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Post by Rowan on Jul 13, 2021 9:42:18 GMT -8
The last time Rowan had invited someone to his hollow hadn't gone that great. While he liked to think that he had changed since that time, he was still nervously fidgeting with his furniture. The layout of the living room had been rearranged at least three times, while the kitchen almost sparkled (not that it was used much). The few times Ivory had received him, she had been a model of hospitality and the Darkling strove to repay her in kind. The ice box had been filled with fresh ice and cold brew. Tiny sandwiches had been made; nothing fancy, mostly egg salad or cold cuts. Fruits were waiting in a bowl on the counter.
He was sweeping the floor for the ninth time when the alarm on his phone went off - 5 minutes to five. His palms glistened with sweat turned to ice. Wiping it off on a hand towel placed on his shoulder, Rowan headed outside. He walked past the forest of pines growing in neat rows and tuned around to look at his wooden cabin. On the outside, it looked very much rotten and abandoned, the only sign of recent activity being a rectangle cleared of moss over the door. A sign had clearly been there, not so long, but it was gone now.
He pushed the door that grew in the middle of the forest open and walked out into Las Vegas, waiting for his guest to arrive.
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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 13, 2021 18:00:36 GMT -8
Ivory arrived near on time, as per usual. The Pale Dragon had a reputation for being punctual and it was a reputation she enjoyed keeping. Mindful of the less formal nature of the meeting, Ivory dressed more casual for the occasion, donning a russet pink sundress and sandals. Given the pretext of a meeting akin to a housewarming, the Pale Dragon also brought a gift, carrying a small wooden tote within which rested a bottle of Westland Peated Whiskey, a set of four whiskey glasses, and four wooden coasters. If memory served, Rowan wasn't much of a drinker, but that didn't mean he wouldn't be as time went on. Frankly, she assumed granting him a gift related to movies or comics might offend the Snowskin and she desired to offer a gift so he understood she recognized he was an adult. "Hello, Rowan!" she offered once she closed the distance, holding her gift out to him as she arrived, "I figure the blender will have to wait until you have accommodations on this side of things."That's right. Ivory remembered her promise of a blender and smoothie recipes, but such a gift would be useless for Rowan's Hollow. The Hedge worked different and electronics were a crapshoot.
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Post by Rowan on Jul 13, 2021 22:21:54 GMT -8
Rowan stepped aside to let Ivory take in the somewhat majesty of the Hedge. "Wait 'till you see inside." He didn't feel anywhere near as confident as he sounded. Would it be enough for Ivory, who was used to living in a mansion? "Smaller than your place, but still." He gingerly took the bag with blackened finger and looked inside. It looked expensive. Great.
He lend the way back to the decrepit cabin, using the walk to steel is nerves. 'Here's to hoping it goes better this time.' He checked the space above the door again - still no sign.
"Welcome. Mi casa and whatever." He made a few steps toward the ice box and stopped. "Do I need to put this on ice?"
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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 15, 2021 20:25:01 GMT -8
Ivory allowed her eyes to wander as they entered the Hedge surrounding decrepit cabin, a small smile alighting her lips as she went, as if content.
When her gaze shifted to the small cabin, she was not aghast at its presence. Hollows were a strange thing, crafted from the will of those Lost involved in their construction. The subdued presence fit Rowan well enough it seemed, meant to stir others unto another path before they got a chance to look within. If anything, the visit meant a little more to Ivory than Rowan expected, given his habits. This was a symbol of trust and, beyond Kai, Ivory did not exactly boast the trust of others in abundance despite her efforts.
"One of them," she offered at the comment of her home being bigger. The tone was casual despite what the statement might have suggested.
As they entered and Rowan voiced his question, the warmth of the Pale Dragon again bloomed. Knowing what she did about Rowan's past, there was no reason to be bewildered by relaying the basics of storing spirits. He simply didn't know.
"Not at all, whiskey doesn't need to be stored cold," she said, imparting the knowledge lightly, "Don't worry. It won't spoil, so most only use ice if they want it cold as they drink."
A pause reigned for a moment.
"Last we spoke, you weren't much of a drinker if I recall," Ivory said, "but it's been some time and I wanted to keep the gift appropriate. A good ice breaker for future guests if nothing else?"
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Post by Rowan on Jul 16, 2021 7:48:42 GMT -8
The way Ivory had said it, one of them, just rubbed him the wrong way. Was it a jab? Was she making sure he knew she was better than him? He took a beat to consider what the Wheel of Choice had to offer. Honestly, Rowan wouldn't have bothered with most people.
"What did you mean by it? One of them. Were you implying something?" Talk It Out. It was a question, a genuine one at that. How it would be received was another matter.
He had been working with Mitch on social cues and non-verbal communication, but it had been slow going. The Darkling could pick on signs of hostility just fine, but the finer details eluded him. Sarcasm, irony and double entendre flew over his head more often than not.
He gestured to the table in the living room, bringing the gift with him. In silence, giving his guest the space to come up with an answer, he placed two coasters and two glasses.
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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 17:47:54 GMT -8
There was a pause as Rowan asked his question, the wording came off as defensive. Ivory looked at the Darkling, her smile fading a little bit and... blinked, burying down the latent frustration that had begun to tug at her features.
"You aren't the only one who sees the benefit of a Hollow," she said, "I was referring to my own. It is small and intimate."
Then a sigh.
"Rowan... I like you, so I'm going to be blunt. I have no desire to walk on eggshells," she offered, "I thought we were past that. If every statement I make is going to be dissected, I can depart and we can try this another time."
Plain and simple terms. Ivory wasn't going to stick around if she thought she was going to be treated with suspicion and distrust.
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Post by Rowan on Jul 18, 2021 3:52:30 GMT -8
“No I-“
He sighed. Had he messed up already?
“I’ve been working with Mitch on recognizing social cues, but I’m still bad at it. I just wanted to be candid.”
“But you’re right. You deserve better than that. I’ll do my best.”
One of the side effects of growing up in Arcadia, for what little he remembered, was that social dynamics were a complete mystery to him. His brain categorized people in scales of threats, because that was how he had survived.
Rewriting that had been a slow progress. Gauging people’s intent was a lot of work, even with the guidelines Mitch had provided, and Rowan often felt like it wasn’t worth it. He was wrong a lot, so asking outright seemed like a better thing to do.
Apparently not.
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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 18, 2021 15:53:03 GMT -8
The subtle bristling within the Pale Dragon's expression began to fade as Rowan explained himself. Eventually, Ivory granted a nod signifying that she understood.
"Then consider the matter forgiven," she said, allowing her frustration to slip away as she let her gaze drift to Rowan's accomodations, gifting both of them a moment to settle.
"I'll admit I sometimes have trouble remembering your circumstances affected your abilities to communicate. You and I were both taken around the same time in our lives, but I've had the time and the help to adjust since my Return," she offered. It wasn't a full apology, but she was at least acknowledging a flaw, "At any rate, I am glad you're seeking help now… Has the Bishop been helpful?"
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Post by Rowan on Jul 23, 2021 15:41:08 GMT -8
"Sorta? Like, I don't agree with everything he says, but I'm not really in a position to argue. I know he tries his best."
He pointed to the tray of sandwiches and the fruits, as he finally remembering they were there. "Did you want anything to eat? Or we could open the bottle you brought."
He was dancing around the actual reason he wanted to meet with Ivory. Rowan was banking on his general awkwardness to mask how nervous he was feeling. He was taking a page from Riley's book, using small talk as a buffer between them, letting his guest warm up and get comfortable before asking the actual question.
It wasn't a difficult request, but one that put Rowan at Ivory's mercy, and that wasn't a position he was happy to be in.
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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 21:16:20 GMT -8
The Pale Dragon granted a nod of understanding.
"Part of growth comes from interacting with those different from ourselves, it awakens us to other perspectives," Ivory said, "It's commendable to do so, Rowan. Truly."
Tell someone you're proud of them without actually telling them you're proud of them.
Ivory smiled at his invitation to eat, moving over to tray and lifting a small sandwich to snack on, a groan of satisfaction leaving her throat at the first bite.
"Snacks are always welcome," she said, "but... no I'd prefer you to save it for a special occasion. The reality of our lives is that we often are met with difficult times and a little whiskey for a friend can go a long way in soothing nerves."
Then a glance to the door.
"Are others coming along soon?" she asked, "It's a housewarming party, right?"
It was curious that Rowan had abandoned his vigil at the entrance to his Hollow after her arrival, but, perhaps, his other guests had already been here before.
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Post by Rowan on Jul 27, 2021 17:11:03 GMT -8
"Um-" He fidgeted with his black fingers. "Dani, well. We don't really talk anymore. And Tanner has been busy with his stuff, so. Yeah."
"Besides, I'm not exactly popular right now." Was she going to leave? Was he going to end up alone again, because he's not worth the hassle? Honestly, if Rowan had been in Ivory's place he would have left. "Were you expecting something like what Archie can organize?"
He had meant it as a joke, but there was an edge there, at his own inability to create meaningful connections. Heck, he didn't even have enough friends to fill his Hollow for a house warming. He felt pathetic and stupid. He tried to keep a straight face - Ivory had seen him cry once and that was one time too many.
"Actually, it's good that it's just us. There was something I had been meaning to ask you." He decided to switch the subject instead.
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
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Post by Ivory on Aug 1, 2021 9:23:08 GMT -8
Ivory granted an understanding nod. The Snowskin was currently being put through a gauntlet, that he saw reason to invite Ivory over others was almost flattering in hindsight.
"I understand, I'm happy to be here either way," Ivory offered. Rowan needn't have other company around for Ivory to enjoy herself. The mention of the Chatelaine lessens the Pale Dragon's warm countenance, "Mr. Hartman has a preference for building shrines to himself. You are a far better man."
The core of the dragon's words bore a cold edge. The Chatelaine was not a favorite of Ivory's to begin with, but his actions regarding Agrippa angered her. The fact that the Unicorn was missing so soon after their shackles were tossed aside with Ivory's help did not help to better her outlook on the man.
As Rowan spoke of a need to speak on a matter privately, Ivory would clear her throat, resetting her expression to allow the pair to continue to converse as adults.
"I see," she said, "Go on."
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Post by Rowan on Aug 1, 2021 9:51:59 GMT -8
Rowan blinked several times at Ivory's display of anger. Briefly, he considered letting the matter alone, seeing as it wasn't aimed at him. He shook his head. If he could follow the complicated steps of an arcane ritual, he damn well could fulfil a social contract.
"You doing okay? My thing can wait. I know we've been talking about me a lot, and I've never asked you how you were holding up. With Agrippa..."
Was he opening a can a worms? Probably. But as he was reminded recently, everything was Give and Take. Rowan thought it was time to give back a little.
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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 Aug 1, 2021 10:06:55 GMT -8
Ivory looked to him for a moment.
"Agrippa lived in accordance to their Desire," she said, "I bear no anger towards you, Rowan, though I cannot say the same for Ms. Hill."
The Pale Dragon respected Rowan enough to be honest.
"As for Hartman... the Freehold has allowed the latest scandal and deaths to overshadow his faults. I have no desire to forget so easily," Ivory explained, "And the fact he has yet to make any apologies public causes me to question the man's integrity. He seems content to hide behind his Knight in order to avoid consequence. My assistance in helping Agrippa shed the fate Hartman had ordained does little to salve the wound."
"In contrast, you have chosen to face judgement and accepted your role in all that has happened," she continued, "In so doing, you are neither acting the part of one of Them nor are you an Oathbreaker. It's for that reason that I feel you will face whatever is coming with your honor intact."
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Post by Rowan on Aug 1, 2021 15:11:13 GMT -8
Ivory doesn't really answer the question, does she? Was Rowan being suspicious again? Probably. He hated when Dani did it to him, yet here he was doing it to someone else. He didn't have to act on it, right? He rationalized that he needed to know where he stood with Ivory, if he could trust her. It was all bullshit, and deep down he knew that.
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