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Post by Krakenbox on Jun 28, 2021 15:09:22 GMT -8
Praise the Sun, the longest days have arrived! Within the Freehold's Hedge, the familiar sight of the Valley where those who had taken part of Ostara had planted the seeds. The green fields have erupted in blankets of flora, brambles twinning in human shapes, reaching for the sunrise. The Lost of the Freehold have flooded the landscape, erecting structures which take on ineffable forms of terrors beyond. Alters are spun around the effigy, fruit of the Hedge and symbols of triumph laying at the feet of the Enemy. What offerings of victory over The Enemy do you present? Autumn's effigy is an apple tree, with the wood appearing as stretched bodies, holding up the rotten bounty. The leaves themselves shift, quiet moans and wretched faces. The base is teaming with insects, gorging on the fruit, and rotting the base of the tree as they nest inside, the veins of the roots are pulsing. An axe is buried in the base, causing black sap to ooze over the wound. From the base of the handle appears to be an arm, in which the wood had broken in several angles and pried the fingers back, the rest of the figure buried within the tree. Winter is an egg shaped boulder, within a ring of salt. Wax figures in the shape of dancing maidens are burning around the outside, and when close enough one can feel them silently pleading for help. A sword is plunged into the egg, which cracks into a galaxy of crystals, leaking the void. This runs over and destroys the salt circle, causing a sense of great loss, wounding the heart and feeling extremely cold. The fire is welcoming—an intrusive thought to embrace it. Spring is a hazel tree sprouting in the center of a pool. The algae has exploded in a sea of shimmering green with jewel coloured cichlids picking and flourishing at the dark roots. The nuts are gold, but the animals that pick and horde are found already dead as the plant life overtakes them in a quiet, hidden grave of thorns and brambles. Summer is a pillar in the shape of a hand, reaching for the sky. The arm is wounded, the field soaked in blood. A storm circles above it, that flashes faces and shapes of your darkest nightmares, mocking you in your weakness, and the sudden urge to attack the hacked and hewn base flares within. Drink and feasting are indulged until high noon, the land beginning to bake under the rise of Summer.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jun 29, 2021 8:05:53 GMT -8
The Chatelain was present to fulfil their obligations under the Freehold Oath but discerningly after previous events was staying scarce. He made sure to keep a head on his swivel, likely losing the bigger picture in the minutia. SK- Archie — Today at 9:03 AM
Scan the Room
Wits + Politics
@dicecord-CoD Roll 5
Dicecord-CoD
BOT
— Today at 9:03 AM
@sk- Archie rolled 5 dice and got 0 successes. 7 6 2 5 7
Ask for a dramatic failure @sk- Archie, you know you want to!
SK- Archie — Today at 9:03 AM
Size the room up
Wits + socialize
@dicecord-CoD roll 5
Dicecord-CoD
BOT
— Today at 9:03 AM
@sk- Archie rolled 5 dice and got 1 success. 8 6 5 7 3
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Jul 1, 2021 19:00:38 GMT -8
The Twilight Dancer knew an appearance was needed. The weeks leading up to Litha had been a challenge for Riley. The public scrutiny, the rumors, and backlash from Beltane. A younger Riley perhaps would have tried to find any reason not to go to Litha and let it all blow past, but they knew that was impossible. Riley wore a nontraditional masculine look with high-waisted grey pants, a button-up white shirt, sheer bottom half, and some heeled boots. Their hedgespun gauntlet on their right hand and their hair is pinned back with their Golden Hairnettle, which takes the form of a golden lance, in honor of the ruling season. The Bright one made a note to make sure not to arrive too late or too early but let Dani take the lead on their arrival. It was after a summer event, so Riley looked to Firebringer in taking the lead. Upon Arriving, Riley lingered around their partner for a while. Once feeling settled, Riley gave Firebringers hand a small gentle squeeze. "I am gonna swing by the tree to give my sacrifice" They flash a smile before moving to Spring Effigy.
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Jul 1, 2021 21:49:28 GMT -8
With it being the end of Spring and summer on the horizon, Lucas opted to wear his fancy suit that he had only worn the one other time when he made his social rounds with the Spring socialites. While it was a nice suit, wearing it back-to-back at various events would cause it to lose it's luster. Thanks to his Kith and general connection with Winter, wearing the suit didn't cause him to break into a massive sweat. In addition to his suit he brought along a gym back with him that included more casual clothing that he planned to change into later once the initial social buzzing was done.
He was also Dressed to Impress or at least that was the hope. Since Beltane, the Gravewight had made a couple of attempts to get closer to Eurydice. The kiss from his carousing adventures a couple of weeks ago was still on his mind. Did he expect anything serious to develop between the two of them? Not really. If there was one thing he had learned in his life it was that expectations were the source of a lot of unhappiness. Rather than pile on any expectations for any connection, he found it better to go with the flow, see if anything naturally developed, and enjoy the moment.
Before heading to the valley, Lucas swung by one of Eurydice's more lowkey performance spots to catch her after she was done with said performance. He brought a single rose with him and an endearing smile. After she was done with her performance, he was sure to focus on her and engage her in whatever her thoughts were on the matter. After dating a wide variety of genders across the binary, Lucas had discovered that CIS males like himself had a tendency to do all the talking and not enough listening, especially when it came to the passions of others.
When the conversation flowed to a natural end, that was when he worked on bringing in the charm.
"During Beltane you told me that my company would be welcomed and we didn't get to spend nearly enough time with each other. I would like to change that at Litha because there's no better company I can think of to break the dawn with."
If she turned him down, he wouldn't be that upset as he realized Litha was also a big political to-do. As a Chevalier, she may already be tied into expectations and there were plenty of things he wanted to do. But as the saying going, fortune favors the bold. If he didn't at least ask he would never know what his chances truly were.
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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 Jul 2, 2021 19:49:05 GMT -8
The Passing of Spring was always an interesting feeling for the Pale Dragon. It meant the end of Spring's Bargain and the possibility of more problematic troubles, yet for Vegas some semblance of sanctuary remained due to the wards. Ivory, herself, was no stranger to occult, but had done little in the way of inquiry regarding their nature and the Dragon of Spring had no reason to insofar as she was concerned. What she did understand was that the rituals of each coronation were tied to these protections. As such, Ivory had not come merely out of obligation, but out of duty and traveled first to the effigy meant for Spring courtiers, pausing only to listen to the roiling thunder above and look upon darkened clouds. In her hand was a single rifle cartridge, held loosely in her fingers. To those in the know, the meaning was likely clear. The Victory symbolized within had been the one Ivory achieved over Maria Melnyk's men. A bullet had been fired and death or further maiming all but promised if not for Ivory's weaving of the Wyrd. Thus, did Ivory attain victory not through force of arms or intimidation, but through Deceit. It was a victory all the same. It was a victory that had wrought an important lesson. Ivory had long sought protection for herself and her family, but the incident proved to her that she was more capable than she had believed. Riley it seemed was also present at the pools, but, given the public nature of the event, the Pale Dragon simply granted her a small nod and smile, though a certain sad look lay in her gaze. The Fairest felt for the Darkling's circumstances, wrought as they were by the machinations of another in her motley, but Ivory was not in a position to help them. Associating with Afterparty could be detrimental to Ivory's own burgeoning ties with Summer until an apology had been rendered. Until then Ivory was best served by caution. The Pale Dragon knelt, reaching out and allowing the cartridge to roll quietly from her hand and into the pool. So it was that Ivory returned to the crowd, leaving the Darkling to their reverie The sacrifice given, Ivory seemed possessive of some peace as she floated through the masses. And float she did. The Pale Dragon flowed through the crowd with an air of noble countenance, weaving from place to place with kind words and a great deal of inner warmth as she socialized with the varied courtiers. At once graceful and conscientious, Ivory took care to pay particular attention to talks with the Summers themselves should they have her, signaling her understanding that they were ascendant and affording them respect. Nonetheless, the dragon did afford courtesies to her patron Nimbus, Knight of Rains, as well his lover and Esquire Piper. She did not forget her fellow Springs either, taking the opportunities to speak with those who might seek her even as she socialized with the Iron Spear. Sadly, the Pale Dragon knew few among the Low Seasons, but nonetheless hoped to maintain her approachable - if regal - air, in spite of her more subdued attire, consisting of a white dress and sandals. The dress was simple, but well cut. The dragon, it seemed, had no intention of outshining those whose ascendance was nigh. Stray-Ivory — Today at 8:21 PM Litha: Socialize! Presence+Socialize+SL @dicecord-CoD roll 7 Dicecord-CoD BOT — Today at 8:21 PM stray-Ivory rolled 7 dice and got 7 successes. 10(5) 8 9 8 1 8 10(8) Aren't I a good bot, stray-Ivory?
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Post by Rowan on Jul 2, 2021 22:22:20 GMT -8
Due diligence. It was simply due diligence that made the Darkling show up. There was no reason to let his Freehold Oath lapse over something as trivial as social anxiety. Truth be told, he was secretly glad that Archie had decided to one up him on the scales of social faux pas. It was one area where Rowan was more than happy to let the Spring win.
With the turn of the wheel, they had once more gathered within the Hedge. Hungry skulls had been replaced with alters, but people were still bustling to offer up sacrifices. The proverbial blood of the enemies to feed the planted seeds. He smirked - all the better for the bountiful harvest of Autumn. There was symbolism there, lid on thick with a heavy hand. Rowan tried to focus on what he knew, trying to take a snapshot of what it all meant and what was expected of him.
He felt elbows hit him in the ribs as Holders made their way through the valley. The lapse in concentration drew his attention to one who managed to outshine even Riley. He smirked once again. Lately, he took pleasure in anything that would irk Afterparty. As he made his way through the crowd, a bitter breeze in the scorching sun, he tried to regather his thoughts.
" Fancy seeing you here," he attempted to break the ice. Ivory was one of the very few Emeralds Rowan could stand. They were a study in contrast - the regal wyrm and the insignificant skinchanger. He could use this, he could hide in her bearing as Ivory drew attention away from him. He took a moment to bask in the Fairest's growing Mantle, and gave her the time to adjust to his as well.
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Jul 3, 2021 0:14:49 GMT -8
Fire had arrived with Riley and gave a sweet smile and a nod as they moved off to offer the tree their sacrifice. Dani had hers in her pack, but she wasn't ready yet. Soon. There's something emotional that goes with it and she just needs a little more time. Today, she is wearing a simple white dress with cutouts on the sides to give a bit of a spunk to it. She lets her bare head show, though she has drawn on brows and managed to glue some falsies to feel semi normal. These events are the only times she feels the need to dress up, so when she does, she likes to make it count. She takes stock of everyone in the room, seeing people already beginning to pair off. It makes her heart quicken a little bit with an anxiety. Lately, well, ever since the Hedge, she's been more reclusive. She just doesn't go out as much anymore. There is a spunk missing to her that she just hasn't found again quite yet. It's frustrating, but she's getting there. Being out and going to parties is good for her, getting used to bearing everything out is good for her. At least, she thinks it is. She hopes it is. Her eyes peer around, looking for the 'interesting' and mainly, she notices Rowan talking to Ivory and... is Lucas asking someone out? That's juicy info to poke at him about later. Instead of engaging with people just yet, she takes a long moment just to take in the scenery, the blossoms, the heat. This is her Season, yet she feels disconnected. She needs to reconnect somehow. I feel like I'm losing myself bit by bit. Her eyes gaze over finally to Summer's effigy, hand reaching to the sky and she can't help but just look up to the sky. There is a temptation to just lay, suddenly, and just feel the burn of the sun, of the sticky heat, of strength coming over the horizon, but she doesn't. She just stands there existing for now and that's okay.
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Post by Kai Rose on Jul 3, 2021 15:42:03 GMT -8
Kai had arrived with Ivory, the motley attending in one of Ivory's nice vehicles. The Pale Dragon was dressed to kill, and so was Kai, in her own way. She wore efficient shoes, beige tactical pants and a loose, white tank-top that clearly covered some form of body armor. On her back burned a bright shortbow made of pure light. This was Uriel's Ascension. She was Summer nobility. There was ceremony to be honored. Giving nods to familiar faces and a little wave to the Fairest as she went off to socialize, Kai made her way to the effigy to give her offerings to the Season immediately. She stands to attention before the effigy, presents arms, then produces a box and begins laying out her representations. Once she is done, she steps back and presents arms to the effigy once more before returning to the party.
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Post by Wayland on Jul 4, 2021 21:34:38 GMT -8
No retreat. Beltane left a bad taste in her mouth. She still feels like she’s on the outside looking in on all this ritual and significance. And she sure as hell doesn’t feel like she’s earned any victories over The Enemy. But no retreat. She’s not going to withdraw from the space she’s chosen as her own, the people she’s chosen to associate with. Wayland helped prepare these grounds. It might be the most she can say of her newly redoubled service to the Freehold, but it’s something. She emerges back into the fields, the anthropomorphic foliage more familiar now than it once was, less disturbing. She’s dressed in some garb she usually only breaks out for SCA events or ren fairies; a sleeveless off-white tunic and light grey trousers, both of linen, secured with a high-quality leather belt with a steel buckle and several pouches. The belt also holds a bearded hand-axe, and her shoes are wrapped leather. Her hair has been pulled into a messy bun at the back of her head. A pair of silver fangs hang from a leather cord around her neck. As she approaches, she looks upon each of the effigies. Trying to focus on the ritual, and pick out any details she can, placing them along with what she’s seen and heard from Mary to try to puzzle out the next steps. But nothing comes. Only this, the first step. She proceeds to Summer’s pillar to make her offering.
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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 Jul 4, 2021 23:25:28 GMT -8
A mixture of pride and respect exudes from the Dragon's expression as she views Kai Rose 's offerings from a distance. To say the Pale Dragon of Spring was thrilled to be connected to one so connected with their season was an understatement. The Polychromatic had become a stalwart ally, prompting Ivory to push herself further and truly consider the needs of security for herself and the realm. In the seasons to come, Kai would likely be Ivory's muse, at least until the Bargain of Spring would begin anew. Frankly, the Fairest would have it no other way. Still, as she observed and spoke with Summer and Spring, a familiar voice soon drew the Pale Dragon's attentions. In contrast to Rowan's icy facade, the demeanor of the dragon glowed with a sense of surprise and warmth. Long had it been since she had spoken with the Snowskin. "Rowan, dear!" she offered, "It has been too long, I trust you are well?"
The question was offered with an inquisitive, if caring, expression. Rowan was not one of Ivory's staunchest allies per se, but he was at least one of the figures the dragon had taken an interest in. Whether that was born from similar experience or pity was up to speculation, but the dragon did not seem to offer the Snowskin the same sadness she had bore for Riley Sorsa.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Jul 6, 2021 8:29:31 GMT -8
RIley came back from their thoughts as another came to the Pool. Their eyes traced to the side to see Ivory. The moth gave a soft smile, and even for a moment considered starting a conversation, but the pool was not the right place. It was the sad smile Ivory gave them that hit hard. The darkling couldn't tell what bothered them more, the sense of pity or the social distancing. RIley knew their reputation was in the gutter, and with the recent breaking of an oath, those around the Moth felt a chilling reminder of the wyrds discomfort. It made sense others would distance themselves from the twilight dancer. But it hurt non the less. It wasn't a new feeling however, they had experienced it time and time again in the mortal world. Many were all to willing to enjoy Rileys talents in the moment, but quickly distance themselves to not seem unsavory.
In part the moth was bitter, even a bit angry. But could they blame Ivory? Slavers, Oathbreaker...who would want to be seen with that?
Riley kept the smile as Ivory went to speak with Rowan. Turning they took in the field, observing all who were arriving in time. Lucas with Eurydice, Archie standing with their Knight of Coins, wayland at the Effigy of summer, Firebringer who seemed to be taking her time to adjust, Riley wanted to join her, but then a wave of shame came over them. Was it fair to put Dani under that sort of spotlight at the summer ritual? Perhaps it was Cruel, but the thought of being alone in all of this felt to heavy. The Darkling stepped away from the Effigy of spring, moving deeper into the field back to Firebringer.
“Done. You wanna grab a drink?” They smile warmly, as if nothing in the world was a problem.
Perhaps it was time for a drink.
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Post by Mitchell Carr on Jul 6, 2021 9:11:59 GMT -8
A trio of young Summers seem to be following around Mitchell Carr, already drunk as they bombard him with questions about some rumours here or there. Drama seemed to be swirling around him lately, and the reputation for being saint-like in his agreeableness was starting to backfire. From his expression, he was trying to placate and a little flustered despite the laughter, holding up his hands and shaking his head at the offered bottle in as good natured of a manner as he could manage. A chorus of disappointment from his lack of indulging their holiday was followed by one of them offering him a sword, which he awkwardly took once they leaned on the fact that he was insulting their traditions. The frown was pronounced as he stared at the weapon as they asked for details on his experience with the Hedge Duelist Eurydice, before an idea seemed to dawn from the prompt. The mood shifted to raw entertainment and interest as the blade flowed across his arm in a showy trick, moving through the performance before he seamlessly handed it back. Laughing and satisfied, the Summers were distracted enough as they tried to get their friend to meet the challenge, before the Dancer flickered from existence.
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Post by Kai Rose on Jul 6, 2021 9:39:56 GMT -8
Once she had finished her ceremony, the Polychromatic slid on up to Ivory and Rowan, giving the Darkling a two-finger salute and offering a handshake.
"What's up, y'all? Long time, no chat, Rowan. How've you been?" Her eyes flicked to the left and she glanced over, seeing nothing as she panned her head. It was an optical illusion, created by the enhanced Mantle. "Either I'm seeing shit, or Autumn's blessings are upon you more deeply now."
She flashed him a smile.
"Nice. Congratulations. You end up swearing into a chain?"
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Post by Krakenbox on Jul 6, 2021 9:56:03 GMT -8
@archie notes that those experienced in the Rite are racing to indulge themselves before the inevitable solemn display that seems to come with every Coronation. Near Chugunkin's own regular carousing with those like Sedna and the shadowy Zhi, which the Chatelaine hears Sedna refer to as "yǎn shǔ" in a familiar manner. They exchanged a few rounds of Mandarin, but not so much as to leave the Russian and Jew out of the conversation. Everyone seems to be being polite and jovial as normal—Freehold events were sacred for maintaining community when everyone was so busy with their mortal masks. He can anticipate from his experience with social events that he should avoid anyone drunk and emotional where he could become an easy target. Ivory seems to be doing very well with Nimbus and Piper, the Knight greeting her by name rather than the usual beat of searching through the mists of his mind for a cue. They have drinks like old friends as other Emeralds take note that the Pale Dragon has seemingly come out of nowhere—no artistic talent, or glamourous flashing of a stage queen lit up in a spotlight. It meant she was professional and reliable, rather than a starry ingenue for Spring to fawn and accessorize with. Both have their conversations naturally taper off, Ivory immediately taking the opportunity to catch up with associates outside the nobility. Hartman was free to continue shielding himself in the shadow of his Knight, though at one point Zhi himself gave him an encouraging tip that this was a good time to nest a public apology before the rise of Uriel—to nip any unwanted drama.
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Post by Rowan on Jul 6, 2021 14:44:07 GMT -8
People were gathering around them, drawn in by the two who had joined Rowan. Sighing, he decides to take conversation elsewhere.
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