Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
Posts: 588
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Post by Ivory on Apr 29, 2021 18:54:12 GMT -8
She had let Kai Rose and Anthony Cartwright know well in advance. Ivory was planning on cooking for them, though she declined to tell them what she was making them until the day came. The morning found the kitchen to be a buzz of activity. A technician had come with a delivery: a new oven. Naturally, Ivory watched it be installed and remained attentive as he gave the run through of the oven's functions and, when he was gone, the Pale Dragon left soon thereafter, only to return in the afternoon with a load of groceries, pots, pans, and utensils. And in the kitchen Ivory remained. First she washed the new dishes and put away the groceries, but she spent most of her day in or around the room reading notes, checking her phone, and counting various ingredients time and again. It was apparent that Ivory wanted this to go well and that she was both nervous and excited. Eventually, the reason she was waiting was apparent when a knock came at the door and the Pale Dragon let in a man wearing a chef's outfit with a boisterous laugh and jovial nature. His name was Philip Encausse, an expert in cajun cooking and, for tonight, Ivory's tutor in the arena of his specialty. The pair, immediately slipped into the kitchen and the lesson began. Chef Philip was actually a gifted teacher, his warm nature helping Ivory overcome her nervousness and boasting the patience to guide the Pale Dragon through her varied frustrations. And the result? Well... the scent of fried okra, cornbread, and the hearty mix of sausage, spice, chicken, and shrimp wafted through the household with abandon, accompanied with laughter that spoke of a sense of accomplishment and Ivory's farewells to her cooking coach. The door closed and soon a bright, proud voice called from the foyer, hollering up the stairs. "Dinner's ready!"Ivory would scamper back to the kitchen to finish the setting and was buy the island to greet her son and tenant when they arrived. Ivory had made jambalaya, accompanied with sides of fried okra and homemade cornbread, all set up on the island to allow them all to dish it themselves before sitting at the table. There was also a salad as well, if someone felt the meal proved too heavy. On the far left, by the stacked plates, the Pale Dragon stood beaming, sporting a wide, proud grin even with the tell tale signs of some tiredness around her eyes. The table before the island was well appointed as well, boasting a tablecloth, cloth napkins, and silverware. The meal had been trying to prepare, but, with a little luck, it would have all been worth it.
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Post by Anthony Cartwright on Apr 29, 2021 19:27:50 GMT -8
Anthony gave a quiet laugh, hugging Ivory when he couldn't help but be swept up in her pride.
"You went all out. Thank you, this is a really nice gesture," he said, giving her shoulder a squeeze before he started unceremoniously piling his plate. Being raised by Spring Courtiers, he didn't have much in the way of hesitation or table etiquette when it came to food.
"I thought you'd hired someone to meal plan until I heard the swearing."
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Post by Kai Rose on Apr 29, 2021 20:11:31 GMT -8
Kai was like Toucan Sam, lured by her nose by the power of Cajun spices. Anthony couldn't see it, but the colors pouring off Kai had additional subtleties. Gold and hazy red? Hungry, at least in this context. But even the kid couldn't miss the rumbling stomach. The archer looked hungry and fresh out of the shower, rocking a pair of jeans and a Killers t-shirt she had picked up at a consignment store. A work-out had happened, followed by target practice while on the run in the back yard. Earlier, the Summer Courtier had been trying to put arrows through arrows in the bullseye, difficult shots at the best of time but very hard to do at a sprint. "Wow. This smells incredible. Thank you so much."She gave Anthony a little wave and went directly for the water dispenser on the fridge. "You want anything? Drinks? Water?"The offer was made, then she crushed a glass of cold water like she'd been out in the desert for five days with a vulture overhead.
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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 Apr 29, 2021 21:30:45 GMT -8
Ivory gave Anthony a tight squeeze in return, his compliment receiving a look genuine gratitude.
"I tried. I didn't want another night in of take out, you know?" she offered. She knew Anthony knew what she meant. How long had it been since they had a home-cooked meal? Too long. "I... figure if you like it, maybe I'll pick up a few classes. Do stuff like this a little more often?"
The comment on her language earned a snort from the Pale Dragon.
"I may have not let the andouille sausage thaw completely," she said with a laugh. Partially frozen meat could be hard to cut, "That guy was a saint though. And I learned a few things so, that was nice."
As Kai came in Ivory's smile remained as she nodded her head up in acknowledgement.
"Hey! Eat as much as you like! I'd be surprised if the the three of us could finish all of it in one night," she said, "So if either of you need leftovers for school or work, help yourselves!"
As Kai offered water, the Pale Dragon smiled as she began to dish her plate.
"Yes, please," Ivory said, accepting the Polychromatic's offer. She'd look on with a slight smile, her brow raising as Kai crushed her water, "Long day?"
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Post by Anthony Cartwright on Apr 30, 2021 18:07:37 GMT -8
One of the chunks of ochre disappears as he blinks at Ivory, "I mean, do you want to? I didn't think you liked cooking, or..." He glanced at the kitchen, not wanting to put her on the defensive about a new hobby. After a few bites he gives a silent thumbs up, the disappearing plate offering evidence of his approval.
"Oh, thanks," Anthony said, taking up Kai's offering of water after considering. "That routine was crazy. I still don't get where you learned to do all that."
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Post by Kai Rose on May 1, 2021 19:55:43 GMT -8
"Never underestimate the number of calories I need in a day," the Polychromatic said with a chuckle. It was like a whirlwind of food. The hungry athlete was barely at the table before she was crushing some of that Cajun perfection. Her plate was stacked high. "God, I missed Cajun, Abby. It has been ages." If any survived for doggy-bagging, she'd slip some to Sweeney. The guy would enjoy the hell out of this, she figured.
"Archery?" she asked, glancing out the back with a smile. "I got into it a while back on my own, but I work at it a lot to get it to this level. You ever see that Youtube video of Keanu Reeves training for John Wick? I want to teach at that level. We're actually researching opening up an outdoor rec center, like a ranch, for tourists out in Summerlin. Shooting, archery, horseback riding, sort of a spot for all kinds of outdoor experiences. Abigail on the business end, me on the programming. If we get it going, it should do well."
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Post by Anthony Cartwright on May 1, 2021 21:17:09 GMT -8
He nodded silently in the affirmative, blinking as he turned his attention back to the food.
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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 May 2, 2021 11:28:48 GMT -8
Ivory smiles, granting Anthony a shrug.
"Let's be honest, my other hobbies aren't exactly fulfilling. This was fun to learn, even with the frustration. Change can be good," Ivory said. This was the Pale Dragon admitting that she had to change aspects of herself. In her own way, she was beginning to accept her behavior had been the problem, "And it wouldn't be every night. I know you probably have plans most nights, with school and Serena. She's... welcome to come to the next one, by the way."
Anthony was an adult with his own wants and goals. Ivory knew she needed to recognize that.
The smile spread wider as Kai spoke of their coming business venture.
"It should be very lucrative! Vegas doesn't need another escape room and I think the concept is unique enough to draw some interest," the Pale Dragon offered, "Speaking of, once we get that off the ground, I'd like to talk with you about some ideas for charity after it all proves possible. I think there's some real potential to grant underprivileged teens the opportunity to learn a few skills they wouldn't learn otherwise, but we can talk about that later. Tonight isn't about business."
It was about family. Both Kai and Anthony were part of such an aspect in the mind of the dragon. Whether by motley or by virtue of being a legal guardian, both were bound to Ivory and Ivory to them.
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Post by Anthony Cartwright on May 2, 2021 18:51:16 GMT -8
"They're not?" Anthony ventured, if cautiously. His tone suggested he didn't want Ivory beating herself up with whatever she enjoyed filling her time with. "Sure, if you want. Just let me know when you want to conquer the kitchen again and I can give her a call. She's pretty flexible."
As the Polychromatic watched the nod and quiet, she focused in on cues that could tell her what the young man was feeling. Maybe embarrassment? He had asked her about her impressive skill and then seemed to lose his nerve. Kai was friendly and approachable, and sure she had left a decent impression, so it could be anywhere from he had a small crush on her to the fact that he was straight uninterested and just making nice for Ivory.
"Sounds cool."
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Post by The Wyrd on May 3, 2021 22:30:38 GMT -8
Kai struggled not to talk through her full mouth. The Cajun Spices. Just... so good. So powerful. They called in all the willpower just to not lose one's mind. Maybe that was why Anthony wasn't interested in badass archery. Whatever. The kid didn't know what he was missing.
"For sure. I'm down to teach a class for charity."
Whatever she wanted was fine. Ultimately, Ivory was working on expanding her own thing while supporting Kai's stuff. The synergy was good.
"How about you, Tony? Anything exciting going on over summer break? You must be stoked to be done exams."
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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 May 4, 2021 6:47:38 GMT -8
"Maybe unfulfilling isn't the right word. Let's call them unproductive," she mused, "I think we can both agree my time would be better spent on something else other than attending soirees and schmoozing socialites. It can be fun, but I think it's best to turn the majority of my focus elsewhere and make my appearances at parties a little more occasional."
Anthony was an adult, so Ivory would speak to him like one.
At the agreement to get in contact with Aello and bring her into Ivory's home, the Pale Dragon would give her son a grateful smile and nod. She wouldn't press the subject, but she felt his willingness to introduce the pair was a good sign. They were healing. Slowly.
Kai's own agreement to discuss charity down the line made the Pale Dragon's smile tug a little wider, the halo of her mantle flaring lightly to further signify her gratitude. Ivory had earned a valuable ally and the significance was not lost on her.
As Kai turned the conversation to Anthony's summer time activities, Ivory would look to her son with interest. Indeed, she was curious too.
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Post by Anthony Cartwright on May 4, 2021 18:59:34 GMT -8
"Volleyball's been done since March, so mostly just a bunch of camping. Serena's got this star map idea and we're taking some art classes." He had cancelled the travel and road trips; it really wasn't in him this year after Christmas' shitshow.
"I've been helping Wendy with some of her crazy projects and was volunteering a lot. We're cooling down a bit after that big arrest," he chuckled, "Seijun almost pissed herself and Jackson got his nose busted. Still isn't over it. I think the cops did him a favour and he looks like less of a priss, though."
Ivory's comment on shifting her hobbies caused his brow to furrow a bit in concern, "Did something happen? What made you think it's a waste of time?" He swallowed a bit of water, taking his time,
"The new focus like the business idea? What got you into that if you're just thinking of the charity idea now?" he nodded to Kai, not wanting to talk over her when she had explained the concept in some detail and trying to salvage a conversation topic she had shown more interest in. He laughed, impressed.
"Did you think of this like, recently? Did you guys just have like a really awesome dinner conversation?"
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Post by Kai Rose on May 8, 2021 17:21:22 GMT -8
Kai's eyebrows popped at the story of cops busting noses and a big arrest going down. Plainly, it was a story that interested her, but she was going to let the guy ask the pertinent questions and come back to it. She didn't need to interrupt the Actual Moments that were going to help Ivory sort some shit out. Still, the last piece was worth contributing to.
"It's a new idea, but one that is coming together nicely. I'm newer to town, and rather than do a boring nine to five, I thought I'd try my hand at taking the things I love to a more professional market. Vegas is a tourism hub, and things like archery, obstacle courses, shooting ranges, horseback riding and that sort of thing sell here. Abigail's got a good business mind, so I thought I'd invite her to join me as a partner. We're working on the programming details, so things like charitable pieces are coming up and being added. Good for the kids, and good for the business."
She gestured to Anthony gently with a Cajun Spiced fork.
"You have any thoughts about how it could be made accessible to university crowds to encourage good fitness?"
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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 May 9, 2021 18:22:51 GMT -8
The Pale Dragon's smile tensed as Anthony nonchalantly discussed a big arrest, her shock easily bleeding through her smile even though she was trying to keep her cool. She wanted this dinner to be nice.
"What?" she asked, "I... was not aware you were nearly arrested. What for?"
The tone was gentle, but motherly. Anthony may have been an adult, but he was still young. If he had done something stupid, Ivory would need to know in order to get the right services.
Clearing her throat, Ivory shook her head at Anthony's question.
"No. Nothing's happened," she assured, "With... recent events it just became clear that what I was doing was not necessarily in my best interests? There are better ways to spend my money and still be fulfilled while helping other people. I certainly doubt a shitload of Cosmos is helping anyone other than myself, yeah? That's part of the reason I was receptive to Kai's pitch, if I'm honest. Helping her as a partner means I gain a profit if the venture is successful, which means I can look into charities that I'd like to help... plus, maybe I'll schmooze Kai for a few horse lessons in the dead season."
The last statement was said lightly, hoping to add levity to the conversation.
"Well, to be fair, I considered the aspect of the charity idea shortly after Kai and I discussed the proposal, but I hadn't had a chance to link back up with her in order to pass the idea along," Ivory offered, granting the Polychromatic a grateful smile before looking back to Anthony, "In any case, it's a discussion we can't really get into too far until we get the business off the ground. Once the systems are in place and staff is hired, we can discuss it should the business model be proven successful. I'm certain it will be, but it's best to be sure before we decide to add another element into the mix."
Ivory would nod along with Kai's points as she laid out her own view on how things would work. It seemed they were well-synced on the matter.
"I think getting your input is a splendid idea," she offered Anthony, "I'd be curious to see what ideas you or Wendy might have to draw in the younger crowds. It'd be best to create something that locals can enjoy alongside tourists."
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Post by Anthony Cartwright on May 10, 2021 17:29:55 GMT -8
"Yeah, she's nice like that," Anthony offered. He blinked at the question about roping in students, "Transport. Everyone complains about bussing. And unless you're wanting people to blow student loans... getting vouchers rolling for groups will probably get you more traffic. You can have them raffled at events and sell it as a weekend thing." Wendy would probably say something about social media, "Umm... I don't know, set up a bar? Get a tag for people taking pictures, but I'd collab with a trending event because they don't really care about advertising you."
The reaction on the 'almost arrest' seemed to surprise him, before he chuckled, almost embarrassed as he waved it off, "Oh, God, sorry I didn't mean to sound- it was just a protest thing that got a little crazy. Getting picked up from the drunk tank is probably worse."
He watched the interaction between the two women as the Fairest dreamily spoke of a new and exciting future with her new best friend, business partner, and roommate. "How's Evelyn?"
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