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Post by Kai Rose on Jul 17, 2021 18:56:31 GMT -8
Kai's lips formed into an "O" as he explained where he was at. Her own lecture to Aello about the difference between magical and supernatural mental health issues came to mind. The Darkling had been involved in dangerous situation after dangerous situation, which lent itself toward post-traumatic stress disorder, but also, not feeling like his body was connected to himself could be magical, too.
"You've been through a lot, brother. But you're going to be okay."
Let the subtle magic pull the truth out, so she could at least offer him a path forward that was correct.
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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 17, 2021 20:20:17 GMT -8
Ivory granted a slow nod, her expression sympathetic. Ivory had had her share of trauma, but she wasn't about to equate that with Rowan's recent experiences.
"I won't pretend to fully understand what you are going through. That would be an insult to your circumstances," she admitted, "but if there is something you think I can help with, please don't hesitate to reach out and we can talk. I mean that."
A branch of support. It's what Ivory could provide given the circumstances, lacking familiarity with Rowan's trials and the intricacies of his trauma.
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Post by Rowan on Jul 18, 2021 9:56:32 GMT -8
[Rowan wins after re-roll.]
“I’m doing everything I can, I think. Not much else to be done until the trial. Thanks though.” He looked at Kai, asking the question that had been burning his lips.
“Am I like, public enemy number one with Summer? I got a bunch of nasty looks when I was looking around the alters.”
Almost in the same breath, he turned to the dragon. “What’s the Verdant Creed? It’s- it’s come up a few times.”
I’m times of stress, the Darkling needs things to be labeled, to be neat and organized and make sense.
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Post by Kai Rose on Jul 18, 2021 22:56:07 GMT -8
Sometimes, the Wyrd gave. Sometimes, the Wyrd did not. Still, Kai was undeterred. There was plenty of whimsy yet within to pull forth the truth from Rowan's troubled, dissociated soul. If this was a mundane issue, the Darkling needed more than Mitch was capable of giving him. He'd need Wakefield. And thus, she continued to pull at the threads of fate.
"Number one? No. Certainly, there are a lot of questions about what the hell happened, and the Court will want answers about why our comrade is dead... but your innocence or guilt of any crime will be determined at trial. You've done enough good around here that I'm willing to consider you innocent until proven guilty, myself. And the Season says you've still got friends here." The Season hadn't removed its Blessing, after all. With a glance to Riley, she added, "Plus, when there's a fuckin' Oathbreaker present, everyone else looks a little better, don't they?"
She looked to her Motleymate at the second question. "You want to take that one?"
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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 19, 2021 10:13:59 GMT -8
Ivory was silent as Kai answered the Darkling's concerns of his place on Summer's shit list. Frankly, the Pale Dragon had no way of knowing. The pair had come to an understanding that Kai only told Ivory as much as she needed to know, but it seemed Rowan had some hope, pending his trial that is.
The question directed towards her was a little surprising, Rowan hadn't really shown any interest in relation to Spring before. Or at least he hadn't insofar as Ivory was aware.
"We... also call it the Verdant Rule," she began, "The rule is: Your Desire is your own. Many interpret it differently, but most agree its, at least in part, a meditation on responsibility. Once one grasps the rule, you come to understand that Desire is a mirror of the self. Thus, you owe no one an apology for your own wants. Given the reality of the analogy, we are likewise reminded to acknowledge the desires of others without judgement. In my own interpretation, I believing passing judgement on others for their desires undermines the spirit of the Verdant Rule, as we are restricting their agency on what we perceive their Desire should be... Does that make sense?"
Desire could be a complex thing to discuss with others who did not feel it as sharply or place as much priority in it as fellow Emeralds did. Given the relatively cerebral nature of her answer, she wanted to make sure she wasn't losing Rowan to jargon.
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Post by Kai Rose on Jul 21, 2021 16:35:24 GMT -8
Cinderella's call to action drew Kai's attention.
"Hey y'all, I gotta get going. Her Majesty calls. See you both in a bit, hey?"
With that, Kai departed for the Brambles.
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Post by Rowan on Jul 23, 2021 15:36:40 GMT -8
He nodded to Kai as she left them. As always, she had some solid points and Rowan couldn't help but to let his gaze drift in Riley's direction.
"So, like, manipulating someone's desire would be... bad?" Like he had done with Loki's fear in Samhain. Sure, it was for a good reason, at least that's what he told himself.
Rowan was fidgeting with his hands, nervous that the conversation was running dry. Ivory had certainly better things to do that entertain an awkward Holder of questionable repute. "And- and does that mean that all desire is valid?"
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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 23, 2021 21:08:06 GMT -8
Granting Kai a nod and a smile, Ivory would do nothing to restrain her motleymate's departure. Kai had a duty to her Court and Ivory liked to think she had some understanding of what that meant.
Her gaze drifting to Rowan, Ivory would think for a moment, her mind clearly engaged in the subject.
"Desire is no less complex than anything else," she replied, "My interpretation on the Verdant Rule would agree with manipulation of Desire being a bad thing, at least in a broad sense. Many courtiers would likewise probably agree. However, there are likely always exceptions... but I think that can probably said about all of the Courts' philosophies, no? Whether Desire, Wrath, Fear, or Sorrow, instances can sometimes arise that might be best redirected via manipulation, such as those that might threaten the Freehold, for example. Anything can be corrupted by a sense of darkness..."
A pause reigned for a moment, Ivory staring somewhere in the middle distance as the hidden Fateweaver considered dark truths before blinking, returning herself back to the present.
"I suppose with that in mind, the intent of the manipulation matters," Ivory mused, "If the manipulation services the greater good and security of the community, perhaps it could be forgiven, but that depends entirely on perspective. If such manipulation only serves to help the self, I would personally argue that this is a means of casting judgement on another's Desire and is, therefore, a deviation from the Verdant Rule. In doing so, you are saying that their Desire would better be spent serving your designs rather than their personal moralities and goals."
The second question elicited a hesitant shake of Ivory's head.
"That's a difficult question, Rowan, but I think I've made my view on it clear," Ivory said, having already referenced that Desire, like everything else, can bear dark intent and should be corrected in such instances, "Would you consider any incitement of Fear to be valid?"
Then came automated voices at the edge of Ivory's awareness, drawing her golden gaze to the events unfolding around an Oathbreaker and their victim. A look of surprise reigned as Riley threw their fist against Lucas, with the Fairest responded with a strong, authoritative command. However, the expression was brief, shifting quickly to annoyance as she looked back to the Snowskin.
"It seems attending without alcohol may have been a mistake..." she quipped.
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Post by Rowan on Jul 26, 2021 15:41:01 GMT -8
It had been a way for Rowan to gauge his own reaction to Loki's violence and the fallout from it. It was a lesson learned, but he was interested in another point of view.
"Fear serves to protect us from danger. Like a bouncer? Stops you from going places you're not supposed to. At least, that's how I view it. I suppose it's easier for the Mirror, because there's no need for a deep philosophical debate on its emotion. Fear isn't rational - it's an instinct, a defense mechanism. Changeling understand Emotions, and to quote Uncle Ben, with great power and all that.
But to say that the ends justify the means? We can't possibly know all the variables. I dunno. My personal experience says other wise. I-"
He was about to say something, but his attention was drawn to Lucas and Riley. He frowned for a split second when hands were thrown and, apparently, caught, before deciding he didn't care. He sighed and tried to pick up his train of thought, in vain.
"There's always something, isn't there?"
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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 27, 2021 6:13:52 GMT -8
Ivory granted Rowan a soft smile, clearing enjoying their discourse as they discussed the elements of emotion and the restraint of manipulation.
At the comment of the inability to see every variable to make the right call, Ivory shrugs.
"I think we can both agree that much of our world is mostly shades of grey," Ivory said, "Very few things are black and white, so standing around waiting to enact the perfect outcome can be pretty... pointless. Sometimes we have to rely on what our gut says is right. More often, though? I think its better to surround ourselves with individuals we can trust. Multiple voices providing perspective can be very useful and if something happens, at least you have others than can help offer justification for your actions."
In other words? Cover. Your. Ass.
The comment regarding the drama elicits a mirthful scoff from the Pale Dragon, her eyes rolling lightly in her sockets.
"Seems to be," she said, "Unfortunate that much of it seems to be surrounding them."
Her indication of Afterparty was clear, at least to her.
"It's a shame," she concluded, her gaze in the direction of the drama betraying a look of pity and frustration.
Riley was an Oathbreaker, Archie had yet to apologize for his treatment of Agrippa and others, and Linden, once a light of potential, had been snuffed out.
Afterparty's situation was grim and Ivory felt for their loss. However, when the shock of Linden's death faded, Afterparty's circumstances would again flare so long as Hartman's and Sorsa's problems remained unresolved. They would not be able to hide behind the scandal currently wracking Autumn forever.
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