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Post by Krakenbox on May 26, 2021 16:20:36 GMT -8
The Knight of Rains' entourage were parked around one of the cushioned poolside islands with bottle service. Here, the environment was damp and still. The cool, saturated air diffuses in a lull of fractured spectrums the cuts off the rest of the carousing in an ephemeral, muffling curtain. Light dances through pollen motes of an unseen forest as beads of moisture started to bead. The rest of the world feels distant, now, and the roar of the falls is a little distracting. Agrippa's offer is taken with a friendly clasp to the shoulder, "Uniforms? Naw, man, unless you're talking about expression," Nimbus says with an easy-going smile. Piper was sipping on a Gimlet, scales and a thick, pearl accessories glittering against the fire with a Chanel one-piece. Eurydice was draped in an emerald dress that she seemed unconcerned with getting wet, Hedgespun heels locking into the flesh of her ankles like the stiletto emerging from succubi scales was seamless with her mien. A Spring courtier Agrippa was unfamiliar with introduced himself as Komizucha, wearing a black open kimono like a bathrobe. The man was as big as the basilisk Chevalier, Nathaniel Prasad, whose dead-eyed stare was thankfully off to the side and listening to Loki chatter with the former Sage Escort. Mitchell Carr was called over more than once, but he didn't seem to hear and no one moved to hustle him over. Komi, on the other hand, was probably one of the friendliest Oni Agrippa had ever met, with an air of earnestness that was rare in the cutthroat politics of Spring's elite. He knew the Archivist as a close friend, and had lots of interesting stories about his experience with Helldivers and the Hedge. |
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Post by Agrippa on May 27, 2021 22:22:36 GMT -8
Agrippa's theatrics devolved into a bubbling laughter as they shook their head at the response, taking the opportunity afforded by the knight's own clasping of their shoulder to lean in closer
"Sir Nimbus. I would like to swear vassalage to you."
They spoke softly, though their tone was more earnest than conspiratorial- not so quiet that others at the island wouldn't hear their request if they happened to be paying attention. The beast's eyes stayed fixed on Nimbus, glittering with a mixture of confidence and hope.
"Would you accept? May I make the pledge, with all present company as witness?"
The unicorn lifted a hand to gesture listlessly to the other high-status Lost that surrounded them both
"And if you would, and if I can, is there a phrase in specific you would want me to recite?"
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Post by Nimbus on May 29, 2021 16:53:19 GMT -8
Nimbus offered an easy grin, "That's awesome! Don't let me stop you, umm," he blinked, seeing the sea of mundane again as if just remembering there was a massive party going on around him. "I don't think I can do anything, like, extravagant right now, if that's all right."
He raises a toast, the alcohol glittering with weight of the Wyrd as the Elemental channels his Mantle as the others raised their own to the unicorn. "Par l'autorité de la Couronne de Ramure, I promise to foster an oasis for those sworn to me who are seeking sanctuary and provide new possible futures!"
It became apparent either the Knight of Rains didn't hear Agrippa's question, or was leaving it up to them with their end of the acknowledgement.
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Post by Agrippa on May 30, 2021 2:13:24 GMT -8
Agrippa burst into a grin, sitting up straight as the hope in their eyes exploded into jubilee.
"Right as rain! Extravagance is no object here. What is said is what matters."
Despite what was going on in their expression, the quality of their voice hadn't noticeably shifted from the light and content tone that they had thus far held. The beast reached for their own glass, raising and holding it steady as Nimbus recited his side of the pledge. They glanced around the island to see who else was paying attention, stalling precious seconds of time to come up with a suitably poetic response.
"I in turn pledge my loyalty and service to you, Sir Nimbus. May my works and voice be a boon to you, may my successes add to your own, and may your best interests have a home in my heart."
They knocked the glass back, uncharacteristically taking the whole shot in a single go. By the time the thing made contact with the table once more, their eyes glimmered and their face was glowing.
"Thank you"
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Post by Kai Rose on May 31, 2021 20:32:20 GMT -8
Kai came shortly thereafter, wrapping a towel around her dripping form after the stunt and making a good go after Ramona's epic shot. Like the Friendicorn before her, Solomon's spook blended with the crowd, working her way into Nimbus's inner circle. A friendly smile there, a well-timed joke, an insightful comment about politics -- Rose was a smooth operator, a social chameleon going from a pool party to a Spring Knight's entourage. Her Goodwill played a role, opening doors that might have been there otherwise, and it never hurt that she had saved Buck. Twice.
When she finally got Nimbus and Piper's attention, she didn't focus on one or the other. The fact was, it sounded like they were a tight pair, and Piper did a lot of work. Both were included, the Squire getting her due respect. It was about fixing the social faux-pas of Ivory's strange reaction, and then creating grounds for respect, for a relationship of common value. The fact was, Ivory was a major backer in a Summer business. She was making headway in inter-Court politics. She had demonstrated capacity, and had bridged the gap with Summer to form a motley. Friendship with Ivory made Kai their friend, too, and there was plenty of evidence as to why that was a good thing. Insecurity had led to learning and strengthening in Desire by getting what she wanted. Wasn't that what separated the kids from the big boys in Spring? And after that insane party and everything that they'd weathered together with the revenants, didn't they all want to be friends?
Something to think about.
All in code, of course. You didn't want to freak out the mundies.
"Agrippa!" She wrapped an arm around the friendly Helldiver. "Speaking of balls. This guy might be one of the bravest sons of bitches I've ever met."
She'd let that one sit. It was clearly Not A Story She Could Tell Here, but that made it all the more intriguing.
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on May 31, 2021 21:36:55 GMT -8
The Winter Fairest was a-okay with being a background player in this conversation as his main interest lay in interacting with one party in particular. He rode on in on Kai's social coattails while she made a positive impression for the ages. Even though the Polychromatic outshined him considerably, he was grateful he managed to roll in, and make a decent impression as the only Low Season courtier in the mix. He made his introductions, leaning into his Spring Good Will when interacting with Spring. With Summer, he followed Kai's lead, watching her to see what sort of conversations and body language landed well, and then he would mirror the behavior with his own spin on it.
"Hey there, Agrippa. I don't think we've properly met before. I'm Lucas. Sounds like I need to catch up with you at some point after the party to hear about your adventures." He grinned at the Verdant unicorn while offering a friendly handshake.
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Post by Agrippa on Jun 2, 2021 2:44:16 GMT -8
Agrippa gasped as Kai ambushed them with a half-hug, surprise instantly giving way to further delight. They chuckled softly and their cheeks gained some colour at the Summer's compliment
"You're too kind, Kai!"
in spite of their words, the beast's tone clearly and graciously accepted the accusations of bravery. They looked up at the polychromatic, their expression still positively luminescent as they failed to sober up from the high of their success.
"Its good to see you again! I have an unfortunate habit of spotting you from afar in these public parties and then never having the chance to come up and say hello. Looks like you've already taken advantage of the pool portion of this pool party?"
Lucas caught the edges of Agrippa's vision moments before his greeting and introduction had the chance to reach their ears. Their eyes swam lazily to the side to meet his, blinking contentedly as yet another Very Beautiful Person broke into their circle of acquaintances.
"Oh, hello! No, I don't believe we have."
The unicorn took Lucas' hand, letting him lead and matching his grip with a practiced accuracy.
"Here's where I would tell you that I'm not much of a storyteller, but I'm a writer so who am I kidding?"
They laughed at themselves, desperately pushing the voice that whispered of doubt and deadlines back to the annals of their psyche
"And I would be lying to myself if I pretended I wouldn't make time to make new friends anyways."
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Post by Nimbus on Jun 2, 2021 11:37:31 GMT -8
Piper offered Kai a tight smile—not for any failure or offense, it was more or less a tired cycle of entitled, frustrated Lost wanting to steer Spring's warship by just pulling a couple of levers and accusing you of being selfish when it didn't move fast enough. The Polychromatic could ascertain that the mermaid's emotions ran a little deeper and cooler; which frankly, was a relief compared to what she was used to. Piper didn't seem invested in platitudes, just the value of the action they served. Being nice meant acknowledging respect, so she performed.
Nimbus didn't recognize the name, to which the Esquire offered a snapshot of the horned university aged woman who had asked for his help, which he gave in full, but she was displeased all the same and expressed they had been elitist. Kai smoothed the Elemental's dazed expression by selling the fact that Ivory could be passionate about her vision and projects, but was more than capable of correcting her behaviours. "Well, I'm happy she's doing really well for herself and helping the Freehold," Nimbus offered the well-meaning Wizened. Piper waited a polite amount of time to properly add that Ivory can approach him in person when she deigned it appropriate; answering what Kai was dangling. When the Knight of Rains' mouth twisted with the silent question as to 'why' they were bothering, Piper politely complimented that ambition was a respectable trait.
"Oh, yeah I suppose her coming up and asking me to run her charity was ambitious," he laughed, though it lacked malice.
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Post by Eurydice on Jun 2, 2021 11:52:22 GMT -8
Lucas politely transitions to the Entitlement of murder hobos, in which Loki and Eurydice swap to English.
"Hi, Lucas," the Draconic said, switching gears while Loki looks across the water. He didn't have his eyepatch, flames licking from an internal furnace within the empty socket. "We haven't met directly. How is your evening, hun?"
With her direct attention, the Gravewight felt like he was being hunted in more ways than one. Her pose and rich tone could have passed for one of the Monarchy.
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Post by Kai Rose on Jun 3, 2021 9:52:15 GMT -8
The politics here were fraught. Ivory needed to pick who she was going to be and deliver, whatever that was. Piper had done the dance with Kai and a door had been opened where one had previously been slammed shut. It was good enough. She chuckled along with the comments about ambition. "In our crew, we call it 'huge cojones'," she agreed with a mirthful laugh. Was that how that had gone? "It was great meeting you two. I appreciate the time." Disengage. There wasn't a need to poke at the Knight and his Squire more. They were here for fun. She'd done what she needed to do, and she had other things needing to be accomplished tonight. Ivory was going to be the one that had to seal this deal. To Agrippa, she replied, "The water is fine and the volleyball is good, my friend. Wayland's nuts with the shot placement. Join us later. We'll take them on. Don't let me interrupt you, though. You're among quality company." If the guy was hanging with Nimbus and Piper, he should seize that opportunity.
She slid on over to Loki and the Chevaliers, noting Eurydice was conversing with Lucas.
"What's going on? Y'all having a good time?"
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Jun 4, 2021 3:29:10 GMT -8
Lucas shook Agrippa's hand, maintaining a smile while the other Lost made an effort to be modest. Modesty and Spring typically didn't go hand-in-hand. While congenial, the Unicorn did play up their own strengths in a subtle way which Lucas could appreciate.
"These days, we could all use new friends, eh?"
Before the two of then delved in any deeper into conversation, the Winter Fairest heard his name called. He turned around and he was pleasantly surprised to find Eurydice approaching him. Now that he was actually here in front of her, he could feel some nerves flare up in his stomach and race up his chest. There was no turning back at this point. The volatile yet beautiful Emerald was standing right in front of him. If he was being honest with himself, he was also excited for this moment. The energy from the party, politics around the freehold, and the hidden danger made the moment feel larger than life for the Gravewight.
"Good evening, Eurydice. I can't say that we have which is a shame. Then again, they say good things come to those who wait."
Lucas decided to play to his strengths. The two of them were surrounded by exceptionally beautiful Lost. Sure, his kith gave him an extra oomph when it came to attractiveness, but not enough to outshine the others standing near him. What set him apart was the gentle, vulnerable vibe he gave off. When he had tried playing Mr. Too Cool for School with Riley, he ended up disregarding the persona because he was more concerned about protecting the Lost standing in front of him.
Instead of turning up his flirty energy, he instead met her hunter's eyes with gentle eyes and a warm, inviting smile lit up his lips. He didn't even have to put that much effort into maintaining the smile because the energy she gave off made her something special even among the sea of noteworthy Lost.
"I'm doing good, other than getting destroyed in water volleyball. I'm thinking I need to stick to dancing." He responds with a lighthearted chuckle. "How's your evening been so far?"
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Post by Eurydice on Jun 6, 2021 18:38:38 GMT -8
Eurydice seems to be mostly interested in his appearance and affect, but the link to her motley member seems to set the Fairest apart. Lucas was a distraction to play with, her attention flicking towards the VIP table as she cleared her throat.
"Sports aren't your thing?" she asked, blinking as she checked the pool. "What sort of dancing? I remember you and Oren making quite the impression at Queen Philicia's coronation."
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Jun 6, 2021 21:21:25 GMT -8
For the next five or so minutes, Lucas needed to be more than a distraction; he needed to be the center of Eurydice's attention. When Eurydice returns her attention to Lucas, she finds herself looking right into his eyes. The gravewight taps into his animal magnetism, sending a message to Eurydice that the only thing worth looking at at the moment is him. He steps in closer to her without any hesitation, demonstrating a daring confidence that says, hey, I know I'm the sole winter among a sea of Spring and Summer, but I'm gonna be the guy that asks you to dance.
"Why don't you join me in the dance area and find out?"A playful grin forms on his lips, causing all of his dashing features to light up. He holds a hand out to her, never once breaking eye contact with her. |
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Post by Agrippa on Jun 8, 2021 0:25:47 GMT -8
Agrippa nodded, first to Kai and then to Lucas. They didn't so much as utter a word as each in turn detached themselves from the unicorn's company nearly as fast as they had introduced themselves into it. They were both clearly on an agenda, and Agrippa wanted nothing more than to let them borrow of the good luck they themselves had just had the pleasure of experiencing. They watched a moment, relaxed and dreamy, as the conversations ebbed and flowed around them. At a point, Nimbus was once again free for conversation and Agrippa decided it was nigh time for round two. "I was wondering..."They paused to make sure they had the Knight's attention before continuing to speak "Do you have experience setting up identification records? Part of my...issues regarding my recent attempts at publishing involve a difficulty with managing my financials personally. My current records aren't robust enough for an account of my own, and I would rather like my financials to not be directly attached to anyone else."
Their eyes drifted off the Knight, brows furrowing with an anxious worry as they focused on something else for a brief time. |
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Post by Nimbus on Jun 8, 2021 12:29:58 GMT -8
Nimbus beamed at Agrippa, "Talos is good with that, if you want to hire outside our circle. Green-wise...Zhi's known to help out. Both will ask for something, it just depends on which offer you like better. You can call me, too, if you're unsure about any Seals. Talos is asked a lot, though, and I guess that means he's good at it."
Piper offered the cards of both to Agrippa, Talos' being almost bare with just a number in Arial Font while Zhi's was embossed black and gold with Mandarin script.
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