Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
Posts: 588 
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Post by Ivory on Jun 19, 2021 10:03:20 GMT -8
Ivory couldn't go on like she had been alone.
The Wyrd had blessed her with more power and Spring itself had deemed her worthy of deeper blessings. If the Pale Dragon was not on the shortlist to be watched and groomed by the middle nobility now, she soon would be. However, waiting for them to act would remove the choice of whom she wished to be her patron out of her hands. Thus, Ivory had to act first and seek vassalage directly.
To some, perhaps, the choice was easily Chugunkin, given Ivory's past history of assisting the Knight of Coin with his project and Whitney. However, those in the know likely knew that this was unlikely, given Ivory's dislike of attaching herself openly to the criminal element. It's not that the dragon felt she had a moral high ground, but rather it was due to the fact that she had a secure identity - and a family - to protect. It was easier to do so on the right side of the tracks.
Therefore, the Knight of Rains was the best option, despite Ivory's private concerns to Kai regarding the Cloud's absent behavior. Of the two Knights accepting vassals, her interests more closely aligned with Nimbus. Perhaps Piper having some oversight would not be a bad thing once she understood Ivory's interest in her lover was of a professional nature, rather than a romantic one. In any case, Piper's dominance in some of Nimbus' affairs was a reality Ivory would need to accept if she wanted the security she craved. With luck, the recent success of her charity would speak to her ambition and competency, allowing Ivory to smooth over any latent discomfort that may have survived her attempts to make amends.
Calls were made and arrangements set to meet with the pair at a location of their choosing. Ivory made her intent clear. If the Knight of Rains would have her, she was seeking vassalage and the responsibilities that came with it.
No more and no less.
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Post by Nimbus on Jun 20, 2021 15:12:45 GMT -8
The mermaid entertained Ivory for a spell on the patio overlooking a public garden, not seeming in any particular hurry as she learned more about the woman and handled a whirlwind of business, but at least ignored the calls. She asked Ivory about what she wanted to accomplish, if anything, without an ounce of judgement—it wasn't for the Emeralds to care or interfere how another found their joy. Her projects appeared to garner interest unless the Esquire was exceptionally polite or manipulative, mentioning the Stadium Hollow would probably be done by August. Nimbus didn't acknowledge that he was late—and honestly with the Mantle, it was easy to forget yourself. His hair somehow fixed itself as he ran a hand through it to fix the wind's damage from the motorcycle. Piper laughed as she tugged on his shirt to shamelessly pull him in for a kiss before batting his attention back to the younger Lost. It took him a beat, before he properly acknowledged Ivory with some familiarity, giving her hand a strong shake. He didn't bring up Beltane or seem interested in wasting time with gossip, breezily dropping the vassalage pledge with little ceremony; like a conversation between friends. "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." |
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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 20, 2021 16:56:33 GMT -8
The welcome by Piper surprised Ivory.
Certainly, the Pale Dragon had indeed apologized, but the friendly nature of the gesture was not expected. Ivory may have been rash at times, but she had also been cautious, keeping her feet out of many of the recent scandals for a reason. That Ivory had expected more fallout from her childish outburst was plain to see, even if she didn't say it. She had hoped for forgiveness, but had not expected it.
The discussion with the Esquire was more than welcome, however. In time, Ivory's surprise was forgotten as she easily flowed into the discussion, happy to discuss her desire and ambitions with Piper. In the event of vassalage, it meant the pair would be seeing more of each other. Granting the mermaid a closer look at what lie beneath the scales could go a long way in establishing trust and familiarity. Thus, the Pale Dragon was not cagey.
To Piper's inquiries, Ivory stated that her ambitions were not complicated. Given her success in business and abundance of free time, Ivory was in a place where she could assist others in establishing themselves. The Pale Dragon would cite her efforts with Giving for Las Vegas and the opening of Apollo Athletics as examples of this. She explained that the charity was formed from a joint interest in providing the mundanes being forced out of Whitney with a peaceful, less stressful transition and in ensuring a less bloody path for Spring's project there. The affair was not bloodless, Ivory herself had been shot in the affair, but it was clear the Pale Dragon felt her efforts had brought about a positive shift in what could have otherwise been a darker outcome.
As for Apollo Athletics, the goals for the business were likewise multi-faceted. First, there was the opportunity to allow the Lost a place to practice and learn new skills after hours under supervision. Perhaps, given the volatility of things as of late, the center could also be a safe outlet for some and it never hurt to know that the Freehold could be prepared. Second, Ivory saw a similar opportunity for disadvantaged youth to learn new skills that would otherwise not be able to learn skills like horse riding, archery, and other such things. Finally, Ivory did quietly acknowledge a more selfish desire. Apollo Athletics had also been founded as a means of bolstering and securing her income as well as Kai's. She intended to utilize her business acumen and, if necessary, utilize consultants to ensure their model would be a success.
Therefore, Ivory was a complicated figure. She wanted to achieve good aims for the Freehold and recognized she had the means to do so given her resources. However, Ivory had grown used to her luxury and was not opposed to seeking ways to grow her assets. The Pale Dragon was, for all intents and purposes, a creature of comfort, albeit a well-meaning one.
The lateness of Nimbus was barely noticed by the dragon, the mixture of pleasant conversation with Piper and the Cloud Elemental's Mantle resulting in a sense of ease as he arrived. Nonetheless, Ivory did stand to greet him, making good on her assurance to offer his office more respect. She didn't press the pair to move things along, the affection they displayed for one another drawing a soft smile from Ivory's lips as it tugged at warm memories from years past. Her gaze did not rest on them long, however, shifting to grant the pair a semblance of privacy in order to look to the public garden.
When she felt Nimbus had neared her, Ivory returned her attention to the Knight granting him a warm smile as she returned his handshake with a firm grip.
"I promise in turn to utilize my voice and assets to assist in the growth of such sanctuary here in Las Vegas for as long as our Desire aligns."
Vassalage was rarely a life sentence. Ivory doubted she would have reason to leave Nimbus' service any time soon, but the last words provided security. The Wyrd, for all it's power, was fickle and Ivory did not desire to be any more burned than she already had been.
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Post by Nimbus on Jun 23, 2021 15:16:34 GMT -8
They remained for a cordial amount of time to get to know Ivory better as a Changeling, Nimbus preferring for the pledge to not feel like a one and done business transaction. He was mildly aware of his Elemental quirks, and didn't want the woman to take it as a personal measure or vendetta against her overall value in the community—quite the opposite, with how much she had accomplished for herself. Piper seemed shocked she had not followed up with Buck yet on his offer for an outing, but it was clear her mundane demands had taken precedent over schmoozing political capital. A steady ascent offered a stronger foundation, after all, which she seemed to agree with—the fact that the mermaid was not a Knight herself or stepped aside as Nimbus' Squire might have had a deeper meaning to it after all.
Spring honoured joy and growth from any story, and as long as Ivory was celebrating her future, he was confident she would continue to come upon its favour.
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