Eis
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Posts: 189
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Post by Eis on Apr 19, 2021 18:23:32 GMT -8
Coffee is exactly what Bella doesn't need more of. But at least she isn't dissuaded to the point of shutting down. Eis doesn't see any harm in Bella making friends if the other party is receptive.
"Fascinating." she says, before offering a nod of her head. "Gavin. You look well." He didn't seem to mind the string of questions. Eis had often wondered what life was like in the penal colony on the far side of the world. Of course it isn't really that anymore, but that little tidbit is one of the things that makes Australia interesting. That, and the 1,300 ways one can die in the wilderness. Apparently koalas had made the list. Amusing.
Eis lets out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Such is her relief that Rowan, indeed, 'gets it'. So she turns her attention, again, to the Autumnal sprite.
"Exhausting doesn't being to describe it." she responds, with a small smile to smooth things over. "And I see no harm in sharing ideas. As colleagues. So what is it that interests you most? Autumn doesn't call to everyone. I'm curious to know why you answered." A fair, polite question to ask. One that would hopefully keep Bella operating at... somewhere under 80% of her apparent capacity.
Then, something unexpected happens. Something that steals the breath from her lungs and makes her wish she were still a motionless piece of art. Something to fade into the the safety of the background. It takes her a moment to find the strength again to move - let alone speak - but she eventually utters a weak "Lord Samedi." The Autumn Monarch's presence required courtesies. Simple social gathering or no.
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Post by Bella on Apr 19, 2021 18:24:13 GMT -8
Bella whips around to look at the door and sees Daddy Sam, she squeaks briefly before running over and embracing the towering Eldritch being in a hug. " Daddy Sam you came!" she says before once more going into hyperdrive. " Howareyoudoing?Oh!ihaveyourgiftinmybagletmegogetit!ihopeyoulikeit,itiredtogetallofyourfavorites." Bella rattles off so quickly her carmine lipsticked lips a blur. She then zips over to her purse and pull out a humidor of cigars and a large bottle of rum with red and yellow Habanero's floating inside. She then zips back over to the Dread Lord and with her characteristic smile she hands him the gifts. She then in her giddiness continues to zip around the room, humming rather morbid songs to herself as she tries to calm down.
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Post by Gavin Graves on Apr 19, 2021 18:55:33 GMT -8
Gavin had only just adjusted to the concept of a hug and was making physical contact when the eldritch terror swept into the room, ruining it. It had been a long time since he'd been hugged. He shot stock still, no longer aware of Bella only the darkness and his instincts. If she tore away through his clawed limbs with abandon, he didn't even notice. Not yet. Maybe she ducked? The terror and darkness gave him few options, but it had left him one. Waiting in that darkness, absorbing it, the catch of his contract will eventually release Gavin back into obscurity--he dearly hoped.
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Post by Rowan on Apr 19, 2021 20:14:26 GMT -8
Whatever threat Gavin represented to Rowan was eclipsed by the dying of the light. The giant shape squeezed through the door and regarded them, the singular spot of flame pulling focus from the shapeless terror around it. He was reminded of Samhain and the Sentry being tossed around like a rag doll. He had learned from recent experience, the Darkling forced himself remain absolutely still - not that it was difficult. The King presence pinned him on the spot, too scared to even move a muscle. Any thought of fighting back was squashed before it could take root.
This was what Fear looked like. Rowan watched in silent horror as Bella flung herself again the monolith of darkness, blissfully unaware of the risks. Or maybe she simply didn't care. Either way, the Wizened would serve to demonstrate the temperament of the Monarch.
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Post by Samedi on Apr 19, 2021 21:29:44 GMT -8
"Good evening, good afternoon, good-"
WHOMP.
As Bella zipped towards the ancient king to embrace Him the hand shot out, claws wrapping around her frame like a doll before slamming her into the ground.
"Disrespect."
The soft, gentle tones rumbled from His core, the spark of madness dripping from the unseen mouth of the man-eater.
Baron Samedi, Keeper of the Crossroads, Lord of the Undying, Patient of the Moon, and Mask of the Mad, stretched as the thick neck twitched toward the young fairy.
"Is it Wednesday?"
It was not Wednesday.
"I receive a call from an unknown voice, calling me family. Are we family?" the Haitian accent bubbled and softened as the massive paw threatened to crush the Gravewight as He shifted. "I did not remember, and I came to ask. But here I receive a subject who rejects the very nature of my Voice. The Seasons speaks through the Choir of the crowns, and you reject its herald. I see I see," He whispered, dragging the girl to position her for a proper look, maw splitting from shadow as large as a truck. "Where is my Twilit Page? Why has he failed me so? Do we need a lesson on the nature of Fear?"
Clearly.
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Post by Bella on Apr 19, 2021 21:46:12 GMT -8
Bella's already pale skin goes a few shades whiter as her whole countenance changes from joy at seeing the Autumn Monarch someone she did see as her family because of their shared closeness with the Underworld and Death. With shuddering breaths and barely contained sadness Bella quietly says.
"My apologies Autumn King, I forgot my place and this Courtier humble begs for your forgiveness over her slight to your station." The normally bubbly changeling seems to shrink even further in on herself as Baron Samedi drags her towards him. If one looked close enough they'd seem her eyes have seemingly lost their sparkle.
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Eis
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Posts: 189
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Post by Eis on Apr 21, 2021 12:02:04 GMT -8
The Fairest's eye widen in terror as the events play out before her. She hardly knows this woman, but... she can't simply stand by while Bella is in peril! Her mind races as she tries to think of some way to satisfy the Autumn Monarch and spare poor Bella of any further trauma. Poor girl. Eis hardly even knows what to expect from Samedi, or what might take the eccentric being's attention off of Bella. Her youthful attitude is so like one of her own students.
That's it!
She dares not look in the direction of the bloated Monarch's eyes - lest he look back and shake what little courage she has. Fear has its place, but she knows when fear has to be overcome.
"Baron Samedi," she intones in as low and calm a voice as she can muster "I cannot speak for the Twilit Page, but would it please you if I took it upon myself to teach her? I can assure you, under my guidance, that such disrespect won't be committed again."
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Post by Gavin Graves on Apr 21, 2021 18:44:11 GMT -8
With the extended time where the incarnation of fear was not focused on Gavin it gave him time to consider his response if that were to change. Fear must be harnessed as either weapon or shield. This fear was still one of the four F's fear responses--Flee, Fight, Freeze, or Fuck. In this case it was Freeze. This was one of the least useful responses when standing in the open, second only to fucking on that measure.
One lesson of Autumn resonated with Gavin in this moment: take nothing for granted. It was his favourite too. This situation could take a hard turn in a moment and it was already dangerous with such a potent being present. Recalling clearly only one time where he was more afraid, when the bloom of a Title was making waves in the bush as it travelled. Remaining still he looked around and realized again there were other Lost here with him. He had also had a good look around prior to entering the place, recalling possible routes out and routes toward people. They flashed in his mind. People would put more limits on the Autumn crown than on us, at least until they were scared off or whipped into a panic--still precious moments to be earned if they were needed. For now, 'respect' and preparation was the order of the day. If he advances, a bowing retreat to a doorway nearer to the people and a way out. There he would pause to speak or adapt to the situation further. It was decided. For now the clock ticked on the loophole for Light Shy. Steadying his breathing, Gavin waited, displaying the expected. He had no desire to test his plan.
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Post by Rowan on Apr 22, 2021 20:37:59 GMT -8
It was Samhain all over again. There was a moment, a split second really, where Rowan could have sworn he had luminous Sentry blood all over him.
He looked on at the morbid show and tell that was unfolding in front of him. Precious information could be gathered from the interaction - Bella did not, in fact, know Samedi very well. The King seemed to expect proper etiquette to be enforced. Tanner was possibly missing? Shit.
His thoughts were going fast, survival slowly leaking into his higher brain functions. He ticked off a mental checklist: he had nine seconds to bolt if things went south. While he couldn't risk using the full speed of his limbs out in the open, he was confident in his ability to navigate the city. Could he ask Loki for shelter? Doubtful. The Torrent had been even more volatile since Leviathan. Realistically, the Monarch would be bound by Arcadia the same way Rowan was, given his proximity to the Wyrd - so much was apparent from the sheer disregard for conventional physics being displayed.
When Eis spoke, he barely registered her voice over the thundering of his own heart. His vision was tunnelling on the Crown, because looking anywhere else set his nerves on fire. He braced for impact.
He had nine seconds to bolt if things went south.
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Post by Samedi on Apr 22, 2021 21:39:25 GMT -8
"Ahh, I see. No one knows. Shame," the Autumn King murmured to Himself, teeth flickering in the shadows; each fang the weight and presence of a human skull. A small voice floated from the ground, drawing His attention.
"What are you doing down there, psychopomp?" Rolling her over, the talons pick her up like a claw machine, dusting her off with light sweeps. "Answer the question. Show me understanding," He prompted Bella, giving her time to respond before the colossal being lumbered over to Eis. He is silent, the subjects always needed time to acclimate to the changing winds. The animalistic fear dissipated as their souls shuddered free from the hoarfrost, leaving only natural instinct to guide their decisions.
"A noble endeavor, tell me, Weiße Frau," He chimes, soft voice filling the room in an echo, "The Crown of Arcadia has no bearing here. Do you seek to take the Jackelope's office?"
In the immediate, it's impossible to tell if He's serious or baiting, almost giddy.
"Come, come! Show us, then." A chair moved on its own, disappearing as Baron Samedi dwarfed the object in shadow.
Was He sitting?
"A lesson. Teach us why you hold the Mantle of Fall. Then the rest of the class can share."
As He emphasized that everyone would be answering, the gentle tones whispered directly in their ears.
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Eis
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Posts: 189
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Post by Eis on Apr 23, 2021 16:35:42 GMT -8
'Papa Saturday' invokes fear beyond that of his potent mantle. She'd heard rumors of him being odd, but his mannerisms, plainly, disturb her. He seems to shift moods on a whim. And until he'd let Bella go and dusted her off, Eis was terrified he'd do something drastic.
Eis' pulse quickens as the lumbering anomaly comes close. That he'd called her plea 'noble is reassuring. Less so is what he suggests next.
"Hardly." she replies, not just a little wary of playing into such a statement. "I haven't spent enough time in the Twilit Page's company to judge the Jackelope as wanting. And such a title is earned... not simply acquired from the last holder."
So this was it, then? She's to set an example? So be it. Straightening her clothes with a few tugs, she assumes a much more dignified pose. Her head pans the assembled Lost, holding on Bella a little longer than the others. The turn of events of the evening may very well hinge on her giving a good answer. So she takes a slow breath an begins. Much like in her classroom, her gaze turns slowly from one 'student' to the next.
"Very well. I, like all of us here, I'm sure, have experienced Fear. All our kind has. And frankly, there isn't a person alive who can claim they've never felt it's icy grasp. Yet, as debilitating as it often can be, I've learned that Fear isn't the enemy. It is to be... respected. It warns us of danger and keeps us from becoming complacent. And," she brings her hands together in a soft clap. "It is a weapon. One that can be merciful," a nod in Samedi's direction "by teaching a valuable lesson. Or one that cuts much deeper. Fear is our weapon against those who would call themselves untouchable. So long as I draw breath, I intend to hone and sharpen this weapon, so one day it might cut out the heart of our Enemies." She grasps the air in dramatic gesture, pantomiming the removal of said vital organ. "This is why Autumn chose me."
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Post by Gavin Graves on Apr 23, 2021 23:11:08 GMT -8
As Eis gave her personal lesson in self-awareness, Gavin continued to center himself. It wasn't too long into the performance before the minute had expired that he was waiting for to unlock the loophole to use his contract. It didn't unlock. He waited a few seconds more figuring he had mistimed it--he was amped up after all. Still no dice. A momentary panic set in when the reliable tool failed to work. Why wouldn't it work?
He was immersed in darkness. The single spark of flame shouldn't have been enough to illuminate him well enough for it to fail. Gavin ran through the list of limitations on the contract twice over before it hit him: loopholes can't be met by the manifestations of magic. These shadows are the fabric of a potent Autumn mantle and would not let him escape the toll.
A small consolation, the direction the encounter was going took a turn where he might not need to fight or flee. He reoriented to paying attention.
Gavin was diligent in picking up the shiny baubles that were the tidbits of lore inadvertently dropped by the Autumn King when he differentiated himself from the Arcadian Title. A similarity in name perhaps meant to steal the fear generated by the legend of its near twin. Like taking its shadow, Gavin thought.
The imagery that Eis stirred up with her speech, Gavin was all too familiar with. He is a weapon that inspires fear. It was illuminating for him to hear her understanding of it though and her poise gave him a bit of courage in this moment.
When Eis finished and it was clear the next was to present, Gavin took only a single step forward so as to not be seen as threatening later with his gestures. Checking over his shoulder again to make sure mundane humans were out of earshot before proceeding.
"Against my will I was forged into a weapon. Forced to be a killer. I was remade with these means and abundant depth of capability to efficiently kill most things. I bear these outward marks," brandishing his wicked armature to punctuate the obvious. "I am a living threat to all lives around me. My gestures are often seen as attacks. I inspire fear regularly, whether or not I want to. I can see it in wide eyes, in withered postures, and hear it in trembling voices. Sometimes I can even smell it."
What they couldn't obviously see is what was done to his mind. They couldn't know what it was to be given the imperative to kill, the instincts that scream to lash out and claim a limb. They could never know the exquisite elation he felt when hit with a hot bath of arterial spray. They would never look at him the same again if they knew. He would never say.
"As useful as it is, it's quite lonely when everyone fears you." He pointedly paused and made eye-contact with something in the shadows beneath the burning leaf, testing his empathy with the Ogre. "... when they expect you to hurt them, or worse."
"I came to Autumn because I have lessons to learn of Fear: in wielding it, in overcoming it, in leashing it. In myself and others."
"Much as Eis has pointed out, I too know fear is useful from within--healthy too. When it hasn't been planted by outside influence, it tells us what's important when we're in the middle of things we don't understand--and there is plenty I don't yet understand," Gavin added introspectively.
Truly it was fear of himself that drew him to the Court. He feared deeply so he might not be consistently alone anymore.
He amped his voice for a final flourish, "I must know fear as my partner. With it I will delve and claim understanding of the game. Only then can I become the piece that moves the player."
Having finished he steps back toward the edge of the room near the doorway he was eyeing earlier. Never take anything for granted.
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Post by Rowan on Apr 29, 2021 14:45:31 GMT -8
It took a little while, but eventually Rowan remembered that he was, in fact, a Darkling and that even Darkling standards, his nature was slippery and adaptable. Maybe Samedi eased off on his Mantle, of maybe Rowan grew accustomed to it, he couldn't say. The fact of the matter was that he managed to move and form coherent thoughts outside of escape plans.
As everyone stated their interpretation of Fear, Rowan couldn't help but agree. "The Emotions of High Seasons are easier to approach. Desire and Wrath are immediate and they help deal with the past. Grief too, though it's not as appealing. But not Fear. Fear is the bulwark that protects out future. It sounds a little idealistic when I put it like that." He would chuckle, if the atmosphere weren't so sombre. "People have grown complacent with technology and have forgotten Fear. Guns and cameras made them think they were on top. I chose to remind them. If they grow afraid of me, a Changeling, then they will be terrified of Them."
Like he should have been that night.
"And that will keep them safe."
With his wits returning to him, Rowan chanced a glance at the King. What was he anyway?
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Post by Krakenbox on Apr 29, 2021 17:37:42 GMT -8
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Post by Bella on Apr 30, 2021 14:39:06 GMT -8
Bella takes a deep shuddering breath as she tries to calm herself and answer the question that has been levied to her by the Autumn King. " First Papa Saturday, let me first say that i apologize for acting so informal with you. I had assumed due to the informal nature of our meetings and relationship in the past that it was not an issue with you to continue to do so. I see now that was a mistake on my part and it won't happen again." Bella says in a quiet voice wringing her hands as she does so. While doing so, the others in the room can see her Mask drop briefly making the normally bubbly and happy Autumn Courtier look even more saddened than she already does. As quick as it fell it comes back up though and she then continues. " As for your question, I try to remind people that Fear is not an Evil or Bad thing. Fear is both necessary to survival and a way to show that its a normal response to things. I work with the dead and even in Death fear is still present. I use my nature to show that Fear can in some ways be fun but should still be respected in the end." She finishes bowing her head towards her King. If anyone looked close enough they'd notice tears starting to form in the corner of her eyes both from shame and sadness. The last thing she wanted from this evening was to make her surrogate family, friends, and acquaintances upset with her
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