Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
Posts: 588 
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Post by Ivory on May 10, 2021 20:54:52 GMT -8
Brew Tea Bar was itself a locally owned and operated chain of tea cafes with three locations throughout Las Vegas. While they had traditional hot teas, Brew Tea Bar was known mostly for their boba tea, cold milk teas, and cold brew sea salt lattes. The also sold Japanese style crepes, for those with a sweet tooth looking for a bite. The locations themselves typically had a modern cafe vibe with minimalist furniture and hand-written chalkboard menus. The particular location Ivory had pinged? Well, that was in Rainbow Plaza, located right along Rainbow Boulevard between Spring Valley and Summerlin, a nice halfway point for courtiers of Spring and Summer, assuming they stuck to their court's territory. Featuring 62 storefronts ranging from gyms, quick-service restaurants, groceries, and more, the plaza didn't exactly scream class. Nope, this place was a convenient one-stop shop for the average Las Vegan working class or middle class citizen. It even had a Home Depot. True to the nature of Rainbow Plaza, Brew Tea Bar's location wasn't much to look at from the outset. A small storefront slipped between Blue Diamond, which sold e-cigarettes and accessories, and China One, which was one of several in a local chain of Chinese restaurants, the best way to describe the exterior was plain, though the large windows gave a glimpse to the modern interior, which sported a few tables and chairs. The closest thing that passed as a patio was a single table for three on the cement pad that joined with plaza sidewalk out front. Looking in, the tea bar was mildly busy, teens meeting with friends rubbing elbows with Las Vegan professionals looking for a quick tasteful drink while on break before returning to the grind.  Out front, a few parking spaces were available, but, what was likely of most interest to Wayland was a spot occupied by a 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 10R sports bike. Leaning against it was the figure of Ivory herself, dressed as she was in full biking gear featuring a black leather cafe racer jacket, leather biker pants, and black leather riding boots. A pair of leather gloves sat peeking from the Pale Dragon's front pocket. Perhaps surprisingly for the dragon, the get up didn't look entirely new, with some patches showing some light bleaching from the son. The helmet situated on the seat was just the right of extra one might expect from the Spring, however. Ivory leaned lightly against the boke, her arms crossed as she watched the mundanes flit in and out of the tea bar.
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Post by Wayland on May 12, 2021 9:41:28 GMT -8
As might be expected, the rumble of Wayland’s engine presages her arrival. The Ogre rolls into the parking lot seated on her Vulcan 1500 Classic. It’s in good condition, black and chrome, but certainly not a new bike. The same could be said for her road gear, with a fairly typical enclosed helmet, a lightweight moto jacket, and leather chaps over blue jeans, all well worn-in. She pulls into the spot beside Ivory, the engine noise quieting and then dying as she turns off the engine and leans the bike on its kickstand, then reaches up to undo the clasps of her helmet. The Ogre lets out a relieved breath as the helmet comes off, and reaches a hand up to tidy her mussed hair a little. Then she turns a bright smile on Ivory, cheeks dimpling and sharp, white teeth showing between her lips. “An old toy, huh?” She asks the Fairest, tilting her chin towards the Kawasaki, though after that first glance at the bike her eyes are wholly for Ivory. |
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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 15, 2021 15:27:14 GMT -8
A smirk tugged the Pale Dragon's lips as the Ogre pulled up, only widening as Wayland showed her face. The Vulcan 1500 was a classic Kawasaki bike in and of itself. It seemed the two shared a love for the same brand and that fact was not lost on the Fairest.
At the question, Ivory's smirk widened to a true smile, matching the Maker's brightness.
"Well, only about three years old," she offered, "A little exaggeration on my part earlier maybe, but I haven't been giving it the attention it deserves admittedly. Bought it a few years ago right off the lot."
Shortly after his passing.
"Then I moved here and kind of just fell back into my M3," she admitted, "Better for errands. Riding it again feels good though."
The comment was left unsaid, the Pale Dragon didnt need to punctuate the fact she was a video. The matter was public knowledge and, frankly. well known in the Freehold. Besides, today was not about Penny. It was about them and what they might become.
"Dunno if you're a fan of Boba," she offered, her head tilting to the tea bar, "but they got hot options too. And slushies. And cold brew lattes."
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Post by Wayland on May 15, 2021 22:54:04 GMT -8
'Wealthy', Wayland thinks to herself immediately. Maybe not rich, but probably well-off, if she 'fell' back into her M3 and drove a Ninja 10R off the lot three years ago. Which is neither good nor bad on it's face, but just goes to show how little Wayland knows about Ivory yet. "Yeah, I have a pickup for heavy lifting," she volunteers as she dismounts her bike and tucks her helmet under an arm, "But I prefer to ride when I can. The freedom of it. It's relaxing." Her smile is smaller and more pensive as she offers this insight about herself, before full awareness returns and she follows the Dragon's gesture towards the tea bar.
After half a breath of silent contemplation, her gaze swings back to Ivory, smile quirked up slightly in what might be considered a mild smirk. "I offered to let you educate me, didn't I? Order whatever you like, I'll give it a try."
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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 17:48:56 GMT -8
"A pickup?" Ivory asked, "Oh! You make things, right?"
Ivory's knowledge of Ramona was fairly passive as well, but she knew the Maker was a craftperson of some sort. She was just lacking the detail.
"It's liberating," she said with a nod, agreeing with the Ogre's sentiment regarding the more therapeutic aspects of riding motorcycles.
There was a slight shrug and a smirk, but Ivory obliged, walking up to the counter with Ramona and ordered two of her usuals: cold Matcha milk tea with honey boba. The beverages were prepped quickly enough as the pair waited on the opposite end of the bar. Once retrieved, they were able to head out front and snag the single table that overlooked the parking spaces of their motorcycles.
As for the beverages? The Matcha taste was apparent, with the milk providing a certain creaminess and the honey boba giving some sweet notes. In all, the beverage was neither bland nor overly sweet. Truly, the beverage was fairly conservative considering the plethora of options available, but Ivory seemed content as she had her first sip.
"What do you think?" she asked as the two of them settled in.
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Post by Wayland on May 16, 2021 22:30:52 GMT -8
“I do,” the Ogre replies when the subject of ‘making things’ comes up. “I’m a blacksmith, and I do other kinds of metalwork. The pickup comes in handy for big projects; gates, fixtures, furniture, that kind of thing.” She goes on as they make their way inside the shop and wait in line. “Or when I need to bring in supplies, or move equipment.” The bike is for fun, but the truck is a much more practical vehicle, even just for groceries. It might not be an M3, but it doesn’t need to be.
She keeps quiet while Ivory places their order, and drops a couple bills in the tip jar on their way out. At the table, she shrugs out of her moto jacket, baring muscled arms marked by swirling ritualistic scars. The designs blend perfectly into the uneven border between the skin of her forearms and the pliable silver of her wrists and hands, where they continue as engravings in the metal. The jacket gets draped across the back of her seat before she takes it, and pulls her drink closer for an experimental slurp.
A pensive expression crosses her face as she licks her lips and leans back from the straw. “It’s… balanced?” She’s half-tempted to say bland, but that wouldn’t be accurate. “Subtle, but… layered, I guess.” She goes in for another sip, and there’s a pause as she crushes the boba between her teeth, “... Yeah, it’s not bad. Wouldn’t mind getting this again,” she says with what seems like approval, cheeks dimpling again as her lips curl in a small smile.
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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 15:10:16 GMT -8
There was a nod as Ivory engaged with the Ogre while she spoke, the Pale Dragon sipping on her own drink as Wayland spoke of her vocation and the use of the truck itself.
"That makes sense," she offered, "What kind of truck do you drive?"
It was a conversation just above small talk, but whatever helped keep the conversation going. They were trying to learn more about each other, after all. Simple topics helped bring about some sense of comfort before things would churn into more complex things.
The Pale Dragon beamed at the candid review from the Maker.
"I think so too," Ivory said, "Shortly after my... return, I had a huge sweet tooth. I still indulge it now and then but sometimes it can be too much. That's why I like this."
The Golden Eyes of the dragon rove smoothly to the dimples for a moment before returning to eye contact. She looked pleased with her current company.
Adorable.
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Post by Wayland on May 17, 2021 23:09:36 GMT -8
“Just an old Ford Ranger,” she answers Ivory about her truck. Which is about all she has to say about her truck; it runs and it carries cargo and there’s just about nothing else interesting about it.
As the subject returns to the drink, the Ogre grips her cup and tilts it slightly to get another look at it’s contents. “I hear you. Caffeine is my addiction. I’m not a nice person to be around if I don’t get my coffee in the morning. But I’ve been known to overindulge, once in a while. Usually when I’m absorbed in a project.”
Her attention returns to Ivory’s face, lips still curled in a small smile. She definitely looks like she’s enjoying being here with the Fairest, so far anyway. But they’ve talked enough about Wayland’s work, a topic that could get them bogged down in her projects and catalogue. Wayland changes the subject:
“How about you? How do you fill the hours between Space Princess duties and motorcycle riding?”
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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 16:09:10 GMT -8
"Noted," Ivory teased, granting a wink as the Ogre admitted to her caffeine dependence.
There was a small shrug as Wayland asked about her day-to-day. The reality was Ivory's days tended to be fairly fluid. It was one of the realities for passive income.
"Well... I gain my income passively, if I'm honest, so my days are usually my own," she offered, her tone casual on the matter, "I own property both here in Las Vegas and in Pittsburgh, but I pay property management firms to deal with the day to day. I'm usually only contacted to approve repairs and discuss new lease agreements. That sort of thing. Other than that? I try to keep myself busy. Whether that's parties, charities, or other ventures depends on my mood."
There was a small pause as Ivory came to the realization of how pompous all of it sounded.
"I'm hoping to expand my income to other areas as well and expand my presence on the charity circuit," she admitted, "but I'm waiting for a business partner to gain approval for a loan for the former. That will also determine what income I have left to donate to charitable endeavors, though I have some interests."
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Post by Wayland on May 18, 2021 23:11:03 GMT -8
’Not just wealthy. Rich,’ the Ogre thinks to herself as Ivory describes her day-to-day. Rich like just like the eponymous dragon and her hoard. Her memory flashes to the gaudy jewelry she’s been melting down for Archie in frankly disconcerting quantity. Precious metals forming smooth, flat ingots stacked together as if that makes it more normal. As if it doesn’t make it more money than she’s ever had at once in her life a few times over. That’s the kind of wealth Ivory must have.
“Well that’s an answer to that question I’ve never heard before,” Wayland says as her brows raise a little bit. “The ‘how you fill the hours’ part I mean, since I don’t run into a lot of Space Princesses. Which makes this a doubly unique experience,” she raises her tea and tips it slightly towards Ivory, as if to say ‘kudos.’ “What kind of ‘interests’ do you have?” She asks, inviting the Dragon to expand on her last statement.
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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 19, 2021 14:14:33 GMT -8
Ivory gave another noncommittal shrug to the Ogre's reaction, pairing it with a soft smile.
"It took some time building it, but I had a good teacher," she said, "I'm far from a Princess, but I'm pleased I've peaked your interest. I've never made the acquaintance of a blacksmith either, so this is something new for both of us."
The tea was raised alongside Wayland's, the Pale Dragon reciprocating the Maker's congratulations. Blacksmithing was hardly a common vocation in these days.
"Perhaps one day I'll have to stop in," she offered, "To see what treasures you can make."
The interest was genuine. Handcrafted pieces were always appreciated more, but Ivory had to wonder if Wayland expanded her trade to include tokens for their kind. It didn't feel right to ask outright. Not yet, at any rate.
"Principally, my interests lately have been related to charity. Depending on when this little endeavor I have developing begins, I may have the opportunity to develop a program for underprivileged children and teens. In order to provide them a means to pursue hobbies and skills that otherwise would not be available to them," Ivory said, "Beyond that, I'm fairly sedentary, if I'm honest, mostly due to concerns related to recent events and a little overthinking on how to proceed. I go to parties now and then, but they do not hold my attention as much as they used to."
Rubbing shoulders with socialites seemed appropriate in the past, but Ivory's growth in power meant she had other concerns. Factor in the need to ensure Anthony's safety and the Pale Dragon simply didn't feel she had as much time for pleasantries. Not until her desire for security was satisfied. Until then, she had work to do.
"And yourself?" she asked.
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Post by Wayland on May 19, 2021 22:35:58 GMT -8
“Well, like I mentioned, I work for myself. I set my own hours. Though that does mean I end up spending a lot of them in my workshop. I usually manage to find a pretty good balance between working on projects that’ll pay well, and working on projects that interest me. Pretty often they’re one in the same, I’m lucky that way. But sometimes work is just work, even when it’s something you love.”Her thumb plays with a bead of water that has formed through perspiration on the side of her tea cup. “I fell in love with shaping metal right away. Talk about liberating.” Her eyes find Ivory’s, and hold there. “There’s a lot of power in it, in taking something so strong and so resilient, and getting it so hot that it bends under your hands. Mold it into a new shape. Bang two pieces together until they fuse into one.” These thoughts have brought a slow smile spreading across her lips. Then the Ogre shrugs, bringing an end to the unbroken eye contact as she reaches for her phone in her pocket. “Other than that, I’ve got a few hobbies. I read and go to the movies once in a while, like most people do I suppose.” She’s scrolling through something on her phone, a photo gallery, “But I also try to keep pretty active. I go dancing, I go to the gym...
“And I do this,” she says, finally finding the picture she was looking for. She slides the phone across the table to Ivory. On screen is an image of armored figures in colorful heraldry locked in combat, two clashing sides, with shields and medieval weapons, but all of them blunted. “You can’t really see me in this one, I’m kind of in the back with a poleaxe. I’m with the SCA.”
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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 20, 2021 14:18:00 GMT -8
"What's that old saying? If you love what you're doing you'll never work a day in your life?" Ivory mused after the Ogre's admission of many days being spent in her workshop, "I'm glad you've found something fulfilling. Many people might say we should all be so lucky, but... luck hasn't got anything to do with it I think. You've earned it."
Through the mastery of trade and the headaches of running a business, Wayland was making ends meet and thriving personally from it from the sound of things.
The smile upon Ivory's lips tugs a touch longer as Wayland speaks of reshaping metal. Her love of the craft made sense considering the kith, but most Lost could relate to it in one form or another if they thought about it.
"You like the control," she said, "That's understandable. I feel the same way when it comes to researching charities and donating. They cannot simply take. They have to ask and I am able to understand exactly what my money will be aiding. It's more than just an ego thing... I like to know how my money is helping. If a non-profit can't explain it in depth, I have trouble trusting them unless I can verify they are doing good by their promises."
It matters.
"I'm re-reading For Whom the Bell Tolls myself," Ivory offered, trying to find some common ground as Wayland offered a look into her interests, "I... used to go to the gym, but not as of late, unfortunately. Mostly went for swimming and pilates. I haven't really taken the time to see what Vegas has to offer on the outside, if I'm honest."
A strange admission, considering Ivory had lived in Vegas for nearly two years, but it was an honest one.
Ivory's smile turned into a grin as she was shown the picture.
"Oh, wow!" she offered, "I've heard getting in and out of armor can be a real pain in the ass, but it looks like everyone is taking it seriously? Is it, like, a larp thing or just a mock battle deal?"
It wasn't Ivory's idea of a good time, but it had caught her curiosity.
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Post by Wayland on May 20, 2021 20:39:09 GMT -8
What’s gotten through luck and what’s earned, that’s debatable. But it’s nice to have your vocation, your art, and your devotion to that art, acknowledged and appreciated. Ivory’s got a way of making that seem more important than it would be otherwise. It’s something about her bearing. How she holds herself, the way she speaks. Self-composed and dignified and beautiful. One could almost imagine her horns were a crown.
Wayland licks her lips when Ivory mentions control. This thing with the charities, she’s not sure if she understands. She’s never even thought of what being a high-level donor would be like, she just donates in ten, fifteen, twenty dollar increments. But she understands wanting to make sure a charity is really a charity. And she definitely understands wanting some control.
Though she does wonder if talking about getting something hot and then shaping it with her hands maybe didn’t come across as flirtatious and suggestive as she’d hoped for.
She nods at the mention of Ivory’s current choice of reading material, though she’s unfamiliar with it. “Yeah, I haven’t seen much of the city yet myself. But I’ve been trying to get out there a little more,” she mentions as the talk turns that direction. Maybe the two of them can do some exploring together. An idea Wayland puts a pin in, maybe something she could mention later.
Showing someone evidence of a hobby like the SCA is always a bit of a gamble. Sometimes people don’t get it. Sometimes they get it, and they just find it inappropriate for a grown person to be putting their time into that. But the grin that spreads across Ivory’s face when she looks at the picture on Wayland’s phone? That is just about the best possible outcome. The Ogre matches the grin with her own.
“It’s the Society for Creative Anachronism. A huge hobby group, and I do mean huge, where members recreate the arts and culture and combat of around the seventeenth century. There’s all sorts of elements, a big arts community where people make things using ancient methods, a sort of roleplay element where you can meet or become the nobility and participate in court, and combat of course. There’s training, and big events where you show up to fight. It’s all in good fun, but yeah we take it pretty seriously. Even a rattan sword can really hurt you if it hits wrong, the armor is there for our protection as much as for fun,” she gestures for Ivory to return her phone.
“I get a lot of work through the SCA. It’s actually how I found out about them. Having a real blacksmith at an event working with a portable forge is a real crowd-draw, and there’s a lot of work in making armor, weapons, period-appropriate jewelry, or even cutlery.” As she speaks she scrolls through another few pictures. Her stall at an outdoor event, with a portable forge glowing behind her. Another picture posing with an armored companion, and another displaying a sword in a customer’s hand, and a third showing a collection of simple metal adornments and medieval-style cutlery out for display and sale. “A lot of the time I go to the events as a vendor, but for the weapon training and the battles I prefer to participate when I can.”
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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 21, 2021 15:13:09 GMT -8
Ivory listened as the Ogre expanded on her hobby, sipping away at her tea as Wayland spoke. The Pale Dragon would nod to certain points to show she was actively listening.
"That actually sounds pretty cool," Ivory admitted, "I doubt I could do it, but it sounds like a lot of moving parts. Maybe one day I'll be just as lucky to see you at work. Shaping the metal."
Then came a mischevious smile, a thought bringing a glint to golden eyes as the Pale Dragon scooted closer, a scaled hand moving in an attempt to slide into Wayland's silvered fingers.
"Maybe we could even bend together," she teased.
She let the more forward flirt sit for a moment.
"You mentioned a poleaxe," Ivory offered, giving Wayland an out if she felt the move was too foward, "Is that what you prefer to use? My housemate is more of a bow gal."
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