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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Aug 26, 2021 8:57:49 GMT -8
Every time Lucas found himself catching up on local mundane news, he had to resist the urge to check out the obituaries. There were so many devastated families suffering because of their mistakes. He could only imagine how many hours had been lost to loved ones crying out "why?" only to be met with silence.
The Gravewight knew why and it was a secret all of Winter had to keep close to their chest. Even if he couldn't tell anyone outside of Winter about how deadly the consequences of Bonnie's rite failing had been on the mortal population, he could work on rounding up resources without getting into the root cause.
He needed to get in contact with someone who was genuinely interested in helping others rather than someone who would get tunnel vision on the "whys" behind the project.
A certain fellow Fairest's name popped into his head. Moments later, he was calling Ivory.
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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 30, 2021 18:53:06 GMT -8
Ivory was home, watching a movie and having a little night all to herself. Kai was away, likely working late at Apollo Athletics, and Anthony himself was gone spending time with friends from college.
Tonight's treat? The Faculty. Ivory had seen it at least a dozen times, likely more, but she adored it in all its cult classic glory. Plus, Laura Harris was adorable... at least tell you learned she was an alien queen bent on infecting humanity with her parasitic progeny.
Everyone had their faults.
Thus, when the ring came, Ivory had no issue pausing the movie and picking up her cell. Using the diversion to meander over to the kitchen for snacks and treats, Ivory would answer after spying the name.
"Hey, Lucas," she offered, her tone relaxed and even as she opened the fridge to peruse her selections.
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Aug 30, 2021 21:21:41 GMT -8
"Hey, Ivory. How's it going?"
His was largely relaxed although there was a hint of eagerness in it. After sitting with these thoughts for so long it felt good to have a plan of action that might help turn things around. He was pacing back and forth across his living room floor to help get some of the restless energy out of his system.
"I was hoping you might have a minute or two for me to run an idea I had by you that ties into charity work."
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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 31, 2021 16:08:43 GMT -8
"Nothing much," she admits, "Just taking a little time to take a break from our communities problems to watch a little fictional violence. It's a little more entertaining when it happens and you know its all fake. And you?"
Ivory's easy smile could easily be detected in her voice. Despite the macabre joke, the Pale Dragon was in good spirits, the element of mirth dancing along with her words even as she tucked the phone into her shoulder to free her hands, allowing her to rummage through her selections of desserts. A small box of mochi was eventually chosen as tonight's delicacy with Ivory placing the scant few left upon a plate before walking back to her living room as Lucas went straight to business.
The Pale Dragon could feel her eyebrows perk.
"Is this a memorial fund or...?" Ivory asked. It was rare for Winters to see the appeal in her work. It wasn't entirely unwelcome, but Ivory was curious about the angle with Sorrow, if any. "Color me curious. I don't usually have these chats with your crew."
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Sept 1, 2021 8:22:49 GMT -8
Lucas paused his pacing to momentarily stare at his phone after Ivory shared with him that she was taking a break from their community's problems.
And here he was wanting to bring them up with her.
The Fairest let out a small sigh while he raked his free fingers through his hair. He had come this far so it would be awkward to suddenly change course in the conversation.
"I admit, I feel kind of bad because what I wanted to touch base with you on ties into our communities." He at least sounded earnest in his remorse.
"I've been okay but things have felt off for me recently. Within my crew and the Freehold in general I'm one of the few Gravewights." After the events of the reverent crisis his kith wasn't much of a secret any more.
"As a result, I'm more sensitive to death and emotions related to it. With Spring's healing power being zapped and the general liveliness that comes from Spring being in a good place being gone as well...it's been rough for a lot of people. Especially humans. "
As he was reflecting on what he could share his brain thankfully reminded him that the happenings at Rowan's trial were in public records and Icarus had touched on some of the damage the failed rite had done to the mortal population. The magistrates' detailing of the event came from Nohoilpi himself.
"Add in what was shared at Rowan's trial about how the rite created a dangerous ephemeral influence that has lead to deaths among those unable to resist the necromatic corruption and well...there's a lot of suffering going on with the humans in the Freehold. "
He paused before continuing with his train of thought. His own voice was laced with sadness as he shared his observations.
"So, as you can tell..this is some heavy stuff and before I bring up how I was hoping you could help me, is this something you are interested in getting involved with? If you're trying to take a break from how heavy things have been lately, I don't want to drag you into more of it."
While Icarus didn't say exactly what population had been hit the hardest, if one reflected on it enough they could figure it out and it was exceptionally depressing.
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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 Sept 2, 2021 16:57:11 GMT -8
There's a small laugh as Lucas details his guilt, mirth clear upon the Dragon's tone.
"Maybe I should be a little more clear," she said, "Lucas, the two times I stuck my head out saw me nearly die on both occasions. As you can expect, that tends to put a damper on wanting to get back to the field."
"If what you're looking for is charity work, that isn't a big deal. Talking with people about setting up a foundation isn't going to get me shot... Probably," she continues, still slightly amused.
Then the conversation turns to a more serious topic.
"Indeed," she offers, her voice turning more sullen as the struggles of mortals are relayed from the lips of the Onyx, "What is happening to them is... tragic to be sure. The failure of our rite is unfortunate and I am certain our sovereign will ensure it does not repeat. What can you tell me about the ramifications specifically? Are you seeking damage control until the season turns back to my crew's dominion? Or is your concern more urgent?"
There s a pause after Lucas' final statement, the clicking of nails tapping upon a countertop being heard faintly as Ivory muses over her options.
"That is entirely dependent on what else you tell me, I am not willing to say yes yet," Ivory said. Pulling the trigger early had hurt her before and Ivory was nothing if not a quick learner. "I'll need to know more. To begin, I'm getting the sense that your personal investment in this is more than setting up a charity to help those affected. Are you investigating the matter directly?"
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Sept 2, 2021 20:57:59 GMT -8
Lucas listened carefully as Ivory shared her experiences with him. He didn't interrupt her while she spoke and instead made a couple of empathetic sounds to demonstrate he was fully paying attention and he understood the severity behind her experiences.
"I'm sorry you've had to go through all of that. It sounds like you've had a real rough go of things lately.
My interest is on the charity side of things. While we were at Litha, Eurydice was legit impressed with the charity work you've been doing.
What I'm saying probably comes off as personal because well...it is. Just not in the way that you're thinking. I've been through some bad mental health spills myself and I recognize how hard it is to access quality mental health during the best of times. We are far from the best of times right now. " He paused to give her a moment to process what he was saying before he continued.
"When I asked if this was something you wanted to get into because of the heaviness of the situation, I didn't mean that to be a warning that something life threatening for you lays this way. It was meant to be an emotional health warning because this project will involve diving into some painful emotions. Families here have lost their new born babies. Suicide attempts have had a sudden surge and there are those who did pass away from the attempt.
There's a desperate need for more access to resources like funeral costs, grief counseling, support groups, suicide prevention, low cost or free medical care for folks who are expecting, high quality food to help during the pregnancy and then after for the baby. "
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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 Sept 9, 2021 19:04:07 GMT -8
Ivory shrugs at Lucas' condolences regarding her experiences.
All she offered in response was an audible, "Meh."
They happened and, sure, they were traumatic, Ivory supposed. Obviously she was affected given the nature, but the Pale Dragon was choosing not to dwell on it.
"How kind," Ivory offered at the words regarding the former Sage Escort, "I am pleased she understands the value of my work. If you think her interested in my activities we can set up a meeting for donations or other contributions. My work in Whitney isn't over. I think the charity will be there for some time yet."
The Pale Dragon would afford the Gravewight the respect of her silence, letting him relay his personal investments without interruption before she spoke. A measured pause occurred in the silence between as the Fairest did some quick math in her brain as she cibsudered what Lucas was saying. What he was discussing was not a small scale contribution. Many persons were uninsured and state programs could only afford to cover so many people for mental health crises.
"What is happening to the mortals is unfortunate," Ivory agreed, "Certainly, I doubt its a burden my court takes lightly given the urges we govern. However... I need you to understand that the wealth that I bring to bear has limits. I have some pull among charitable figures, but it is far from absolute. We may need to streamline what you've said."
She allowed a moment for the reality to set in. It was unlikely Ivory and her contacts could cover every need. Lucas needed to voice where he felt the efforts were best utilized.
"Grief counseling, suicide preventions, and support groups all demand a significant portion of income, Lucas, and, as much as it pains me, I know that I and my contacts are unlikely to be able cover it all. And that's before we even begin to talk about alleviating the stress of financial costs pushed unto families by medicinal expenses," Ivory continues, "I am willing to help. What I need from you, as someone closer to the ground of the situation, is an opinion of where my attentions are best suited. I can't do it all. I doubt anyone can."
Then another pause, Ivory's teeth audibly grinding at another thought.
"Beyond that, I need a promise from you, Lucas," she said, "Frankly, I think we can both agree there has been too many unsanctioned rites and investigations. If I help you, I need you to promise you won't undertake inquiries regarding the rites that protect our home without gaining appropriate authority beforehand."
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Sept 10, 2021 5:27:33 GMT -8
Lucas's voice brightened as Ivory agreed to work with him. What she was asking from him in return was completely reasonable. Spring was not made of money, especially with their court losing so many of their courtiers recently.
"Yeah, of course. I'd be happy to reach out to Eurydice and see if she wants to join us."
From what he had picked up, the former escort turned fiery Hedge Duelist still held a great deal of fondness for her former court. One did not have to wear Spring's mantle in order to want to see their missions succeed. Especially when it was focused on the desire to help others rather than the desire to build up one's own personal empire. Lucas own desires drew him towards building communities rather than individuals.
"My thought is we could connect to programs that use medicaid or are non-profit and offer case management services. I gotta say, as a Canadian who has lived here for a few years now, the state of the American Healthcare system is an absolute nightmare. The healthcare system in Canada is far from perfect but, damn, the cost of insulin in Canada vs America for example is waaayy different. Like a bottle of Insulin costs maybe $35-40 there vs here it's $350." He sighed in dismay as he thought about how many individuals he had helped in hospice care who were there in part because they had not been able to access quality healthcare throughout their life.
"Like you said, trying to fix something like that is costly and requires a lot of man-woman-enby-dragon power so to speak." He made a small joke to help lighten the mood.
"The benefit of donating to agencies with case management is they can figure out how to best spend the money to help those they work with. Sometimes something as simple as being given a bus pass, a mailing address, and/or access to a safe place to shower before an interview. They're the experts who are trained in this area. My familiarity with them is more from lived experience from when I was in my teen years and early 20s. Did you also know that 2/3rd of gun deaths in the US are related to suicide? There's a method called the Columbia Suicide method where there are six questions that help with screening for concerns with suicide that anyone can ask. There's been a push for to have gun stores and any job where someone has access to guns to ask those questions whenever someone is getting a gun. We could probably tap Summer to get those questioner cards passed out in those areas. A huge medical provider started to have their doctor's offices include that screening and they saw a 65% suicide attempt reduction over 20 months just by having doctor's and nurses ask those questions."
The last request Ivory made from Lucas caused him to silently smile at the phone. Lucas was already partnered up with Ivory's motley mate, who not only recently became a Squire, but she let Lucas know that whatever he reported back to her went to Solomon. Summer's very own investigative and tactician knight was a solid authoritative stamp of approval.
"I agree whole heartedly and I can make that promise. I'll even put some glamour on it and seal-the-deal so to speak."
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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 Sept 13, 2021 11:12:20 GMT -8
Unseen at the other end of the call, the Pale Dragon nods as the Gravewight speaks. At the concept of working hand-in-hand with Lucas and Eurydice, Ivory's smile returns.
"Her presence is welcome should she wish to assist," Ivory offered. Even as a Spring, Eurydice had a stubbornly independent streak. Ivory had no wish to push her to participate if she had no wish to.
Lucas' dismay regarding the American health system is met with an agreeable hum, though Ivory does not interject. Leaving the room for Lucas to speak unabated, Ivory simply listened as he detailed his request. His refinement was welcome, easing Ivory's fears that his own outlook might be influencing his behavior. Lucas was passionate about the issue, not desperately, and had clearly thought about the matter in significant detail.
Abandoning the mochi, the Pale Dragon rose from its rest, feet treading the well-crafted hardwood floors of her home as she left the living room, crossed the foyer, and eventually entered her office. Seating herself, Lucas would eventually hear a door open and close as Ivory retrieved her notepad to write down his arguments, alongside a few potentially interested donors, as Lucas spoke. After some moments, Ivory would finally speak.
"To be clear, I want you to know I believe this is a cause worth pursuing and I'll do what I can," she said, "I have some pull among the charities in the region and, frankly, I don't think I need to explain Sir Nimbus' source of fame. I'll tap him and some of the other philanthropists once we get this rolling after we discuss the project with some charity leads. Ideally, getting Nimbus to host a charity event will bring in more money than you and I can achieve alone. I'm certain he and Piper would appreciate the care you are taking to help solve the matter."
At the offer to pay for the sealing himself the Pale Dragon chuckled.
"The concern is mine, Lucas, so the cost will fall to me," she said, "All I need you to do is speak the promise."
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Sept 13, 2021 23:20:59 GMT -8
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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 Sept 16, 2021 21:13:11 GMT -8
After these small details were hammered out over the phone, Ivory and Lucas would meet, with the Pale Dragon sealing Lucas' promise to not engaged in unsanctioned investigations for a period of two weeks.* With the formalities out of the way, Lucas and Ivory would actually get to work. Ivory, given her prominence in Charities, took the lead, affording Lucas a rare look into her philanthropic activities. In this arena, Ivory had already seen recent success and seemed intent on building something yet again. Given her status, Lucas' selection of Ivory as a partner in the endeavor seemed reasonable. She had the knowledge and was socially formidable. However, with Lucas' help in her rounds with the socialites and charities, Ivory proved to be social juggernaut. The pair would weave effortlessly among those with the money and influence they needed as if they had always been among them. Regal confidence met hand in hand with soft, practiced smiles as Ivory led her partner into various meetings with persons of power. Debate, laughter, and philosophical discussion followed, each discussion unique as Ivory and Lucas prompted the well-to-do to help address the ailing mental health crisis of Las Vegas along with other factors related to medical costs. For some the need to assist was personal, either because of their own struggles or out of a sense of duty due to court affiliation, for others the aid was less altruistic, another good deed upon a tapestry of others to draw the eye of the public away from underlying scandals. In either case, money was money and Ivory made good account of herself in crafting convincing arguments to help drive the funding. Ivory had told Lucas she would do all she could. As it turned out? The Pale Dragon could do a lot, particularly when another silver-tongued Lost was following her lead. Stray-Ivory — Yesterday at 11:03 AM Extended Action 1/6: Pres+SL+Socialize+Status+assist (3) @dicecord-CoD roll 12 Dicecord-CoD BOT — Yesterday at 11:03 AM Stray-Ivory rolled 12 dice and got 3 successes. 2 5 5 9 6 8 5 4 9 2 6 7 Stray-Ivory — Yesterday at 11:04 AM Extended Action 2/6: Pres+SL+Socialize+Status+assist (8) @dicecord-CoD roll 17 Dicecord-CoD BOT — Yesterday at 11:04 AM Stray-Ivory rolled 17 dice and got 7 successes. 6 4 9 6 9 7 6 8 2 8 2 2 3 9 8 3 8 Did you hack me, stray-Ivory? Stray-Ivory — Yesterday at 11:04 AM Extended Action 3/6: Pres+SL+Socialize+Status+assist (4) @dicecord-CoD roll 13 Dicecord-CoD BOT — Yesterday at 11:04 AM Stray-Ivory rolled 13 dice and got 4 successes. 1 1 4 6 4 4 8 10(4) 3 3 10(8) 5 3 Stray-Ivory — Yesterday at 11:05 AM Extended Action 4/6: Pres+SL+Socialize+Status+assist (3) @dicecord-CoD roll 12 Dicecord-CoD BOT — Yesterday at 11:05 AM Stray-Ivory rolled 12 dice and got 3 successes. 1 10(1) 2 8 9 4 4 3 2 6 6 5 Stray-Ivory — Yesterday at 11:05 AM Extended Action 5/6: Pres+SL+Socialize+Status+assist (3) Dicecord-CoD roll 12 Dicecord-CoD BOT — Yesterday at 11:06 AM Stray-Ivory rolled 12 dice and got 4 successes. 4 3 7 6 10(2) 5 2 2 10(10)(8) 6 3 1 Stray-Ivory — Yesterday at 11:06 AM Extended Action 6/6: Pres+SL+Socialize+Status+assist (3) @dicecord-CoD roll 12 Dicecord-CoD BOT — Yesterday at 11:06 AM Stray-Ivory rolled 12 dice and got 2 successes. 4 6 10(2) 2 2 7 6 6 6 9 5 5 |
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