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Post by Kai Rose on May 11, 2021 9:49:29 GMT -8
Kai took some notes on her phone. "Transport. That's one I wouldn't have thought of. Great idea."
The rest, she left to Ivory. The Evelyn issue was pretty damn personal, but if Anthony wanted to have that chat in front of her, she'd be fine. Whether or not Ivory would be was quite another point, but hey.
Some Cajun Spices went into her mouth, riding on some shrimp.
Mmm.
Cajun Spices.
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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 11, 2021 15:23:53 GMT -8
"That makes sense," she offers as Anthony suggests offering transportation to events, alongside vouchers, "Vouchers would be a good incentive periodically to drive up interest, especially early on. Contracting a company to shuttle for larger events shouldn't be an issue."
Then a thought and a glance to Kai.
"Come to think of it, perhaps getting our own shuttle or two wouldn't be a bad idea either. They can pick tourists up at their hotels for some added convenience," Ivory mused, "We can make it part of a package so people don't have to rent a car or take an Uber all the way out to Summerlin."
Then a nod to Anthony.
"Social media is a good idea, it might be worth while hiring someone to handle that once we get the pieces moving," Ivory said, her business acumen starting to bleed through, "With social media's prominence, I'd imagine safeguarding and promoting a brand is a full time job and I'd rather not put it on someone else's plate when their work is already full, you know?"
At the gentle dismissal of her concerns, Ivory granted her son a trusting smile.
"Okay," she offered, "I'm proud you are helping with causes you are passionate about, but if anything happens, call?"
A simple request. She would rather be surprised by a call direct from Anthony rather than a surprise call or visit by the police. It meant she had time to make calls of her own.
At the question of Evelyn there was a pause in the Pale Dragon, with Ivory taking a moment to take a drink of water. Anthony's feelings towards Evelyn were well understood.
"I haven't spoken to her much lately, if I'm honest," Ivory offered, "She seems fine, but I've been pretty occupied lately with the proposal and other things. What that means for us? I don't know."
Plain and simple honesty. Ivory hadn't spoken to Evelyn much at all in the interim following their conversation about Stheno's interests in Pendragon. There had been some. The occasional texts checking in, but Ivory frankly hadn't the time to plan anything with the Avowed. And when she did have the time, she lacked the will. She wouldn't choose Evelyn over Anthony, so perhaps the distance was the Pale Dragon's little way of dealing with the fallout to come.
It was selfish and that part at least did not sit well with the Fairest, but... she had to pursue the greater elements of her desires. Frankly, Ivory was questioning whether or not Evelyn was among them.
"How's Serena?"
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Post by Anthony Cartwright on May 14, 2021 23:22:08 GMT -8
"Yeah, I figured that was sort of a given," he laughed, giving a small shrug at the request for a call. Ivory was on the list of people he would tap, though he wasn't sure on what he would ask for other than an ear.
"I'd give her a ring, I think she's a bit worried that she hasn't heard from you in a month," he said, blinking, "She was embarrassed to ask, I think, but I guess she was desperate enough to tap me about how you were doing." He didn't sound malicious or condescending, mostly confused at the rapidly shifting dynamics with a new woman in the house, and Ivory and his late father's love for the last few years being left behind. "I can tell her you're busy with the business with Kai, if she reaches out again. Um."
He takes another drink of water, "Serena's fine. She was a little freaked about the dragon thing because we had this whole lie that she was the only one. But, like, you both can talk about your secret society rather than dance around the fear that I can do basic connections. It's not the weirdest thing about this family," he says, shrugging yet again with a weak smile. Anthony might have misread something, applying meaning to the Pale Dragon's question that wasn't there. His affect was an odd mix of defensive and compliant, trying to shuffle off the topic rather than toss a match at the women.
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Post by Kai Rose on May 16, 2021 16:25:58 GMT -8
It was weird that he seemed so... accepting of it? And to say that in front of her meant he had suspicions.
"Anthony, I... well."
She looked to the young man, then to Ivory, then back to the boy. Ivory had put her in a situation where now the kid was talking in front of her about secret societies. If he talked in front of the wrong person, he'd end up in a psych ward -- or worse, on the business end of Fawkes's shards. No, it was time to level with him and give him some context so he wouldn't go insane.
"Okay. The fact that you just said that in front of me means that you think I'm part of her secret society too. And because I think bullshitting you about it will be really shitty for your mental health, I'm going to be straight with you insofar as I can."
She gestured to his mom.
"There are a million reasons we dance around it and keep it to ourselves. To simplify, some people like us want to live relatively normal lives and be like normal people. Others mean them harm just because they exist. Abby's one of the good ones, and I want to see her kept safe. Some people in our society are guardians. We work to keep people like her -- and her loved ones -- safe from danger."
She shrugged, like it wasn't all that weird. Regular people had bodyguards. Why not faerie people, too?
"The good news is danger tends to have a way of avoiding people who don't draw attention to the fact that they know some shit. Secrecy keeps you safe. Our secret society is secret because knowledge of it getting out is dangerous. Both for the society itself, and for the regular folks that know it. Not just because regular folks wouldn't believe you... most would think you were nuts for saying faerie people are real.
But worse are the people who would believe you. Most people don't find out because their girlfriend and mom shared. Most of the people that know have seen into an incredibly dangerous world in nasty ways and are still alive... which means they are probably pretty dangerous themselves. The kind of people that can hurt others, or worse. I know this is probably a lot, but does that make some sense?"
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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 16, 2021 17:16:50 GMT -8
A look of surprise and relief bloomed across Ivory's face as Anthony spoke of how Evelyn had reached out... and he had been willing to pass along the message.
"Thank you," she said, her tone grateful, "I'll give her a call soon. See if we can make time for one another."
It would be nice to see Evelyn again and, if Anthony was willing to tolerate it, perhaps they would not need to part ways after all.
Then Anthony dropped a bomb and Ivory froze looking to him with a stunned expression, as he signaled his knowledge that Kai was a Lost as well. She had not shared as much with him.
"How did you..." she began to ask before fumbling over the words as she began to process what had just been said.
A glance was leveled to Kai as well, the Pale Dragon's expression easily waxing into a mixture of fear and guilt, her halo dimmed as the words left Anthony's lips.
What have I done?
Kai, luckily, was quicker on the trigger, masterfully explaining a few things in no uncertain terms and inadvertently providing Ivory with a roadmap of what she might say on the matter. As Kai spoke, Ivory mused in her silence, gilded eyes roving between the Polychromatic and the son she had broken. She couldn't fix this. The damage was too far gone, but she could do her best to pick up the pieces to see Anthony through.
"Kai is right, Anthony," she said, her tone gentle as she attempted to reach out one of her hands to grasp one of his own, though if he shrinked from the motion, Ivory would respect his space. "What we have endured is... significant, but offering you too much information puts you at risk. There are things we cannot discuss, but I need you to understand our refusal is not malicious."
She'd let the statement hang for a moment.
"In the vein of keeping you safe, I am curious as to how you knew Kai was like me," she said, gently attempting to coax the boy to open up, "Is it something Serena told you?"
Following the question with a gentle smile, Ivory did what she could to coax Anthony to a safe place, her eyes alight with genuine concern.
The conversation for an Oath of Secrecy and the plan to get Anthony out of Vegas should something go wrong could wait. It needed to happen sooner rather than later, but first they needed to make sure Anthony was in the headspace to continue.
In any case, it was becoming apparent that a conversation with Aello was long overdue. She had brought Ivory's son into a bargain or, at the very least, had exposed herself. Now Kai also had a reason to speak with the Harpy, which brought some comfort to the Pale Dragon. Ivory's relationship with the Courtless was tenuous and awkward, with luck Kai's would be better. Could Anthony's eyes See them or was Aello merely feeding him too much information? If it was the latter, Aello's tap needed to stop flowing before she overfilled the sink. If it was the former... well, they would need to help Anthony learn to cover his emotions until the bargain expired.
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Post by Anthony Cartwright on May 16, 2021 18:17:18 GMT -8
"Yeah, I haven't said anything," he said flatly and quicker than necessary. He rolled his shoulders and sat a little straighter, comfortable with making eye contact with Kai again after she deigned him worthy enough to not be locked out of Ivory's supernatural activity that was ultimately affecting him too. He did his best to keep eating and stay casual, despite the subtle sheen of sweat that was beginning to form. His attention flicked to Ivory's hand, but he didn't stop her from comforting herself on the matter, offering a small squeeze.
"Oh, no. Like I said she was stressed about...stuff." He blinked, "Kai hasn't come up, I just figured she was connected because she was picked up in the same social circle and then is living here doing backflips and superhero shit in the backyard, and now you guys are going into business together. Like, I wasn't going to ask. I don't want- I'm not looking to piss anyone off. I don't know anything. She didn't- she just explained she needed to do a task for me to stay hidden from the Others, that's it," he promised, giving Kai and Ivory a pleading look to believe him.
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Post by Kai Rose on May 16, 2021 18:29:05 GMT -8
"Fair enough," Kai said with a chuckle. "To be fair, Abby, once he had two of us in his life, I wasn't going to be easy to conceal. And what you're doing for Serena, letting her do the task... that's super meaningful. Genuinely. Thank you for being there for her. You are a very good thing in her life, Tony."
She thought about the interactions between him and Ivory, a thoughtful look on her face. It was the little things. He was having a panic attack. Going a little grey.
"Let's give him a sec, Abby. How are you doing, man? This all must be a real trip. Understatement of the year, I bet." She offered him a reassuring smile. "Is there something in particular that's stressing you out about this, aside from the obvious?"
Let him talk about it. Bring down the panic.
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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 16, 2021 18:54:19 GMT -8
There was a nod of understanding as Anthony walked them through his assumptions. Anthony was a sharp kid, but Ivory could understand how it might have all seen a little obvious. Especially considering what she had already revealed.
Noting his distress Ivory wanted to console and comfort, but... she resigned to listen to Kai, letting go of Anthony's hand to give the boy some space to work through his anxiety with Kai's direction. Nonetheless, the sight of a pleading Anthony has it's effect. The Pale Dragon's eyes glaze with tears, but she withdraws to allow someone who can actually help to have the last word.
That said, she remains close, her eyes remaining on the pair while Kai does her work.
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Post by Anthony Cartwright on May 16, 2021 19:13:46 GMT -8
He put down the fork, wiping his face to hide it for a moment, "Sorry. I didn't mean to throw off dinner. Seriously it's fine, I don't know why I said anything. I think I was trying to normalize it. I didn't want you to- I didn't want to make things hard."
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Post by Kai Rose on May 17, 2021 12:53:10 GMT -8
Kai reached out and patted him on the shoulder. It wasn't like a bro-pat, or a patronizing pat, just a supportive one. "It's okay for you to take up space and be freaked out, man. You found out some magical stuff is real. It's fuckin' weird. But weird or not, the ones you've seen care a lot about you -- and the number one thing they both owe you for having showed you is supporting you back as you process it." She glanced at Ivory at that. The kid wasn't adapting well, and she needed to honor the gravity of what she had chosen to do. So did Aello. Desperation and emotion had led two Lost to impose their will on a decent young man. They needed to do right by him. "Aside from the magical pieces? We live, we laugh, we love, we work, we suffer, we cry, and we pick ourselves back up just like everyone else and go on living. We have jobs, we have friends, we have loved ones, like Abby and you. Our pants go on one leg at a time. We're not regular folks, but we do lots of regular stuff. Like the magic is a weird additional layer of our experience, overlapping our regular lives. That doesn't make it any less unusual for you -- but I hope it helps give a little context."
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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 17, 2021 15:02:14 GMT -8
Ivory wanted to speak as Anthony fervently apologized, a visible restraint on her face showing a hint of desperation as the Pale Dragon struggled with what she was supposed to be doing. Most of what she had done in regards to Anthony had been wrong and she didn't want to further harm the boy's well-being by attempting to comfort him.
However, with Kai's words and glance, it became apparent that Ivory had to say something.
"You didn't ruin anything, honey. This conversation was long overdue and I'm sorry it's taken until now to have it... And you didn't make anything hard," she assured, her voice quiet and head hung low, "I did."
The admission hung in the tense air as the Pale Dragon mused on how to proceed.
Look at him in the eye. He deserves that much.
With a heavy motion, the horned head of the dragon was raised, tear ridden eyes looking to ANthony's own. This wasn't about her, however, and so Ivory pushed past the pain.
"What I did was unforgivable and I can't take it back," she continued, her guilt laden words offering bare truth, "I wish I could every day, but I understand now things can never be like they were. What I did to you was wrong, Anthony. You are not to blame for any of this. And I am so fucking sorry."
She paused, the emotions of the moment overwhelming her as she looked away to some distant fixture, willing herself to keep it together well enough for the Victim of her ill-conceived parenting, even as her lip quivered.
"You deserve so much better," Ivory began, "but that's why I'm here now. I want to see you through this. Where we go from there is entirely up to you. You are in control, okay?"
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Post by Anthony Cartwright on May 17, 2021 22:31:28 GMT -8
Anthony wiped his face, trying to even his breathing as he nodded along with what everyone was saying.
"...Can we not say shit like 'unforgiveable'? I don't hate you. I don't want you to think I'm going to abandon you," he managed.
He sat deeper into his chair, jaw knotting as his shoulders pinched, "So where's Arthur fall in all of this? Why do you need to body guard her?"
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Post by Kai Rose on May 18, 2021 13:27:44 GMT -8
"She's an upright member of our community who tries really hard to take care of people. Sometimes, putting yourself out there to do right by people draws attention from the bad guys. But why me? She helped me to remember that my life needs the normal, and not just the nonsense. In our world, that matters, so I give back how I can." She shrugged. Bodyguarding was a gross oversimplification, but it would do for now. The second piece wasn't really something she had personal knowledge of beyond what Ivory had said. That was her story to tell. "As for Arthur, I never met him."
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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 18, 2021 15:48:08 GMT -8
"I can do that," she offers as Anthony asks that she adjust her language. After all, she said he was in control, protesting would be unwise.
An appreciative smile was offered to the Polychromatic. There were times Ivory hadn't the faintest idea why Kai chose to trust them, but her bluntness was, as ever, appreciated. It was good to know you had people in your corner. The Pale Dragon often had doubts of their place in the general layout of things, but Kai didn't seem to. Perhaps it was time to trust the Wizened's judgement.
At the question of Arthur, Ivory's expression returned towards its saddened state. It was not the death of Arthur that troubled her in this instance, but the admittance that they had lied to Anthony for so many years.
"Your father was one of us, honey," she said, "He... saved me from myself. Convinced me to move to Pittsburgh. You know most of the rest... As for our society? Arthur helped me learn how to survive. Without the need to rely on a darker version of myself, if that makes sense."
A pause.
"I truly did love him," she assured, "Arthur was the love of my life and part of me was lost all the same when he died. I think about him often. And... God, he loved you."
It was important for Ivory that Anthony understood her love for Arthur was genuine.
"The day you told him you finally settled on wanting to do physical therapy? He talked about it for weeks," she recalled, "That part was genuine, honey. None of that was a deception. You were his son in every way, but blood. And that little detail didn't matter at all to him. I only hope you know I feel the same way."
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Post by Anthony Cartwright on May 18, 2021 17:04:41 GMT -8
The human was a frustrating mosaic of jagged feelings and racing thoughts. It was like a pendulum. The Polychromatic was getting a headache trying to track it; maybe it was his age? It was like he simultaneously dreaded and hated talking about it but paradoxically, absolutely, wanted to talk about it.
He offered a small chuckle of appreciation as Ivory shared the memory. "Yeah, I believe you."
His attention flicked between the two of them, "Um, and then where does Evelyn...?"
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