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Post by Aster Blau on Dec 2, 2021 19:00:29 GMT -8
"Some less than others I think," Aster said, offering a philosophical response to Blaze's comment of masks, "I ain't saying I don't got a few, but I came to terms with what I am a while ago. I know what I'm good at, and it ain't twisting words or crafting boons."
As the Fireborn stone faces, Aster's smile lessens a bit, her playful divergence blunted by the Winter's reaction as she cleared her throat in the face of seemingly more professional company. "Let's," she repeats, looking to Stephen to signal her intent to imbibe.
Soon, the Nameless Moth spoke, causing the Serpent's gaze to shift upon their form. At their thanks, Aster would merely offer a nod, affirming her well wishes for the Darkling in a silent gesture.
At the talk of facing fears, Aster chuckled.
"I felt the gaze of something I never desire to look upon again," she said, referencing her own vision, "The night would be hard pressed to find anything more troubling. Good night, Moth."
Serpentine eyes would watch the Moth depart, only to eventually drift back to the Torrent before her. The Serpent's gaze was long, not averting overly much as the pair waited for service.
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Post by Blaze on Dec 5, 2021 16:00:55 GMT -8
Blaze leaves Aster's words without a verbal response - a word is enough to the wise, and her word has already been spoken. She does, however, manage a nod and a faint smile of agreement and acknowledgement. There were fewer greater victories for one of the Lost than being entirely comfortable in one's place in the world, and the Torrent was more than a little envious of Aster's peace of mind.
The Moth's departure is spared very little thought - it was hard to focus one's attention on someone as elusive as a dream that you can't quite remember.
The Daisy Chain is drank, breaking a scene of peace reflected on its crimson surface - a beach with fine white sand, touching a calm azure sea on a beautiful Summer day. The vision Blaze... offers? or reveals perhaps through the sympathetic connection forged by the sangria is quite different.
The cloud of disturbed dust blown off from the cover of an ancient tome irritates the eyes and nostrils. The hunting lodge's library is full of texts not only on prey, but predator as well - those that stalk the wilds and the concrete jungles of cities to drag the human quarry back to its lairs. Blaze can be seen poring over one such tome, looking for a way to outwit the beast - confuse its hunting patterns, catch it in its own snares. On the walls, trophies stare with glassy eyes on the scene below, a perfectly preserved unicorn head arranged in the center. Old rifles and a feather cap are preserved in glass cases like museum pieces. This place holds answers - but the feeling of inadequacy is palpable as Blaze is seen realizing she cannot find them alone before dawn breaks. Some books are out of reach. Some are in cyphers or dead languages, and some have pages torn or burnt. Blaze sits on the floor, resigned.
Then the door open and someone is standing in the doorway. The Torrent smiles as the vision fades.
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Post by Aster Blau on Dec 5, 2021 16:50:06 GMT -8
The vision birthed as Blaze looks upon Aster as the pair imbibe is likewise peaceful, signaling that the Serpent at the very least bore no harmful intent towards the Ifrit.
The Serpent herself walked through a crowd draped in strange vines bearing razor like thorns, yet even as they dig into flesh, Aster's face remains the same aloof expression she has become known for. It is an almost cold mask born from years of nurturing the realities of loss on her own. Soon, a number of the unknown figures existing in the crowd take notice and approach, offering soft words and extended hands. Aster resists of course, the Beast's distrustful nature coming to the fore, but the figures persist, gently lifting the heavy coat of bloodied vines as Aster's resistance begins to soften. Unheard comforts are granted to the Serpent as she in turn offers whispered fears and truths.
In the end, the figures bind her wounds, affording Aster a reprieve as her mask finally breaks and she weeps. The tears are neither born from fear or grief, but from the unspoken understanding that Aster knows she is no longer alone. She is loved, accepted, and, most precious of all, these are figures she knows she can trust. They are, truly, friends.
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Post by Blaze on Dec 7, 2021 14:24:30 GMT -8
For the first time in a long time Blaze finds herself at a loss for words. How do you comment on something like that without sounding banal?
"I..." She begins, taking a moment to choose what she says next, ultimately settling on "Well, that was something."
Blaze has witnessed quite a lot small details, hopes, fears and secrets when she perused people's dreams, but the tricky part is that they either didn't know, or she didn't have to talk to them about it right after. And while receiving an alcohol-induced vision is not quite the same as oneiromancy, it makes the situation somewhat awkward, at least for the Elemental.
"It's difficult to walk alone. I've always needed a unit I can count on to watch my back. I'd like to think I can also be that support for other people."
She doesn't refer to the insight directly. A little attempt at allowing Aster to decide her own level of engagement with the visions and the inevitable commentary.
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Post by Aster Blau on Dec 7, 2021 19:34:57 GMT -8
As one might expect, the Beast seems a little on the defensive, her form tensing as Blaze signals having seen the very desire the Serpent has guarded closely since the fall of Chico. The Serpent scowls at the emptied glasses, briefly feeling some irrational sense of betrayal before accepting that she chose to share this by agreeing to take the drink.
"Yeah, well..." the Beast began, not looking Blaze in the eye as her mind fumbled how to respond. This was... awkward. Eventually she cleared her throat in a vane attempt to beat back some of the discomfort. "Trust is, uh... earned, not given, right? Letting anyone in on their word alone is a good way to get a quick kick in the ass."
An uncomfortable pause followed.
"But, um... your problem is a little more immediate, yeah?" the Serpent eventually offered, switching the topic to Blaze's own vision, "I don't know ya, but you ain't a Loyalist and, from what I saw, your looking into part of our little problems with Them. If you want help, give me some details on what you're looking for. Maybe I can lend a hand or point you to someone who can."
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Post by Henley on Dec 7, 2021 20:54:58 GMT -8
Finishing his ritual blessing of Mitchell Carr aside, the handsomely dressed Nymph loomed his way over to the Elemental that he'd met at the Goblin Kwikee-mart in the human realm and the Beast she was speaking with. A broad smile crossed his face and he gave a little wave.
"What's all this, then? I'm beginning to think I was missing the real party."
The drinks looked super cool.
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Post by Blaze on Dec 10, 2021 14:24:51 GMT -8
"Truer words, Aster. Let me know how I can start whenever you're ready."
Had Blaze been a less experienced liar, she might've flinched at the mention of the word 'Loyalist'. Was she one of them? Technically probably yes, since she and her companions agreed to a deal rather than cut and run or fight the Huntsman. Even so, what choice did they have? What good would their deaths do anyone?
Having silenced the tiny voice of doubt in her conscience, the Elemental responds with a carefully crafted slightly embarassed smile, one of those you give when the copy machine at the office is broken and you have to ask someone how to fix it even though you should know that yourself.
"I suppose it is. But it's not just my problem, really. You saw what happened at Mabon. The Gentry are upon us and it is only a matter of time before they send in their Huntsmen in greater numbers. Fighting them head on is suicide, but I want to know how to evade them. Misdirect them. And when the time comes, unravel them without ever needing to pick up a weapon."
The Ogre comes in. Fuck. Way to make the situation even more awkward. Still, she smiles back at him and does a little wave. Like pleasant acquaintances ought to do.
"We were just... chatting." Technically not a lie "Feel free to sit with us, Henley."
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Post by Aster Blau on Dec 10, 2021 22:46:59 GMT -8
Aster listened, letting Blaze say her piece, the Torrent's words regarding the Huntsmen is met with an agreeable nod. The persistence of Them and their servants were known to Aster, the Serpent was not a scholar, but she had seen what could happen should defenses fail.
"Clever," Aster says, complimenting the Ifrit's plan as she lays it out, "I'm not known for researching, so having me along won't do much good from the sounds of things. Fact is fighting is kinda what I do. I'll stalk when I can, talk when I must, but I ain't a master of either."
With that the Serpent looked out to the crowd, thinking to herself about who might fill the slot for Blaze's journey.
"Yuan maybe? Seems pretty social," Aster said, "If he's got the instincts, having him along could help your chances in figuring out how they think. Maybe use that against 'em. Or maybe Gavin. He seems pretty sharp and I ain't talking just about the claws."
Then along came the reed-thin Ogre, flashing his smile and greetings as he moved into their space. His wave was met with an acknowledging nod.
"Just drinks and chats, Henley," she offered, a slight smile on her lips, "Kinda weird not seeing you in a helicopter, smelling like gunpowder. You been well?"
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Post by Henley on Dec 12, 2021 17:52:11 GMT -8
"Can't complain, nobody would listen anyway," Henley said with a chuckle as he glanced over the little signs. A half-smile formed as each drink's theme and concept landed. The one that truly interested him was the one that had no proper description at all. "How are you two enjoying your Samhain? I won't keep you long, I wanted a bevvy and don't mean to interrupt. You really should come up in the chopper sometime, when it doesn't have a howling Elemental spraying lead out the side. It can be quite peaceful."
He flashed a friendly grin at the Venombite.
"I think I'll have a Space Jam. You with me?"
The drink was ordered from the bartender and downed without a moment's hesitation. It was time to have some fun before they got down to business.
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Post by Krakenbox on Dec 12, 2021 18:50:41 GMT -8
The silver lime wedge accompanied the shot—to be squeezed into the spirits, or sucked on it afterwards like tequila. Tiny dust motes swirled from the floating rind's craters into the elixir, losing its defiance of gravity as he set it aside. The blue, orange-tasting vodka felt like ice going down, and as he bit into the lime the vision burst across his sight like blood rushing from the head.
A fate determined: white hands draw a blade from a bloodless heart, crushing the organ between his teeth before pointing the weapon at festering shadows.
A fate yet to be decided: a once regal and powerful cat has been starved, feral and neglected as it freely stalks a peacock in the garden. It wants to tear it apart and take its place, but flinches and hides as the prized bird receives the glowing care attention of its keeper. The peacock preens, always fanning its feathers and only opening its beak for a pleasant song. It is prevented from living its life beyond the display. A feather falls and it dutifully hides it in the tall grass; lest the keeper know its season is coming to an end, and needed to be replaced. The cat takes the opportunity to lunge, the sounds of the animals tearing each other apart ending before it is clear who walks away.
A fate for myself: Rain cascades on the surface of a clouded lake, the screams of a curious horse echoing across the sky's dirge as it tries to get to shore. A white-robed child with a wreath of forget-me-nots slowly raises her hands, before reaching towards the animal with desperation as three feminine hands drag her kicking and screaming back onto the rocks. Blood flecks from her thrashing, forcing the women back. A regal queen of drifting lights rises from the water, and knights the child, before handing her the sword and pointing directly at Henley himself.
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Post by Blaze on Dec 13, 2021 12:21:10 GMT -8
Yuan could be an interesting pick - although from what he and Blaze interacted, he was an expert in changelings and humans, not eldritch beings from beyond the Hedge. Even so, the possibility is filed in the Elemental's mind, but it is the name of the Beast that sparks the real, visible interest.
"Gavin, hm? I'll talk to him. Thanks for the lead."
She could imagine what Henley was talking about when he mentioned the peace of a sky ride. This is what some of the air Elementals she knew were talking about - the detachment from worldly concerns, being literally above them. Although, if you have the cash money for a helicopter you're pretty much above worldly concerns most of the time.
"I bet. Torrents get... intense. But even without that I guess it wasn't always pleasure cruising. You a veteran, Henley? I don't know a lot of stock brokers that are also pilots, but then again you're the only stock broker I know, so..." She chuckles, realizing the intended joke did not land, no pun intended, as well as it could have "But yeah, it's been going nicely so far. The company is not too bad either."
The Torrent didn't look at either the Ogre or the Beast for this one, because she enjoyed the presence of both. And she was kind of glad Henley only offered to drink with the Venombite. Magic or no, these things were alcohol still - and it'd be embarassing and dangerous to get a tongue too loose in this place. Even so, it was tempting, and Blaze mused on the drinks some more without ordering anything just yet, if only to make an informed rejection.
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Post by Aster Blau on Dec 13, 2021 15:04:38 GMT -8
"You're at a bar," Aster said, her lips curling into a mirthful smile as she looked to the Ogre, "Someone would listen, they probably just wouldn't remember once the night's done."
As them conversation turned to Samhain proper the Serpent shrugged.
"Seems alright. Fancy cocktails, pools, and visions," she said, "Granted the last was self-inflicted. It showed me what I wanted to see, can't really complain about that."
Then came the offer for a third beverage, which caused some pause in the Beast as she mulled over whether or not to accept it.
"I mean I've already had two... but fuck it. It's just a shot, right?" she offered, her smile widening enough for fangs to glint in the light. Grasping the glass, Aster would lift it in a toast, "To absent friends and to ourselves, as no one else is likely to concern themselves with our welfare."
Then the drink was knocked back.
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Post by Henley on Dec 13, 2021 15:55:46 GMT -8
Henley was gone for a long moment, visions blasting through his senses the likes he had never seen before. He staggered against the bar, the swimming violence of the first two images flowing through his mind as he tried to interpret them, who they might be about, what the images all meant --
The last vision, however, led him to vomit. The Spring Courtier collapsed to his hands and knees, wretching on the floor and gasping with wide-eyed terror.
"Child... a child knight... with a sword? Coming for me? What the fuck -- Jesus Christ --"
He pushed himself up to his knees, looking at the pair, up at Callahan, spitting up a bit of bile before reaching for a water or whatever he could get.
"What the hell was that?"
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Post by Blaze on Dec 14, 2021 13:28:22 GMT -8
Blaze wasn't concerned that the Ogre seemed pretty out of it after tasting the Space Jam - after all, that's probably how she looked like to the outside world when she had it - augury will do that to you. But him falling over and vomiting she didn't expect, and when it happens, she jumps from her seat.
"Fuck!"
Thankfully he isn't dead or completely incapacitated - by the time the Elemental is beside him to help him up and assist in getting some water if needed, the Spring appears to be recovering. Even so, that's not how Blaze reacted to the drink. Why did it happen? Was it possible that Autumn was trying to poison people at its own event? No, that's ridiculous... unless it isn't. The Leaden Mirror is not the easiest Court to understand. She glares at the bartender and only after a few moments does it reach her brain what the Verdant Bruiser is actually saying.
Shit.
He's onto me. Onto us comes the treasonous thought, swiftly followed by another one No, he can't. He can't know. The visions are not that exact. Just play it cool. The Elemental holds on to this thought like a life belt and forces down her fear, assuming a caring and concerned tone.
"You're fine, Henley. You're fine. I don't know what you saw, but it's just a vision. It can't harm you. You need me to call someone?"
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Post by Krakenbox on Dec 18, 2021 20:35:41 GMT -8
A fate determined: Rain cascades on the surface of a clouded lake, the screams of a curious horse echoing across the sky's dirge as it tries to get to shore. A white-robed child with a wreath of forget-me-nots slowly raises her hands, before reaching towards the animal with desperation as three feminine hands drag her kicking and screaming back onto the rocks. Blood flecks from her thrashing, forcing the women back. A regal queen of drifting lights rises from the water, and knights the child, before handing her the sword and pointing directly at fleeing footsteps towards the brambles.
A fate yet decided: The familiar feeling of desperate flight flood Aster's attention as the thorns tear and time stretches impossibly, almost stopping the hands from reaching forward to throw open a door. Freedom only granted an explosion to the senses, with the Lost unable to keep up with the screaming landscape they were blinded to. As Aster felt their mind unravelling, reaching behind to give up and return to the brambles, figures surround them and dampen the onslaught. As relief settles in, a few reach draw knives, but are burned away before they can land their strike. The cycle continues, before there is almost no one left to stem the insanity.
A fate for myself: A snake exits its place of rest to go on the hunt in the morning, only to have a stampede almost crush it. Returning, the night begins to cool and nest is almost empty. It almost freezes to death, seeking warmth where it can find it. As it surfaces, the sound of unseen steps startles it back into hiding. Will it die in an empty place of shadows, with familiar yet sinister surroundings, or take the risk to find somewhere new? A torch of a hunter is plunged into the tunnel, filling it with choking, acrid smoke. Not all kindness is safe.
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