|
|
Post by Blaze on Jul 10, 2021 15:10:39 GMT -8
Parties unknown approaching position from twelve o'clock. At least the other woman isn't trying to be sneaky, or make it look like she doesn't mean to find herself right next to the Elemental. Which doesn't necessarily mean her intentions aren't hostile - and it definitely doesn't mean Blaze's muscles don't tense up, making her instantly ready to either run or fight. She makes a mental note of Eis' closed arms, the smile that should be pleasant by somehow comes off as the expression of a witch about to eat you, the words that are to small talk what a combat knife is to a dessert spoon. Intimidation tactics. Establishing a pecking order by pointing out 'newness', laying down covering fire knowing something will hit. Effective... but not insurmountable. Blaze offers her own smile, a muted expression complimenting the serene resolve in her eyes. The other woman can get a good look, Blaze has no intention of breaking eye contact. "Three shots, one hit. That's the kind of accuracy that gets someone a week of cleaning latrines at boot camp, or a bullet to the head in the desert. I am of the Winter Court, yes. But I am not a new arrival. I've just been... in the background, most of the time. Wasn't hard, considering all the glamour around."
The Torrent tries to give her voice the warmth of an inviting fire. God knows Eis lives up to her name's expectations, and so she too must play her role. It wouldn't do to blow the woman off. "Sofia Palmer, Blaze in this crowd. Let's see if I do better, Eis. I don't remember you being on my Court's Christmas cards, but there's a sense of fear about you." What normally could be read as borderline insulting is presented here as a simple fact. The Lost can scarcely choose, or judge, how the seasonal mantle elects to manifest itself "One that suits the Leaden Mirror. How do you find the festivities? I'm going to make a blind shot and say we feel 'in place' about the same amount."Eis |
|
Eis
.
Posts: 189 
|
Post by Eis on Jul 10, 2021 17:14:08 GMT -8
Eis gives a derisive snort but holds the intensity of her smile at Blaze’s retort. But contrary to what appearances may be, it’s refreshing for her to see a woman who doesn’t wilt under a little pressure. She doesn’t seem put off by Eis’ introduction, either. Embodying that sense of ‘warmness’. At least in tone. Which is well enough. If their roles were reversed, Eis would have faked the same. Anything to hold an edge over those she graces with her presence.
“The festivities are a formality and a means to an end. And you’ve guessed correctly. Autumn.” Eis uncrosses her arms, and fans a hand out towards the various assembled groups. “But what do you really feel about all of this. Being out of sorts is rather generic, isn’t it?”
Is she baiting this woman? Of course. Is she enjoying such a quick admittance from this Blaze of being uncomfortable here? Thoroughly. Eis has had enough with being bottled up in a self-imposed prison of nicety.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blaze on Jul 11, 2021 4:21:43 GMT -8
A change of tactics, then. Eis is not really trying to hide her attempt at stripping Blaze for information while giving nothing from her side - that's not something she can change, not without cutting the entire exchange short. The thing is, though, that you don't need to speak to say a lot, and the Torrent withholds her answer for a moment, observing the Autumn, watching to see the mask and what lies beyond it.
"Generic is how you stay out of trouble. I may not be as outgoing as the Summers or Springs, but that doesn't mean I don't know how important it all is, or how the game is played. However, the change from back to near front row is rarely smooth."
Especially if your Court's entire business model is 'out of sight, out of mind'.
"What I see is a wounded freehold with a lot of wounded people who need to remind or convince themselves that they can fight back and win. I should like to help mend those wounds however I can." Now that was a generic response for the ages. Almost every freehold is recovering from some disaster or another at any given time, and it houses scores of people with their own individula terrors. And yet, there was some substance to her answer, hidden like seeds of snowdrop "What of yourself? What do you want me to believe you really think?"
Wits + Empathy to assess Eis' mood right now: 1 success
|
|
Eis
.
Posts: 189
|
Post by Eis on Jul 12, 2021 2:03:23 GMT -8
It’s plainly obvious that Eis is feeling… ‘prickly’. And that’s a rather kind way of putting it. Whatever is eating her is being worn like an aura of disdain.
“You’re not far off in your assessment. And it’s certainly good to know not only how to play the game, but also what games to play. As far as these other courts are concerned? I doubt they need reminding what their roles are in thwarting the others. They’re playing close to home.” Her eyes flit towards the largest assembly of Summers. Her disapproval is worn in a derisive smile. There’s a line between acceptable demonstrations of Wrath and wanton excess.
”As for myself? I’d have you believe I’m here to help. A solid, unshakable beacon of reason. I may not be politically minded in the classic sense, but I understand the benefit of cooperation. Each season working towards a common goal.” Her eyes find a few Spring courtiers next. “The Court of Desires has been especially busy putting everything into place for Summer’s ascension.” In a brief and private glance to Blaze, her expression sours. “Making the Freehold a better place. One good deed at a time.” Her expression turns again to a bemused smile. “The rest of us get to enjoy the fruits of their labors.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Blaze on Jul 12, 2021 14:15:22 GMT -8
Blaze looks unblinking at Eis, in quiet bewilderment that someone could be this unbothered by the withering aura they ooze - this is probably how the hag looked when she was going to bake Hansel and Gretel. With the Court royalty this could be attributed to the Season's blessings, but that's not the case here. On a rational level, this is concerning at best and off-putting at worst.
So why does the Elemental feel so drawn to it?
God, how I would love to get you on my couch. Perhaps some day.
"Clearly not politically-minded. A politician wouldn't call themselves a beacon of reason openly. Forthrightness is refreshing, but it doesn't mean we aren't playing anymore, does it?" She tries to give a reassuring smile and salute with her glass, sipping a bit, knowing full well that it's like trying to melt a glacier with a matchstick. But Blaze chose this part for herself today, and she will stick to her guns "Even so, there is more to people than the role they play. Regardless of what some might say, each one of us really is a special snowflake deserving of treating as an individual. I'd hope to provide that."
Blaze notices the glances, the smiles, the sour expressions and nods in recognition of the words that held other words. Nothing was as it seemed.
"Speaking of individuals, who among the Antler Crown should I go and thank for their dedicated work on behalf of the freehold? You look quite impressed with how they've done, and you do not seem like an easy person to impress. Someone could say it's an admirable trait of character, if they were trying to suck up to you or tell a genuine compliment without sounding cheeky."
Blaze is not the worst at doublespeak, but her Elemental nature compells her to more direct words and actions. It's smooth enough, but if you look closely you'll notice microscopic hesitations and delays that add up to perhaps a second of discord between the phrase thought and spoken, like an imperfect lip sync.
|
|
Eis
.
Posts: 189
|
Post by Eis on Jul 14, 2021 3:40:48 GMT -8
A single eyebrow shoots up at Blaze’s remark. Challenging Eis’ self assessment? Bold. The Elemental still wears a smile, though. Likely proposing a counter point over an overt criticism.
“I’ve no doubt of that. Most of them qualify as millennials.” she quips, following the ‘snowflake’ comment. There is a hint of mirth in the grin that follows. Not every day one gets to disparage an entire community to demonstrate just, precisely, where Eis puts herself among her peers.
“That is where the politics come in, dear. I’ve made promises and oaths not to reveal certain things. ‘Damage control’, and all that sort of thing. You understand, I’m sure. So rather than single anyone out, I’ll give you this: we all enjoy relative safety, thanks to the city’s protective wards. There are agents hard at work preserving them, just as there are those who want to change them. Everything has a cost… some Springs believe the ends justify any means.”
Eis offers more by avoiding doublespeak, and less by being quite vague. On the methods, the individuals, and even where precisely she stands. The latter, perhaps, because she hardly knows what to believe anymore. She finds herself missing a drink, but then… there isn’t a Spring beside her to encourage that sort of thing. A Season for everything - if that isn’t an adage already, Eis would be quick to coin it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blaze on Jul 14, 2021 13:34:03 GMT -8
Blaze's expression slowly flows back to neutral, it's like watching snow melt... or, considering the mien, like seeing embers extinguished by the wind.
"I see."
Of course, that happy train ride had to end sometime. Oaths or no, Eis didn't look like someone who blathered on about people's personal failings and shortcomings; not beyond what amused or served her, anyway. That said, the Torrent was unwilling to just let go, and redirected her inquiry slightly.
"I gather not everyone here was sworn to secrecy like you have. I can respect that, more so because that means you know more than others do. There's that 'beacon of reason' again. From what you're saying it looks like you think whatever happened, it went too far - unreasonably so. Was the Leaden Mirror's advice not heeded - I assume it was sought, and that you had a hand in formulating it?"
There are a couple angles here. Some obvious ones, some hopefully less so. But angles aside, Blaze genuinely believes that's what should have happened. Every Court, after all, should know its function.
|
|
Eis
.
Posts: 189
|
Post by Eis on Jul 15, 2021 17:27:11 GMT -8
Eis purses her lips, and her eyes squint ever so slightly. "Hmm." Is her short response. As if inspired by Blaze's words, the Leaden Snowskin peers around the gatherings once more. Suspicious eyes searching for those not as 'bound' as Blaze understands Eis to be? Or maybe just searching for someone? Then, as though her search was of no importance, she returns her gaze to the Onyx.
"As much as I'd like to take credit for being a sage advisor, I've more or less bumbled through this morass of secret dealings. I've only recently come back to the public eye, you see. And the more I uncover - through effort or accident - the more I feel like I've missed. So, dear, no; it wasn't a matter of the 'all knowing' Autumn Court being ignored. Far from it. Our ranks were even suspect, for a time, until some..." her smile returns, "lucky individuals among us managed to absolve us supposed wrongdoings." She shakes her head. The smile fades. She seems lost in a thought. Among the many things she won't elaborate on, her personal experience in this vaguely spun tale is the most sacred. What she'd seen... it still haunts her. She did, indeed, feel lucky they were able to do what they did. They'd moved mountains to do it. But she'd paid a price; she'd witnessed things she couldn't 'un-see'.
Not to allow her momentary foray into memory to ruin her otherwise simulating conversation, Eis returns to the here and now. "I won't be so bold as to ask you about your own experiences. Especially not after withholding so much from you. Instead, maybe you'll indulge a curiosity of mine?" And, naturally, she waits for her conversational companion to take the bait. Ever so patiently.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blaze on Jul 16, 2021 13:00:28 GMT -8
She couldn't begin to guess what the Snowskin is looking for in the crowd, but if she had to, she wouldn't put any money on anything pleasant. Likewise, it's a mystery what took away Eis' focus for that one heavy second, but again it probably had little to do with nice things.
"Interesting. It's remarkable, the kind of luck that can befall us, or others, when it's most needed."
Talk about 'wink wink, nudge nundge'. Still, Blaze keeps a serious and focused face.
And naturally, Blaze takes the bait. It's unimportant whether she recognizes it as such, because she couldn't *not* do that. There's that role again, something she can't defy without bringing the whole thing down on her head. There's a cruel irony in there somewhere, for sure.
"Certainly. What do you wish to know?"
|
|
Eis
.
Posts: 189
|
Post by Eis on Jul 18, 2021 4:33:54 GMT -8
“Indeed. Though most of the time I prefer to make my own luck. Taxing as it may be, there are certain magics I’ve come to rely on for just that sort of thing.” Eis gives her a wink.
“What areas of study interest you most? I’ve held down a job as a history teacher for some time now, and it goes without saying that I’m drawn to all things esoteric.” Her own admittance is given with no small amount of enthusiasm, with a soft smile that borders on pleasant and is almost certainly sincere. Maybe Blaze is just the person she’s been waiting for. Eis practically holds her breath eating for an answer.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blaze on Jul 18, 2021 13:14:48 GMT -8
That's not the kind of question she expected to hear, even though the one asking it was of the Leaden Mirror.
Actually, forget the question itself. What really surprised Blaze, to the point that she had to make a conscious effort for her face to remain blank, was what surrounded it. That wink was one thing, but Eis' smile seemed strangely sincere, even enthusiastic. The Torrent doesn't know why she deserves this favour (or at least a masterful appearance of one), but she isn't going to let it go to waste.
"I'm a student of the mind. Having seen how it can break and turn into your worst enemy, I'm interested in how it works, how it heals and how it can be made a bulwark... or a weapon. I can find my way around mundane and occult histories, but dreams and the practice of oneiromancy have been a focus." She says, keeping the excitement similar to the one one feels just before a plot twist behind a mostly solid wall "Why do you ask?"
Something told her that this isn't just about indulging idle curiosity.
|
|
Eis
.
Posts: 189
|
Post by Eis on Jul 20, 2021 1:48:38 GMT -8
The Fairest grins now, having heard Blaze’s answer. There’s a keen light behind her dark eyes, showing what may perhaps be a disturbing level of interest.
“A student of the mind.” she repeats, voice dripping with satisfaction. “How interesting. I just so happen to have an ‘arrangement’ that may benefit from that mind of yours. A research project. Truth be told, it’s starting with a look into some mundane history. What it uncovers may very well branch into other areas of study.”
Eis purses her lips, bringing one finger up to them in a gesture both parts thoughtful and coy. She drops the finger only to ask “Interested?”
|
|
|
|
Post by Blaze on Jul 20, 2021 8:31:01 GMT -8
If there was one thing you could always predict about the Autumns it's that they'll always lighten up when the occult is mentioned. Going beyond any interest members of other Courts might show, it always makes the Leaden Mirror going. Case in point, Eis. There are still hints of the darkness and chill she had around previously, but now she seems almost giddy.
"A research project? Of course I'm interested."
Blaze is not quite so enthusiastic, but her interest is not just an empty platitude, either. The Elemental looks eager to hear more about this 'arrangement', and has no doubt that Eis will share the details with her soon.
"Can you tell me more, or are we" She mirrors Eis' gesture of bringing a finger to her lips, little flames dancing coquettishly behind her eyes "about it?"
|
|
Eis
.
Posts: 189
|
Post by Eis on Jul 20, 2021 10:18:03 GMT -8
“Excellent.” It’s certainly a relief. And fortunate timing. She’d have to run it by Archie, of course. And get Blaze’s ‘official’ statement.
“The whole matter is ‘hush-hush’. Down to an Oath. But the rewards are access to a cozy library in the Hedge.” One she’d be using as often as she can.
Eis crosses her arms again. “If you’ll consider signing on, we can handle the details later. I’m sure you’ll want to mingle, and there individuals on my short list of tolerance I intend to visit. If you have any questions for me outside the arrangement, I’ll indulge.” There’s a finality to her tone - ever a Fairest used to getting her way.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blaze on Jul 20, 2021 11:34:14 GMT -8
Mingle. Right.
Blaze doesn't even have to use words of acquiescence, a nod suffices for everything. An Oath gave the project certain gravitas - she'd have to know the terms and the participants to eventually agree, but it all looked promising. A Hedge library sounded like a good start to really establish oneself in Las Vegas, and in her experience the Autumns weren't in the habit of overstating the worth of an occult resource. The Elemental parts ways with the Fairest, safe in the knowledge that she's fairly easy to find when needed - the name she's given is registered as a therapist in the city, only one call or email away.
|
|
