[Litha] Count Your Blessings

Even separated from the mass, the Pale Dragon seemed gleeful. The day was young, but she had already made a positive impression on the assembled - and the fact her absent-minded patron recalled her perfectly proved to be something of a boost. Kai's own mantle only proved to swell Ivory's contentedness, even as it whispered the need to solidify her place. The expanse of Rowan's mantle caused the golden gaze to avert elsewhere, belying the predatory instinct of the Fairest as it sought to find a face to half-seen shapes. In time, she came to understand what was happening once they found a place to plant themselves and refocused her attention.

The words of the Snowskin earned a nod from the dragon as Rowan spoke of a want to improve.

"It is a lesson we all learn in time, I think," she offered, "And I appreciate your desire to know my season better. I'll admit in my own failings in understanding Autumn and Winter, but our time here in Las Vegas has been markedly brief when compared to others. We have time to learn. More importantly, your Mantle is evidence of your will to do so."

At once a statement and a light encouragement, the Pale Dragon sought to show she understood what Rowan was feeling.

"Congratulations on your growth and your vassalage, Rowan," she said, "I am sure both were well earned. I attained vassalage under the Knight of Rains since we last spoke. It's taken a weight from my shoulders, though I am doing what I must to ensure I can assist his endeavors when called upon."

With Rowan's compliment, the dim halo that was the centerpiece of Ivory's mantle brightened by a few stops as she grinned. Then golden eyes fell to Kai.

"It seems we all have," she offered, smiling to Kai to complete the recognition of each Lost's risen power, "It wasn't so long ago that our lives were very different, no?"

It felt good to offer a moment to reminisce. The three of them, for all their differences, had been through quite a lot. The blessing of Seasons did not come easily or, often, kindly. They had earned a moment to take stock.

"Different, for sure. But also... I don't know. Less innocent."

So much had happened, with incredible amounts of complexity and infighting that had not been present when she had first arrived. Glancing about, she saw so many new faces in Summer, so many new vassals to the Knight of Scales, so many people hurting and scared and raging for action.

Rowan's question brought a kindly smile to her face, and when she looked to the Darkling and saw the tears pooling and rolling, the Polychromatic did something that months ago she never thought she would have.

"Not at all. You're welcome here. In fact, Rowan... can I give you a hug, man?"

He really, really looked like he needed one.

Ivory offers the Darkling a small smile at his words, respecting his space and listening as he offered her and Kai words. 

The offer of such a network has always been there. 

The thought rang in the Pale Dragon's mind, but she declined to allow it to travel to her lips for fear of being too blunt. 

"I am no stranger to tensions, Rowan. You need only look at the aspects of my relationship with a certain Chatelaine to know that. Despite my lack of regret, I'll admit I had no small part in causing that relationship to falter," she offered, grant a rare self-deprecating comment, "That doesn't mean we stop when we fail. Given our tribulations, I agree, the balance is needed. Even crucial."

Despite Ivory's growing power in Spring and the Wyrd, she remained heavily invested with mundane ties. It was a focus that was unlikely to shift any time soon. 

"Have you considered community work?" she offered, "I can tap Giving for Las Vegas to see if there is anything you can help with if you like."

Even if it was just helping people move or something more physical the chance existed for Rowan to do some good. And in doing good came feeling good.

Kai's question earns a far more bright disposition from the dragon as Ivory considers what she has in mind. Did she mean to introduce the Darkling to the stables? Perhaps starting Rowan establish earnest ties with an animal would be better. Animals often had an honesty that people lacked.

"Even better," she said, her head moving to look to Rowan as she awaited his response.

"Naw, dude. Nothing like that. We opened up a rec center. Apollo Athletics. You can do all sorts of cool stuff, like obstacle courses, archery, shooting, horseback riding and the like." She gestured at the Darkling. "Thought I'd invite you to come check it out and have some fun." She lowered her tone to a stage whisper and grinned, like she was welcoming Rowan to a secret. "Even Solomon likes the horses. I think that proves it's a good time."

"You're still working towards a greater good," Ivory offered, "I think everyone can benefit from a little individual attention now and then. It makes things more personal."

The Pale Dragon's smile widened a bit as Rowan agreed to consider it. It would be good for him.

"That's the beauty of it," she offered, "They don't know a thing about you either. You get to learn together."

Kai's gentle question did not require a further solicitation from Ivory, so the Pale Dragon remained silent, allowing the Darkling the time he would need to process the question and choose to answer or to rebuff, as was his right. Nonetheless, Ivory's expression spoke of an earnest concern. Rowan deserved support... and he would have it.

All he had to do was open himself and reach for them.