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Post by Wayland on May 21, 2021 21:36:24 GMT -8
Her eyes lift from her phone back to Ivory’s face as she hears the Dragon return to the talk of shaping metal. She sees that smile full of mischief spread across the Fairest’s face, and matches it with her own, as she turns her hand and spreads her fingers apart so that Ivory’s can intertwine with their own. “I think I’d like that,” she replies with a lower, slightly more intense tone. Whether ‘bending together’ is a euphemism or not, it could be a good time.
She doesn’t withdraw her hand when Ivory turns the topic back to historical martial arts, though her smile loses it’s mischief, returning instead to informed interest. “Is that Kai, is she your house mate? She’s an archer? That’s awesome,” once again Wayland’s smile broadens into a grin showing her sincerity. “I’ve done some bow shooting, and some crossbow shooting too. I’m pretty decent at it, good enough that they’ll let me shoot in battle events when I want to.”
She shrugs, “But I like being in the melee, or fighting one on one. I’m pretty decent with most of the weapons we use. I like a good poleaxe, or a longsword; I like having reach and leverage. But sometimes it’s better to have a good shield and an axe, easier to use in the crush, close quarters.” She raises her unentwined hand in a small palm-down motion, “I’m not an amazing fighter or anything, there are way better people in the SCA, who have put a lot more time into studying HEMA and stuff like that. But I can hold my own.”
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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 23, 2021 15:34:22 GMT -8
This was nice.
A little light flirting. Learning about each other's interests. Ivory hadn't done this in...
Well it had been a while.
Ivory's thumb gently rubbed the backside of Wayland's hand as she spoke, more than happy to keep them intertwined as she nodded to Wayland's question.
"Mhmm. It's Kai. She moved in a couple months ago," Ivory offered, "You should see the things she does in the backyard with those targets. It's impressive. If you ever want to, I'm sure she'd love the competition."
"I get that," she offered as Wayland spoke of melee, "I think that may have been something I explored during my time away... but luckily I don't remember much. My weapons are my words, but I think I've kept things pretty sheathed so far. It's better that way."
Until security is established.
Ivory's time would come, but that time wasn't now. She figured she would know when the time was right.
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Post by Wayland on May 24, 2021 14:11:15 GMT -8
Tea forgotten, Wayland is just in this moment with Ivory. Enjoying their interlaced hand, the feel of Ivory’s thumb brushing her… not skin. Pliable, silver imitation of skin. But then Ivory’s scales aren’t skin either. Neither of them are normal. But it doesn’t have to be normal for this to be nice. For this to be good.
The Ogre figures that speaking of their ‘time away’ is pretty different for any Changeling. In her experience, they don’t really ask each other about that topic much. Nobody wants to trigger each other’s PTSD. And they surely have PTSD, all of them. That Ivory opens up even this much makes Wayland feel like she’s being trusted with something, with just a tiny bit of vulnerability.
“Yeah, I can understand that,” she says with a solemn nod. “Not remembering much, that’s pretty common from what I know. I don’t remember much myself, just… impressions, mostly. Instincts. Nightmares. The odd intrusive thought.” She draws in a breath and lets it out in a gusty exhale, “I don’t tend to be so great with words, myself. But they’re definitely a good weapon to have.” She gives Ivory a glance and small smile at that. Much smaller than recently. Showing a bit of her own vulnerability.
“But I doubt I could give Kai any kind of run for her money with her chosen weapon,” she says, smile broadening as she shifts the conversation back onto a lighter topic. “Like I said, I’m decent, but I’ll bet she’s put in way more practice than me. Still, I’d be game to give it a shot. Could be a fun way to kill an afternoon.”
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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 27, 2021 19:41:02 GMT -8
Ivory smiles, nodding slightly as Wayland spoke of glimpses to a past in another land, a small smile, tinged with some sadness, being offered with an expression of understand. It was a feeling the Lost as a whole knew well. Most rarely recalled much of their time in Arcadia. Whether that was for the best remains to be seen.
At Wayland's vulnerability, the Pale Dragon's expression warmed, "Sometimes the ability to act is far more enticing and efficient than the ability to speak," she offered.
At the mention of Kai Ivory would grant a lighthearted laugh.
"Knowing her? She'd probably say something about how you could probably teach her a thing or two about something else. Or she'd praise you for working on a part of your self you felt you underperformed in. Probably both," Ivory said, "She'd mean it too, plus you could get to see what we've built. I'm sure she could find something on the ranch that might need your expertise if you were looking for a gig. Worth a look either way?"
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Post by Wayland on May 27, 2021 22:47:05 GMT -8
There's a small, sinking feeling in her gut. Ivory is offering her work? Is it out of pity? Noblesse oblige? It's not that she's making that assumption, it's not even a real thought, just an intrusive one. A legacy of a growing up in a household of poverty but where acting poor, like accepting an offer of help, was forbidden. Which would be fine enough on it's own, a minor discomfort to be ignored while enjoying tea and conversation.
Except that's only half the reason there's a weight in her belly. When Ivory mentioned a gig, she probably meant mundane work of some sort around their 'ranch', but Wayland's mind immediately leapt to what she could make for Ivory. And then, what she could make out of Ivory. She stuffs that curiosity down deep inside herself, trying to focus on the moment instead. But she knows she'll be thinking of that later.
"Definitely," she agrees, the strain showing in her smile for but a moment before she pushes all those dark, unwelcome thoughts aside. "Sounds like a," date "Plan. I don't know Kai that well, but I'd be happy to get to know her a little better. And like I said, I enjoy shooting." There we go, dark thoughts banished, Wayland is setting up another chance to talk to Ivory and to get to know Kai too. Plus shooting, which will be fun. Her expression grows curious, "What's this about a ranch?"
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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 30, 2021 13:59:22 GMT -8
Golden eyes would look at Wayland's features, moving from the Ogre's eyes, to her lips, and back again as the Pale Dragon sought to get a read on her companion's emotional state. Alas, all Ivory is able to uncover is a mystery born from their lack of familiarity.
"She's the bees knees," Ivory said of her motley mate, "And she has a good head on her shoulders. It's part of what made me want to befriend her, if I'm honest. As to why she chose to befriend me? No idea, but I'll take it."
The soft smile of the dragon of Spring spread into a proud grin.
"It's the project in Summerlin I mentioned..." she said, "I guess I can share a few things. It's like a recreationally center of a sort. When it's built* it will have obstacle courses, archery, a shooting range, and even horses. Gives her some solid income and helps me boost my own. We've also discussed the possibility of future charity programs in the future."
"I encouraged her to make it available to some peers here and there too, but that's her choice," Ivory continued, "I just think that kind of space could be useful going forward."
There was a lot of uncertainty in the Freehold as of late, alongside other Lost not respecting the need for secrecy or otherwise stepping outside the lines. Kai herself knew of Ivory's willingness to assist in her own way, but Ivory was unsure how she would come off as a Spring with an awareness for violence in the pursuit of justice.
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Post by Wayland on May 30, 2021 21:10:11 GMT -8
That actually sounds like a lot of potential work Wayland could do. Though she’s not especially eager for the conversation to turn away from personal subjects and towards business. But in this case, the two have some overlap, Wayland likes what she does and this project is clearly important to the Dragon.
“That sounds awesome,” she says with enthusiasm, “I bet I know a ton of people who would love a nice place to practice and ride and have fun. And I’d love to come out and have a look myself.”
She tilts her head a little to the side, though her smile remains, “Tell me more. Is it open to the public, or is it going to be sort of a members-only kind of thing?” If Ivory’s planning on having the place generating income, Wayland figures that means it’ll be open to mundies. But if she’s aiming for a high-class customer base, it might be out of the smith’s price range.
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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 31, 2021 15:02:41 GMT -8
There was a soft smile at the interest in the joint business Ivory shared with Kai. It would lead to great things. More so if they were able to get others involved either as guests or something else.
"Public, it'll be better that way. For the money and the goals," she answered, "We want to create a space tourists and locals alike can make use of. Different packages with different prices sort of thing and probably some workshops here and there too. That we can offer our services to people all across the financial spectrum. Or nearly that anyway. As for a members-only get together, I recommend hitting her up. I think she's hoping to open some slots later in the evening. With a little planning you might be able to form something for a group too."
There's a pause as the Dragon thinks back.
"So," she says, leaning in a little bit, "I've educated you on strip mall boba. What are you going to educate me on?"
The tease was accompanied with a smirk. The Pale Dragon didn't want the Ogre to think she was here to strictly talk business, even if she was exceedingly pleased with the successful beginnings of her newest venture. Wayland likely had her own resevoirs of knowledge and stories to share. If so, Ivory was happy to listen.
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Post by Wayland on Jun 1, 2021 23:21:27 GMT -8
It’s an interesting approach to a facility that honestly sounds like it could pull double-duty as a paramilitary training ground. Wayland’s sure that the local SCA Barony would be thrilled to rent the place out for a weekend of wargames. And she’s just as sure that Kai’s already thought of using it as a place for Summer courtiers to hone their skills. She smiles as Ivory goes on about the ranch, then archs a brow at the subject change.
Her face tilts slightly, and she matches Ivory’s movement towards her with her own, “Oh I’m sure there’s plenty I could teach you,” she lays a little bit of suggestive emphasis on the end of that line, her eyes flicking down to Ivory’s lips before meeting her gaze again. Then she shrugs, letting that moment of tension relax, “What would you like to know?” She asks with an open expression.
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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 Jun 4, 2021 18:30:13 GMT -8
The dance they were doing was a subtle one, each signaling desire, but neither yet being willing to take the step. A flirt here and a flirt there. Some might find it frustrating, but Ivory wasn't among them.
The Pale Dragon granted a slight shrug.
"There's a lot I don't know," Ivory answered, "And if someone thinks something is worth knowing, I'm willing to listen."
An open invitation, the Spring was up for anything.
"Doesn't need to be today either," Ivory said, "Think about it and, if you'd like to meet up again, we can do what you want to teach?"
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Post by Wayland on Jun 5, 2021 14:35:51 GMT -8
The Ogre watches those molten-gold eyes for a long moment, a small smile on her lips, as she ponders her response. Ivory already knows how to ride a motorcycle, so that’s out. They’d talked about shaping metal, but that doesn’t sound like second date material. One corner of her mouth twitches slightly more upward as she settles on an idea.
“Lunch. My place. [Date]. I’ll teach you a few recipes I know.”
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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 Jun 8, 2021 14:48:40 GMT -8
The smile upon the Pale Dragon's face widens slightly as Wayland spoke. Ivory could boast about her jambalaya, but that was one night and she had help. The idea of learning more recipes was enticing. For a few reasons.
"Sounds like a date," she offered, her tone agreeably receptive to the choice of activity. Ivory had a habit of pushing things fast or keeping things strictly casual, but perhaps that wasn't the right thing to do here. Something a little more intimate would allow both to see if they meshed well and, if they did, then it would be time to bring up Evelyn. The fact that Wayland was already aware that she was polyamorous was a small comfort, however.
Ivory would let the moment persist, happily taking in the sunny day as she neared the end of her boba tea, but, within a few minutes, she checked the time.
"I should probably get going," she said, finally relinquishing the silvered hand of the Maker as she rose and tossed her near empty cup into a nearby bin, "I have to check on the status of a few things on the ranch and see if I can lend a hand with things... This was nice though."
The Pale Dragon wouldn't dip out just yet, of course. She was more than happy to give Wayland a chance to speak before she slipped on her helmet and returned to her bike.
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Post by Wayland on Jun 8, 2021 20:15:47 GMT -8
Her smile broadens into a grin, teeth showing sharp and white between her lips, when Ivory agrees with her idea for a date. She remains there, for a moment, taking an occasional sip of her tea, and enjoying the day and the companionship.
When the Dragon signals an end to the meeting, Wayland nods, quickly following her in standing and clearing away their table, then grabbing her jacket from the back of her chair. “Sure thing,” she says with an understanding tone at Ivory’s explanation. “I’ll see you [day of the week] then,” she says with a small smile forming those little dimples on her cheeks, her eyes flicking down to Ivory’s hands, back up to her lips, and then meeting her gaze again. “I’m looking forward to it,” she adds, before turning away, shrugging into her jacket and approaching her bike.
It’s later, cruising down the road, that the thoughts come back to her. She’s going over recipes in her head, transforming ingredients into something else, something more than the sum of its parts. She has ideas, things she could make for Ivory: A delicate web of chain links set with stones around her neck? Or strung between her horns? Horns would be an interesting place to put jewelry, could she fashion rings for them? Maybe caps? Certainly she could make rings for those slender, scaled fingers. What sort of tool might aid Ivory's endeavors? What sort of weapon might she call upon when words alone do not suffice, to defend herself or cut her will into the world?
But those are not the thoughts that trouble her. Those are the thoughts that come, unbidden, unwanted, of what she could make out of Ivory: Could those fine horns of keratin be carved into instruments? What properties might her scales have if she plucked them off? Do the stories of swords quenched in dragon's blood have any merit? Could she pull Ivory's voice, the words that are her weapon, from her throat like Ursula did from Ariel's?
She cranks the accelerator as she finds an empty stretch of road, cruising down it with bike’s motor roaring. Trying to let the world she’s passing through wash away those troubling ideas.
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