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 Aug 16, 2021 16:07:40 GMT -8
Riley makes their way across the coliseum floor towards Dani as she came out of her latest event. Trudging behind the Darkling was the Cerberus, whose dutiful heads were swiveling now that they were in a more open area filled with more activity. "Stay," Riley said to the Hob, wondering if it would even listen. Turning back towards Firebringer, the bright one approaches, their ephemeral light seeming to throb and glow brightly against the noonday sun. The pearlescent motes of dust from their mantle glimmered and shined brightly, heralding their arrival, as everything grew softer in their light. Except for the look in Riley's eyes. "Dani," Riley said, calling to their partner. The Tone was severe, but the Moth tried their best to keep it calm, collected, and not too combative. "The test go well?" they say, an obvious nicety. |
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Aug 16, 2021 16:32:41 GMT -8
Dani immediately feels her heart drop hearing Riley's voice. Fuck. Her stomach feels queasy. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. And this is how she knows she is the one who fucked up. If she was in the right, she wouldn't feel this bad, right? Then again, things were rough. She felt isolated. They hadn't been talking much except for over the phone and even then. It felt like a disconnect.
This is going to be a trainwreck and I'm about to be a casualty.
As soon as Firebringer turns around, there is this almost pleading look in her eyes. "Hey, Riles." It was the only thing that would come out at first. "Yeah... test went well. Archery was crap though." She tried to add something for a hint of levity, but she knows it's pointless.
She wants to spew out everything, but she stays quiet, just looking at Riley. They're totally going to break up with me. This is my fault. This is my fault. I just... That pit in her stomach only grows worse by the second.
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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 Aug 16, 2021 16:51:01 GMT -8
Tell her.
The look in Dani's eyes gave Riley pause; Firebringer had been through so much. Was this really as big of an issue. Yes, it was; it's about trust.
"Oh, that's sucks. I would have been there rootin' you on if I had known"
The passive-aggressive tone was dripping from the Bright ones, almost as if it oozed from their light.
Riley crossed their arms slightly, signally their frustration. It was like a time bomb about to go off. The Moth had much they wanted to say but feared that only nonsense would pour forth if they opened their mouth.
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Aug 16, 2021 17:11:20 GMT -8
Riley is talking about watching the games and that confuses the heck out of Fire. There is no way that's what they are actually talking about. Right? It's gonna really suck if they aren't, because she's just gonna drop the bomb first. Get it done.
Get it out. Say your piece. For once.
"Would you have? Every time I brought it up you shut down, so I just didn't. I didn't think it was going to become as big a deal as it is to me." Her heart begins to race. She can't keep up this double speak. It's stupid.
She can feel the beginnings of her own shut down and she does everything she can't to keep herself open. Mitch taught her she can be open.
"I have no friends, Riley. I have you, and you barely talk to me since it happened. And Jesus, it had to happen that soon after Linden." That felt like a punch to the gut to say and she knew it would hurt, but it was true.
"I needed someone and Lucas and I just got along. We got along and I could talk to him about my problems and he'd listen and not judge me and cheer me on instead of pulling me down. Instead of yelling at me and telling me I'm too much." She swallows, "I'm sorry it's Lucas, I'm sorry I kept it from you, but I'm not sorry that it happened."
She said her piece. She got it out. She knows it won't be enough. It feels like she's expended so much energy just trying to get that out.
Then she begins to wonder if this is even what it was about. Maybe Riley wasn't even going to talk about it. What if she just dropped it early for no reason. Fuck.
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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 Aug 16, 2021 18:33:24 GMT -8
Is he replacing me?
The thought was intrusive and frightening. Riley's hand gripped tightly at it, and they forced it out of their mind. That was the anxiety, that was the fear. This was about something else.
Tell her why it hurt, coward.
"You think this purely about Lucas? "
Riley threw one hand to the side in a dramatic gesture.
"When have I ever judged you, or pulled you down or yelled at you!?" No that's, not the point.
"Did you ever stop to think about it? To think what you were doing?"
Riley's voice begins to rise with it, their light growing brighter and brighter.
"I can't tell what's worse, Dani, that you didn't think or care how everyone would look at me when you picked him. Or the fact you didn't trust me enough to ask. All I needed was for you to ask!"
That's not all of it, tell her, Riles.
They were shaking and angry. Then, taking in a deep breath, they approached closer.
"We could have talked, but it's clear you didn't trust me with that. So instead, you dragged my face in the mud, after Litha! In front of everyone!"
They gesture to the audience around. Was it not enough to be an Oathbreaker for Lucas and Eurydice to shame them at Litha, now Dani?
"Without warning! I needed you to talk to-No" They breathe, gathering themself.
"We do this your way."
Riley's hand darts within Linden's jacket and fishing out a small metal token. It was a moth wing, forged of metal and glass. It was their mark they had intended to put in the Hedge duelist bin.
"Let's do this how Summer likes it, celebrate the zenith. I want a hedge duel" They held out the marker to Dani. There was a flash in Riley's eye, anger? Sorrow? Perhaps a trace of cunning?
"Do you consent?"
Why can't you just say it?
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Aug 16, 2021 18:55:55 GMT -8
"I wasn't talking about- I was talking about-" Rowan. Oh my fucking god, how do you not know that?
"And Litha- I couldn't deal with it Riley. It was loud, it was- it was-" Her heart begins racing further. Terror. She can't deal with this. Her fight or flight response is starting to go off. She shakes her head, her body is beginning to shake with something - fear? anger? Both? "I wasn't trying to hurt you, Riley- I'm-"
And then Riley is challenging her to a Hedge Duel and she is absolutely floored. Her eyes widen with confusion. What? What??
Fine. Fine. I'll do it, just make this stop. I can't do this anymore.
"Fine. You want to duke it out? Fine." Something about that sits wrong with her, but fuck it. If that will make Riley concede to her point, fine.
A voice in the back of her mind: Fighting won't solve this. We need to talk. We should talk. Talking would be better-
"I consent."
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Post by Krakenbox on Aug 16, 2021 20:38:31 GMT -8
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Aug 17, 2021 11:24:07 GMT -8
Lucas hung around for awhile after the archery competition was over. He enjoyed mingling with the other courts and seeing his own court join the excitement.
After he finished his social rounds he left to track down Dani. It didn't take very long. As soon as he rounded the corner he spotted her with her back to him. This looked like the perfect opportunity for Operation Eagle.
"EAAGG-" Mid charge Lucas saw over Dani's shoulder and caught the look on Riley's face. He managed to swerve at the last second, successfully avoiding crashing into Dani.
He hopped around on one foot and waved his arms around. It wasn't the most graceful look but he managed to avoid face planting.
"Hey, Dani, Riley. What's going on?"
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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 Aug 18, 2021 6:56:34 GMT -8
The determination in Firebringers voice gives the darkling a shiver. A Reminder of how intimidating Dani can be when she wanted.
A change of expression flutters across Riley's face briefly when Dani consents and accepts the dueling mark.
"Ah'rite," They say softly, the tone of voice less aggressive than it had been a moment ago but still serious.
Had they made a mistake? The Moth second-guessed briefly. They wanted to say more, and that voice in the back of their head nagged them about not telling the full truth.
I can't tell her now. Riley reassured themself. Not as an oathbreaker.
They were about to speak when Lucas made his sudden and uncomfortable appearance. The Moth shot him a glance as he approached before looking back to Dani, keeping intense eye contact with her. It was hard to tell if Riley wanted to kiss or punch the Ifrit from a glance.
" A disagreement we are resolving. Dani has agreed to a duel," Riley said, states in a matter of fact tone.
"Terms?" Riley asks Dani.
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Aug 18, 2021 9:04:04 GMT -8
Honestly, more than anything, she just wanted this to be over so they could go back to what it was all supposed to be. They should be excited together, hugging, kissing after events whether won or lost out of a simple need to express that elation being together brings.
It's been tense for weeks and she's been worried what it could lead to. She doesn't want to lose Riley. Maybe she could deal with not being romantic partners. She could possibly get over that, but not being friends anymore? That's what she wouldn't be able to handle. Even beyond romantic love, there is that more important, binding connection between them as friends that doesn't even need help or the blessing of the Wyrd.
I can't lose you. What the hell has even been going on?
What can the terms be? What wouldn't she want to hit Riley with?
"No offensive contracts, like elemental weapon. First one to grapple and maintain a restraint of the other, like wrestling, wins. Surrender is also an option." I don't want to hurt you. I can't do that.
"And what is the outcome for the victor?"
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Aug 19, 2021 7:45:34 GMT -8
"Wait--what?! A duel?"
Lucas stared at the two of them in disbelief. Something was very, very wrong here. During Litha Firebringer had excused herself from the conflict before it even came to physical blows. Now she was about to wrestle Riley in the dueling arena? And this would be the second romantic partner of sorts that Riley was going to become physically violent with.
While Lucas felt more empathetic towards Riley after their heart-to-heart in the Moth's apartment, that didn't mean he trusted them. Riley was increasingly becoming more troubled and as a result more erratic. Even if their intent was to be honest with him if whatever darkness was brewing inside of them was winning the battle for their soul, they would likely lie on an impulse or lie without even fully realizing they were because they were losing touch with reality.
Dani on the other hand, while she had her own trauma to deal with, still kept things on the up and up. He focused his attention to try and get a read on the Elemental.
"Dani, what's going on? This isn't like you."
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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 Aug 19, 2021 10:59:37 GMT -8
Riley nods Dani's suggestions before adding some clarifications and their own thoughts.
"Non-lethal means, ah'rite. Grappled, I reckon might prove tough. Surrender works; may we add ring out?"
The Moth gave Lucas a sideways glance as he started to question Dani. Riley raises an eyebrow; they had pulled back their initial explosive reaction and were trying to keep calm and collected.
"Lucas, your involvement has complicated our affairs enough. Let us handle this." They cross their arms. Giving him a testing look. They had made progress with Lucas and weren't interested in backsliding now. But it would be a lie to say his presence hadn't been the catalyst for this.
"Winner claims three truth from the looser, so long as those truths do not break any previous oath. Fair?"
The darklings obsidian eyes glanced between the two standing across from them. Measuring them both in time. They had steadied their breathing, but a slight tremble was in their hand.
Would this work or backfire? The only way now was through.
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Firebringer
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Elemental Ifrit, Presence 3 (Intimidating)
Posts: 634
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Post by Firebringer on Aug 22, 2021 5:45:38 GMT -8
Danica doesn't even look at Lucas for the moment, focused entirely on Riley.
"Right. Fine. If one can get another out of a ring, that would work." She thinks on the 'prize' "Three truths sounds fair."
I have a shit ton of things I need you to tell me. I can't go pretending I can read you anymore. I can't. I can only guess and that isn't good enough. I don't even know what you are fully feeling right now.
"I know you can't formally shake on it, but," she holds out her hand to them, "I believe you enough that you'll keep to our rules." It feels wrong that she can't force the words 'trust' out of her mouth.
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Aug 22, 2021 6:15:39 GMT -8
Lucas shifted his jaw as tension built up all along his jawline causing him to partially grind his teeth. Sensing the hesitation and anxiety inside of Dani combined with the magical bond shared between them caused his thoughts to rush to the surface.
"This! This right here is why you keep getting yourself into more and more trouble, Riley!
He threw his hands up in the air in exasperation before bringing them down and dragging his fingers across his face. He drew in a deep breath before he continued.
"Do you even know who you are anymore? When Hartman was accused of being an abuser, you threw yourself on top on him to shield him. Everyone was willing to give you a pass because it was your motley mate. Then instead of encouraging him to get his shit together, you ran around to try and find out who shared the information.
Do you even understand how those optics look? That you in essence were trying to out a victim to their abuser? And then after that...you went and punched me in the face in front of the entire freehold. I was absolutely gutted when you did that, Riley.
And now...and now you want to fight your current partner--who everyone knows has gone through some highly traumatic events that included violence--in front of the entire Freehold so you can get three honest answer?!"
He dropped his hands to his side and mouthed "what the actual fuck?".
"We changed things up with our oath because I was terrified you were going to go on another revenge spree rather than try to make things right.
You've let the darkness from the past several months take control of you. If you don't stop all you're going to have left is the anger that's tearing you upside.
I don't care if you end up hating me for this. I can't stand here and watch you continue to self destruct. So, go ahead. Have this stupid duel and sate your need for revenge.
After this duel is done...you need to make an honest effort to change whatever it is inside of you that's causing you to become so vengeful and find a healthier compass for navigating everything you're going through. I wouldn't recommend trying to bullshit around and going down an equally destructive path.
You can lie to me. You can lie to yourself. But you can't lie to the Wyrd. "
Lucas shot one meaningful glance over at Dani.
"Is this really living your best frog life?"
The Fairest shook his head and started to take his leave unless one of the other Lost intervene.
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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 Aug 22, 2021 6:52:41 GMT -8
Riley's eyes drifted away from Dani as Lucas began to spout off. There is visible tension in the Darkling as the Winter Fairest spouts off his observations.
Don't ruin this, Lucas.
They had hoped they would have gotten to handle this with Dani before Lucas got around. But unfortunately, he was blind to what was happening going.
"For someone who cares about optics, you have a blind spot when you are involved," They say, annoyed.
The mention of the punch gives the Moth pause. They felt guilty about that. They had been so angry, and once more, Lucas had swept over the part where Riley had tried to talk to him a hundred times. Then used that out of context as proof of them being an asshole.
You keep running to come to save the day, but you never admit when you step in shit.
"Do you think I don't Know what Dani has-" Riley let out an annoyed growl as Lucas jumps to assumptions.
"Leave it to winter to not understand a duel. Fine, Lucas," Riley says in a low tone.
"I'll deal with you later; right now, this is about Dani and me."
If they stopped to lay into Lucas here and now, the duel wouldn't happen; Riley knew that. It frustrated the Moth that Lucas got to say his peace once more, without correction. But they would allow that to slide cause this right now was more important.
They turn their attention back to Firebringer, a flash of softness, almost pleading in their face. Riley takes Dani's hand in their own, lingering at that touch and the warmth of the Elemental.
Tell her.
"Thank you. I will honor the rules" Riley shook their hand. It wasn't true trust, and that hurt. But Riley would take what they could.
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