with this gathering.
|
|
|
Post by Krakenbox on Apr 19, 2021 15:49:17 GMT -8
La Palazza Mansion was often filled to the brim with tourists, making today quite unusual in terms of foot traffic. The young tour guide looked around nervously as the girl skidded around on heelies and moved furniture, not sure if it would be allowed, but she really wasn't causing any harm and the tip had been substantial. The temperature of the house was beginning to chill, and she reluctantly left the tourists gathering in the room to check the air conditioning system.
The phone at the front desk started to ring, and as she peered out, it stopped. Her own phone started to vibrate, and she sighed as she started speaking to what sounded like her manager.
After a few minutes, she left the office with a slight look of confusion as she eyed the others, locking it up as she quickly exited the building and left them to their own devices without a word.
|
|
|
Post by Bella on Apr 19, 2021 16:12:06 GMT -8
Bella skids to a stop in front of Gavin before excitedly saying " Hi!I'mBellaKnott!Thankyouforcomign!Wasyourtriphereokay?AREYOUAUSTRALIAN?!?!?!That'ssocool!HaveyoueverfoughtaKoala?IsittruethatWombat'sshitcubes?Doyoureallysay'ShrimpOnTheBarbie'?Canigiveyouahug?DoyoulikeCoffee?IhaveaHUUUGEmugofitsomewhere." Bella finishes astonishingly in one breath. She starts rocking back and forth in her shoes waiting this time for confirmation to her new friend(hopefully)
|
|
Eis
.
Posts: 189
|
Post by Eis on Apr 19, 2021 16:53:01 GMT -8
Her eyes widen at the impromptu hug. Harmless. She's excitable. That's all. The gesture isn't precisely returned, but neither is Bella showed away in horror. Though, truth be told, if Eis had time to react she just might have.
"I-indeed." is all she can muster at first. This woman's manic - yet chipper - outbursts will take some getting used to. Eis tries to process what she's just been asked.
"History, mostly. Though I believe employment opportunities would have to come from the higher-ups. Public education, you know." Though the Snowskin can't help but wonder if Bella did know, prior to being told.
She purses her lips. The 'other' issue would need to be addressed. Better to dampen the woman's enthusiasm now than lead her on.
"I can appreciate your... enthusiasm. But let me make myself perfectly clear; we aren't friends. I don't have time for friendship." Her tone is as sharp and concise as her words, though she doesn't relish it. Her eyes immediately dart to Rowan's, looking pleadingly for validation. He'd spent enough time around her, surely he understood.
She feels like there's more to say... something to smooth the sullied vibe, perhaps. But she doesn't get the chance. Gavin, who she also met at Ostara, decided to join them. Its all she can do not to sigh in relief that someone else now holds Bella's attention.
|
|
|
Post by Gavin Graves on Apr 19, 2021 17:12:04 GMT -8
When the whirling dynamo of energy started channeling in Gavin's direction, he already knew it was going to be a lot.
When the natural first break hit he started in with "Hi Bella, I'm ..." and then just stopped and waited for the rest of the lightning to strike. It that didn't take long. "Gavin Graves," he finished, confirming what he knew earlier. "Well aren't you just full of beans," he capped with a small amused chuckle.
He took a breath to parse the barrage of questions, needing to take it quite a bit slower. Getting caught up in the manic energy was bound to let instinct flow. He was still on edge from the incident with the car.
"Right, yeah, trip was fine," he covered with a basic pleasantry.
"Oz, True Blue. Yeah, you really don't want to get into it with a koala. They look just like 'Dropbears.' Right impossible to tell them apart from a distance. You'll be minding your business walking along near some trees, right? Boom! This ferocious grey monster leaps from the branches and goes right for your block." He gestures toward his head with both hands. "The horrific claws and teeth tear at you before you even know what's happening. Before long you got a face like a dropped pie. If you're lucky." His own horrific claws punctuate the apparent danger by being uncomfortably close to his face with his hand movements.
"Yes to the cubes, right strange that" He added as a matter of fact, trying to keep all the answers flowing. "Some do say that, yeah," he nods.
"The hug is going to have to be at your own risk," he opens his arms with a flourish the drew particular attention to the 6 inch razor-sharp bird claws at the ends of each of his fingers and thumbs.
"I don't do caffeine. It makes me a might twitchy. Twitchy isn't good." He rapidly rings the tips of two claws off each other a few times, feigning a moment. He Waits a moment to see if Bella follows through with the hug.
|
|
|
Post by Bella on Apr 19, 2021 17:21:44 GMT -8
Bella cocks her head before giggling and zipping up to Gavin" YAY DANGER HUGS!!!" She says before giving Gavin a gentle but kind hug. After she lets go she looks over to Eis and says " Thats okay, i bet being a teacher is super exhausting and draining and we also just met. Would you be more open to the idea of being acquaintances until we know each other better? I find you super neat and would love to chat with you about History sometime." Bella offers with a small smile, somewhat hurt but wanting to respect Eis's boundaries and wants.
|
|
|
Post by Rowan on Apr 19, 2021 17:33:50 GMT -8
Rowan looked between Eis and Bella. He had been right - the Fairest was a teacher. Explained why he was always on tiptoes around her. If his skin were still normal, he would have likely flushed from the look she gave his shoes. The Wizened shot a bunch of words at the speed of bounding deer that he had to mostly tune out. Making more friends? Is that what this was about?
"She's right, you know, Bella. You can't go around deciding to be friends for others. There needs to be... understanding."
He sheepishly waved at Gavin when he joined them. His attention was drawn to the guide leaving the building before returning it to the predator. If the Darling was being uncomfortable in his presence, he didn't show it. "How goes?" he offered simply. Rowan didn't have much to say, and quite frankly, was happy that Bella's questions were aimed somewhere else. He was content to simply exist in the scene, taking in others from his Court and learning more about them.
|
|
|
Post by Samedi on Apr 19, 2021 18:07:07 GMT -8
His approach was unceremonious.
Whatever figure picked his way up the road, what consumed the doorway was a massive clawed hand — black and shimmering like an oil-slick and large enough to crush a man's head in its palm. The shift in the room was palpable, as shadows flooded in rippling splashes across the floor. Sound was sucked out of the immediate surroundings, forcing one's attention to hone in on the featureless void that was bowing from the outdoors. The static of anxiety began blooming from the nerves, and by the time He is visible, they're on fire. Rather than struggling with the door, His being flows into the room, shrouded in complete darkness, dimming the environment as light is sucked into the abyss.
Thread-fine tendrils hurt the eyes to detect where the edge begins. The instinct to R U N is overpowered by a crushing weight of terror, pinning the witnesses to their spot. A single, flaming orange leaf flickers into existence as the mask flows up with the looming shape of the Dread Lord of Autumn, grinning blunt teeth shimmering in the low light of the tourist trap. One had to look up to face the accessory that gave one something to peer at, while the Ogre's silhouette consumed most of the wall and exit.
|
|