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Post by Krakenbox on Sept 29, 2021 22:54:17 GMT -8
Riley had been in a lot of negotiations this year. Leviathan, Zumanity, Afterparty, biker gangs, the Knight of Coin, The Hob King Machina, Ricochet, the Dollmaker, the Court of Winter, and sometimes even just themself with the mirror. Lucas held the agreement to mediation in his hands, the intimidating and professionally dressed manticore hovering close behind as Chevalier's fog flooded pathways and doorways—the entrances and exits shuffling to new locations with each blink until they acclimated to Brunhilda's unfamiliar Mantle of feeling utterly lost. Worm was familiar, shaking her hand and offering Lucas a selection of tea and a seat at his own pace with a wide window to the city offering the backdrop of their office table. Pleasantries were exchanged at the normal pace one would expect as everyone set up and got settled, with a break scheduled for 11:30. "Before we proceed, I would disclose for the record that my duties as Lady of the Inhospitable Chamber do not coincide with with this mediation," the Beast sighed, scorpion tail swishing while Worm offered a shy smile and nod. After Worm, Lucas and Riley stated their own positions, before the Autumn Pledgesmith handed a scroll to Brunhilda to review. Despite her overt feline features, human eyes scanned over reading glasses as Worm spoke to Lucas. "Have you had a chance to review the opening position to settle Mx. Sorsa's settlement with the Wyrd proper?"
They would get to Lucas' own satisfaction, Brunhilda assured, but they had to start somewhere.
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Oct 1, 2021 0:19:04 GMT -8
The moment of truth had finally arrived. Lucas was finally in a headspace where he was willing to listen to Riley. While he was sure that there would be a plethora of excuses, he was willing to let go of a lot of anger he held onto so that the two of them could find a true resolution. Part of him almost wanted to say he didn't care and if this is what Riley really wanted them he would sign off on it. However, he got the sense the less personally satisfied he was with whatever outcome they reached, the more the Wyrd would demand of Riley. He was likely to be easier to satisfy than the Wyrd.
Since this was an official meeting with a representative from his court present, he had taken the time to clean himself up. He was clean shaven, his golden blonde hair was neatly combed, and he was wearing a pair of gray dress slacks, with a button up long sleeved black dress shirt, and a skinny red, metallic colored tie. He engaged in pleasant civilities like the rest of the group before finding his seat.
Upon Wyrm's question, he nodded his head in acknowledgement.
"I have, thank you. I did have a concern I wanted to clarify before diving into my thoughts on the offer. I am not currently aware of the details surrounding the event that lead to the Oath being broken. I recognize part of that is on me as Riley made an effort to explain it to me. However, at the time I was not in an emotional state that I was able to process the information, as I was dealing with the sudden and intense feelings of betrayal that the Wyrd imposed on me as a result of the Oath breaking. If possible, I would like to use this time now as an opportunity to explore what exactly happened."
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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 Oct 1, 2021 7:37:24 GMT -8
Riley didn't want to be here, not like this. They had hoped to have handled this with Lucas privately a while ago. But after that had failed due to Rileys' actions many times, they needed someone to help guide this.
The Wisp dressed as professionally as they could, wearing a button-up white shirt, black slacks, sleeves rolled up, and a black tie hung loosely around their neck. The Leather jacket of Linden sat on the back of their chair, and surprisingly they did not have their hedgespun gauntlet or their golden Hairnettle.
When it was their time to make their position clear, Riley made sure to get one of their key points across. They had gone to worm in hopes to best serve Lucas's request during the summer. Discussion on the matter led here, which Riley felt was prudent.
When requested how the oath broke, Riley nodded in understanding and took a breath.
"I was in a meetin' with my Knight, Sir Chugunkin. He, rightfully, wanted to understand the actions of Archie and the events of Beltane and what my- Motely was to do about fixin' it."
That had been days before Linden... The moth paused, breathing slowly to ground itself.
"Eventually, Chugunkin wanted to know what efforts I was takin'. I-"
I didnt want to appear as a fuck up.
"I answered dutifully and without thought. Informin' him that I had a meetin' with Eurydice, being set up by you, Lucas. Understand and believe me when I say. I made no mention of our prior discussions or the relation and history you had with Eurydice at the time. I slipped, didn't realize at the moment our oath and its requirements extended to that planned meetin'."
The moth stopped there. They didn't need to go into the feeling of disempowerment, how they had felt trapped by the oath after breaking it. In the days that followed that moment, Riley realized Lucas had not tried to backhanded trap them or had wanted this to happen. Lucas wasn't like Riley; he wouldn't have done that.
"I have tried to keep true to my word, even in breakin' it. I have not once mentioned the reasons of who or what you wanted the meetin for. Even to my own Motley"
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Oct 1, 2021 8:08:17 GMT -8
Lucas leaned back into his chair, growing silent while he listened to Riley. The fog rolling out of his mantle danced around his face, making it difficult at times to read his emotions. He hands were placed on the table while he locked his fingers together.
In some ways, it was a relief knowing that Riley hadn't set out to intentionally harm him or sell him out to advance their own chase. In other ways, it further confirmed his concerns about Riley's state of being. They had not been careless like this in the past. They were like a boat with a broken rudder, following the current wherever it took them. Which at this point was right into the heart of a storm.
"I appreciate that the intention wasn't to hurt me or intentionally betray me. " That much needed to be said before he launched into his next point. "The problem is Riley, you didn't try the diplomatic route first. I know that you went around making phone calls trying to find out who was responsible for going after Hartman. By doing that the whole situation became more volatile. "
He shook his head and sighed deeply. "And when you called me...not once did you apologize. What's happened to you, Riley? How did you get to this point?"
He unlocked his hands so he could gesture towards the contract. "How does this request actually resolve anything? If you take the bullet for me over some political scandal, all it's going to do is hurt you more. That's not going to make me feel better. It's going to stress me out because you've already made a lot of enemies in my court. If you give some of them a reason to hurt you, like a political fuck up, they'll take it.
I just--fuck, I just want you to recognize how hurtful this kind of behavior is and how it makes the people who care about you worry. "
Lucas was sure at this point he didn't need to add in a "I told you so" about the end results of their duel with Dani.
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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 Oct 1, 2021 12:23:53 GMT -8
The Moth's hands fidget nervously as Lucas expresses his concerns and views on the events that had transpired. They nod quietly as they listen, fighting the urge to justify or explain their actions.
"Diplomatic? Right. " Riley sighed and shook their head. Leave it. Why did they always feel like they needed to explain themself to Lucas?
" I am sorry I didn't apologize on the phone. I wasn't going to leave you a message, not for somethang that important. I needed to hear you or see you because that's what I wanted. I panicked when you wouldn't respond, I was scared, angry, and confused, and the silence drove me further. So I stopped trying when you didn't respond... then after Litha..."
They fell silent.
"You know of course. " They glance away from the table for a moment collecting their thoughts.
"Maybe I need to stop kiddin' myself and realize the role the Wyrd has given me , right? Take a page from your book, and realize that maybe the wyrd wants this for me." They shrug at the idea.
"It won't matter if it makes you or me happy, does it? The wyrd doesn't care about that. "
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Oct 1, 2021 12:49:36 GMT -8
Try as he might to keep his feelings beneath the surface, he felt the anger inside of him crack as Riley explained how afraid they had been. In this situation, he was the one with leverage. He could hammer away at with how they had wronged him and that he had the right to feel the way he did. However, just because something was "right" that didn't mean it was okay to belittle someone to prove the point.
"That makes sense; the wanting to apologize in person. "
He paused as he reflected on Riley's take on their Wyrd. The fog around his face disappeared, unshrouding those deep, sad, blue eyes of his.
"Heh, it's like you and I are connected by a thread weaved by the Wyrd. We've literally been to hell and back together. There's a lot we could accomplish if we could actually get it together.
And I think what the Wyrd is pushing us to do is be honest with each other because we have unresolved issues between the two of us. The Wyrd, well, it doesn't really feel one way or another. It's an entropic magical force that feeds off of the energy put towards it and the guidelines put in oaths and rites and all that.
What makes us happy or I guess in this situation what would make me happy to some degree does make a difference. "
The Fairest raised a hand and rested it over his heart.
"I don't want to hate you or be angry with you, Riley. But it's so damn hard being around you when there's this powerful magic digging it to my chest, forcing me to feel this godawful sense of betrayal all the time. Whenever we're together like this the feeling is ten times worse.
I want that feeling gone. I want to cleanse myself of that negative energy and direct the Wyrd in a more positive direction. "
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Post by Krakenbox on Oct 1, 2021 13:27:06 GMT -8
Worm waited patiently, not interrupting until both him and Brunhilda glanced at each other as the Changelings went along the thread that the Wyrd wanted to hurt and punish Riley and how much value Lucas' feelings had on the matter.
"If I may?" He waited for permission before continuing. "The notion of Mx. Sorsa shielding you from political consequence by concealing a scandal is meant to be a declaration of balance. The clause violated was a clause of secrecy, intended to prevent harm and scandal from befalling you, and from Ms. Brunhilda's report, allow your career and the greater prosperity of the Freehold to flourish.
Asking Mx. Sorsa to stop acting in a manner you have defined as "vengeful", as you can see, does not address this." He nodded as Brunhilda's eyes narrowed, "But it is understood that this would make you happy. What we are needing to do is find a point that satisfies the nature of the breach, which by extension will heal you of this pain you describe. Returning to a positive relationship isn't the role of penance to the break, that is something for both of you to pursue and figure out on your own terms."
Him and Brunhilda weren't relationship counselors.
Brunhilda blinked. "It would also be in my client's best interest, in the spirit of healing his community, that the penance performed by Mx. Sorsa does not subject Mr. Chevalier to more damage to his mental health with his investment in their safety."
Worm's lips thinned, waiting for either to provide a "penance" that would satisfy the Faerie Law rather than simply a feel good venture of self improvement.
"I would prefer that for my client as well," he said evenly, "And that is why we are here."
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Oct 1, 2021 21:14:56 GMT -8
The interruption from the Pledgesmiths is enough to pull Lucas from his thoughts and help ground him once more. He draws in a deep breath through his teeth before his body language settled once more.
"I have a couple of counter proposals I wanted to offer that may satisfy the fairy end of things and they do not involve having to change any inherent behaviors on Riley's end."
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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 Oct 2, 2021 8:01:54 GMT -8
The darkling gives an appreciative nod to Worm as he pushes them back on track. Riley knew they could spiral when it came to the Wyrd's wants from them. Let alone the complications Lucas brought to the table.
" I am all ears," Riley said, looking to Lucas.
The Twilight dancer had little power to negotiate here. If Lucas had actionable options and in favor of the Wyrd. The sooner they could fix this.
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Post by Krakenbox on Oct 3, 2021 10:47:19 GMT -8
Brunhilda's attention roved to Lucas, a silent sigh escaping her lips as the Fairest revealed something that was new news to her. Hopefully their initial meeting had simply given Lucas a fit of inspiration that would keep to expectations, rather than her having to reign in her own client. She removed the glasses, neatly folding them as they returned to her lapel pocket and horns glittered as the sun reflected.
"Before we examine those, I have reviewed your reasoning, Mr. Worm. I would offer that perhaps we focus on minimizing Mx. Sorsa's exposure, as their explanation was given only to their Knight in the company of their motley. Mr. Hartman and Sir Chugunkin swearing to keep this information to themselves can be followed up on, though I hope for Mx. Sorsa's sake they erred on the side of discretion and did not aggravate the situation."
She drank the black coffee in front of her, giving Riley or Worm the opportunity to reveal otherwise, before carrying on. "I think Mx. Sorsa exchanging in vulnerability by revealing a politically impactful secret of themselves to Mr. Chevalier's own Knight would meet the expectations. The gesture of maintaining Mr. Chevaliers privacy and safety could still be expressed in granting a tangible action as you've previously suggested, but also maintaining Mr. Chevalier's needs to not further harm members of the Freehold—which includes Mx. Sorsa."
She glanced to Lucas, opening the door to how he felt about that.
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Oct 6, 2021 11:25:39 GMT -8
Of all the places Lucas could be looking at the moment, his gaze rested on Linden's jacket. He partially zoned out of the conversation while he mentally stepped back in time.
He was no longer sitting in a sterile office where he felt suffocated from the ethical weight of his grievances with Riley. Instead he was sitting at a bar counter with his peers, smiling at Linden, and munching on a mozz stick.
The conversation was equally heavy in terms of ethical complexities but the atmosphere between the two Lost was far more amicable. The Fairest found himself contemplating the grand picture while the Ogre kept it closer to home.
"We're trying to figure out how to play someone else's game. I don't want to play the game, I want to smash it- but there are folks I respect who know a lot more about the rules than I do."
A beat.
"At the end of the day, I trust myself not to do anything I don't believe in, regardless of the orders. But I also know that probably means I'll always be a small-time shithead."
A sad smile tugged at his lips and he couldn't help but chuckle under his breath which others likely found odd.
He also wanted to smash the game and throw the malicious shards back to Arcadia. Fuck the Gentry and fuck living outside of his own ethics.
"That is a possibility and if that gets the job done then I'm open to it. Here's my other suggestion: one of the main reasons I pushed for secrecy is because if the information I shared got out it was going to cause another Lost to become more volatile and that would lead to an increase in violence in the city.
What if Riley were to help me get Fawkes back on track to being a Sunbanisher? He's the Lost in question. He's also temperamental and paranoid. He could take any intervention as a personal affront. If things go south then Riley can be the one to take the fall. That way some actual community healing can come from this and then if things get messy the Wyrd can have it's justice. "
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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 Oct 7, 2021 10:14:58 GMT -8
Riley nodded slowly, listening to Lucas's suggested terms. Their heart skipped a beat at the mention of Fawkes. Fawkes's history with After Party was fraught at best, and Lucas knew this. This was no small task.
The darkling took a breath, seeming to take the suggestion in stride, before clearing their throat to speak.
"I'll let the professionals decide if that serves. But...If I could. The suggestion seems reasonable. However, more definition would help in my role with that. I have three months to fix being an oath-breaker; attainable and actionable goals would be...helpful"
The moth glanced to Worm and Brunhilda.
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Post by Krakenbox on Oct 10, 2021 22:42:27 GMT -8
At the mention of the Elemental Sunbanisher, both Brunhilda and Worm locked stares for a beat, before blinking and turning their attention back to what Lucas was suggesting.
"I hear what you're suggesting, Mr. Chevalier," Worm said, clearing his throat, "And if that action would bring peace, we need a clear task outlined on what Mx. Sorsa's involvement with Fawkes would entail...and how we would establish that exchange to be safe for my client. Attainable and actionable is an excellent way of putting it."
Brunhilda sighed as she reviewed her notes.
"Mx. Sorsa, have you ever engaged in anything like voice training or art therapy?" The question came out of left field, but strongly hinted that the aforementioned Winter Courtier was already on her radar and being monitored. "And do you have a secret that would meet the standard Mr. Worm has suggested in terms of satisfying the Wyrd?"
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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 Oct 12, 2021 10:07:09 GMT -8
"I have skills in voice training; I am not a trained therapist, but art as therapeutic practices I know and could tap some resources."
Riley says, pausing to consider the next part of the question.
"The trick with secrets is not knowing who already knows them," They offer, slowly glancing at Lucas. Riley was reminded of Lucas and their chat what felt like forever ago now.
"I do have a few that could work, then again, I am also quite capable of finding more. Should I be directed to a subject, I am sure I could bring something to light, or perhaps put one back in the dark"
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Post by Lucas Chevalier on Oct 12, 2021 21:24:25 GMT -8
"We can consolidate this and make it easy to track. One of the Hardest things for Fawkes while he was stuck in the hospital was being cut off from the flow of information.
How about Riley dedicate 3-4 nights or days a week to patrolling the Freehold and reporting back whatever they find? And if Fawkes requests to talk to them in person to verify the info, we can do that. Being plugged into the information network while also being able to physically recover should in theory help his overall health. I'll take care of the social side of things with him.
Riley won't be held responsible for Fawkes recovery in time for Yule. It will be more a case of making sure they are upholding their end and putting in the work on those 3-4 nights a week. "
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